'iPad Arms Race' Hits Medical Supply Field

The iPad is quickly becoming the darling of an unexpected field: medical supply sales. Firms such as Medtronic and Abbott Labs are handing out thousands to their sales teams in what the Wall Street Journal describes as an "iPad arms race in the $200 billion medical-devices sector." The gadget's quick start-up and presentation apparently makes a difference when sales reps are demonstrating products.

As an indication of the frenzy, Boston Scientific just bought 2,000 for its sales team, while Zimmer Holdings purchased 1,000—and they are far from alone. For Apple, it's another profitable example of how the device is making headway in the business sector. The company has said 65% of Fortune 100 companies are either using iPads or testing them.
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