School tablets: our top recommendations
Finding the Perfect School Tablet: A Guide
When it comes to choosing a tablet for school, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get a device that meets your needs and school requirements. Here's a breakdown of the key features to look for.
Operating System (OS)
Choose an OS that is compatible with your existing devices and software. The main options are iPadOS, Android, Windows, and Chrome OS. iPadOS currently leads in popularity, especially in the U.S., but Android is a strong contender.
Screen Size and Quality
A screen size of at least 9 to 11 inches with high resolution is ideal for clarity when reading, note-taking, and multitasking during classes. The screen size affects readability of texts and display quality.
Performance
Look for a tablet with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM to handle multitasking, online classes, and any specialized software you may need. The Xiaomi Pad 7, for instance, boasts a high refresh rate of 144 Hertz, while the Microsoft Surface Go 4 houses an Intel Inside N200 processor with up to 3.7 GHz and Quad-Core.
Battery Life
Ensure the tablet has long battery life (ideally 7 hours or more) to last through a full school day without frequent recharging. The Lenovo Tab Plus, for example, offers a battery life of twelve hours in streaming mode.
Stylus/Pen Support
For note-taking, annotating PDFs, or drawing, tablets supporting an active stylus (like Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or similar) improve productivity, especially for engineering or art students.
Storage Capacity
Sufficient storage (like 128GB or higher) helps manage documents, apps, assignments, and media files without running out of space quickly. Many tablets, except for the iPad, offer the possibility to expand storage via microSD card.
Budget
Consider what you are willing to spend. Budget tablets offer good value and capabilities for students, but higher-end models provide better performance and features. Some popular budget options include the Redmi Pad 2 and Amazon Fire HD 10, while the Apple iPad 11-inch is an excellent but pricier choice.
Additional Considerations
- A pure WLAN tablet can save money compared to a model with an additional SIM card slot.
- Tablets promote collaboration through features like shared document editing.
- If notes and text inputs are necessary, check if the tablet is compatible with a keyboard or stylus.
- It's advisable to inquire at the school about the recommended model.
- Samsung and Lenovo offer more affordable tablets that can suffice for school use, provided they meet the child's needs and school requirements.
In summary, prioritize a tablet with an OS matching your school’s software ecosystem, a large high-quality screen, good performance with enough RAM, solid battery life, stylus support if needed, adequate storage, and a price that fits your budget. The Xiaomi Pad 7, Lenovo Tab Plus, and Microsoft Surface Go 4 are alternatives to the highly recommended sixth-generation iPad Air for school use.
What about the compatibility of the tablet with gadgets like a stylus or a keyboard? It's essential to consider this factor, especially for students who need such accessories for improved productivity, such as engineering or art students.
Moreover, have you considered the impact of technology on the environment when choosing your school tablet? Given the rapid advancement of gadgets, it's important to make conscious decisions that promote sustainability and reduce electronic waste.
