Comparing Mobile Devices
Device / Pictures(not to scale) / Strengths / Issues/Drawbacks
Mac laptop
$999 - $3,000 and up / / § Large keyboard
§ Fast processor
§ Choice of solid state or standard hard drives
§ Web cams on all models
§ Wi-Fi or wired capabilities
§ Slim chance of malware (viruses, worms, etc.) / § Initial expense
§ Battery doesn’t outlast the school day
§ Some models bulky & heavy
§ Some proprietary software & features
Windows laptop
$400 - $2,000 and up / / § Economical
§ Fast processor than netbook
§ Large keyboard
§ Web cams on most models
§ Choice of solid state or standard hard drives
§ Wi-Fi or wired capabilities / § Danger of malware (viruses, worms, etc.)
§ Battery doesn’t outlast the school day
§ Some models bulky & heavy
Windows netbook
$300 - $600 and up / / § Economical
§ Standard hard drives on most models
§ Install most productivity software
§ Great for cloudware (i.e. Google Docs)
§ Wi-Fi or wired capabilities / § Danger of malware (viruses, worms, etc.)
§ Slower processor
§ Battery doesn’t outlast the school day
§ Small keyboard can be difficult for some students
§ Small screen size for viewing some Web sites and documents
iPod touch
$199 - $399 / / § Battery lasts throughout the school day
§ Thousands of iOS apps – low price or free
§ Larger selection of educational apps than for Android OS – many free or low cost
§ Touch screen
§ Still & video cameras
§ Can serve as a substitute for student response system with many other uses in addition
§ Slim chance of malware (viruses, worms, etc.) / § Small screen size
§ On-screen keyboard not suitable for long text & productivity tasks
§ Flash objects & videos – not supported without emulation app
iPad
$399 (iPad 2) - $829 / / § Battery lasts throughout the school day
§ Larger selection of educational apps than for Android OS – many free or low cost
§ Touch screen
§ Wi-Fi and certain models with fee-based data capabilities
§ Still & video cameras superior in newest version with low-cost video editing apps available
§ Slim chance of malware (viruses, worms, etc.) / § On-screen keyboard not suitable for long text & productivity tasks
§ Flash objects & videos – not supported without emulation app
§ Needs adaptor or other accommodations to connect to TV or projectors
Small Android tablet (i.e. Amazon Fire - $199) / / § Battery lasts throughout the school day or longer
§ Thousands of apps – low price or free
§ Supports Flash objects & videos
§ Wi-Fi and certain models with data capabilities
§ Touch screen
§ Wi-Fi capabilities
§ Slim chance of malware (viruses, worms, etc.)
§ Connects to HDMI projector or TV with appropriate cable / § On-screen keyboard not suitable for long text & productivity tasks
§ Not as many educational apps as iOS
§ Compatibility issues with some Android versions
§ Connections to analog TVs or VGA projector possible, but can require adaptations
Large Android tablet (i.e. Motorola Zoom - $499) / / § Battery lasts throughout the school day
§ Thousands of apps – low price or free
§ Supports Flash objects & videos
§ Touch screen
§ Wi-Fi capabilities
§ Wi-Fi and certain models with fee-based data capabilities
§ Slim chance of malware
§ Connects to HDMI projector or TV with appropriate cable
§ Wi-Fi and certain / § On-screen keyboard not suitable for long text & productivity tasks
§ Not as many educational apps as iOS
§ Compatibility issues with some Android versions
§ Connections to analog TVs or VGA projector possible, but can require adaptations
eReaders
(i.e. Kindle - $79 - $379) / / § Ease of reading (visibility)
§ Some with E Ink
§ Some with touch capabilities
§ Some have color screens
§ Some allow installation of apps
§ Wi-Fi capabilities
§ Wide price range
§ Holds hundreds or thousands of books
§ Lightweight
§ Wide choice of books – large selection of free books as well as a books for sale
§ Long battery life / § Limited to eBooks & only a few apps on some models
§ Many are controlled by buttons and do not have touch screens
§ Some have proprietary eBook formats
§ Less likely to have multimedia capabilities (books with videos or interactive features)
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Mini iPad
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Google Tablet
Judith M. Tucker, NWOET Associate Director of Professional Development
800.966.9638 v.1 August 2012