Intel has announced the availability of a pair of tablets, one 7-inch and one 10-inch, that were designed specifically for meeting the needs of students and educators. The Intel Education Tablets come with software intended to help students complete projects, read their assignments, and even perform experiments. The 10-inch tablet will also come with additional hardware including a plug-in thermal probe and a snap-on magnification lens. Intel is hoping to get the devices into classrooms as more school systems transition to more digital content delivery and learning.
Intel is including a suite of software that will come preloaded on the tablets. For students, some of the titles include Kno Interactive eReader, PASCO SPARKvue Science, My Notes Keeper, and ArtRage. If the tablet is being used by a teach or other educator, they will have access to a classroom management app. Intel is even trying to help out IT administrators by including anti-virus software and theft-deterrent apps.
The 10-inch tablet will come loaded with Android 4.0 running on an Intel Atom processor clocked at 1.6GHz, 1GB of RAM, a 1280×800 TFT LCD screen, a rear-facing 2MP camera and a front-facing 0.3MP camera. The 7-inch tablet carries a 1.2GHz Intel Atom processor, a 1024×600 TFT LCD screen, and 1 GB of RAM running Android 4.1.
As you may note, the hardware specs for the devices are not the greatest. It seems likely Intel intends to sell these at a low price point directly to school systems. Apple recently inked a deal with the Los Angeles school system to provide iPads to all students, but that deal has been met with skepticism and some outright challenges over the cost. So there could be a market for Intel's devices, especially in areas where budgets are especially tight.
If your local school system was going to distribute tablet devices to all students, would you want them to look at these Intel Education Tablets as a possible solution?
source: Intel
I absolutely would want my local schools in the Reno/Tahoe area to look at all options, especially this one from Intel. Intel has played a role in education for quite some time, and clearly there is a savings when compared to /apple products. I run a nonprofit and have tried for some time to engage Apple from a philanthropic side, but they have very little interest. While they may offer schools some discount from the store pricing, I doubt it is any real bargain. Intel and Android devices, on the other hand, have much smaller margins and can utilize aftermarket apps, another thing not possible with iPads.
Yes. They should look at them. My daughter in CCSD las vegas was issued an ipad last year and it was ok to use but it was not use to its potential. If intel made them with the right apps and such. It would be a better choice. Cost aside. Then figure in cost difference. It should be a no brainer.