OK, let's get back to basics. The kids are 14, 12 and 9. Do I want a tablet or a netbook? Which features do I want? We have 2 desktops that they have access to, so anything their own computers can't do can be done as they always have. If I can decide which type of computer I want to buy, I'm good to go.
OK so I'm down to 2 choices, and I think I've decided: It's between the Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Student package, and I think I'll go with the Galaxy: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...for-the-money-coming-soon-to-Best-Buy_id33150 It comes with a keyboard dock, expandable memory, and a better capacity for taking pictures. I would sacrifice some of the features of the Nexus (GPS, and a few others I forget) but at the moment it seems like the better choice. Until, of course, someone who knows what they're doing tells me differently. Anyone want to comment?
The Tab looks great Alice! My friend was just talking about it yesterday, her parents both have one and she is thinking of getting one herself. I don't know too much about tablets, but it sounded like you wanted something that your kids could be productive on, not just play games. I think the keyboard and USB will let them do just that. I haven't seen those features on any other tablets.
Thanks, LMichele!!! It's so good to hear from someone (who at least knows someone) who actually owns it.
Well, for better or worse, I just placed the order through walmart. Three Galaxy Tab 2 student editions, to be delivered to my neighbor in about a week. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Well, my own kids use school supplied calculators. My students don't use calculators until they hit Trigonometry, in January of the year they take Geometry (for most, that's sophomore year.) At that point, they use a $12 TI30XA. My school focuses pretty strongly on the basics. So the issue you address isn't a matter of concern for my own children or those kids I teach. ETA-- the now-deleted post to which I was replying questioned what kids would do when an expensive computer broke, destroying the screen.
For what it's worth, I'm VERY glad I bought when I did!! One week later, and the Student Edition of the Tab 2 is pretty close to impossible to find online.
I was just reading they're expected to announce the iPad Mini (or whatever it will be called) this month for a release in November. Rumored to run around $250. It will be interesting to see - I'm sure they're wanting to compete with the Kindle Fire, etc.