If you don’t already have a tablet computer, it is probably on your wish list. Sales of these new types of computers has has exploded and continue to beat all expectations. Apple’s iPad, the inventor of this type of computing is clearly the industry leader. What I wanted to explore is if there are good reasons to look further than the iPad. The Computer Using Educators of BC recently gave me the opportunity to find out!
I’m now equipped with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Early reports make this a remarkable device. It has the best screen on the market, it is running the latest version of Google Android 3.1 Honeycomb and has the processor and speed to match.
Unpacking: what’s in the box
A surprisingly simple package included the bare necessities. Just the tablet, power cords and a 4 page getting started guide. It was an additional cost but a necessary one to purchase a screen protector ($19.99), folding portfolio case ($59.99) and a HD video connector ($29.99). CUEBC bought the Galaxy Tab from BestBuy.
Measures to Compare?
Here are some of the metrics that I’d like to explore in the coming weeks to find out if Apple has finally met it’s match in the Samsung Tab.
- Impact - does the Samsung leave a positive impression?
- Apps – does the Android market have the development community behind it?
- Communication – how is the device surfing the internet and connecting to a wide variety of social networks?
- Performance – speed and ease of use?
- Value – does the price match the product?
Feedback
Interested in hearing from others, what features does the iPad have that make it irresistible for education?
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7 comments:
I am curious to see how this tablet works with a SmartBoard. Have you tried this, yet?
Hi 'TwoCat',
That is a very interesting question. I'm not even sure that there is a SMARTNotebook app in Android or for iPad. I'll have to take a look.
James
cool blog mr mcconville.the tablet looks really cool. one thing I want to know is does it have as good games as the ipad? i really want a tablet
ben,block 1 class
Awesome blog man, the things you have mentioned above are really informative and are examples of your awesome writing skills and a good blog.
six sigma certification
I am very curious to hear how the android Samsung works for schools.... Could you please send me info?
How do they compare with ipads?
kvogt@washcald.com
Great thread idea. Our District is just starting to get into iPADs and I think it is very worthwhile looking at the Android competition. I posted the following on our blog: http://blogs.sd41.bc.ca/basa/2011/11/24/tablet-computing/.
Also, earlier this week I ordered the Asus Transformer Prime and am waiting anxiously for its arrival (I think I'm #93 on the waiting list). When it arrives, I'll let you know my impressions (my wife has an iPAD2).
Al Post
Hi Al,
I'm still struggling to answer this question. My feeling is that there are really two choices in tablets: iPad and everything else. What that being said, it seems that there is so much energy, collaboration and tips for using the iPad is education it is a hard to beat. There are more free apps for Android and it is easier for us geeks to customize.
Does this help?
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