For students with a recently purchased or pre-existing laptop, purchasing a Windows 7 slate with pen instead of a new convertible tablet may be a better option. Students may choose to bring a laptop if it has specifications that meet or exceed our convertible tablet requirements AND also bring a Windows 7 slate device with pen or older convertible tablet.
Thinking about an Apple laptop? Make sure to read our notes on Apple laptops before purchasing one.
Windows 7 Slate w/pen Requirement in Addition to Laptop
Based on input from our Student Technology Council the following recommendations have been made:
Preferred Slates (Intel Core i5 or better processor)
These devices were preferred by our Student Technology Council during testing due to their lighter weight, larger screen size, and faster processor. These devices can be used for digital inking on notes and assignments, reading e-textbooks, checking mail, surfing the web, and accomplishing most assignments. Students may still need to carry their laptop to class for some classes.
- Windows 7 Slates with pen.
Minimally Acceptable (Intel Atom processor)
Student Technology Council students preferred carrying their heavier convertible tablets rather than use these devices. The processor was too slow for many tasks and the screen size was too small to adequately work on. These less expensive systems will however enable students to ink, check mail, surf the web, and accomplish assignments that do not require a large screen or resource intensive computing. Students with these systems should expect to carry both their slate (in classes where inking required) and laptop to class.
Not Acceptable - External USB tablets that do not allow you to directly write on the screen (like the Bamboo). Please see our policy on "Deviation from the Requirement".
- Hand to eye coordination required that uses additional cognitive resources
- Lacks pen on paper feel and experience
- Lacks accuracy of a real pen