Some Homeowners Only Want to Use Their iPads
September 21, 2011

Last year our blog included an article describing Control4's iPad App. Some of our recent customers insist on only using the iPad to control their system.

A story published yesterday by CEPro clearly showed the same fervor for the iPad Control App by readers who posted comments to the author. This particular story answered the question "why would a homeowner buy a $999 Portable Touchscreen from Control4"?

Well the compelling reason is the new 7" Portable TS from Control4 supports 2-way video communication to a door station with an embedded camera for a full function intercom capability to electronically greet your callers. This is not something you could do with an iPad. So if you have feature requirements that are best served by dedicated touch screens as opposed to a multi-function device like the iPad, then a portable or in-wall touch screen makes sense.

Some say dedicated touch screens don't disappear, so install at least one in-wall or portable TS from the system manufacturer as opposed to multiple iPads. Well maybe, but I think a second iPad in the master bedroom has more utility than an in-wall or portable TS. Simply because you can do more things with it that go beyond controlling your automation system, like reading a novel, catching up on the news, or setting your fantasy team lineup (You know, the really important stuff)!

OK, so what if your automation budget doesn't support the implementation of multiple touchscreens of any kind in your home? Well most automation systems come with a handheld remote control.

Why would you want to use this archaic device when you have a spanking new iPad app? Well, normally you wouldn't. Recall the iPad connects to your home data network via Wireless IP. And in 802.11b/g wireless systems total bandwidth limits how many devices can connect to your network and operate at the same time. Even in dual-bandwidth systems supporting 802.11b/g and n. The number of b/g devices may exhaust the available bandwidth at the lower end, especially when guests show up with their iPhones, iPads, or laptops.

So what do you do if your iPad control app suddenly stops working smoothly? You pick up that clunky old system remote and try to control the function again. If it works with the remote, you know your system is working, but your iPad app may not be because it was recently updated, encountered a bug, or just ran out of wireless network bandwidth.