Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005: Top 10 Benefits of the Tablet PC in Education
An interesting list of why to buy a student a Tablet PC. I’m thinking a PDA can do most of this, and is even more portable. So here’s my responses.
1. Use One of the Most Advanced Microsoft Operating Systems
You don’t need the bloat of XP to get things done on a PDA.
2. Work from Anywhere with One of the Most Mobile PCs Ever
A good PDA and Keyboard are even more portable.
3. Take All Your Notes Electronically
PDA’s have been doing this for years, you can either use a stylus input or a keyboard.
4. Use Ink Anywhere, Anytime
OK, this one we lose a little ground, the ability to annotate MS Office documents with your own handwriting is a step above what most PDA’s can handle.
5. Record Lectures and Presentations Using Linked Audio
While you can record the audio, you can’t sync it to the notes so easily, another one for the Tablet PC.
6. Personalize Your Experience
PDA’s are extremely customizable, you can use a keyboard, graffiti, fitaly. Those are just a few examples.
7. Let Your Voice Do the Work
Voice commands aren’t quite there yet on most PDA’s then again, talking during class usually isn’t encouraged.
8. Get More Done in Less Time
Productivity is what PDA’s are all about. The ability to do work anytime anywhere. With the increased portability, I’d have to say PDA’s win out here too.
9. Help Protect Critical Data
Security is a huge concern on PC’s. PDA’s are an entirely different story.
10. Deploy and Manage Easily
Not an issue with a PDA, even if it’s Wi-Fi enabled it’s not a PC. It doesn’t need managed by the schools IT department.
That’s 8 out of 10 of the reasons the PDA is as good or better. At one quarter the cost I just don’t see the tablet PC as the solution. Unless you’ve got money to throw around.
I’ll admit if you’ve got the money to spend the abilities of One Note and digital ink are nice. I just don’t see it as the be all end all for students.
As for the digital ink part of the problem, if someone really wants the freedom to write whatever they want and transfer it to their PC. The new Logitech IO2 pen is very nice.
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