5 Tablets for Back to School
by James Kendrick | July 19, 2011 7:20am PDT | Image 1 of 10
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Apple iPad 2
The iPad 2 is the tablet that will work for any student wishing to take it out of the box and get busy. There are thousands of apps available in the Apple App Store to round out the user experience, and the long battery life will keep your student working on the iPad all day.
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Given the slim price difference between one of the tablets plus a keyboard and a budget laptop or higher-end netbook, why would a cash-strapped college student opt for a tablet, when a full-blown computer is about the same price, has WAY more storage, and more capabilities? And with Android emulators available, and a PC version of Angry Birds, there's really no reason to opt for a tablet over a full pc.
@julie.holmes@...
For the $650 for a tablet and a keyboard one can get a darn good laptop, an I5 with 6gb ram, a 750 gb drive and a dedicated video card. Plus the ability to run office plus specialist software used for your major. There really is no comparison functionally. A tablet is a convenience for games, tweets, emails and streaming. Good for socializing and leisure and some study/work. But a laptop or desktop can do much more. In fact, a netbook, at half the price of a tablet, plus an inexpensive keyboard can do much more.
For the adventurous, a small form factor linux laptop is the most cost effective option yet. It can do anything needed for undergraduate school at one-third to one-fourth the price and leave money in the bank for other technology, games or whatever else you need. For those who are insecure, Wine can run office 2003 and Crossover can run office 2007 under linux. A distribution like Ubuntu Ultimate or Mint includes all the drivers and additional programs you need to run, rip and record your media. There is even a bunch of software for running windows games in Linux.
For the $650 for a tablet and a keyboard one can get a darn good laptop, an I5 with 6gb ram, a 750 gb drive and a dedicated video card. Plus the ability to run office plus specialist software used for your major. There really is no comparison functionally. A tablet is a convenience for games, tweets, emails and streaming. Good for socializing and leisure and some study/work. But a laptop or desktop can do much more. In fact, a netbook, at half the price of a tablet, plus an inexpensive keyboard can do much more.
For the adventurous, a small form factor linux laptop is the most cost effective option yet. It can do anything needed for undergraduate school at one-third to one-fourth the price and leave money in the bank for other technology, games or whatever else you need. For those who are insecure, Wine can run office 2003 and Crossover can run office 2007 under linux. A distribution like Ubuntu Ultimate or Mint includes all the drivers and additional programs you need to run, rip and record your media. There is even a bunch of software for running windows games in Linux.
@jdubow@...
With that kind of laptop you will be running to class to try and grab one of the few power outlets. Please don't be one of those people. If you want/need a laptop in class get something decent, not a budget laptop that gets 2 hours of battery life on a good day and weighs over 5 pounds.
And as for netbooks, I used one in class for 2 weeks and was constantly annoyed at its speed and small screen size.
With that kind of laptop you will be running to class to try and grab one of the few power outlets. Please don't be one of those people. If you want/need a laptop in class get something decent, not a budget laptop that gets 2 hours of battery life on a good day and weighs over 5 pounds.
And as for netbooks, I used one in class for 2 weeks and was constantly annoyed at its speed and small screen size.
@jdubow@... I agree. My choice is the Dell Inspiron Duo. It can be a laptop, it can be a multi-touch tablet. It's a tad shy on memory, but it is not my main computer.
@jdubow@...
I run a full Linux distro, Mandriva, on my netbook. I can also dual boot to Android X86 with full hardware support. Touch screen and keyboard with full hardware support, 3G and WiFi all working!
So I have a portable device with everything my main desktop can do as well as access to the Android market apps for quick tasks when I don't need the full desktop experience. Win win!
I run a full Linux distro, Mandriva, on my netbook. I can also dual boot to Android X86 with full hardware support. Touch screen and keyboard with full hardware support, 3G and WiFi all working!
So I have a portable device with everything my main desktop can do as well as access to the Android market apps for quick tasks when I don't need the full desktop experience. Win win!
@toltz... Then you will be very annoyed by a Tablet's screen size.
@nomorebs
As James stated in the article, a tablet makes an excellent companion to a laptop. Thus you can review and read on the tablet while taking notes on the laptop comfortably and not miss a thing. The annoyance is when you have a 10-14 inch laptop screen and you are trying to follow along with pdf or word documents with the professor while taking notes on a laptop. You have to end up either switching back and forth or doing split screen which makes for tiny type.
My personal issue is trying to multitask on a smaller laptop screen is not an enjoyable experience for me. The tablet allows me to carry that lighter smaller laptop and not miss the screen real estate
As James stated in the article, a tablet makes an excellent companion to a laptop. Thus you can review and read on the tablet while taking notes on the laptop comfortably and not miss a thing. The annoyance is when you have a 10-14 inch laptop screen and you are trying to follow along with pdf or word documents with the professor while taking notes on a laptop. You have to end up either switching back and forth or doing split screen which makes for tiny type.
My personal issue is trying to multitask on a smaller laptop screen is not an enjoyable experience for me. The tablet allows me to carry that lighter smaller laptop and not miss the screen real estate
@julie.holmes@... I agree that in most cases, a laptop will be more useful to most college students than a tablet - if they can only have one device. However, while a notebook does many things that a tablet doesn't do (or doesn't do well), there are also multiple things that a tablet does that a notebook doesn't do well - even with an Android emulator: more portable, better ebook reader, easier affordable 3G access, etc.
@azisman
Mo way is a tablet an acceptable e reader. I have an IPad and it is a waste of space, No power to do anything useful, not very useful for taking notes. I use an Iphone and laptop with a dedicated e reader. The backlit screens are hard on the eyes
Mo way is a tablet an acceptable e reader. I have an IPad and it is a waste of space, No power to do anything useful, not very useful for taking notes. I use an Iphone and laptop with a dedicated e reader. The backlit screens are hard on the eyes
@julie.holmes@...
Agreed. You want your child to be productive not limited by a touch interface that lacks the full functionality of a laptop computer.
Here's my list of 5.
1) Laptop
2) Laptop
3) Laptop
4) Laptop
5) Laptop
Agreed. You want your child to be productive not limited by a touch interface that lacks the full functionality of a laptop computer.
Here's my list of 5.
1) Laptop
2) Laptop
3) Laptop
4) Laptop
5) Laptop
@julie.holmes@...
I am in need of three netbooks/laptops for myself at Uni and my sons at High School and am grateful for your advice as I was interested in the tablests but not now. Thanks.
I am in need of three netbooks/laptops for myself at Uni and my sons at High School and am grateful for your advice as I was interested in the tablests but not now. Thanks.
@William Pharaoh the iproducts are not the only or the best game in town for all needs. I find that the ASUS Transformer to be a better solution for those who need both a tablet and the functionality of a laptop, at times. All in one portable unit when docked. I get 12-16 hours of use on mine, when using the keyboard dock periodically.
@The_Omega_Man
My ipad sits in work. I bought the transformer to plop films in, attach USB, attach HDMI easily and to be honest rarely detach the keyboard. I'd rather have the screen for display and touch than a virtual keyboard.
I'll bet you one thing. If Apple made it there would be a whole raft of zealots who'd do a u-turn and like it.
ps Wouldn't it be funny if Apple added a keyboard option; except they'd probably claim a patent on it. Its a funny old world.
My ipad sits in work. I bought the transformer to plop films in, attach USB, attach HDMI easily and to be honest rarely detach the keyboard. I'd rather have the screen for display and touch than a virtual keyboard.
I'll bet you one thing. If Apple made it there would be a whole raft of zealots who'd do a u-turn and like it.
ps Wouldn't it be funny if Apple added a keyboard option; except they'd probably claim a patent on it. Its a funny old world.
@The_Omega_Man
The ASUS transformer is quite good and at a price which is the lowest of all available tabs in the market. I like this device so much that I have almost stopped using my laptop as most of the tasks are done on it. With the keyboard dock it is amazing. The battery life is so good that I dont need to charge for 2 days.
It is good if one is a avid reader as you dont need to hold those heavy books anymore
I have never been a fan of an Apple iPAD though it is a good device.
The ASUS transformer is quite good and at a price which is the lowest of all available tabs in the market. I like this device so much that I have almost stopped using my laptop as most of the tasks are done on it. With the keyboard dock it is amazing. The battery life is so good that I dont need to charge for 2 days.
It is good if one is a avid reader as you dont need to hold those heavy books anymore
I have never been a fan of an Apple iPAD though it is a good device.
Maybe it is good for viewing things, but for typing, no way ...
@AdnanPirota
Get a Motion Computing CL900. It runs all your Office apps (typing papers anyone?), any other Windows app (QuickBooks Pro you accountants? PhotoShop anyone?) and it's RUGGED because it will be dropped. Yet for note-taking, you'll use OneNote and a pen. Been a match-made-in-heaven for me (though I have an older LE model with a bigger original price tag, and only semi-rugged).
Get a Motion Computing CL900. It runs all your Office apps (typing papers anyone?), any other Windows app (QuickBooks Pro you accountants? PhotoShop anyone?) and it's RUGGED because it will be dropped. Yet for note-taking, you'll use OneNote and a pen. Been a match-made-in-heaven for me (though I have an older LE model with a bigger original price tag, and only semi-rugged).
@AdnanPirota Yep...I was about to say "Tablets for students? Hahahaha."
Until tablets get some sort of comprehensive handwriting application, there's no reason not to get a laptop. Except for the "cool" factor, of course. I see kids in my classes with tablets, and they're using them to have a handheld version of the powerpoint lecture in their laps. Redundant, imo. The students with the laptops also have the lecture up, but they're taking notes, because they have an input device (keyboard).
Until tablets get some sort of comprehensive handwriting application, there's no reason not to get a laptop. Except for the "cool" factor, of course. I see kids in my classes with tablets, and they're using them to have a handheld version of the powerpoint lecture in their laps. Redundant, imo. The students with the laptops also have the lecture up, but they're taking notes, because they have an input device (keyboard).
While these may look nice for the school perspective, you need three things:
1. Keyboard for typing more than a short paper
2. Find out what software you need for your classes - odds are it won't exist in tablet app form
3. Ability to print (and don't give me the lame a$$ iOS print function - btdtmo)
All in all, I suspect a good low end notebook is a better option at this stage.
Now if you can get your textbooks on a tablet.....
1. Keyboard for typing more than a short paper
2. Find out what software you need for your classes - odds are it won't exist in tablet app form
3. Ability to print (and don't give me the lame a$$ iOS print function - btdtmo)
All in all, I suspect a good low end notebook is a better option at this stage.
Now if you can get your textbooks on a tablet.....
@rhonin
1. Bluetooth keyboard works well.
2. Yeah, you're probably right unless it is just MS Office compatibility.
3. HP Touchpad prints to most HP printers with no problem.
Just saw a ZDnet article about textbooks being available on Kindle.
1. Bluetooth keyboard works well.
2. Yeah, you're probably right unless it is just MS Office compatibility.
3. HP Touchpad prints to most HP printers with no problem.
Just saw a ZDnet article about textbooks being available on Kindle.
@rhonin
I cant think of any reason I'd want to use a tablet or laptop to take notes. Scribbling, hashing, and drawing references is simple on a paper pad...... theres no way I can see the paperless buzz in School or Office despite the number of folk that tell me it's here. Not for me! Scribble it down quickly whilst listening, then tidy it up later and learn at the same time! Seemples !
I cant think of any reason I'd want to use a tablet or laptop to take notes. Scribbling, hashing, and drawing references is simple on a paper pad...... theres no way I can see the paperless buzz in School or Office despite the number of folk that tell me it's here. Not for me! Scribble it down quickly whilst listening, then tidy it up later and learn at the same time! Seemples !
@GetReal-mac.com
Personally, I write ten times faster on a keyboard than I do by hand. Furthermore, if I have to write fast by hand, I cannot even read my own scrawl!
This being said, tablets are for passive use like reading a manual or textbook, laptops for active use like writing comments or one's thesis. So personally, I will take as well my iPad 2 as my 13.3" MacBook with to class. The two will even synchronize ...
Personally, I write ten times faster on a keyboard than I do by hand. Furthermore, if I have to write fast by hand, I cannot even read my own scrawl!
This being said, tablets are for passive use like reading a manual or textbook, laptops for active use like writing comments or one's thesis. So personally, I will take as well my iPad 2 as my 13.3" MacBook with to class. The two will even synchronize ...
Really...let's send johnny to school with a tablet that can't do powerpoint, needs converters for word or excel, and has no flash so their web experience is muted. Bravo
@Grouchoman
Tablets have been invaluable to me at college. Yeah there was no word or excel support, but a simple $1 app fixed all that. Never been in a class that required any flash support....
Obviously a tablet can't do everything but it excels at document review and annotation, pretty much replacing all the papers in my bag and no longer requiring me to invest is countless reams of paper and toner.
Tablets have been invaluable to me at college. Yeah there was no word or excel support, but a simple $1 app fixed all that. Never been in a class that required any flash support....
Obviously a tablet can't do everything but it excels at document review and annotation, pretty much replacing all the papers in my bag and no longer requiring me to invest is countless reams of paper and toner.
@Grouchoman
HP Touchpad will have full edit support for Word and Excel. It already has Flash support. In time, it will only be better. The interface is awesome.
HP Touchpad will have full edit support for Word and Excel. It already has Flash support. In time, it will only be better. The interface is awesome.
@Grouchoman
But Johnny (my case Sally), also has a highend laptop back at the apartment to do the heavy lifting.
But Johnny (my case Sally), also has a highend laptop back at the apartment to do the heavy lifting.
@Grouchoman I've yet to find my internet experience muted:P. With iWorks I can import powerpoint and save as powerpoint using Keynote. Same thing with Word or Excel files using Pages or Numbers. So obviously Johnny is not having a problem here:)
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@Grouchoman the one thats not on here actually does powerpoint, and thats the blackberry playbook. which i love btw. sold my ipad for it. it does excel, flash better than the competition, and has all the word programs stock. also the multitasking is great, and using a mouse and keyboard with it is great also. i still think for certain classes, like say a music class would use a program not available on a tablet, like finale for instance.
@kaylajazzmin so YOU are the ONE that didn't return the PLaybook.
@Grouchoman I do all of that with my ASUS Transformer, and I have a keyboard dock with a multi-touch track pad 2 full size USB ports and a full size SD card reader in the dock. USB thumb drives and hard drives work as do USB and bluetooth mice ( plug and play).
The device come with its own productivity suite and and there are others that can be downloaded as well. There are several ebook readers available, many can read the public domain epub formats. With a 5Mpixel back camera and some scan to pdf software you can digitize book or note pages. With the built in remote desktop software I can remotely access and control my desktop computer from my ASUS Transformer tablet/laptop as well. The ASUS Transformer is not an ipad nor is it a general purpose computer. However, it takes the best capabilities of both and does this at a better price point. NOTE: it is a wifi only device today.
The device come with its own productivity suite and and there are others that can be downloaded as well. There are several ebook readers available, many can read the public domain epub formats. With a 5Mpixel back camera and some scan to pdf software you can digitize book or note pages. With the built in remote desktop software I can remotely access and control my desktop computer from my ASUS Transformer tablet/laptop as well. The ASUS Transformer is not an ipad nor is it a general purpose computer. However, it takes the best capabilities of both and does this at a better price point. NOTE: it is a wifi only device today.
I'm sorry, but leaving the Playbook out is completely arbitrary. ( the HP Touchpad? you've got tobe joking!) The typing feature of the PB obviates the need for a wonky keyboard add-on (I agree, may as well buy a netbook) and the ease of multi-tasking should make it great for students taking notes and making quick references for material at the same time. I'm thinking of even getting one for my 10 year old daughter as I'm amazed how easily and intuitively she moves from her Nintendo DS to my Playbook which are supposedly worlds apart. As for ergonomics, come on guys, the Galaxy feels like a hard chunk of plastic compared to the PB. Well put Grouchoman...
@jolynuk don't knock the Touchpad until you try it. Its awesome.
@Pug466 Tried it, it is a cool toy, but I was underwhelmed. It is not a device for me in it's current form.
Tried the playbook too. Same scenario for me. The size is nice for portability, but it does not meet my computing needs as it stands today. Perhaps if there is an evolution of the product and its capabilities.
Tried the playbook too. Same scenario for me. The size is nice for portability, but it does not meet my computing needs as it stands today. Perhaps if there is an evolution of the product and its capabilities.
But how can the Touchpad run a lot of apps at one time if there are not a lot of apps avalible for it?
Can you explain your ommission of the Motorola Xoom table from this list?
Didn't ZDnet just post an article bashing all non iPad tablets? Then how can you recommend any other one? Seriously this site is going down the crapper - and fast.
@ddevito@... tablets were blank... Just not quite good enough to unseat the iPad and in this I agree and so far so do the consumers. Still that does not mean other tablets can not find a successful niche or go in an alternative direction from the iPad and find success. I guess first one has to actually define just what success is in this industry? Is it being number one and only number one. As a long time Apple fan I've never agreed with the idea of Market Share numbers mean success and or failure and since Apple has a couple number one products iPods and now iPads I won't be changing my stance for I see actual profitability as a much better success measurement than volume sold.
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@James Quinn This all depends upon your perspective. All tablet computing devices are niche devices at this point. At least until they have a definitive and unique purpose. Being number 1 isn't relevant to joe consumer who is looking at these devices as tools to get the job done both efficiently abd economically. A product maufacture's eventual profitability, is not usually one of the primary factors that drive a purchase decision, by joe consumer. For fanboys and girls this just factor becomes a security blanket for their product purchase decision.
@Dougvbx a staff of servants for $9.99 then I'm not even going to bother to look!
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@Dougvbx
I got my XBOX 360 for only $10! The website I use is scams.r.us.com!
I got my XBOX 360 for only $10! The website I use is scams.r.us.com!
We've got some really relevant gear that I'd like to introduce you to, but my former emails for you no longer work. Any chance you could email best current way to reach you? heidi at sfbags dot com. Thanks, JK. Love this slide show.
One good test is to take the tablet out of the box, then switch it on. If I can use it immediately, then perfect. If I need to set it up by connecting to a PC/Mac, then my price to use the table includes buying that PC/Mac. So iPad2 is not a standalone laptop I can buy for my kids.
My bet would be an Android or a Windows Tablet. I did not see the Acer Iconia Tab W500. It is a pretty good tablet, yet with a keyboard, becomes a laptop. And a decent 4 hour battery rounds it nicely.
My bet would be an Android or a Windows Tablet. I did not see the Acer Iconia Tab W500. It is a pretty good tablet, yet with a keyboard, becomes a laptop. And a decent 4 hour battery rounds it nicely.
@leosg How is that a good test? Yes, it is a nice feature capability (and one that I hear is coming to the iPad in about a month, but I don't like counting on vaporware), but how is that a good test? Since this article is about tablets for school, are you going to open a brand new tablet every day for class and thus immediate use is critical?
I'm not certain that if my previous comment was posted but i wanna let you all know that the Logitech keyboard case mentioned above costs only haf the price, $44 in pandawill.com, check out this: pandawill.com/portable-aluminum-bluetooth-keyboard-dock-base-for-apple-ipad-2.html
A laptop will probably me much inexpensive, especially after buying the cases and keyboards with these tablets. Tablets are best used for games and apps which most kids probably have on their phones anyway!
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