Tablet Options

In reviewing the information on tablets, I began with an open mind.  I was not personally bent on proving any certain one was superior to another.   I realized quickly that there are many options to review with a plethora of information concerning each one.  Given the time frame to complete the task, and my level of technical expertise, the decision seemed to be relatively...easy.  Not because my research was exhaustive, or conclusive, but because I seem to keep asking the same question: How could this be better than the iPad?

It is obvious that 17 million+ people find this product, the iPad, quite adequate for their needs.  According to Forbes, it still owns more than half the marketshare for tablets.  Although the android tablets are more than adequate for performing most tasks and most available according to price, the market is fragmented and products vary by brand.  There are 11 Android tablets (not counting eReaders) and now Microsoft has introduced another alternative, or two, as well.  Many of them are basically the same in features: size (8, 16 or 32 GB), dimension and display (7-10"), most were dual core with the exception of the Nexus 7 which is quad core.  Only two have cellular ability, though all have WiFi and most have Bluetooth.  So there seems to be some duplicity among the products offered varying somewhat by minor details like which way the camera faces.  Kindle and Nook having been introduced as eReaders, are designed to be just that yet have the capability to do more especially with the introduction of the Fire models.  These models can not only read books but play music, movies and apps at a fraction of the cost of the iPad.

While Apple being designed in part around educational needs seems to be an optimal choice for schools.  The product is superior in many ways such as graphics for educational apps, number of apps available, a closed system making it easy to for schools to maintain, and now a variety of options in price and functionality.  It offers a cellular capability option on all models but is not standard, and all come WiFi and Bluetooth.  With each introduction there is an upgrade to the screen, camera or processor.  While the Android market seems to get broader, the Apple continues to go deeper in its offerings.  The only drawback I could find, except price, was the issue of Flash and the inability to play some interactive games and programs online.

The Microsoft option is an interesting addition to the market in that its primary design is productivity.  In order to be effective at the Window operations, however, it has to be larger than most other tablets and price is on the higher end.  It is interesting because a large number of people who are carrying around laptops for work, would love to see a slimmer, lighter weight option to transport while still being able to perform all that is necessary where work is concerned.  It does not offer a cellular capability option at this point.

In conclusion, I would recommend the iPad for its operating systems capabilities, its large apps library and its closed system and easy maintenance.  The cellular option I do not see as necessary in a school program because most schools have WiFi and students would not be taking them of campus to need cellular connection.