The tablet PC brings handwriting into the portable computing equation in a variety of helpful ways for classrooms, computer labs, school libraries and administrators’ offices. Tablet users can enter or manipulate text or data by writing with a stylus on a touch screen, much like working with a personal-sized whiteboard and a variety of software options.

The average size of a tablet PC—about 11 or 12 inches—provides a writing surface close to that of letter-sized writing paper. The smallest tablets have a screen size of approximately 7 inches.

Education uses of tablet PCs include real-time instruction, taking notes in classes or meetings, writing, drawing, sketching, web browsing, eBook reading, and more. The larger screens can be helpful to users interested in expanding text for easier onscreen reading.

Buying Tips       

1. Set a budget. Tablet PCs can be found in a wide price range, beginning at less than $1, 000 and going well past $2, 000. A variety of sizes and features are offered in every price grouping. The main differences are likely to be the amount of memory, the number of features, and the construction.
2. Determine the intended use of the tablets—the “who, ” “what” and “where” of the situation. Some things to think about include:
1. Who will be using the tablets—educators, students, or both groups? Consider the sturdiness factor.
2. What will be done with the tablets? Consider the software factor. What kind of software programs will be needed? Are they included, or is a separate purchase required?
3. Where will the tablets be used? Consider the brightness factor. Is the screen bright enough for use in sunlit areas? How does the power source affect the screen brightness?
4. Where will the tablets be stored? Consider the size factor. Will the tablets become part of a mobile lab? Do they fit with existing equipment? What additional equipment is necessary (cords, chargers, etc.)?     
3.   Set some specification parameters.
1. Disk size, amount of memory
2. Amount of battery life, recharging time
3. Additional ports
4. Broadband, wireless, networking features
5. Docking station possibilities
6. Additional features such built-in cameras and more
4. Other considerations:
1. Choosing between the slate design and the convertible laptop/tablet design
2. For the convertible model: How easy is it to change from the laptop mode to the tablet mode, or from the tablet mode to the laptop mode? How strong are the hinges?
3. The stylus, the pen, the point stick, the keyboard: How accurate is the touch? Does the pen require a battery? Is the keyboard full-sized? Is the keyboard spill-resistant? Is there a trackball/track stick?
5. Compare vendor offerings at a web site such as www.cnet.com. For educators, a site like www.journeyed.com provides links to specific pricing discounts for the education community. 
   

Before You Buy

• What are the warranty options?
• What are the education and quantity pricing options?
• Is a trial unit (or group of units) available for use prior to making a purchase decision? Enlist some intended users to test the chosen tablet PC before making the actual purchase.
  

Upcoming Workshop

The Workshop on the Impact of Pen-based Technology on Education (WIPTE)

WIPTE, first held at Purdue in 2006, provides an annual meeting place where tablet-using educators can share research, best practices and the latest in innovation. The 2009 WIPTE sessions take place Oct. 12 – 13 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Registration is $50. Complete information on the conference—and the call for papers, posters and videos—can be found online at www.wipte.org.

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