Tablet or Smart Phone - Time to Update
Overview
For this assignment, assume that you have a basic mobile phone or you are thinking about replacing a smart phone that is very old or that has been damaged. You are unsure if it makes sense to get a new smart phone or to invest in a tablet computer and keep your current mobile phone (or buy a new basic phone). You know there are some great apps for smart phones as well as for tablet computers. Now is the time to start researching your options.
Vendors
You can buy your phone or device from one of the following sources:
Each type of vendor has advantages and disadvantages. A physical store offers face-to-face service, while a communications provider might offer the most up-to-date devices for its cellular service. And a computer store might offer a range of devices that are compatible with different service providers.
Cellular Services
In addition to the purchasing the device (phone or tablet), you will need cellular services for the device. You will need to determine the network your digital service can access in order to receive and send data, as well as the price of that data service. When searching for a service provider, be sure to consider things such as:
For the final assignment, you will need to:
For this assignment, assume that you have a basic mobile phone or you are thinking about replacing a smart phone that is very old or that has been damaged. You are unsure if it makes sense to get a new smart phone or to invest in a tablet computer and keep your current mobile phone (or buy a new basic phone). You know there are some great apps for smart phones as well as for tablet computers. Now is the time to start researching your options.
Vendors
You can buy your phone or device from one of the following sources:
- A brick-and-mortar company such as Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, or Apple (Telus / Rogers)
- An online communications or network carrier (make sure the company is Canadian)
- An online computer company such as Dell
- Wireless telecommunications provider such as Telus, Fido, Mobilicity, Wind Mobile, Rogers / Shaw
Each type of vendor has advantages and disadvantages. A physical store offers face-to-face service, while a communications provider might offer the most up-to-date devices for its cellular service. And a computer store might offer a range of devices that are compatible with different service providers.
Cellular Services
In addition to the purchasing the device (phone or tablet), you will need cellular services for the device. You will need to determine the network your digital service can access in order to receive and send data, as well as the price of that data service. When searching for a service provider, be sure to consider things such as:
- Speed
- Coverage
- Limited vs unlimited options for data and text
- Time restrictions
For the final assignment, you will need to:
- Use the Internet, flyers, or magazines to research the latest offerings in smartphones and tablets. You might also want to look at customer product reviews.
- Based on your findings, list three different smartphones and three different tablet computers that you like. Be sure to compare the apps and features that come with each smartphone or that are available for each smartphone. Be sure to consider the convenience of purchasing of apps and paying for them.
- For each device, list the type of network required for each device (for example Wi-Fi, Bluetoooth, 3G, or 4G). For top marks, you might want to provide evidence that you understand the differences between the different types of networks available.
- Complete a table similar to the one below that summarizes and organizes your research (created either in your web site directly, or in an excel spreadsheet that you have posted in your site). Your chart might not be exactly like the one below. Pictures are an added bonus.
- Based on your research, write a short report explaining your decision to purchase either a smartphone or a tablet. Be sure to support your decision based on your findings. In your discussion, you will also need to look at the monthly costs of using the smartphone or your basic phone / tablet combination. If you choose to buy a tablet and a basic phone, you will need to be sure to include both costs in your analysis.
Price | Operating System | Display Size | Network Carrier | Memory | Weight | Features / Apps Included | Connectivity (Wi-Fi? Bluetooth? 3G? 4G?) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smartphones | ||||||||
Device 1 | ||||||||
Device 2 | ||||||||
Device 3 | ||||||||
Tablets | ||||||||
Device 1 | ||||||||
Device 2 | ||||||||
Device 3 |
Bonus Extension
Imagine that our school is deciding whether to replace an old lap top cart with either new laptops or a set of tablets. What device do you think would give the school more bang for its' buck and why? Discuss specific advantages and disadvantages. Would your decision change if you were giving advice to an elementary school?
Imagine that our school is deciding whether to replace an old lap top cart with either new laptops or a set of tablets. What device do you think would give the school more bang for its' buck and why? Discuss specific advantages and disadvantages. Would your decision change if you were giving advice to an elementary school?