Koldov Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 I have been tasked with finding a tablet with 'cellular' access, that SLT can share when they go to meetings. I don't use tablets myself, so I'm unsure what to recommend. The current SLT thinking is obviously an iPad (they currently all have a Wi-Fi only version), but the Business Manager is having a heart attack... The plus sides for iPad is easy to use (everyone knows how to use them), 'virtually virus free', good app support, auto-update of OS, plus we have all school iPads on Meraki, etc. Are there other tablets these days that are robust, reasonable cost, reliable, manageable...? We have 6 Android tablets (Fusion 5) sitting in a cupboard that were bought on a wim by the Business Manager (because they were cheap on Amazon) and I found the company that produced them stopped supporting them almost as soon as we bought them (2016). Two of the batteries started blowing, 3 of the chargers stopped working... and I don't know enough about android tablets to update the rest (stuck on Jellybean 4.1.1) or actually make them do anything useful... It really put me off the whole idea of Android tablets if I'm honest...
bald_pig Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 I have been tasked with finding a tablet with 'cellular' access, that SLT can share when they go to meetings. I don't use tablets myself, so I'm unsure what to recommend. The current SLT thinking is obviously an iPad (they currently all have a Wi-Fi only version), but the Business Manager is having a heart attack... The plus sides for iPad is easy to use (everyone knows how to use them), 'virtually virus free', good app support, auto-update of OS, plus we have all school iPads on Meraki, etc. Are there other tablets these days that are robust, reasonable cost, reliable, manageable...? We have 6 Android tablets (Fusion 5) sitting in a cupboard that were bought on a wim by the Business Manager (because they were cheap on Amazon) and I found the company that produced them stopped supporting them almost as soon as we bought them (2016). Two of the batteries started blowing, 3 of the chargers stopped working... and I don't know enough about android tablets to update the rest (stuck on Jellybean 4.1.1) or actually make them do anything useful... It really put me off the whole idea of Android tablets if I'm honest... You get what you pay for... I'd be looking at either an iPad or a samsung galaxy tab. If you're already using iPads I'd stick with that. It might be worth looking for a decent refurb to save some money. 1
Arthur Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 (edited) I would go with an iPad too. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e seems like the only decent Android tablet left. The 4G model is a similar price to an iPad, so there isn't any point. ^ These Apple prices exclude VAT, but you should be able to get them cheaper through a reseller. Edited July 4, 2019 by Arthur 1
Zammo Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 The iPad may cost a bit more but is the obvious choice. Like you said - it just works, everyone "gets it" and they are ultra reliable I wouldn't consider anything else 1
localzuk Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 To be honest, for this use case? I'd go iPad as well. I don't like buying them but they have a use and this is it really. iPad 9.7" 32GB with 4g is about £350 ex VAT, so not terrible. 1
MatthewL Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 Personally I would do down the Samsung Galaxy Tab route, I much prefer them over Apple. Question is what are they using them for? 1
hallb15 Posted July 4, 2019 Posted July 4, 2019 I think you've answered your own question. If they've all got iPads already and know how to use them, then introducing an android (or other OS) device doesn't make sense. Stick with what they know, and what you know how to support/manage with existing MDM. Get a refurbished iPad 5th gen for £235 inc VAT. https://store.musicmagpie.co.uk/products/apple-ipad-5th-gen-wi-fi-4g-32gb-space-grey-unlocked-67a5a078-a0dc-4ecd-919c-9b39400a590e 1
Koldov Posted July 8, 2019 Author Posted July 8, 2019 (edited) Well.... My Business Manager is busy hunting down bargains.... and firing emails at me left, right and centre... asking if it's any good... Here's the latest: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-iPad-Air-16GB-Refurbished/dp/B07HMPP5QH/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=refurbished+ipad&qid=1562580804&refinements=p_n_feature_three_browse-bin%3A909030031&rnid=909028031&s=computers&sr=1-3 Thoughts? I'm not really up on my iPads, but from the Technical Details/Specifications: iPad Air - (1st Gen - they are on 3rd Gen now?), MD794TY/A-cr, 9.7 inches, 16GB. I think it can still take IOS 12 though. Anybody had an Amazon refurb? Lastly, he is also hoping to chuck in a SIM from one of our Unlimited Data Plans from a school mobile on O2... Is this going to work? Edited July 8, 2019 by Koldov
localzuk Posted July 8, 2019 Posted July 8, 2019 Original iPad Air? Terrible idea. It is at the end of its support from Apple - it won't support iPadOS. You'll need a nano SIM I believe. But it should work, yes.
JATSO Posted July 8, 2019 Posted July 8, 2019 Surely they have a mobile phone with a data plan that they can set up a personal hot spot from their pocket while at meetings and use one of the existing devices, that would be my solution and save the money. I have been tasked with finding a tablet with 'cellular' access, that SLT can share when they go to meetings. I don't use tablets myself, so I'm unsure what to recommend. The current SLT thinking is obviously an iPad (they currently all have a Wi-Fi only version), but the Business Manager is having a heart attack... The plus sides for iPad is easy to use (everyone knows how to use them), 'virtually virus free', good app support, auto-update of OS, plus we have all school iPads on Meraki, etc. Are there other tablets these days that are robust, reasonable cost, reliable, manageable...? We have 6 Android tablets (Fusion 5) sitting in a cupboard that were bought on a wim by the Business Manager (because they were cheap on Amazon) and I found the company that produced them stopped supporting them almost as soon as we bought them (2016). Two of the batteries started blowing, 3 of the chargers stopped working... and I don't know enough about android tablets to update the rest (stuck on Jellybean 4.1.1) or actually make them do anything useful... It really put me off the whole idea of Android tablets if I'm honest...
p858snake Posted July 8, 2019 Posted July 8, 2019 What do your SLT want to archive with the tablet? Do they want to take notes? read their emails? Plan world domination? play a game of solitaire? If they have work phones with data (and they just hotspot), maybe something like a MS Surface (I believe HP and a few others have similar devices), So they have a full windows device, but can easily remove the keyboard and go to tablet mode.
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