When purchasing a tablet for school, there are many factors to consider, whether you are a teacher or student. This guide is intended to help you think about everything you need, so you can get the best tablet for your requirements.
These all-in-one devices are one of the most portable ways to have the best of computers, smartphones, and big screens all in one mobile unit. Today, thanks to powerful processing and extensive operating systems, you can get a near-laptop-level experience, without the weight or expense.
Since they have large screens, cameras, speakers, motion sensors, and microphones, there is very little these tablets can't do. Read on to find out what you need and what you don't, so you can choose the perfect tablet for you.
What is it for?
When purchasing a tablet for school, a primary consideration is what its primary uses will be. Get this right and you won't waste money on features you don't need, but you also shouldn't be left without features when you need them for a specific task.
Is this for use as a tablet only or will it have more laptop-like needs? Most tablets now handle basic tasks like word processing and spreadsheets, thanks to online offerings. The higher-end models are even very capable for gaming, as well as some basic image and video editing. But for anything very serious, even the best tablets have their limits.
Some tablets come with detachable keyboards, which can make word processing much more effective. That said, most will work with any Bluetooth keyboard, in case you want to add it later.
Keep the operating system in mind, as this can determine how well it works with school systems. This can also help you think about which apps you'll be able to use most easily.
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Most tablets have high-resolution screens, but the level varies by model. Size is also an area that can vary, so it's worth thinking about how portable you want it to be compared to the screen size you need. The bigger the screen, the more likely you are to pay and the weight will also be higher.
Many screens are deeply touch-sensitive and some are designed specifically for styluses. So if you want to use this for tasks like drawing or marking, it's also worth checking out a dedicated pen system.
Resolution and colors are the two main metrics worth considering when analyzing screen quality. Additionally, HDR support and refresh rates are features that can help deliver the best movie playback quality, if that's a feature you'll use frequently.
Speed and storage
Most tablets come with powerful processors and plenty of RAM to handle many tasks required by apps built for those operating systems. You may want a faster processor, with more RAM, if you plan to play high-end games or edit videos or images.
You can save money by purchasing a slower processor or less RAM, but this may mean the tablet won't last as long. So consider whether this is actually an initial savings or whether you're limiting the potential lifespan of your device and won't get as much bang for your buck in the long run.
Storage is another feature that may be worth exploring ahead of time. If you're not going to store everything in the cloud, you'll need space for images, audio, and general media files. Additionally, you'll want space for apps, so consider what you'll need on the device before choosing a hard drive size.
Connectivity
Since a tablet is a standalone device, it is important to have decent connectivity. From casting to a screen in class to sharing files over the air and connecting to external devices like speakers and headphones, it's helpful to have options.
For the fastest and widest wireless connectivity, you'll want to have WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 or higher. It's also worth keeping in mind the physical connections, including USB, microSD, HDMI, headphone jack and DisplayPort.
Charging is another area worth taking a close look at, as not all tablets charge at the same speed. Something with a high-speed charger can mean getting back to full power in less time – ideal if you need this to last a long period between charging stops.
Prices
The cost of purchasing a tablet for school varies greatly, from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. As such, you'll want to consider what you're paying for, as brands like Apple and Microsoft charge a premium for those names.
That said, those names mean a high-quality product and warranty coverage for your peace of mind. You're also paying for their platforms where app designers offer the latest and greatest apps, something that is factored into that upfront cost.
You may want to use it with a case, keyboard, stylus, mouse, headphones, or speaker, so consider factoring these into your costs before finally settling on the model for you. Good luck!
