Google Apps - Use ipads or Android Devices

[gopackgo]

We are just starting to put Google Apps in place. The next step for us is we want to get some tablets for the students to use in the classroom. We had been thinking ipads as they are so popular with schools but would we get more functionality/integration with Google apps if we use Android based tablets? Or, chromebooks?

 

Thanks.

[jmak]

Chromebooks and Android tablets are available for half the price of iPads - so potentially twice as many kids having it available to them...

[gopackgo]

Right, I guess I'm looking for what advantages/disadvantages there would be either way. That way we can determine if it's worth the extra cost. For example, if a lot more textbooks are available digitally for the ipad platform, that would be a factor etc.

[robjduk]

We looked at iPads, Nexus devices and Kindle Fires but the Chromebook blew them all away on cost and end user experience. In a nutshell, managing tablets is still a pain in the arse even if there are now a few apps to do it. Chromebooks work in seconds, are a joy to manage with the added bonus of a full keyboard experience at the end of it.

[gopackgo]

Well, we are going to order a couple chromebooks and a couple android tablets. That way, we can evaluate them ourselves and compare the two. What android tablet would you recommend for right around $300USD?

 

Do you guys have some hints to get us started as far as how to initially set them up? What do you consider mandatory for setting these up for a primary and middle school? We already have Google Apps setup so it they would be getting integrated into that account.