Tablets: iPads, Windows, Androids | Chromebooks | Laptops: Apple, Windows
Changes in device requirements
We’ve made some changes to what we consider acceptable devices based on feedback from teachers and students. This does not mean that you have to buy a new device for your student. But when you do buy a new device, it should meet these new guidelines:
Battery life: The minimum battery life requirement remains the same at 7 hours. You might consider a device with a longer battery life if you will want your student to use their device after school as well as during school.
Screen size: 9 inches. Last year we said that the screen size should be at least 7 inches. Students tended to have more problems with smaller screened devices and students with larger tablets report that they are happier with their devices.
Tablet Storage: The minimum memory requirement remains the same at 16MB. Please note however that this is the amount of space that we recommend for school use. If a student will have their personal games, music, photos and videos on a device then you should look for a device with more memory or expandable memory.
Tablet Type: Students have had more problems with certain types of tablets than others. While these devices might work fine for some applications, they don’t work well for school work. We don’t think you should buy tablets that use non-standard versions of Android (for example Nooks & Kindles), that use older versions of Android (older than 4.3), that use the discontinued version of Microsoft Windows (Windows RT) or that use hardware that is more than 3 years old (iPad 2)
Tablets (iPads)
The majority of our students use the Apple iPad. They report very few problems with the full size iPads. Our teachers all have iPads and will be more likely to be able to help with iPads than with other devices. You can lease an iPad from Lincoln Lutheran for $23 per month.
Although you can still purchase them, we do not recommend the iPad 2. When you look at ads, make sure you are getting the iPad that you intend to. The other iPads listed below will all work, but will become outdated sooner than the latest model.
You might consider checking out the Refurbished iPads from the Apple Store. They come with completely new exteriors and a full warranty. Mr. Sommerer has been happy with the refurbished Apple products that he has purchased for school and personal use. The iPad models that are available from their refurbished section change frequently.
- The rate column is a composite score from several review sites.
- The cost column is the lowest price we could find; typically refurbished or Black Friday.
- You can sort the tables by clicking on the column headings in blue.
Tablets (Windows)
There are two types of Windows tablets. Tablets that use Windows RT and tablets that use Windows 8.1. You do not want a tablet that uses Windows RT. Students report many more problems with Windows RT tablets than with Windows 8.1 tablets. Unfortunately it is not always easy to tell which is which. For instance: the Windows Surface 2 is Windows RT, while the Windows Surface Pro is Windows 8.1. All of the tablets listed below use Windows 8.1.
Tablets (Android)
Android tablets were the devices that students were least satisfied with for school related uses. We no longer recommend devices that use older versions of the Android operating system or devices that use non-standard versions of the Android operating system (this includes the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook). There are hundreds of Android devices. The ones listed below have the best chance of working as part of our 1:1 initiative. Be wary of purchasing a similarly named, but older version of these devices. If the prices are a lot cheaper than the prices listed here, make sure you are getting the same device.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks were the student’s least favorite device for personal use (music, games…) but they seemed to work well for school related tasks. Mr. Heibel has been using a Chrombook and finds that it works well. Chromebooks are not full-featured laptops. They are designed to use Google’s internet based applications. They also don’t cost as much as a laptop. There are other Chrombooks available, make sure you check their battery life before purchasing.
Apple Laptops
Apple laptops received high scores from our students. We recommend that you take a look at the refurbished ones on Apple’s online store. If you are buying local, Computer Hardware Inc (just South of O street on 70th) has always been very good to Lincoln Lutheran.
Windows Laptops
We realize that you can buy Windows laptops for much less than those listed here. However, the battery life on those laptops will not meet our minimum requirements. We believe that this is a complete list of Windows laptops that have the required battery life.