Help me create the ultimate Pros / Cons list for I-Pad, Android, Win8.1 and Learnpad

[edutech4schools]

I would like to create a pros / cons list that will help me decide a product type for each of my primary schools, taking in to account the fact they have limited funding and already have a MS servers and system in place. This is not a bashing post so please keep information on topic and to the point as I do not want this post to get locked.

 

Anyway, I have made a start and pulled some info from other posts. I will edit and add to this top post any relevant info I find in the following posts.

 

I also understand that this is a subjective subject (As you will see I am not an Apple fan but willing to be enlightened), what I might love someone else will hate but between the mighty herd of edugeekers I am sure we could come up with a handy list that is not too biased.

 

 

iPads

Pros

Lots of Apps (1 Million apps)

??????

 

 

Cons

-Expensive (£400 - £500) although the iPad Mini starts from £250.

-Not very upgradable from a hardware angle.

-Non user replaceable battery

-Almost impossible to fully lock down and secure. I know of some schools via a forum on edugeek that they are having to fully re-install the I-Pad at the end of every day due to children messing with the settings.

-Probably requires other systems to work properly in a school environment such as an Apple server or Mac Book.

-Designed for single user usage (Pupils can’t log in as themselves)

-Only has single Profile

-Not Easily integrated with current systems or software

-More people are buying and using Android for example, 65% of all tablets expected to ship in 2014 will be Android, 30% will be I-Pads and for the phone OS (which is important) By the end of this current year, 798 million of them will run Android, 294 million will run Apple’s iOS (Canalys: Half Of All PCs Shipped in 2014 Will Be Tablets; Android 65%, Apple 30% | TechCrunch)

 

 

 

 

MS Windows 8.1 Pro (I was thinking of something like the ASUS Transformer Book T100, which is cheap £350 and both a laptop and a tablet) ASUS Transformer Book T100 Convertible Notebook Tablet, Specs & More. If the ASUS is not powerful enough something like the Surface Pro would be a good choice but you will need to factor in the extra cost.

 

Pros

-Best of both Worlds, can be used as a tablet or can be used as a laptop

-Compatibility – Will work with all current software purchased in the school including Sims and Smartboard software.

-Depending on the make memory can be upgraded.

-Very secure

-Works with existing network including printers

-(Not a shared user profile) Each user logs in and get their own profile, software, network drives, and security.

-Windows is used in the workplace

-Although the Windows App store is new and small you still have access to all the normal windows software which I would imagine is too many to count and way more than I-pad or Android have.

-Works with current Office software

-Very easy to manage MS devises on the network.

-No additional hardware or software will be required to run this type of system in the school.

-No additional time will be required to add users as they are already setup

 

Cons

 

 

 

Windows 8.1 standard

 

Pros

???????

 

Cons

???????

 

 

 

Windows RT

 

Pros

Has ability to have multiple users, but does not give you the ability to log in "as yourself" on them

 

Cons

Has ability to have multiple users, but does not give you the ability to log in "as yourself" on them

 

 

 

Android

 

Pros

-Lots of apps (1 Million apps)

-Depending on the make memory can be upgraded

-OS software is very customizable (You can choose to have icons or widgets on the desktops etc or completely change the look and feel of the device, You can even make an android device look like an I-Pad)

-Integrates with Google Apps for Education

-Has ability to have multiple users, but don't give you the ability to log in "as yourself" on them

 

Cons

-Almost impossible to fully lock down and secure.

-Has ability to have multiple users, but don't give you the ability to log in "as yourself" on them

-Not Easily integrated with current systems or software

 

 

 

LearnPad - LearnPad - The Tablet Computer Designed for Education

 

Pros

-Has its own Educational App store in addition to the Android app store - Store - LearnPad

-Different user profiles. Users can log in and get a different desktop profile and apps. For example you can login as a senco and get a nice senco orientated device. SEN Profile - Store - LearnPad

-Can connect to a users home drive

-Very secure can be locked down to prevent access to settings.

-Can be set up to change profile and apps simply by scanning a bar code (Pupils love this)

-Entire sets of tablets can be controlled by the teacher from a very easy web system. You can also display a single tablet display on the smartboard to help a pupil or show the class something someone is doing.

 

 

Cons

????

Edited November 28, 2013 by edutech4schools

[Jawloms]

For Windows, are you thinking the RT or Pro route? Or do you need another section so you have a pro/con list for each?

[fiza]

Very useful exercise as I am looking at the same thing but at Secondary School level.

Ours want access to windows shares and similar applications so we are leaning towards windows 8.1 devices but not sure which device would be best.

[VeryPC_Colin_M]

This is a great idea @edutech4schools

[fiza]

For Windows, are you thinking the RT or Pro route? Or do you need another section so you have a pro/con list for each?

 

No point for RT as they have practically said they will be dropping it.

[localzuk]

No point for RT as they have practically said they will be dropping it.

 

No they haven't. They've said they likely won't be having 3 OS's in the future. That doesn't mean one is being dropped, it means they may merge 2 of them or something different.

[edutech4schools]

For Windows, are you thinking the RT or Pro route? Or do you need another section so you have a pro/con list for each?

 

Only the full OS not the RT

[edutech4schools]

Ours want access to windows shares and similar applications so we are leaning towards windows 8.1 devices but not sure which device would be best.

 

If it was down to me I would be getting Windows 8.1 as everything is in place for them to work, but I have decided to let the schools decide the course they take.

[localzuk]

The comparison is somewhat difficult to make, due to the volume of different tablets. The Surface Pro 2 for example has an i5 processor in it, and as such battery life is lower than, say, an Asus Atom based device. However, the i5 model will run Photoshop with ease but the Atom based one will be sluggish with it.

[fiza]

No they haven't. They've said they likely won't be having 3 OS's in the future. That doesn't mean one is being dropped, it means they may merge 2 of them or something different.

 

Whichever way it goes RT will not exist. Merge with another OS but i bet they wont callthe result RT

[edutech4schools]

The comparison is somewhat difficult to make, due to the volume of different tablets. The Surface Pro 2 for example has an i5 processor in it, and as such battery life is lower than, say, an Asus Atom based device. However, the i5 model will run Photoshop with ease but the Atom based one will be sluggish with it.

 

You are correct but none of my primary schools will be using heavy software like Photoshop but I will update my top post to reflect the choice.

[edutech4schools]

The comparison is somewhat difficult to make, due to the volume of different tablets. The Surface Pro 2 for example has an i5 processor in it, and as such battery life is lower than, say, an Asus Atom based device. However, the i5 model will run Photoshop with ease but the Atom based one will be sluggish with it.

You are correct but none of my primary schools will be using heavy software like Photoshop but I will update my top post to reflect the choice.

 

Rather than creating a new pros / cons list for the Surface Pro, I have added some info to the Windows 8 section. If I get a few more differences I will create a seperate list.

[edutech4schools]

Just realised the transformer T100 is Windows 8 and not Windows 8 pro.

 

Am I right in thinking Windows RT is different from Windows 8 which I know is different from Windows 8 pro.

[Norphy]

A lot of the cons you list for iOS there are applicable to other tablets as well. For example:

 

"-Not very upgradable from a hardware angle."

Nor are any of the others, Microsoft tablets included.

 

"-Non user replaceable battery"

The amount of tablets where you can replace the battery can be counted on a blind butchers hand.

 

"-Apple is quick to abandon technology that hinders the evolution of Apple products."

At least with Apple tablets, you can be reasonably sure that they'll run the latest version of the OS for at least a couple of years down the line. Not so with all Android tablets. We have a Galaxy Note which is stuck on 4.1 for example.

 

"-Almost impossible to fully lock down and secure. I know of some schools via a forum on edugeek that they are having to fully re-install the I-Pad at the end of every day due to children messing with the settings."

From what I've seen, Android tablets aren't that hot in that regard either.

 

"-Probably requires other systems to work properly in a school environment such as an Apple server or Mac Book."

Not so. You need an MDM to manage them en-masse, it doesn't have to be another Apple system. And if you have any sense, you'd be managing Androids and Windows RT devices with MDMs too, whether it be Meraki, Intune or whatever.

 

"-Designed for single user usage (Pupils can’t log in as themselves)"

Although Android and Windows RT devices have the ability to have multiple users, they still don't give you the ability to log in "as yourself" on them.

 

"-You need to buy in to the Apple ecosystem."

You need to buy into the Google ecosystem with an Android device. You need to buy into the Windows eco-system with a Windows RT device.

 

"-Not Easily integrated with current systems or software"

Neither are Androids particularly. Can you manually set a proxy on an Android device without hacking it yet?

 

"-Apple is a locked in ecosystem."

Whichever system you go for, you're "locked into" their ecosystem. You can't buy an Android app and expect the license to carry over to a Windows device. The only disadvantage here is that Apple are your only source for hardware and software whereas at least with the other big two you have a choice of hardware vendor and with Google you can install apps from third party sources.

 

I'm all for making lists like this but I can't help but feel you're falling for the anti-Apple FUD that goes around.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Norphy

[Norphy]

Just realised the transformer T100 is Windows 8 and not Windows 8 pro.

 

Am I right in thinking Windows RT is different from Windows 8 which I know is different from Windows 8 pro.

 

The T100 is still an Intel device, it doesn't come with Windows RT. RT is ARM only. You'd be able to install 8.1 Pro on there. It'd just cost more for the license. The difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro is like the difference between Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Pro.

[edutech4schools]

Thanks for you post.

 

"-Not very upgradable from a hardware angle."

Nor are any of the others, Microsoft tablets included.

 

I can choose a hybrid laptop that comes with the option to change the SSD drive or add memory although I agree that lots do not allow this. I will leave the I-Pad info but update the other sections

[edutech4schools]

"-Non user replaceable battery"

The amount of tablets where you can replace the battery can be counted on a blind butchers hand.

 

Again the buyer can choose to buy one that does allow the battery to be replaced. I chose my last phone based on being able to change the memory and battery.

[edutech4schools]

"-Apple is quick to abandon technology that hinders the evolution of Apple products."

At least with Apple tablets, you can be reasonably sure that they'll run the latest version of the OS for at least a couple of years down the line. Not so with all Android tablets. We have a Galaxy Note which is stuck on 4.1 for example.

 

The reason I put that was I read the following which swayed my thinking. I this not correct? Should I remove that info from my post?

 

In the 90s Apple switched from the 68k cpu to the powerPC , making all 68k only software obsolete. That was a time when "FAT Binaries" where introduced, programs capable to install on both, Nevertheless a lot of software had to be purchased new ..

 

When the transition from OS9 to OSX was on the horizon in 99/2000 most people felt betrayed that not only powerpc was the way to go, but that a G3 cpu was needed and no G3 cpu upgrade cards ( very popular back then ) were supported.

 

Apple shipped a OS9 emulator inside OSX, but with Leopard suddenly it was gone :

Again all software from classic OS needed to be exchanged to pure OSX ones

 

When OSX Leopard came out, many people felt also betrayed that it would only run on selected G4 cpus, leaving the G3s behind.

 

Then Snow only for Intels.

 

Then Lion only for 64bit dualcore Intels, leaving early Intels in the dust.

 

So, Can you see a pattern here ?

 

Apple for a business to plan years ahead .. Not really if you consider this history.

 

One day they might decide to switch from Intel to AMD or to ARm or whatever. All over again. It would be no shock for me, knowing Apples "strategy" since 95 :-)

[edutech4schools]

"-Almost impossible to fully lock down and secure. I know of some schools via a forum on edugeek that they are having to fully re-install the I-Pad at the end of every day due to children messing with the settings."

From what I've seen, Android tablets aren't that hot in that regard either

 

Good point. Does anyone know if I was to install a different launcher from the play store would that class as locking it down. Until I get an answer I will update the Android section.

[Norphy]

Also, Pros under Windows devices:

 

"-Best of both Worlds, can be used as a tablet or can be used as a laptop"

 

That can be as much of a disadvantage as well as an advantage. Going by my experience with the Surface RT, it is incredibly jarring to have to go into Desktop mode when you're trying to do something with the Modern interface which isn't supported and the desktop isn't finger friendly when you do. The opposite is also true, how many people hate Metro on their desktops for example? And if you're buying a tablet on the basis that it comes with a keyboard and mouse, well why not buy a laptop to begin with?

 

"-Very long product support cycle (XP was supported under its extended scheme for 10 Years)"

 

That was a freak occurrence, it happened because Vista was so late. Microsoft aren't above dropping support for products which don't sell. See Zune, PlaysForSure, Kin. They also aren't above dropping product lines for no obvious reason such as the ForeFront line.

 

"Again the buyer can choose to buy one that does allow the battery to be replaced. I chose my last phone based on being able to change the memory and battery."

 

We're not talking about phones though, are we? How many tablets have user replaceable batteries? The Asus T100 which you advocated has its battery built into it. I've not seen any Android tabs which have user replaceable batteries. The Microsoft surfaces don't. The Lenovo Yogas don't. It doesn't look like any of the Dell Latitude tablets do.

 

"The reason I put that was I read the following which swayed my thinking. I this not correct? Should I remove that info from my post?"

 

It's correct but I'm not exactly sure that it's relevant. None of those things happened overnight and there was a transition period between them all. For example, the last OS9 release was in December 2001. Leopard was released in 2007. Do you really need six years to transition from OS 9 software? The last G3 computer was released in 2003. Running a new OS on four year old hardware is rarely a good idea. Last PowerMac was released in 2006, Snow Leopard in 2009. And so on. Yes, it's a pain in the bum but things become obsolete eventually. It's also worth pointing out that the latest iOS devices come with a new CPU with a new instruction set and for now at least, Apple are supporting both. I'm sure that they will obsolete the old line eventually but not until the current line has been unavailable for a couple of years.

 

One of the Pros under Android could be considered a con:

 

"-OS software is very customizable (You can choose to have icons or widgets on the desktops etc or completely change the look and feel of the device, You can even make an android device look like an I-Pad)"

 

This also means that unless you get a Nexus device, an Android device from one vendor may end up being operationally very different to one from another. HTC Sense is very different to TouchWiz on Samsung devices for instance. Amazon have forked Android and have come up with something completely different. At least with iOS and Windows devices, the UX is consistent across all devices. And that is extremely important when you're trying to support hundreds of the things.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Norphy

[edutech4schools]

"-Best of both Worlds, can be used as a tablet or can be used as a laptop"

 

That can be as much of a disadvantage as well as an advantage. Going by my experience with the Surface RT, it is incredibly jarring to have to go into Desktop mode when you're trying to do something with the Modern interface which isn't supported and the desktop isn't finger friendly when you do. The opposite is also true, how many people hate Metro on their desktops for example? And if you're buying a tablet on the basis that it comes with a keyboard and mouse, well why not buy a laptop to begin with?

 

I am going to create separate lists RT, Standard and pro

 

"-Very long product support cycle (XP was supported under its extended scheme for 10 Years)"

 

That was a freak occurrence, it happened because Vista was so late. Microsoft aren't above dropping support for products which don't sell. See Zune, PlaysForSure, Kin. They also aren't above dropping product lines for no obvious reason such as the ForeFront line.

 

I will remove that info but not 100% sure I agree from an OS point of view.

 

We're not talking about phones though, are we? How many tablets have user replaceable batteries? The Asus T100 which you advocated has its battery built into it. I've not seen any Android tabs which have user replaceable batteries. The Microsoft surfaces don't. The Lenovo Yogas don't. It doesn't look like any of the Dell Latitude tablets do.

 

Battery bit removed but will leave memory upgradable.

 

"The reason I put that was I read the following which swayed my thinking. I this not correct? Should I remove that info from my post?"

 

It's correct but I'm not exactly sure that it's relevant. None of those things happened overnight and there was a transition period between them all. For example, the last OS9 release was in December 2001. Leopard was released in 2007. Do you really need six years to transition from OS 9 software? The last G3 computer was released in 2003. Running a new OS on four year old hardware is rarely a good idea. Last PowerMac was released in 2006, Snow Leopard in 2009. And so on. Yes, it's a pain in the bum but things become obsolete eventually. It's also worth pointing out that the latest iOS devices come with a new CPU with a new instruction set and for now at least, Apple are supporting both. I'm sure that they will obsolete the old line eventually but not until the current line has been unavailable for a couple of years.

 

Thank you. I have removed the info.

[Arthur]

Whichever way it goes RT will not exist

By the time Microsoft stop supporting the Surface RT/Surface 2, it will be time to replace the tablet anyway.

 

Microsoft will support its Surface RT tablet with updates, including security patches, until April 2017, or nearly four-and-a-half years after its launch.

 

The support lifecycle for the Surface with Windows RT tablet is less than half the usual 10 years Microsoft allots its software products -- including Windows 8 -- but is considerably longer than what Apple has given the first-generation iPad, which has already dropped off the Cupertino, Calif. company's list. (Source)

 

Normally, Microsoft supports consumer and business versions of Windows for five years (the so-called mainstream support phase) with business versions getting an additional five years of extended support.

 

Because Surface with Windows RT is a hardware-software combo, it plays by a different set of rules. Microsoft has decreed that its Mainstream Support End Date will be April 11, 2017, which is nearly 4-1/2 years after the product's initial release date. Because this device is considered a consumer device, there's no Extended Support End Date. (Source)

[edutech4schools]

"-Best of both Worlds, can be used as a tablet or can be used as a laptop"

 

That can be as much of a disadvantage as well as an advantage. Going by my experience with the Surface RT, it is incredibly jarring to have to go into Desktop mode when you're trying to do something with the Modern interface which isn't supported and the desktop isn't finger friendly when you do. The opposite is also true, how many people hate Metro on their desktops for example? And if you're buying a tablet on the basis that it comes with a keyboard and mouse, well why not buy a laptop to begin with?

 

Should have properly looked at your reply.

I am coming at this from a primary school point of view and think most of the basic stuff they will need can be accessed just from the Modern interface.

[edutech4schools]

"-Designed for single user usage (Pupils can’t log in as themselves)"

Although Android and Windows RT devices have the ability to have multiple users, they still don't give you the ability to log in "as yourself" on them.

 

But the other devices in the list do so I will update the android and rt section

[Arthur]

Windows 8 standard

There isn't much point in having a section for Windows 8.0 considering its support period. Staying on 8.0, also means you won't be able to install IE11 (and future versions of IE).

 

"Windows 8 customers will have two years to move to Windows 8.1 after the General Availability of the Windows 8.1 update to continue to remain supported under Windows 8 lifecycle. (Source)

 

I-Pads

A minor nitpick, but would it be possible to change I-Pads to iPads.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Arthur
Thanks Norphy. :-)