Classroom Technology

Netbooks vs. Mobile Internet Devices

October 15, 2010 1 min read
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As schools investigate the most cost-effective approaches for establishing 1-to-1 computing programs, one step experts say they should take is weighing the benefits and drawbacks of netbooks vs. mobile Internet devices (MIDs).

NETBOOK

Price: Less than a desktop or laptop PC, but more than a mobile Internet device

Screen Size: 5” to 13” (average is 9”)

Keyboard: Small but usable

Features: Strongly skewed toward wireless connectivity instead of performance

Upgradability: Good

OS Choice: Flexible, although CPU load should be kept to a minimum

Product Range: Broad, excellent choice for consumers and professionals

Market Demand: Very competitive

Level of Support: Good

Size: Bigger than a mobile Internet device (not pocket-size)

MOBILE INTERNET DEVICE

Price: Keenly priced, affordable

Screen Size: 4” to 6”

Interface: touchscreen or very small physical keyboards

Features: Strongly skewed toward connectivity instead of performance

Upgradability: Limited because of hardware restrictions

OS Choice: Limited because of hardware restrictions

Product Range: Limited, lack of market penetration

Market Demand: Generally low demand because of established branding of smartphones and netbooks

Level of Support: Low

Size: Compact and pocket-size, highly portable

SOURCE: China Business News

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A version of this article appeared in the October 20, 2010 edition of Digital Directions as Netbooks vs. Mobile Internet Devices

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