This guide is designed to help clubs choose an iPad or tablet for using Exerp GO in club. A tablet or iPad is not required to use Exerp GO, existing reception computers will continue to work perfectly well. This is simply an option for clubs who'd like the flexibility of taking member sales away from the front desk an onto the floor.
The short version
Exerp Go is a webapp, not an app you download. This means:
- It runs inside a web browser (like Safari or Chrome), not installed from an app store
- Most tablets released in the last 3–4 years will run it fine, as long as the browser is kept up to date.
- You don't need a high-end or expensive device; a mid-range tablet is enough.
iPad or Android: Does it matter?
No. Because Exerp Go runs in a browser, both iPad and Android tablets will work, provided they meet the guidelines below. Choose a device based on staff familiarity and support and repair options in your area.
What to look for when buying a device
1. Device Age
The most reliable indicator of a good tablet isn't the price, it's whether it will be compatible with future software updates. Once a device can no longer update, it becomes a risk for running any modern web app, including Exerp GO.
iPads:
- Buy iPad (8th generation, released September 2020) or newer
- the 8th generation iPad is currently the oldest standard iPad still receiving major iPadOS updates.
- Anything older than this (7th generation or earlier) is no longer getting new iPadOS versions and should be avoided.
Android tablets:
- As Android manufactures differ (e.g. Samsung, Google ect) here's no single "buy after this year" rule for Android, as it varies significantly by manufacturer.
- Check the manufacturer's stated software update commitment at the time of purchase and avoid anything already out of support.
- As a general rule of thumb, favour tablets from manufacturers with a track record of multi-year update support (e.g. Samsung's more recent tablet ranges) over budget/generic brands.
2. Screen Size
Choose a tablet with at least a 10-inch screen. Smaller screens (like small phones or mini tablets) will make Exerp Go harder to use and for members to sign.
3. Wi-Fi connectivity
The tablet needs a stable Wi-Fi connection to your club's network. A wired-only device won't work.
📶 Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi + cellular?
If your club plans to use the tablet for outreach away from the club (for example, LAM activity or lead collection at events), a Wi-Fi + cellular model is worth considering. Keep in mind cellular models come at a significantly higher price point than Wi-Fi only and most tablets can easily connect to personal hotspots if needed.
4. Up-to-date browser support
The tablet should be able to run a current version of Safari (if using an iPad) or Google Chrome (if using an Android tablet).
⚠️ What to avoid
- Buying from marketplace or "grey import" sellers, such as third-party listings on sites like Kogan without checking the listing carefully first.
- These can be second-hand, refurbished, or international-spec devices. This doesn't remove your Australian Consumer Law rights, but it can mean no manufacturer warranty support, and the device may be a different regional model without full local support.
- If buying this way, confirm it's a new, Australian-stock device sold directly by the retailer (not a third-party marketplace listing) before purchasing
- Devices older than 4-5 years, or any tablet that can no longer be updated to the latest OS
- Screens smaller than 10 inches
- Devices with heavily customised or outdated browsers that can't be updated