Tablet vs computer?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by scm1721, Sep 24, 2012.

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  1. scm1721

    scm1721 New Member

    Has anyone tried to complete an online degree program with a tablet like an ipad with a keyboard? Is that an ok option? Or is it better to use an actual computer? Thanks for any insight ahead of time.
     
  2. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    Almost without exception, in 2012, professors in online classes are going to expect you to have a computer running Microsoft Windows equipped with the Microsoft Office suite. It's not outside the realm of possibility that you'll be able to complete your online class using a computer running a different OS with a different productivity suite, but you will for the most part be on your own trying to do so. Unless you're a computer expert, I wouldn't advise you to sign up for that level of extra work. A entry-level Windows-based laptop will run you $300-500 right now, kitting it out with Office Student and Teacher edition will add about another $100 to the price.

    In a few years, however, I expect to see online courses designed to be delivered via tablets. The form factor is compelling, the devices are cheap, and consumers will be demanding it. Right now, though - a laptop is your best bet. Too many existing courses expect you to have one, and it will take time for that content to be changed.
     
  3. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I would say that a tablet might be a nice addition to your online studies, but you should first have a good quality traditional computer. A tablet does not have the features you need without some modification. One thing you will surely need is a keyboard, which are available for many tablets, but they will not be as easy to use as those on a full computer. Most of them also use solid-state memory which is not as fast as a regular hard drive. There would probably be other limitations to using a pad or tablet.

    I would expect that you could possibly make it through on a tablet, but it would be more efficient and productive to use a traditional computer, laptop or desktop.
     
  4. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    You might need only laptop computer, or laptop computer with tablet. The tablet is convenient, but many features cannot serve your online classes.

    I would recommend laptop...
     
  5. TonyM

    TonyM Member

    A tablet alone won't do. You will definitely need access to a regular keyboard and computer. You don't really need Windows or Mac, though, unless you're using required software.
     
  6. RAM PhD

    RAM PhD Member

    Excellent question. I too would recommend either a desktop or laptop. Personally, except when traveling, I prefer the desktop. But that's a matter of preference, a good laptop would suffice.
     
  7. scottae316

    scottae316 New Member

    Actually solid-state drives are faster than regular hard drives. Solid state drives access almost instantaneous while a regular hard drive must spin the disk from the allocation table to the spot on the drive and then read it and transfer it into memory.

    A tablet could be used for many things but you would need one with more memory (at least 64 GB) and at that cost you may has well buy a laptop that will give you more storage.
     
  8. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I agree with Fortunato (somewhat). For the most part, you are going to need to have a computer capable of running the Microsoft Office Productivity Suite. I would add that in addition to a Windows-based PC you should also be able to use a computer running Mac OS X. You might be able to try Linux with some open version of the office suite, but if you were going to go that route, you probably wouldn't be asking us on this forum.

    Depending on the LMS software that your school uses, your choice of browser may be relevant, but with the exception of Internet Explorer (which isn't supported in Mac OS X anymore), you should be able to run most browsers in either OS. You can even run Mac's native Safari browser in IE mode (if you are moderately savvy with computers) in situations that demand IE (like completing the FAFSA, for some odd reason).

    In general, it is best to view a tablet as a device for a consumer of content rather than a producer of content, even though that distinction is starting to blur.

    I have attempted to access different LMSes (Blackboard, Blackboard Vista, and Instructure Canvas) using tablets and smartphones (both Android and iOS based), and I have found that nothing substitutes for using a computer in such instances. I have had no trouble using either a Mac or a Windows PC.
     
  9. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    I bought a little Acer netbook and used it almost exclusively for the last 30 hours or so of my Charter Oak degree. With its long battery life and small footprint I used it on theambulance doing schoolwork in between running calls. Best $300 I ever spent on electronics. I used Open Office and just saved my work in rtf or MS Word, never had any big problems though occasionally something wouldn't format quite right and I would export it to a PC running the MS Office Suite.

    Tablet would be great for studying for CLEP but less than ideal for writing docs IMO.
     
  10. denzaltrueman

    denzaltrueman New Member

    A product does not have the functions you need without some adjustment. One factor you will absolutely need is a key pad, which are available for many pills, but they will not be as simple to use as those on a complete pc.
     
  11. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I preferred doing all my online courses on a desktop. It worked out well for me.

    Have fun!

    Abner :smile:
     
  12. denzaltrueman

    denzaltrueman New Member

    A product does not have the functions you need without some adjustment. One factor you will absolutely need is a key pad, which are available for many pills, but they will not be as simple to use as those on a complete pc. Most of them also use solid-state storage which is not as quick as a frequent disk generate.
     

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