iPad & Co. Slate Tablets for Signature Capturing

Slate Tablets - iPad & Co.

Selection of tablets and slates suitable for taking signatures seriously and serious business in general offering enterprise-scale functionality and durability

The vast majority of tablets and slates in the category of the Apple iPad are engineered for consumers and don’t offer appropriate levels of security and durability or the functionality needed for business use. 

We have selected for this page devices we consider being designed and constructed with mission-critical mobile users in mind such as highly mobile field forces.

Signature Capturing on Apple iPad

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Signature Capturing for Account Opening with SignDoc Mobile on Apple's iPad Trustworthy Signature Capturing for Account Opening with SignDoc Mobile on Apple iPad in combination with the Wacom Bamboo Stylus.
Apple iPad Category champion, game changer, multipurpose-tool and great device for "signature capturing on the go" with SignDoc Mobile App

Most popular tablet

  • Sold worldwide  in total > 67 million by end of Q1/12 (Q1/12 only: 11.8 milion)
    (Source: Apple)
Apple iPad - Comparison on Key Features relevant for E-Signing

All iPads come with a screen diagonal of 9,7" (246.6 mm) and a display size of 197×148 mm (7.75×5.82 in). The outstanding factor of the iPad 3rd gen is its display which allows to display text and images very sharp.

Type of iPad iPad (3rd gen) iPad 2
Screen Resolution 2048x1536
264 ppi 		1024x768
132 ppi
Camera 1080p HD, 5 MP 720p HD, 0.7 MP
Weight - min. 650 g 601 g
Dimensions 240×186×9.4 mm
(9.5×7.31×0.37 in) 		240×186×8.8 mm
(9.5 × 7.31 × 0.346 in)

See also
Apple: Comparison of iPad versions Wikipedia: iPad Model Comparison

iPad in action

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Signature Capturing on iPad Signature Capturing on iPad
Signature Capturing on iPad with SignDoc Mobile - an easy-to-integrate extension of the strategic E-Signing solution SignDoc Web for document display, filling and signing on tablets.

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Signature Capturing on Apple iPad with SignDoc Mobile - Signature Capturing Dialogue Signature Capturing on Apple iPad with SignDoc Mobile - Signature Capturing Dialogue
Signature Capturing on Apple iPad with SignDoc Mobile - Signature Capturing Dialogue

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Using the cameras of the iPad to capture time-sensitive images of the person(s) signing the document as part of the electronic signature enhances its trustworthiness Using the cameras of the iPad to capture time-sensitive images of the person(s) signing the document as part of the electronic signature enhances its trustworthiness.
Using the cameras of the iPad to capture time-sensitive images of the person(s) signing the document as part of the electronic signature enhances its trustworthiness

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Signature Capturing on Apple iPad with SignDoc Mobile - Captured Signatures and scanned ID of signers - both part of the Electronic Signature - the document Signature Capturing on Apple iPad with SignDoc Mobile - Captured Signatures and scanned ID of signers - both part of the Electronic Signature - the document
Signature Capturing on Apple iPad with SignDoc Mobile - Captured Signatures and Images of the Signers - both part of the Electronic Signature - the document

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AIA clients and agents sign on screen of iPads for applying and updating insurance policies using the app AIA clients and agents sign on screen of iPads for applying and updating insurance policies using the app "SignDoc AIA"
AIA clients and agents sign on screen of iPads for applying and updating insurance policies using the app "SignDoc AIA"

Customer Voices

  • AIAAIA

    AIA

    • Customer’s Voice
    AIAAIA

    AIA

    David White
    Vice President Lead, Interactive Point of Sales Programme, AIA Group

    AIA

    SignDoc Mobile

    "Our sales agents and customers are really impressed with our E-Signing solution as part of iPOS. SOFTPRO has done an excellent job in helping AIA in taking signatures on iPad & Co. seriously Today AIA is a proud pioneer in capturing and managing handwritten signatures in trustworthy manner."

    January 2012

  • Logo SOFTRO Customer InterINTER Insurance Group

    INTER Insurance Group

    • Customer’s Voice
    Logo SOFTRO Customer InterINTER Insurance Group

    INTER Insurance Group

    Frank Stuch
    Head of Application Development

    INTER Insurance Group

    SignDoc Mobile

    "Together with SOFTPRO we have developed a really compelling solution for electronic signature on the iPad. Our sales people are enthusiastic: They no longer need to carry extra pads for signature capture and plug it to the PC. SignDoc truly makes the iPad ready for signing."

    January 2012

References

Reference Report AIA [PDF] 0.44 MB
language: EN DE ES IT RU

Signature Capturing on Tablet Slates running on Android

Tablets listed below are running on the open source operation system Android. They may be classified as "business tablets" for various reasons - for example screen resolution, robustness or other criteria. Prior to purchasing Android tablets we recommend to familiarize with the several different versions of the operation system
Some of the tablets listed below may be operated with an Electro-Magnetic Digitizer which qualifies them for signature capturing even more than tablets which may be operated with a stylus. The digitizer is either included in the initial offering or an optional add-on.
The Android version of SignDoc Mobile runs on devices like the following: 

10“ Display Category
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime (10.1" - 1,280 x 800, Android 3.2, 586 g, -)
Fujitsu Stylistic M532 (10.1", 1,280 x 800, Android 4.0, min 550 g, ?)
- available Q2 2012 Motorola XY Board (10.1" - 1,280 x 800, Android 3.2, min. 603 g, N)
Olivetti Olipad 110 (10.1", 1,280 x 800, Android 3.1, min. 700 g, -)
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet (10.1", 1,280 x 800, Android 3.1, 715g N)
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 (10.1", 1,024 x 768, Android 3.2, 952 g?)
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (10.1" - 1,280 x 800, Android 4.0, min. 583 g, W) - available approx. Q2/2012
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (10.1" - 1,280 x 800, Android 3.1, min. 565 g, -)

8“ Display Category
Olivetti Olipad Graphos (8" - 1,024 x 768, Android 4.0, min. 600g, W - available Q 2/2012

7“ Display Category
HTC Flyer (7" - 1,024 x 600, Android 2.3, min. 420g, N) Panasonic Toughpad B1 (7", ??) - available Q3/4 2012 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 (7.7" - 1,280 x 800, Android 3.2, min. 335 g, -)

Digitizer Technology - where available: "N" = N-trig, "W" = Wacom.

Catering for a natural Signing Experience

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Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo for Touchscreen Devices offers a better signing experience SOFTPRO recommends to use the Wacom Bamboo Stylus for Signature Capturing on touchscreen devices like iPad,  iPhone and several tablets and smartphones running on Android.  
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Wacom Bamboo Stylus Nib
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Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo - Black - for Touchscreens Tablets and Smartphones Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo - Black - for Touchscreens Tablets and Smartphones
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Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo - White - for Touchscreens Tablets and Smartphones Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo - White - for Touchscreens Tablets and Smartphones
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Wacom Bamboo Stylus Duo A hybrid usage of wet ink signatures on paper and digital ink signatures is quite common. The latter way of signing is gradually replacing the first one.

SOFTPRO hardware partner Wacom provides a special stylus taking care for signing on paper and signing on touchscreens: The Wacom Bamboo Stylus Duo writes with digital ink on capacitive screens and "real" wet ink on paper.

SOFTPRO recommends to sign with a stylus (instead of signing with your finger) to provide the most natural signing experience - "like on paper". Our partner Wacom is offering two types of styluses:  

Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo
(displayed in the left image)

Best-in-class responsive smooth pen tip for touchscreen tablets providing a smooth and authentic stylus-on-screen feeling with increased precision thanks to the slimmer pen tip compared to other styluses on the market.

Wacom Bamboo Stylus Duo
(click on "+" and ">" in the lightbox display to see an image of this stylus)

Additional inking tip for using on paper. The inking nib uses standard refills and hence delivers a writing sensation similar to regular ballpoint pens. The pen′s cap can be attached to either end, so the tip that isn′t used will remain protected. 

Inquire for additional details.

Signature Capturing on iOS & Android Tablets: SignDoc Mobile

One thing that these tablets have in common is that they are suitable for signature capturing with SignDoc Mobile

The professional business app is integrated in core solutions of several organizations today. Several insurance companies are preparing their roll-out of their iPad apps for their mobile sales force with signing "powered by SignDoc Mobile".

Get in touch with your SOFTPRO contact for details how your organization may integrate SignDoc Mobile too.

Note: The appropriate choice for Slate Tablets running on Windows is SignDoc Desktop

When used in productive environments SignDoc Mobile is the integral part for E-Signing of a web portal or an individual app of a corporation, e.g. insurances, banks, service providers etc.

It is the first choice of all those which

  • prefer to keep documents and data in the own secure environment of a company or organization administrated by own IT staff rather than storing mission critical files somewhere in the cloud.
  • require a signing platform which also caters for the management of signatures captured on pads or scanned from documents or checks
In production the access to this sever is replaced with the access to a company’s server. The integration of SignDoc Mobile only requires a few simple steps.

Additional features to enhance trustworthiness of signed documents

Additional Benefits of tablets like iPad and several Android Tablets in combination with SignDoc Mobile: Make use of the cameras and capture where applicable as part of the signature:
  • image of the signer at the time of signing - typically with the front camera on the display side if you sign yourself
  • scan of an ID document (e.g. passport, driver license) - via high-res backend camera
These images and scan may be part of the electronic signature of the document - as additional features to enhance the trustworthiness of a document signed on the iPhone. Familiarize with this and other features of SignDoc Mobile

SignDoc Mobile App in App Store and Google Play

Typically SOFTPRO customers integrate SignDoc Mobile in their own apps. These apps are distributed exclusively to their employees. Several insurance companies started their roll-out of their iPad apps for their mobile sales force with signing "powered by SignDoc Mobile".

Download free full functional demo versions of SignDoc Mobile now:
App Store: SignDoc Mobile for iPad (free) Google Play: SignDoc Mobile for Android Tablets and Phones (free)
Get in touch with your SOFTPRO contact for details how your organization may integrate SignDoc Mobile too.

Tablets: Comparison of Screen Sizes

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Tablet Screen Sizes compared to size of DIN A4 paper Tablet Screen Sizes compared to size of DIN A4 paper
Screen Size and resolution are the two major aspects for the display of electronic documents on tablets. If the intention is to replace A4 sized paper documents with e-documents ready to sign on a tablet the 10" tablet category is likely the preferred choice.

Taking signatures seriously on tablets is a truly hot topic

Tablet sales are expected to reach 119 Million units in 2012 according to Gartner Forecast "Media Tablets by Operating System, Worldwide, 2010-2016, 1Q12 Update" published on April 10. According to Gartner enterprise sales of tablets will account for approximately 35 percent of sales in 2015. Apple's iOS continues to be the dominant media tablet operating system (OS).

Tablet Sales Forecast

Figures in Million devices
Operating System 2012 2013 2016
iOS (=iPad) 73 99 169
Android 37 61 137
Source: Gartner Forecast "Media Tablets by Operating System"
While every care has been taken in the compilation of the information listed above, SOFTPRO gives no guarantee as to its currency, accuracy or completeness.