Tricks of the Tablets

Tricks of the Tablets

The Bigger, The Better?

There are several different sizes of tablets that one can choose from.  Most of these sizes reflect the function of what the tablet is used for.

• Smaller tablets, ranging in from sizes of 5 inches or smaller, are usually used with smaller phones and mp3 players.  Tablets of this size would probably not be the most practical choice for our purposes in the elementary school.  
• The medium-sized tablet is usually about 6 to 7 inches.  Although these tablets are larger than most smart phones, they can still easily be held with one hand.  Traditionally, tablets of this size tended to be cheaper.  However, this is no longer always the case.  With Apple coming out with the 7.9 inch iPad mini, and the cheaper Google Nexus tablet series producing tablets like the 8.9 inch Nexus 9, size is no longer contingent upon budget.
• The largest sized tablets are generally around 8 to 11 inches.  The Galaxy Tab S by Samsung is a tablet that has a display of 10.5 inches, which is just a little larger than the 9.7 inch iPad air 2.

Operating Systems:

There are three main operating systems that tablets will use:

• iOS: This operating system comes from Apple.  As a closed operating system, it is easy for schools to maintain, and the graphics and sound that come along with iOS are perfect for educational apps.  Generally, the apps that are created on this system are easily transferred between devices.  There are both benefits and drawbacks to the tablets that run on iOS. iPads that run on these operating systems can generally connect to Wi-Fi and bluetooth.  Some of them will also use cellular connectivity.  The batteries in these tablets cannot be replaced, and the buttons and power connection ports have been known to wear into disrepair.  iOS tablets also come with a personal assistant, Siri.  Siri can be used to send, read, and reply to messages.  She can add events to your calendar, search the web, check the weather, and she can even be used to locate your contacts.
• Pros:
• Easy-to-use closed operating system
• Interactive school textbooks available
• Wide range of educational apps
• Apps and purchases are generally easily transferrable and shared from device to device
• Cons:
• Regular tablet wear and tear
• Android:  This operating system is run by Google.  Android works on an open operating system.  This has caused updates for the Android system that is used with generic Android tablets to come out relatively slowly.  The Google Nexus tablet is a tablet that shows the most promise in competing with the iPad.  It makes use of Google Play, which is Google's own system to offer apps, music, and books.  Google Play is fairly underdeveloped, making it weaker than other markets.  The Amazon Kindle is an e-reader that works on the Android operating system.  The newer Kindle models have the option of running on a cellular network.  The Nook is Barnes & Noble's e-reader response to the Kindle.  Nooks do not have the option of running on a cellular network, so the user must have the option of connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
• Pros:
• A variety of tablets to choose from, including e-readers which are specifically used for books
• Customization-- The Android OS system gives users the option to customize their options in any way they choose
• Widget capability allows users to plug any application from the homepage without launching the app
• This device is an independent device that does not have to be synced with a computer
• Cons:
• Underdeveloped Google Play market
• An open-sourced operating system can result in a security issue for its users.
• Windows:  This is a system run by Microsoft.  Microsoft has been a huge force in the world of computer software with its productivity tools.  The Surface tablets that run on Microsoft come with these productivity tools already installed, and they run on the Windows 7 software.  They can play music, games, and videos.  Surface tablets are more like laptops than any of the other tablets, coming with multiple ports and with a keyboard cover that makes it easier to use for productivity work.
• Pros:
• Productivity tools automatically installed
• Keyboard covers, good for use with the productivity tools
• Various port accessibility
• Cons:
• Underdeveloped Windows store
• Limited number of apps-- these tablets are basically laptops with more portability and less storage and capability

Sold on Cellular?

All tablets make use of Wi-Fi connectivity to perform.  Some tablets also make use of cellular connectivity.  Cellular connectivity means that the tablet can run on cellular service.  The positive to this is that with cellular connectivity, a tablet can be used in areas without Wi-Fi-- this means that the tablet can be utilized in many more places.  The drawbacks are that not all tablets are created with cellular capability, and in order for one to use cellular connectivity with a tablet, they must have some form of a contract for cellular service.  This would mean that in order for students to be able to use cellular connectivity with their tablets, the school would have to work out how to obtain a contract for cellular service to be used with them.

Conclusion:

In light of the pros and cons discussed above, the tablets running on the iOS system seem to be the best fit for our school.  With its user-friendly closed operating system, its vast array of educational apps and interactive textbooks, and the simple nature of transferring its purchases to other Apple devices, these tablets seem to be the jack of all trades.  I do not believe that we should purchase the tablets with cellular connectivity, because with Wi-Fi capability in the school building, there is no reason to purchase a cellular service contract.