After going through the Week 6 Module on Hardware:Beyond Computers I was pretty amazed at some of the technology's and a little skeptical on others. I know were suppose to be discussing Mobile Computing Devices like Ipod(An overprice POS if you ask me). I personally see many of these devices as want-to-be laptops. They do less than laptops and are not designed to be upgraded. Bad choice if you ask me. I just did a quick search to compare prices of Laptops vs Ipods vs Ipad vs Kindel. Here are the Results-
Laptop- Acer New with more than enough HD, RAM, and Processor- $248
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acer-Aspire-One-10.1-AOD255E-Netbook-PC-with-Intel-Atom-N455-Processor-Windows-7-Starter/15739065
Ipod- about $209 dollars not expandable except with 8gb slot
http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=ipod&search_constraint=0&tab_value=Online&ic=48_0&ref=244741+4294074289&search_sort=4&selected_items=+
Ipad-$499
http://www.apple.com/ipad/
Kindel 6" -$139 cheapest
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y27P3M
Sorry but the New Laptop win! If they really wanted to make something for education thats portable they need to make a Laptop like the Nintendo DSi with a Nerf Case. Portable, practically indestructable, trackable with Wifi if Lowjacked, you can type on the DSi, pictures, communicate, record data, and with the right software surf the web. But our society is based on the consumer concept that you have to throw something away to buy something new. Stupid.
Anyways loved the Whiteboards, Personal Response system/mouse mischief(this has some major potential!), GPS (I'll be doing landnav in my classroom), and using your printer creatively. Creative printing is probably the most under looked at easy to use resource that could be making schools money. That and creating a WIFI center around schools. Instead we get studid fundraiser where our kids sell us junk. Why not let google set up an internet cafes in or next to our schools or set up libraries like a Barnes and Nobles.
http://www.edutopia.org/tips-protect-laptop-computers-theft
Butch,
ReplyDeleteThanks for adding the link to the Kindle, I have been thinking about getting one for a while now. I went to the site and it looks like a good deal, just not sure if I should spend $50 more to have the 3G option, I am going to have to look at some reviews and see if it is worth it. I think you make a good point on the DSi, I think kids would love a laptop that was like the DSi. I too loved the whiteboards; I did not even know what one was until this week, pretty cool technology. I am with you on the school fundraisers; my daughter is selling stupid plastic cups this week with college logos, like I need another cup to wash. I like your idea of the school café, I think that would be excellent for high school kids, I cannot count how many times this year I have dropped my daughter off at Starbucks to work on a group project.
Amy, I have an iPad without 3G that my husband gave me as my graduation present when I got my Ph.D. I really like the portability, but I only have the WiFi feature. There have been several times that I would have liked to look something up, but I was not near a WiFi area. I'm looking to upgrade now.
ReplyDeleteBeyond the price, what would be the advantages and disadvantages of using an iPad instead of a laptop? What about size and weight? The iPod/iTouch was not designed to replace a computer. It was originally an MP3 player. It played your music so you didn't have to carry around all those CDs. It now has the capabilities of not only showing but recording and editing videos. It can also record sound like a digital voice recorder. With downloadable apps--many of them free--teachers and students have an ever increasing supply of educational tools available.
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