Laptops

 

 

 

 

(Image:  http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/kit/tr/classtek.htm)

 Laptops come equipped with wireless capabilities which provide the ideal solution in the classroom.  Wireless networks enable teachers and students to take the technology with them as they move. Students no longer need to go down to the computer lab. Teachers can bring a computer lab to almost any classroom.  They are smaller than the tower computer, which makes them more portable and convenient for students and teachers to use.  Laptops makes it easier for teachers to closely monitor student activities. 

The disadvantage to laptops are the screens that present a barrier between the teacher and the students.  But laptops provide the opportunity for students to take the computer home for assignments.  For students who don't have access to computers at home, this is a wonderful tool. 

 
Handheld Computers

(Image: http://www.palm.com/us/ )

 

 

 Handhelds or personal digital assistants (PDAs) -- are small enough to hold in one hand and lightweight enough to carry in a pocket, purse, or briefcase. Several well-known companies, including Palm, Handspring, Sony, Casio, and Hewlett-Packard, manufacture the devices, originally designed to help business people keep track of their contacts and appointments. Educators are beginning to see that the handy little gadgets can benefit students too, and handhelds are turning up in backpacks as well as briefcases.

Handheld computers are cheaper than laptops or tower computers.  Which is a big consideration when it comes to school budgets.  They have less moving parts, so there is much less that can go wrong with them.  Schools are using handheld computers for a variety of tasks and activities.  More and more school officials believe these devices are the best way to put a computer in the hands of each student.

Whereas the size can be an advantage, it can also present disadvantages.  Being so small, theft could be a problem, and also the size of the screen could be difficult to read.  Students with a visual handicap, could especially have problems with this new handheld device.

Handheld computers function using handwriting-recognition software, a stylus, and a pressure-sensitive screen or with an optional keyboard. They uplink and downlink to desktop computers, which allows you to transfer the latest version of, say, your calendar from one to the other. Because they weigh only grams and are small enough to fit in your pocket, they have a size and weight advantage over laptops. Because of their extremely small size, they can be locked up in a secure location.  They also beat laptops in terms of battery life: Most handhelds run for about two weeks on two AA batteries. After about three hours of use, most laptops are running on fumes.

 
Tablet PC

(Image:  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/)tabletpc/default.asp

The Tablet PC is a new revelation into the world of technology. The product makes connecting with other people, and producing high-quality projects and notes ten times easier for everyone, from students, to business men.  Though the Tablet PC has yet to be released, it will be the size of a laptop, and will weigh about 3 pounds. Due to its size and weight, the Tablet PC will be able to go virtually anywhere.  The Tablet has the speed and power of a desktop, with the portability and digital touch-screen capabilities of a PDA. 

The Tablet PC is just like using a pad and paper.  Instead of integrating a flip-up screen, the tablet machines will more closely resemble large personal digital assistants (PDAs), in that the screens will lay flat or pivot to create more of an ideal writing surface.  Students use a digital pen to take notes directly on the screen, and converted to text automatically.  Notes can be taken, saved and searched by keywords or phrases to call up portions needed for future reference. 

The Tablet PC has the potential to rewrite how students interact with computers altogether. 

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