Best Tablets for Back to School

By Tracey Dowdy

My youngest brother started Kindergarten the day I started university. Our school supply lists looked a little different but I think it’s safe to say we were equally excited about our backpacks!

Today, instead of pencils and paper, backpacks contain technology that makes my Texas Instruments calculator look like a sundial. Since students depend on their smartphones and other devices to assist with everything from research to note taking, your first thought may be to go for a new laptop, but these days there are several lightweight, feature-packed tablets that give laptops a run for their money.

Before choosing a tablet, it’s important to consider factors like the age of the student, how the tablet will be used, whether you will need Wi-Fi capability, and the size of the display. Specifications vary widely between devices and savvy consumers should do their homework before they purchase.

Fire HD 7 Kids Edition

firehd_kidsedition250The Amazon Fire HD 7 Kids Edition comes with the “first ever” two-year worry-free guarantee, perfect for your child’s first tablet. It also offers a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, Wi-Fi, app approval or blocking, a durable case with a fully detachable cover, time controls, a web browser for kids, a webcam, a fingerprint resistant screen, 8 hours of battery life and 8GB of storage. (Price: $189)

Lenovo TAB 2 A7-10

lenovo250Starting at just $79, the Lenovo TAB 2 A7-10 is one of the more affordable tablets. Perfect as a first tablet for younger students, the A7-10 runs the Android 4.4 operating system, has a 7-inch touchscreen, a 1.3 GHz, quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage and a front-facing camera. It definitely offers fewer features than other tablets on this list, but many students won’t need all those features and the price is hard to beat. (Price: from $179)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0

samsung-tab-8250Newly released, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is a solid piece of technology at a great price. The A features front and back cameras, 1024 x 768 pixels of HD resolution, 1.5 GB of RAM, as well as 16 GB of built-in storage. Users also have the option of adding a micro SD expansion card. It runs Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and is lightweight at just 11 ounces. (Price: $229)

iPad Min 3

ipad-mini3250The iPad Mini 3 is a smaller, less expensive version of Apple’s iPad Air. The iPad Mini 3 features iOS 8, Touch ID security, a 7.9-inch high-def touchscreen, a 64-bit A7 processor, front and back cameras, and weighs just under 12 ounces. Prices range from $399, $499 or $599 for 16, 64 or 128 GB of built-in storage and adding wireless capability will cost an additional $130.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Surface250Starting at $799, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is definitely at the high end of the price range but its ability to bring together the best of both tablets and laptops makes it worth the investment for students looking for a feature-packed device. The Surface Pro 3 comes with a full 12-inch, 2160 x 1440-pixel touch-screen display, an adjustable kickstand, a backlit Type Cover that can be magnetically propped  and angled, full Windows desktop productivity applications, and a pen feature that allows users to write directly on the screen for easier note taking. (Price: from $799)

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for
    your next write ups thank you once again.

  2. I think this is among the such a lot significant info for me.
    And i am glad studying your article. However wanna remark on some basic things, The web site taste is
    ideal, the articles is really excellent : D. Excellent activity, cheers

    Feel free to surf to my blog post – Cara

  3. hello!,I love your writing very a lot! proportion we keep up a correspondence more about your post on AOL?
    I need an expert in this area to unravel my problem.
    Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to look you.

    Here is my web-site: moonlightmining.com

  4. I must express thanks to the writer for rescuing me from such a circumstance.
    Because of surfing around throughout the world
    wide web and obtaining ideas which were not pleasant, I believed my entire life was over.
    Living without the approaches to the issues you have solved by means of
    this guide is a crucial case, as well as the kind
    which may have badly damaged my entire career if I had not
    discovered your web site. Your training and kindness in playing with all the pieces was priceless.
    I am not sure what I would’ve done if I had not encountered such a step like this.
    I can at this point look ahead to my future.
    Thanks a lot very much for this skilled and result oriented guide.
    I won’t think twice to suggest the sites to any person who will
    need guidance about this subject matter.

    Feel free to surf to my site: http://www.saraykapi.com

  5. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m
    impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
    I was looking for this certain info for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

  6. Wonderful website. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans
    additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you to your effort!

  7. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.

    nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same
    nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  8. Greetings I am so delighted I found your weblog, I really found
    you by error, while I was searching on Yahoo for something else,
    Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don?t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I
    have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the great b.

    My site – build muscle fast

  9. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was
    extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I
    had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m
    still new to everything. Do you have any tips for beginner blog writers?

    I’d certainly appreciate it.

    Here is my blog; holiday diet (http://www.mhes.tyc.edu.tw)

  10. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer
    to create your theme? Outstanding work!

    Feel free to surf to my web-site muscle building foods

  11. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

    Stop by my site: hemp seeds

  12. My partner and i still can not quite think that I could always be one
    of those reading the important guidelines found on your site.
    My family and I are seriously thankful for your generosity and for presenting
    me the possibility to pursue the chosen career path.
    Many thanks for the important information I got from your web page.

    Here is my blog post: try hemp; http://www.wenalway.com,

  13. My brother recommended I might like this blog.
    He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
    You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information!
    Thanks!

    Also visit my web blog … teens smoking

  14. Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues.
    It was truly informative. Your website is very useful.
    Thanks for sharing!

  15. I think everything posted made a lot of sense. However, what about this?
    suppose you typed a catchier post title? I ain’t saying your information isn’t solid., however suppose you added a title that makes people
    want more? I mean Best Tablets for Back to School – The Online Mom is a little vanilla.

    You should glance at Yahoo’s front page and see how they create article titles
    to grab people to click. You might try adding a video
    or a related picture or two to get readers excited about everything’ve got to say.
    In my opinion, it could bring your blog a little livelier.

    My webpage … paleo diet tips (http://www.aniene.net/)

  16. Hey exceptional website! Does running a blog such as this require a lot of work?
    I have absolutely no understanding of coding but I
    had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I understand this is off topic nevertheless I simply had to ask.
    Appreciate it!

  17. you’re really a just right webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible.
    It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece.
    you’ve performed a wonderful process on this topic!

  18. Hello there, simply become alert to your blog through
    Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out
    for brussels. I will be grateful in case you proceed
    this in future. Lots of other folks can be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my blog post … anti aging skin care tips

  19. certainly like your website but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts.

    A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to
    find it very bothersome to tell the reality however I will definitely come back again.

  20. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your
    post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. can you offer guest
    writers to write content for yourself? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write related
    to here. Again, awesome web log!

  21. A person essentially help to make severely posts I’d state.
    That is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and so far? I surprised with the analysis you made
    to make this actual submit incredible. Excellent job!

  22. Hi there, yes this article is truly pleasant and I
    have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.
    thanks.

  23. Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?

    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work
    due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

  24. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
    I am quite certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  25. Right here is the right webpage for everyone who wishes to find out about this topic.
    You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will
    need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that’s
    been discussed for a long time. Great stuff, just wonderful!

  26. Hi there, yup this paragraph is truly good and I have learned lot of things from it concerning
    blogging. thanks.

  27. This paragraph gives clear idea for the new visitors of blogging, that truly how to do
    blogging and site-building.

  28. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you
    may be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back in the foreseeable future.
    I want to encourage you continue your great writing, have
    a nice day!

  29. We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme
    in our community. Your website offered us with helpful information to work on.
    You have done an impressive activity and our whole community will probably be thankful to you.

  30. Hi there, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse
    every one is sharing data, that’s in fact good, keep up
    writing.

  31. When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the image of a user in his/her mind that how a user can be aware of it.
    So that’s why this post is outstdanding. Thanks!

  32. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right.

    This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how
    much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  33. I’m no longer sure where you’re getting your information, however
    good topic. I must spend a while learning more or understanding more.
    Thank you for great information I was searching
    for this information for my mission.

  34. Thank you, I have recently been looking for information approximately
    this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far.
    However, what about the bottom line? Are you certain about the supply?

    Also visit my homepage :: http://www.kaiyun.net

  35. Thank you for your site post. Velupe and I are saving
    for just a new publication on this subject and your short article has made people like
    us to save money. Your thinking really clarified all our issues.

    In fact, over what we had acknowledged in advance of the time we
    came upon your superb blog. My partner and i no longer nurture doubts along with a
    troubled mind because you have really attended to all of our needs here.
    Thanks

    My site – healthy eating pyramid

  36. Hey this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have
    to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog
    soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted
    to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Review my page growing cannabis

  37. Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say
    this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a
    reasonable price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  38. Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it ;
    ) I may come back yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and
    continue to guide other people.

  39. hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve
    definitely picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise a few technical points using this
    web site, as I experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous to
    I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is
    OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing
    with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of
    your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon.

  40. Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from.
    I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark
    this blog.

  41. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into
    any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site
    has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or
    outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement.
    Do you know any methods to help stop content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.

  42. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will
    come back from now on. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice
    day!

  43. Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have
    any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup.
    Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  44. I like the helpful info you provide to your articles. I will
    bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly.
    I am rather certain I will be informed many new stuff proper
    here! Best of luck for the following!

  45. My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web
    address and thought I may as well check things out.

    I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking into
    your web page yet again.

  46. Hi I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found
    you by error, while I was researching on Askjeeve
    for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for
    a tremendous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love
    the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it
    all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and
    also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great
    deal more, Please do keep up the awesome job.

  47. Someone necessarily assist to make significantly posts
    I might state. That is the first time I frequented your web
    page and to this point? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible.

    Fantastic process!

  48. I don’t even understand how I finished up right here, but I assumed this put up used to be great.
    I don’t recognise who you are but certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger for those who are not already.

    Cheers!

  49. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Thank you!

  50. I’m very pleased to discover this great site. I want to
    to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!!
    I definitely savored every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out
    new information on your blog.

  51. Hiya! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to
    make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird
    when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be
    able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations,
    please share. Many thanks!

  52. I’m extremely inspired along with your writing skills
    as neatly as with the structure to your weblog. Is that this a paid
    subject matter or did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s
    rare to peer a great weblog like this one today..

  53. Thanks in support of sharing such a fastidious thought, article is
    nice, thats why i have read it entirely

  54. This piece of writing will assist the internet viewers for
    building up new blog or even a blog from start to end.

  55. It’s remarkable to pay a quick visit this web site
    and reading the views of all mates concerning this piece of writing, while I am also eager of getting know-how.

  56. Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing to take into accout of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked even as people think
    about issues that they plainly do not realize about. You controlled to
    hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire
    thing with no need side effect , other people can take a signal.
    Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  57. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
    My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my users
    would truly benefit from some of the information you provide here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you. Thank
    you!

  58. I have been browsing on-line more than three hours
    as of late, but I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours.
    It’s pretty value enough for me. Personally, if all website owners
    and bloggers made just right content material as you probably
    did, the net can be a lot more useful than ever before.

  59. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is
    a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark
    it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the
    post. I will certainly return.

  60. Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to
    your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  61. Right now it looks like Drupal is the top blogging platform available right now.
    (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  62. These are genuinely wonderful ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched some pleasant factors here. Any way keep
    up wrinting.

  63. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
    I am quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  64. I really love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself?

    Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own personal blog and want
    to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called.
    Thanks!

  65. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website.
    I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts
    by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my
    own, personal site now 😉

  66. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you,
    However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it.
    Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems?

    Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  67. After going over a handful of the articles on your blog, I really like your technique of writing a blog.
    I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back
    in the near future. Please visit my web site as well and tell me what you think.

  68. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this outstanding blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google
    account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

  69. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get
    set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

  70. You are so cool! I do not believe I’ve truly read anything like that before.
    So nice to find someone with a few original thoughts on this subject.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit
    of originality!

  71. Howdy this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have
    to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding
    skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
    Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  72. What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled
    upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped
    me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different users
    like its helped me. Good job.

  73. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am inspired!
    Extremely helpful information particularly the remaining section :
    ) I take care of such information much. I used to be looking for
    this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  74. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.

    I wish to read more things about it!

  75. Hiya! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4.

    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
    If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!

  76. I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your website?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more
    in the way of content so people could connect
    with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *