Tablet Procurement with University Funds
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Tablet Procurement with University Funds 1 Contents Purpose of this Document ...................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Pre Purchase Considerations .................................................................................................................. 4 Hardware ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Peripherals ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Operating Systems (OS) ...................................................................................................................... 5 Email ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Calendar .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Documents & apps .................................................................................................................................. 6 Purchasing apps .................................................................................................................................. 6 Compatibility ....................................................................................................................................... 6 University Documents ......................................................................................................................... 6 Information Security ....................................................................................................................... 6 Document Access ............................................................................................................................ 7 Cloud Services ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Microsoft SkyDrive .......................................................................................................................... 7 Dropbox........................................................................................................................................... 8 Google Drive .................................................................................................................................... 8 iCloud .............................................................................................................................................. 8 mStir ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Documentation & Help ........................................................................................................................... 9 University Wireless Zones ....................................................................................................................... 9 eduroam .............................................................................................................................................. 9 eduroam at Stirling ......................................................................................................................... 9 What’s on the Horizon .......................................................................................................................... 10 Microsoft Windows ........................................................................................................................... 10 Hardware .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Connection Free ................................................................................................................................ 10 Hardware Purchase Guidance ............................................................................................................... 10 HMRC .................................................................................................................................................... 11 Business-use only .......................................................................................................................... 11 Private use also ............................................................................................................................. 11 2 Purpose of this Document The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the options available when considering the purchase of tablet computer devices (Tablets) and associated accessories, such as apps and cloud services with University funds, and to offer some background to inform you through the process. The document also contains important security advice and guidance. Introduction Tablets are effectively mobile computers that are integrated into a flat touch screen, which is the main interface rather than a physical keyboard and mouse, though an onscreen virtual keyboard and stylus may be used. There are a wide range of devices available which range in size and performance but all have this general interface. Both globally and in the UK Tablets are experiencing rapid growth, with a number of the mature players in the marketplace now releasing 3rd and 4th generation devices. The world-wide distribution of personal computers continues to grow but if Tablets are discounted from the figures the position shows a decline in traditional PC sales. Tablet development is largely a consumer led market and it is widely anticipated that they will become as ubiquitous as smartphones have become over the past 5 years. Principally designed for e-reading, Web surfing, and multimedia playback, they should be regarded as a viewing device, not productivity, although rudimentary editing features are available. They are generally not provided with a full-sized keyboard, although a wide variety of after-market mini Bluetooth or docking devices are available, and should not be viewed as a substitute for a PC or laptop. Some hybrid Tablet/Notebook devices are beginning to appear but the market is not mature. The principle differentiator between them is the operating system they run and this determines what peripherals and applications (apps) are available. The main operating systems available are: iOS (Apple Computers –iPad’ s) Android - Various device manufacturers e.g. o Samsung Galaxy’s o Asus Eee Pad’s o Google Nexus o Sony o Toshiba o Motorola Amazon Kindle Fire (Android variant) Blackberry Playbook OS Windows 8 RT/Intel (Various device manufacturers) 3 Pre Purchase Considerations Hardware When purchasing a laptop you will take into account the intended purpose of the purchase and there are a number of factors that you would consider, including performance, weight and dimensions. These and additional factors are considered below when proposing a Tablet purchase. Physical dimensions vary markedly between manufactures and models, ranging from large smartphone to ~10inch screen and this will affect the weight. Processor performance currently ranges from single core to quad core processor. More performance will be required if you are multitasking and/or using multimedia materials. Storage capacities are typically between 16 and 64Gb. Assess the quantity and size of documents, applications (apps) and other materials you need to retain locally on the device. Some, but not all, devices allow for additional SD card storage. Display. In addition to physical screen dimensions there are a further two factors to consider, o Pixel resolution will vary significantly across devices and the higher the resolution the clearer text and images will appear. o Almost all Tablets utilise capacitive multi-touch technology but at the lower price end of the market this may not always be the case and the screens are much less responsive. Wireless & Mobile connectivity. Should you routinely require internet access when out of range of a wireless network signal then specify a device with a SIM card to enable connectivity via mobile phone networks (typically referred to as cellular by the tablet manufacturer). Alternatively, some smartphone data plans allow you to tether your tablet to use the phone data connection. You should check with the procurement office what the current contract arrangements are for cellular data provision. Physical connectivity. Assess which external devices you will typically connect with and ensure the tablet has appropriate connectors or adapters, e.g. HDMI, DisplayPort, USB (version 2.x/3.x), Apple 30-pin or Lightning, 3.5mm jack. Cameras are a standard feature on Tablets but the resolution capabilities are varied and not all models have both front and rear facing. Front facing cameras are necessary if you need to conference with others and rear for photographic, video work and scanning. Battery life from a single charge will be dependent on your estimated type of usage. Manufacturers should provide guidance based on a variety of usage types such as video, music or web surfing. The battery usage is typically higher with cellular usage than Wi-Fi. Peripherals It is important to note that peripheral devices