Anything but stone Tablets

Given this opportunity to openly discuss and help decide what tablet model to buy would be an exciting chance. Though I'm not sure if our final recommendations will be the same, my partner and I agreed on nearly all of the specifications we discussed with regard to tablets. Neither of us would argue with the principal's inclination to discount the small tablet-like devices. We also discussed whether the large size tablet is beneficial. For adults, in general, the large sizes would be great and are very manageable. For young people and students, the large tablet can be utilized, but for the purpose of school purchasing, my partner and I think that the medium size is the best choice.
As far as comparing the different systems and uses, there is a lot to discuss and consider. With the Apple (iOS), the most obvious benefit is the commonality and familiarity it brings. just having that little "i" out front means people know about it. Even young children in this digital age are familiar with the iPod, iPad, or at least iTunes. Getting past the obvious brings us to the in house control that Apple has with its products. Because their software is not compatible with just any machine, you know what you are getting if you go with the iPad. This is especially beneficial for schools who want longevity and variety of use with their tablets. The third great aspect is the wide availability of apps, books, media, and other uses that iOS possesses. Their moniker was "there's an app for that" with the iPod, and the same is true with the iPad. It appears you can do about anything you want with the iOS tablets. Unfortunately, there is a big negative for the iOS and that happens to be the dollar signs. You get a great product, but you pay handsomely for it.
In my opinion, the Android system's greatest strength is Apples biggest weakness. The Android OS is capable of working on many different devices and that means the prices must be kept relatively low to stay competitive. In addition to this low price benefit, the fact that the android system is so "device-friendly" means that you can buy for specific purposes if you would like. With Android, if you would just like an ereader, there is the Nook or the Kindle. If you want the reader plus other perks of a tablet, there are upgraded versions. The multiple and "direct" functions possible because of the open system are a great benefit. The last benefit I see is not one that necessarily separates it from the iOS, but one that needs mention anyway. The Android tablets are mostly connected to specific stores. In the same way that Apple has "control" over its OS and devices, having the Kindle means you can go to Amazon, the Nook to Barnes & Noble, and the Nexus to Google. Though the operating system is open, having a specific place to go for your device is a huge benefit.
In our discussion, the Microsoft Tablets did not get much time. They do have a lot of memory and space available as well as an OS with which people are familiar and an office suite that is relatively user friendly and widely known. The down side is the size and function of the Tablet. It is heavy, bulky, and pricey. If it were up to me, I would say that you are better off buying a true laptop rather than the Microsoft Surface.
As far as cellular connectivity, I see no reason for it in the school setting. Many schools are already set up for wireless internet access with which all tablets come. Cellular is an added expense for the school (or the individual) that seems excessive. Cellular connectivity is essentially allowing the tablets to pick up "wireless" internet access from anyway in the same way a cellular phone does. If the schools provide wireless, there is no need. Besides the need, many schools are built with concrete or other material that makes the cellular signal difficult to receive. why spend more money for something that might not even function well.
From my point of view, a medium tablet with a wide range of uses and relative low price is the best option for a school. Were I to make the choice, it would come down to the iPad mini or the Google Nexus 7. I would say either will perform admirably for a school so it comes down to price. That gives the nod to the Nexus 7. Even if the principal were to ignore my opinion about cellular connectivity, the Nexus 7 is only $50 more expensive with cellular capability while the iPad goes up $100. Yes, the discussion revolves around a grant that will pay for the first round of tablets, but what happens when it's time to replace, upgrade, or add tablets. The price gap (over $100) explodes.