There is a familiar picture that shows the evolution of man, from an ape to an upright human. It shows evolution as a serious of gradual changes — but that is not really how it works. More often it is a process punctuated with sudden step-changes.

It is the same in the world of computers. In the eighties the PC arrived and within a few years it had transformed the way that people work. Then along came the Apple Mac with its fancy graphics and mouse – that changed the way we work too. More importantly, perhaps, it changed people’s expectations.

The iPad was introduced just over a year ago and look at the sales. An incredible 300,000 were sold in the first day— and 25 million units were sold in just 14 months But being a popular consumer device does not mean it will create a revolution in the business world. After all, who needs to make it easier for their employees to watch movies?

One answer to this question is that it can be a great way to present your business to your clients and potential clients.

Oxfordshire-based Hester Architects was an early adopter of the iPad. They enjoy seeking out impressive technology that can make their business more efficient and benefit their clients.

“We were looking at technologies we could use at client meetings”, said director Paul Burman. “The trouble with using a conventional laptop during a meeting is that by the time you fire it up the conversation has moved on. The iPad is ‘instant on’.”

They now use their iPads for a variety of tasks. They keep a portfolio of photographs and plans on the iPad, knowing that the ease of use makes it quick to find information when they need it. They use an iPad app called Dropbox to upload files and another called GoodReader to display them.

They also use handwriting recognition software called WritePad to take notes during meetings. They particularly like WritePad’s ability to convert handwriting quickly into text and then e-mail it or synchronise with Dropbox – a real productivity boost.

People do sometimes comment on “Oh, so you have got an iPad!” Paul added. “But generally it is now perfectly acceptable in a meeting. It is not like using a laptop where people think you are hiding behind a screen playing Solitaire or checking your e-mail.”

There is a downside, of course. The iPad is a low-powered device, so do not expect it to run half a dozen programs at the same time.

Because it does not have a traditional keyboard, it can be a pain for professional people who make a living from the information they put into a computer rather than the information they get out of it. Then there is the 30 year war between Microsoft and Apple which means that there is not a version of Microsoft Office for the iPad yet.

The newly-launched Office 365 doesn’t run properly on the iPad either. Even when you do run a Microsoft application on the iPad you’ll have fun when you want a right-click of the mouse — firstly there is no mouse and secondly there is no right-button on the Apple mouse. But these things will improve in the future.

The future is what it’s all about with the iPad. It has arrived at the same time that cloud computing is moving IT to the web — as long as you have an Internet connection you can get to anything you need.

It is this conjunction of a device that is lovely to use, an Internet-connected world, and the rise of cloud computing that could make the iPad a game-changer.

Most of all it is about our expectations. Now we have discovered that it is possible to operate a computer via a sweep of the hand across a nice touch screen it makes everything else look clunky and old. Why struggle with keyboards, complicated menus and mouse clicks?

The iPad revolution has started. I just feel a bit sorry for all the competitors who are coming to the market about a year too late. They will have a very hard time competing with the iPad. I also suspect that we might be seeing the start of a serious move by Apple into the business world.

I have an iPhone and an iPad. Now can I have an iMac please?

* Malcolm Newdick is managing director of Riverbank IT Management. Riverbank is running a series of iPad events. Visit the website www.riverbank.co.uk/events for more details.