Technology & Learning - October 2007 - (Page 6)

» Product Guide By Miguel Guhlin Tablets Dispensed A look at how to make the ‘write’ choice between a slate and a convertible computer. 2 T ablet computers are increasingly becoming the tool of choice for busy administrators and other educators who’re constantly on the move. Lightweight, fully functional computing devices with operating systems that are designed for handwriting recognition, tablets can be easily carried in one hand, and written on like a clipboard with an accompanying stylus. Tablet fans cite the ability to “write in the margins” of digital “textbook” content and the draw/sketch capability as major advantages over laptops. Disadvantages of tablets include the still-higher price tag, screen wear and tear, and the smaller display size, which can make text more difficult to read. However, despite the few drawbacks, the devices’ numerous benefits and flexible uses make it worth considering seriously. Here are five considerations: Do you spend time in meetings or situations where the click-nclack of a keyboard would be disruptive? Note taking using a tablet is less obtrusive than using a laptop computer, and it is easier to handle. An administrator can treat the tablet PC like a conventional paper notebook, knowing that the job of mining those notes for com- Types of tablets If you’re in the market for the best tablet to suit your needs, you’ll want to consider the following categories: Slates. These tablets come without a keyboard, but you can attach one via wireless or USB. Thin Slates. This modification of the slate does not come with a hard drive. It’s mostly a network device that sends information via a wireless connection. The thin slate enjoys a long battery life because little energy is devoted to powering a processor. Thin slates have also been suggested as more useful than a traditional desktop or laptop computer for online test taking. 1 6 | www.techlearning.com Do you prefer a pen-like stylus to a keyboard? The power of a tablet PC enables one to take notes as they happen and share them via the network with others. Diagrams can also be exported as images or shared with others for modification. Certain tablets allow you to use your fingers. Convertibles. This form of tablet has a keyboard and resembles a laptop computer with a swivel point for the screen. To take advantage of the convertible tablet’s note-taking aspect, you swivel the screen and literally fold it on top of the keyboard. Source: Wikipedia http://www.techlearning.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Technology & Learning - October 2007

Technology & Learning - October 2007 Editor’s Desk News & Trends Product Guide Reviews How Fast Is Fast Enough? Cover Story: Career Education in the Digital Age Getting It Wrong Higher Ed Point of View How To Bottom Line What’s New Emerging Tech

Technology & Learning - October 2007

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