[LINK] Apple iPads for Victorian School Students

[Ivan Trundle]

On 02/06/2010, at 3:25 PM, Pilcher, Fred wrote:

> I need my ~$1k PC and I can easily justify my ~$500 netbook. If I had an
> iPad I'd have to justify another ~$900 plus

...assuming that you wish to buy the most expensive iPad available (contrary to your other purchases).

> ... I'd have to ask myself what extra functionality, over my PC and my netbook

In which case, with all due respect, you're not a buyer, Fred. 

Regardless of the cash outlay, it's not a simple matter of delivering 'extra functionality'. Quite the opposite, in real terms. Some things, such as low maintenance and very good battery life, and quality of both design and construction (and software) put the iPad into a different league.

For many, the iPad is not a substitute for anything else: though it seems that some think it should be. For IT decision-makers and others, it warrants investigation and trial - and more than a 10-minute play - before a serious decision can be made.

Schools (or governments, or whichever authority that you care to name) will find a business case to either use or investigate the use of iPads. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise.

iT