To the Editor:
I am slightly angered by the recent article about NJCU’s purchase of the Samsung Galaxy tab. The amount of money the campus paid and the high learning curve of the device defeats the purpose of this investment. I work in technology and have been researching tablets as a viable device in infrastructures similar to NJCU and based on my research the purchase was rash.
I own three types of tablets – a Windows 7, Android, and IOS tablet devices – and have spent months testing everything the NJCU network can offer. I also tested the viability of what tablet is best for a College environment as either a student or faculty. After six months of testing I found IOS or iPad was best for academic use. As for Android, it was best for personal and business use but limited in the academic sense due to the lack of apps.
But my outrage is not without merit. Here is a breakdown of why I am so incensed. First, the Galaxy tab itself. It has good hardware specs and comes with nice productivity apps, has flash support, but it is a multimedia tablet built for entertainment, not business.
Also, the long term hidden costs are astronomical. It has proprietary ports, which means the campus has to buy over-priced Galaxy-only compatible accessories, with security and anti-virus apps to make up for Androids security issues. Android is notorious for malware and Bluetooth hacks, so the campus must purchase extra security software just to keep sensitive files safe.
Plus, there are all kinds of different Android tablets specifically suited for the needs of the campus that cost much less. The large price was due to the 32GB of storage, but buying a tablet with a memory card slot would have cost less.
For example, the Lenovo Think Tablets cost less or the same and come with a memory card slot and stylus with preloaded apps built for businesses and schools. Lenovo also has a bulk purchase plan that would cut down the cost.
But my outrage doesn’t end there. In February in Barcelona, Spain, at Mobile World Congress, the Galaxy Tab 2 was just announced and they have better specs and functionality than the current Galaxy Tab.
The final piece that really irritated me was Apple. I did research for my employer on Apple academic programs over the summer and fall. I found an Apple IT setup program and discounted bulk purchase program for academic institutions.
Apple actually sends IT specialists to look at a network and set it up in conjunction with the institution’s IT department. They also show institutions how to utilize Apple in the class room for instructors. Go to http://www.apple.com/education/resources/ and see for yourself. Apple also had in event in February announcing new interactive e-textbooks and software that allows anyone to create those interactive e-textbooks themselves on an Apple PC called “iBook” Author. Those new e-textbooks work just on iPad. I hate Apple PC’s but I love their iPad and after February they are here to stay for all foreseeable academic purposes in the future.
In the end I see this purchase was rash premature and a gross over expenditure with no real research involved. I am a student and the tuition costs get higher almost every year and when I see something like this I ask myself why. To all the students in NJCU you hold the power and I ask you to decide Android or Apple. Decide and send your emails and inquires to those in charge.
Sincerely, Juan D. Perez