Still waiting for the perfect classroom device for students

 Schools that have money are spending a lot of it on technology right now.

And for the most part, that’s a good thing. It makes sense to offer young people safe and educational opportunities to use technology in their learning.

But we’re still not quite there. There’s just not yet a perfect device that combines quality with cost efficiency. Here’s a summary:

Laptop. Too big, too heavy, too expensive.

Netbook. Nice and cheap, but keyboard and trackpad too small and cramped.

Chromebook. Enticing, but Google’s $20 a month per unit is too expensive.

iPad. Too expensive, and you can’t type on it.

Nexus 7. Perfect size. Sleek. But you can’t type on it.

Phone. Too small, can’t type on it.

Have I missed anything? Would you agree with me?

So where does that leave us? Well, I suppose we can wait. Maybe the Microsoft Surface, with its cover-turned-keyboard, will save the day. I’m hoping it’ll be less than $500, but somehow that seems impossible.

One thing is for certain, though: Every student should have an e-reader and carry it at all times. It should be a school rule.

I’m partial to the Kindle, of course, but Barnes and Noble makes a good product, too. Now that the Kindle is just $69, more and more families can afford to buy one.

While I’m waiting for the perfect device for students, I’ll be encouraging them to read.