Laptops+or+Hand+Held+devices

Recently Learning Hubs spoke to someone with a lot of knowledge in one to one learning and we were surprised by his reaction. We were talking about certain up and coming one to one learning pilot projects and he started talking about laptops. We mentioned we weren't necessarily considering utilising laptops in the pilots but rather hand held devices such as tablets, UMPCs or other similar technology. He asked us if we were doing this for education or to 'cause a revolution'. Is this a revolution or common sense and progress? So what are the advantages of laptops as opposed to hand held devices?? Voice your opinion.


 * Laptops say:**
 * Large Screen size with higher resolution - better for visibility and posture
 * Integrated keyboard
 * Better memory and processing power
 * Larger hard drives for storage
 * Better functionality and software
 * CD/DVD R/RW capabilities


 * Hand Helds say:**
 * Portable screen size allows true anywhere anytime learning, easier access to e-mail and Internet, easier to carry around and use for collaboration purposes in the classroom.
 * USB/Bluetooth keyboards and foldaway pocket sized keyboards are available
 * USB/Bluetooth makes file transfer easy and there is no need for large memories, hard drives, CD burners, as files can be transferred to other devices capable of storage or duplication when necessary.
 * The increase in 'thin client' applications means we can access appropriate software via a standard web browser therefore we don't need lots of processing power.
 * Many hand helds have phones embedded.
 * VoIP progression and wireless porgression will open up browser based hand helds as a useful alternative to a portable phones.
 * Cheaper than laptops
 * Many hand helds have cameras embedded.
 * 'Always on' ((as opposed to having to boot-up) is crucial in the classroom environment and hand helds often have this facility or at least a rapid boot up.