As I was reading through the blogs over at pwnieexpress, while I waited for my nexus 7 to arrive, I saw their write up on why the pwnpad? and thought it was a good opportunity to chime in. I can answer this questions in three simple words: Discrete, Easy, and Sexy (reminds me of the qualities in a mistress-jk).
Discrete – 1. being a large mammal (6’2 280lbs) it is easy for me to hide not only the peripherals but almost the whole nexus 7 in my hands. 2. since it isn’t a computer (or a computer & pineapple) most people don’t even hesitate or look at you weird when you whip it out and start plugging everything in. 3. Not needing any power supplies or batteries (as I often carries with a pineapple) helps make the tool set look benign. 4. Can put it in pants/coat pocket for wireless assessments or a little war walking.
Easy – 1. I am going to try and coin a new phrase, it’s even easier than than being a script kiddie it’s click kiddie. Simply hit the apps and they run. Which goes to show all the hard work they did getting the scripts streamlined. 2. Nothing, outside of a wireless/bluetooth/network dongle is needed. 3. While I would never think this would replace my laptop/tool bag for full on assessments it certainly is great for a one stop tool if I need to grab something quick for a proof of concept/demo (more about this under sexy). 4. Lighter and less to carry around.
Sexy – ooh boy is it Sexy. 1. When I worked at Legg Mason the sales team ordered a bunch of Ipads for one reason only (they probably had more than one but to me I only saw one) because it would impress potential clients. I think this has that same appeal and although I hope I never win any work just because of this (if I do the client is lost) but I do believe this would be a huge differentiator. 2. Great simple tool to set up demos. Ever get those sales calls right before you are about to leave for the day and need something ready to go by morning – yeah we all been there. I with this you can grab and go. 3. Run a scan, pwn a box and play angry birds – nuff said.