BusinessTech asked executives in the tech and banking space which smartphones they are currently using with very mixed responses.<\/p>\n
Despite the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S3 in June, Apple’s iPhone 4S remains a popular device amongst tech executives – more notably, Apple’s latest tablet, the iPad 3, which is being picked up as a hot gadget for the office.<\/p>\n
Vodacom’s CEO, Pieter Uys, is still using the Galaxy Note and remains a big fan of the Samsung device’s form factor \u2013 being able to do what he needs on the go and not needing to carry a bulky tablet around.<\/p>\n
Vodacom CTO, Andries\u00a0Delport said he uses various BlackBerry and Android smartphones; however, he added that he is constantly testing out the new devices that come through the company.<\/p>\n
Karel Pienaar, CEO MTN SA, said he has been exploring the Samsung Galaxy SIII for over a month, evaluating and comparing its capabilities, apps and features with the iPhone 4S, which he had previously used.<\/p>\n
Pienaar said he also uses the iPad 3 as his tablet of choice, considering it a great product in all aspects, including the apps, portability, ease of use and quality of screen. He uses it as a standard device for day-to-day business engagements and takes it into board meetings.<\/p>\n
Kanagaratnam Lambotharan, MTN SA’s chief technology officer, said he uses the iPad 2 for a variety of reasons including its ability to synchronise across multiple devices, but specifically its integration with his iPhone 4S.<\/p>\n
Altech CTO, Willie Oosthuysen is also a big fan of Apple and uses the latest releases of Apple products. He’s currently using the iPhone 4, pairing it with its bigger brother in the iPad 3.<\/p>\n
Oosthuysen said that he chooses Apple for its ease of use, quality, stability and seamless integration of iCloud services, as well as choice of apps.<\/p>\n
The financial guys<\/strong><\/p>\n CEOs and executives in the banking sector take a strictly business approach to gadgetry around the office – turning predominantly to Apple’s iPad and it’s business applications to keep the financial sector in check.<\/p>\n Capitec CEO, Riaan Stassen, revealed his favour for Samsung Galaxy – primarily for its ease of use. The bank chief does not use a tablet.<\/p>\n The majority of Standard Bank’s executives use Apple’s iPad around the office, and regards them as “essential business tools”. This is purely for business purposes, as they are “convenient and efficient, gives them instant access to e-mails and documents – and they are easy to carry around,” the bank said.<\/p>\n Nedbank’s chief exective, Mike Brown, said he uses the BlackBerry 9900 handset because of the advanced security features for business e-mails – namely the phone’s password protection and a remote-wipe capabilities should it ever fall into the wrong hands.<\/p>\n When it comes to tablets, Brown is using the Apple iPad 3, having been an early adopter to the tablet range since the first generation iPad launched.<\/p>\n FNB declined to share any information regarding CEO, Michael Jordaan’s favourite gadget choices, but the chief executive can be seen tweeting via “Twitter for iPad”, so is it safe to assume that Jordaan is also an Apple fan?<\/p>\n Related articles<\/strong><\/p>\n SA\u2019s mobile CEOs reveal their smartphone choices<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Best tech shares in SA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n We will \u201cleapfrog the competition\u201d through apps highway: Nedbank<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n