TECH - Tablets Options and Uses

In responding to the scenario with the principal, I put more of an emphasis on how the tablets and their respective operating systems would be used in a school/educational setting, and very little on how they would be used personally.  I did this for the obvious reason that the school would be purchasing these tablets for educational purposes.  So I chose to focus on the apps, the ability of each tablet to use the internet and its features, the pricing of the tablets, and the availability of books.  While I understand that things like Netflix subscriptions are also available on tablets, that is usually a more personal use for entertainment (unless a teacher assigns the students to watch a documentary, or something similar!).  So here are some of the pros and cons of each operating system that I found would be beneficial for the principal to know when finalizing his decision.

Apple (iPads):

Pros:
+iPads and other Apple mobile devices have access to hundreds of thousands of applications for all sorts of purposes.  The App Store is home to some great educational tools, and these devices have, by far, the widest selection of apps.
+When considering the option of adding cellular data to the tablets, the iPads offer the most options in terms of providers and plans.
+iPads offer a tool on their iBooks software, called Author, that is extremely useful for educators, because it allows them to make their own books that can utilize apps and other media in order to supplement what the students are reading.

Cons:
-The biggest flaw with iPads, in my opinion, is their inability to use Flash.  Flash is a widely used piece of software, and is required in order to watch certain videos or even view web pages properly.  The lack of Flash on iPads could limit the selection of educational videos that the teacher and students are able to view.
-The iBooks store does not have the scope of available textbooks that the other tablets have.

Android (Kindle, Nook, etc)

Pros:
+While the availability differs depending on what device one is using, the Androids usually have the widest selection of available texts, even going as far as to have made exclusive deals with certain textbook providers in some cases.
+Unlike its iPad competition, Android devices are able to use Flash
+Generally, these devices are cheaper options in comparison to other tablets.

Cons:
-Their selection of apps generally pales in comparison to the other tablets.  This could limit the ability of teachers and students to use certain apps to teach and learn more effectively.

Windows (Surface):

Pros:
+Because Surface tablets are able to use the same operating system as Windows PCs, they can easily use common software like Microsoft Office that are not as effective on other tablets.
+Unlike iPads, Windows tablets can also use Flash.
+Windows tablets usually contain more onboard memory than the competitors, allowing one to store more files on the tablet.

Cons:
-Surface tablets are, in general, on the expensive side of the tablet chart.
-While windows tablets may have more apps available than Android, it still does not have the amount of apps that are available on the iPad.

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And finally, on the topic of cellular, we must consider exactly what that service provides and at what extra cost.  Also to be considered is whether or not the added services justify the cost.

"Cellular" is a way of saying that a specific tablet is capable of staying connecting to a cellular phone tower.  All tablets have wifi, but the addition of the cellular service allows tablets to stay connecting to the internet and other services, even if the tablet is out of range of any wifi hotspots.  So long as the tablet remains connected to the tower, it can continue using online services.  Only tablets that are compatible with this service can use them, and wifi-only tablets cannot be upgraded, so if one is wanting this service at any point in time, it would be wise to consider the option when purchasing the tablet. 

Using the cellular service, however, comes at an extra price.  For starters, tablets that can use the service are generally around $100 more expensive than the exact same model of said tablet that cannot.  Add to that price the monthly fee of the cellular service through a contract from a provider such as AT&T or Verizon, and you are going to be paying more than you would for just the standard wifi model.  Payment plan amounts differ depending on how much data you want to be able to use.  The more you go up in gigabytes, the more expensive your monthly fee is going to be.

So the added convenience of always being connected can come at a price, so it is a good idea to consider if the school needs for these tablets to stay connected, or if it is just better to go with the standard models and use local wifi.