iPad - the business case

When the iPad was first released, I was one of many who thought that, despite being a beautiful bit of kit, there was limited use for business. And to be fair, the entire marketing focus of the Apple machine is still pointing us at entertainment or educational based Apps.
My view changed dramatically recently though, when trying to find a good mobile solution for a customer who wanted anywhere access to their FileMaker database. We had already tried to synchronise data via exchange server out to their mobile phone (iPhone based) network of users with some success, but the data was limited to contact information and they really wanted to see job status and invoices etc. on their customer base. After a bit of digging I found a great little App called FM Touch available for both iPhone and iPad (take note FileMaker - one licence for both devices) and after a bit of testing on my iPhone produced a great working system for iPad that synchronizes across both wireless and 3G networks to the master database in the office.
Here is an example of just one of the screens. They are able to list out active and inactive jobs and drill down to the details of each one.

Having found this app, and of course buying an iPad to develop on (because now I had my business case) I also found a great little RDP client that enables me to link to my PC (and client machines too) straight from the iPad. I no longer have to take my laptop with me everywhere to be able to provide remote support.

To top it off, I splashed out on Keynote and a VGA adapter which means I'm now able to access data, provide support and present new ideas with a few swift finger movements.
If anyone out there needs a business case for buying an iPad then I hope this little insight will help.