I've had experience in using all the main different 'input devices', and I'd argue as follows:
Tablets are probably a better way forward holistically, but there are a number of drawbacks/issues around them.

• If a club already has BridgePads, there's an upfront investment of each individual tablet you purchase.
• You need to pay a yearly licence to use the BridgeTab software.
• Depending on the make/age of tablets used, they might not retain charge over a full days use. 
  • This would necessitate workflows like collecting all tablets and charging them at lunch on a tournament day.
• The additional options available in a bridge mate can be confusing to people who're comfortable with BridgePads.
• People who aren't comfortable with tablet devices may do things like accidentally turn off / unmute the devices during the session; or get confused by opening up the 'app viewer'.

They aren't all bad - I've (anecdotally from your perspective) noticed fewer data input mistakes when using tablets as opposed to BridgePads, also a tournament I've gone to once had a Tablet go missing. I've never seen a BridgePad walk out over the lunch break. One of my friends was directing and put a set of tablets in front of an 'aged' division, and had not one question on usability or data entry call from them.

BridgePads are more specialised pieces of hardware; reasonably robust and intuitive to use. The ability to use a packet of batteries that last for an age instead of needing to charge them continuously is an advantage. Overall, as a player/director I prefer using BridgeTabs; but as an administrator I prefer using BridgePads.

Hope this makes sense

Thanks Brad. This is exactly what I am seeking answers on. 

Hi Eleanor

Our Club has been using tablets for several years. 

Advantages:

1. Much easier to use especially for your older members.  Touch technology which is very easy - even for large fingers!
2. Larger screens much easier to read.  It is easy for the whole table to see previous results, hand records and makeable contracts afte the board has been played.

Disadvantages:

1. Possibly cost of original tablets. (but you can often pick them up on special for reasonable prices)
2. Need a powerful WiFi setup and modem.
3. They need to be charged after every session - easy to set up a process for this but one more thing that has to be done
4. Shorter life - we have some that are still going after 5 or 6 years but some need replacing sooner than that.  Like mobile phones the batteries on some tend to wear and that is the reason they need replacing.

However, we would never go back to bridge pads.

Thanks Sue, great to get the pros and cons. Will post a note on forums when we have made a decision.

Note that an alternative to BridgeTAB is now available, this is BridgePAL.    Whilst is may be not quite as stylish as BT, it more than does the job and it is simple for scorers and dealers and best of all it is FREE.   The Compass Scoring System supports BridgePAL, not sure if Scorer or CompServ2 does yet.