1:1 Learning @ Oxley College – Minimum Platform
Battery
- whole school day without recharging (+7 hours reliably)
Basic software
- Flash? Or HTML5
- Word processing (both online and off-line)
- Spreadsheets
- Presentation
- Mind mapping
- Calendar
- Web Browser
- Video player
- Audio player
- Book reader / PDF reader
- Online storage (Dropbox, Sugar sync)
- Diigo bookmarking
- Note System (Evernote, OneNote, etc.)
- AntiVirus software.(would something like AVG Free be acceptable? Would Oxley stipulate/recommend?)
Wireless capability
Inputs
- USB port or adapter / SD card slot
- Video Conferencing / Skype (Webcam)
- Audio-in (built-in or through headset)
Outputs
- Audio earphones
- Video out (HDMI? VGA?)
Accessories (optional)
- Mouse
- Keyboard
Operating System
- Upgradeable to current available version (Mac iOS, Android Honeycomb, Windows, etc.)
- Able to access Oxley College Proxy server
Possible Choices circa August, 2011
iPad 2
- with USB adapter
- Video out adapter
- iTunes account on a dedicated computer
- 3G not necessary, but may be desirable for outside school / home work
ASUS eeePad Transformer
With latest version of Android Honeycomb operating system.
No 3G capability (but coming so you may want to wait) (can be tethered to phone / USB broadband)
Comparison
TechnoBuffalo Review by someone who likes both
Other Tablets
This market is still growing with new models coming out regularly. A survey of reviews usually suggests that few tablets approach the ease of use and functionality of the iPad2 with (at this point) the most viable alternatives being the ASUS Transformer and Lenovo ThinkPad (see below).
A Caution about most Laptops
Most laptops and netbooks do not have adequate battery life for a whole school day. If you plan to use one of these that meets all the other requirements, you must be able to use backup batteries, not rely on re-charging.
Recommendation, August 2011
The bottom line is:
- If you are not in the market immediately to buy a tablet, it never hurts to wait, upgrades to both recommended systems are upcoming)
- Either the iPad2 or ASUS EEE Pad Transformer (with some accessories) meets the minimum requirements
- For Oxley College 2012 will be a year of transition: introducing the Australian Curriculum, making all learning resources available online (including textbooks) and enabling students to BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology). None of these important initiatives will be completed at the beginning of 2012, but will be by the end of the school year and fully implemented for 2013. Thus, 2012 is a year of pilots and trials, strategies-attempted and improved so if a student and family is keen, we welcome joining in this period of discovery. If you would rather wait until the dust settles a little, tablets will cost less & have more features, the digital curriculum will be in place, and the College has plenty of desktop computers and sets of NetBooks and iPad1s that students can use.
Possible Alternatives:
Lenovo ThinkPad (Toshiba Thrive preferred except for pen)
- Lenovo ThinkPad
- Toshiba Thrive Reviews – Engadget, AdroidCentral, CNet
Comparisons
Asus Eee Pad Transformer vs Toshiba Thrive Comparison
