What to Expect at Apple's 'Let's Take a Field Trip' Educational Event on March 27

[Abazigal]

If that's true then Apple had better be ready to concede the education market to Google. It's not the first time they've done something stupid and lost the education market, their '80s education market failure was epic.

An iPad (or any other tablet) is not a replacement for a laptop, and never will be. Something may replace laptops someday, but it's not going to be a tablet.

While I agree with your main point, the iPad style tablet has replaced laptops for a large number of people. To use your analogy these are the people who were trying to drive in screws using a hammer because the screwdriver hadn’t been invented yet.

In short, you are assuming that laptops was what was always suitable for schools in the first place. I would argue that laptops were used because really, what other choice was there at the time? Personally, I see tablets as having a lot more potential in the education space, due to its portability and form factor. Lessons should be more than simply typing away on a laptop form factor on a desk.

 

[Internet Enzyme]

Apple needs to put the iPad touch screen on a laptop. That will sell units!

The only truly intriguing aspect of having a touchscreen on a desktop os is if you are trying to show someone something on their computer. But besides that, I dont see a reason to include it. Although I dont see a reason to not include it either
[doublepost=1521938814][/doublepost]

While I agree with your main point, the iPad style tablet has replaced laptops for a large number of people. To use your analogy these are the people who were trying to drive in screws using a hammer because the screwdriver hadn’t been invented yet.

In short, you are assuming that laptops was what was always suitable for schools in the first place. I would argue that laptops were used because really, what other choice was there at the time? Personally, I see tablets as having a lot more potential in the education space, due to its portability and form factor. Lessons should be more than simply typing away on a laptop form factor on a desk.

I agree that if they suited out the schools with iPad Pros with the smart keyboard, then chromebooks would be useless. But the standard ipad is a bit too simple in a few areas that the chromebook is not

 

[Abazigal]

I agree that if they suited out the schools with iPad Pros with the smart keyboard, then chromebooks would be useless. But the standard ipad is a bit too simple in a few areas that the chromebook is not

I wouldn't even bother with external keyboards for the iPads. Instead, I would challenge teachers to design their lessons to tap on the portability and the simplicity afforded by the iPad.

For example, there is potential to bring your ipads outside of the classroom and allow students to be more mobile, since their form factor makes them easier to handle than a conventional laptop form factor when you are not seated at a desk. Students could be roving around the school, taking photos of videos of themselves interviewing their peers and stitching them together using iMovie. Or completing a place-based learning trail using apps like Trail Shuttle.

Or students could draw on procreate on the iPad during art lessons. With millions of apps in the App Store, the sky's the limit.

Chromebooks have their place in schools, I do not deny that, but it's clear that chrome books and iPads each enable very different types of lesson pedagogies. It's all about maximising the strengths of the iPad while minimising its weaknesses. If the iPad isn't that great for word processing (due to the virtual keyboard and google apps being a POS), then maybe I will simply focus less on that and get my students to do more writing on paper.

 

[npmacuser5]

I would like to see the Pro Pencil and Keyboard on all iPads.

 

[Mac 128]

The only truly intriguing aspect of having a touchscreen on a desktop os is if you are trying to show someone something on their computer. But besides that, I dont see a reason to include it. Although I dont see a reason to not include it either
[doublepost=1521938814][/doublepost]

I agree that if they suited out the schools with iPad Pros with the smart keyboard, then chromebooks would be useless. But the standard ipad is a bit too simple in a few areas that the chromebook is not

The question is what best prepares students for a future in the workforce. As long as the standard PC model is what kids today will be expected to use when they enter the workforce, keyboards and mice should be part of the equipment, regardless of which platform they're using.
[doublepost=1521940505][/doublepost]

I would like to see the Pro Pencil and Keyboard all iPads.

Yes I would pay a premium for an iPad mini Pro. I'd also like to see compatibility across at least the 4.7" and larger iPhones.

 

[hajime]

I really don't get any of this...

- Apple comes out with the iPad mini, which is more than adequate for the education market, and is smaller than 9.7"
- They then discontinue it probably because the only factor would be "can't make it more affordable to education market"
- Then they need a smaller design than the iPad Pro, as if its something they never have done before.

Cost would be the only reason for a new iPad..

Unless i'm missing something, Apple likes to play games. and is out of the "thinking 5 years ahead" type.

This is Apple's version of innovation under Tim.

 

[subjonas]

lol its actually shorter than a standard no 2 pencil.

No.2 pencil is 7.5"
Apple Pencil is 6.92"

Haha nice catch. I think the reason that the length is so noticeable on the Apple Pencil though is the weight. Real pencils are very light, but the more substantial weight of the Apple Pencil makes it feel too top heavy. At that weight, its thinness also makes it less comfortable to hold. There’s a reason why nice heavy pens are shorter and fatter than pencils. In my opinion, Apple made a mistake trying to emulate the pencil rather than the pen. My guess is they went for the “pencil” because pencils have a more friendly and playful image.

 

[Keirasplace]

I wouldn't even bother with external keyboards for the iPads. Instead, I would challenge teachers to design their lessons to tap on the portability and the simplicity afforded by the iPad.

For example, there is potential to bring your ipads outside of the classroom and allow students to be more mobile, since their form factor makes them easier to handle than a conventional laptop form factor when you are not seated at a desk. Students could be roving around the school, taking photos of videos of themselves interviewing their peers and stitching them together using iMovie. Or completing a place-based learning trail using apps like Trail Shuttle.

Or students could draw on procreate on the iPad during art lessons. With millions of apps in the App Store, the sky's the limit.

Chromebooks have their place in schools, I do not deny that, but it's clear that chrome books and iPads each enable very different types of lesson pedagogies. It's all about maximising the strengths of the iPad while minimising its weaknesses. If the iPad isn't that great for word processing (due to the virtual keyboard and google apps being a POS), then maybe I will simply focus less on that and get my students to do more writing on paper.

People also assume that you can't write on an Ipad, we're talking about a generation raised on touchscreens and typing all day on them. Nobody in grade school or even high school is writing a novel, so needing a keyboard to type the short essays and text they mostly write seems pretty excessive.

Seems that people forget wth those students actually do in school. Taking notes with a keyboard is hard for even a college level person, no one in grade school's doing that. But they could anotate a digital copy of the blaackboard with a pen and keep a copy.

 

[drumcat]

Let's see... here's what I think they're going to announce:

A refresh of the MacMini - something for education as the purpose. It'll be the size of an AppleTV 4. $399/byokm

Instead of this nonsense about "air refresh", they come out with "netbooks" that run iOS. This means iOS apps on a kid's desk. This, along with a pre-installed app controller grouping within the MacMicro (tm)

Finally, they'll offer a "pencil" for ed, but it's going to just be a stylus.

On the non-ed front, they're going to add the gold and red colourways, specifically to address the Chinese desire for all things gold, and the tradition of RED support.

The MacBook Air is dead and discontinued.

One more thing...

AirPods with W2 chip out next month. They offer an extra hour, and also will come in black. The wireless charge pads will be white and black also (like home pod).
[doublepost=1521956352][/doublepost]

Haha nice catch. I think the reason that the length is so noticeable on the Apple Pencil though is the weight. Real pencils are very light, but the more substantial weight of the Apple Pencil makes it feel too top heavy. At that weight, its thinness also makes it less comfortable to hold. There’s a reason why nice heavy pens are shorter and fatter than pencils. In my opinion, Apple made a mistake trying to emulate the pencil rather than the pen. My guess is they went for the “pencil” because pencils have a more friendly and playful image.

Or, pencils aren't usable at full length, but frog tea.

 

[Bacillus]

I wouldn't even bother with external keyboards for the iPads. Instead, I would challenge teachers to design their lessons to tap on the portability and the simplicity afforded by the iPad.

For example, there is potential to bring your ipads outside of the classroom and allow students to be more mobile, since their form factor makes them easier to handle than a conventional laptop form factor when you are not seated at a desk. Students could be roving around the school, taking photos of videos of themselves interviewing their peers and stitching them together using iMovie. Or completing a place-based learning trail using apps like Trail Shuttle.

Or students could draw on procreate on the iPad during art lessons. With millions of apps in the App Store, the sky's the limit.

Chromebooks have their place in schools, I do not deny that, but it's clear that chrome books and iPads each enable very different types of lesson pedagogies. It's all about maximising the strengths of the iPad while minimising its weaknesses. If the iPad isn't that great for word processing (due to the virtual keyboard and google apps being a POS), then maybe I will simply focus less on that and get my students to do more writing on paper.

You don’t seem to have the slightest understanding of mass provisioning in schools.
Device-, content-, app-, version management are all area’s that Apple has no solution for. It doesn’t have a clue of the broader context of managed doc/exam/device distribution in schools/institutes.
By its lack of multi-user support and simplified version of multi-windowing (there is no iOS function or app that allows multiple ref. docs to be open for simultaneous editing or even consultation) the iPad remains an expensive BYOD sketchbook instead of a post-PC study device that can be mass-provisioned and supported by an infra. If it could ever match a Chromebook in price.
Education (despite some niche area’s perhaps) is not an area that Apple is interested in, with its focus on premium prices and selling boxes it lacks real solutions and better stay out.
A package deal with a Pencil is the easy attempt that does not fix any of these underlying shortcomings.
Nice device for that single rich kid on the first row - in a Chromified world...

 

[robjulo]

Yet they sell a keyboard for the iPad and tout it as a laptop replacement.

Nope. Tons of people would buy a touchscreen MacBook. The reason Apple doesn’t make one is they think it is a bad user experience. I happen to think they are right.

 

[Superhai]

People who are 45 and over have a hard time with smartphones and in general mobile devices.

What to do, only three more years and I will lose my ability to use my iPhone and iPads...

Anyway, like many said before I don't see this as a venue for any big announcements. Field Trips are the events offered from Apple and Apple Stores to visit to experience and learn about Apple products for education. I think there will be a lot of showcase for those services. As they are often creative events, it may include music and arts, as well as swift coding. The event logo does suggest something about the Pencil, so maybe an update there. Many educational institution have asked for cheaper hardware, so certainly cheaper iPads or Macs could be unveiled.

I don't see why they would introduce new phones or other higher end hardware at such an event, unless they see it as an opportunity to stick some announcements in as a side note.

 

[mattopotamus]

I really am excited for this low cost iPad. I really do not have a need for one, but if I can pick one up for ~$199 it is a no brainer.
[doublepost=1521982495][/doublepost]

SE's are boss. I would love an SE with smaller side bezels and maybe a tad bit in size like an extra .2 of an inch? Would actually consider selling my X and getting one.

The screen really needs to improve on the SE. I had one for two years, and I really did not realize how bad the screen was until I started using the X. I can barley stomach to use my wife's SE now. The screen really is that bad.

 

[jonnyb098]

This is Apple's version of innovation under Tim.

Right, they have no idea what they’re doing and don’t think ahead....gimme a damn break. They aren’t the most valued company on earth and on their way to being a trillion dollar company for no reason. Just keep on hating because you are in the one percent who wants a new mini. The mini is dead because the market said so. People bought larger phones instead of small iPads. That’s it. Not some conspiracy of apple not knowing what they’re doing.

 

[The Game 161]

just hope air power is available come Tuesday. really want to get it so can charge my phone and watch at same time. tired of using the normal cable for the watch.

 

[jwhitnah]

Boring.

 

[Williesleg]

When did he say that? Source please. As far as I know Apple are still making hardware.

Back in 2013, it just takes time for us to realize he's serious:

https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/12/t...e-and-services-we-are-not-a-hardware-company/

Tim Cook Talks Up Apple Software And Services: “We Are Not A Hardware Company”


[doublepost=1521993692][/doublepost]

Except he didn't say that at all but hey, spread the lies huh.

Back in 2013.

https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/12/t...e-and-services-we-are-not-a-hardware-company/

Tim Cook Talks Up Apple Software And Services: “We Are Not A Hardware Company”

 

[Irock619]

Why do your videos always flickr on my 2015 MBP? This is the only website that I have issues playing back video.

 

[dannyyankou]

This is the least enthusiastic I am about an event in a long time. Really only looking forward to AirPower.

 

[hajime]

Hope it will not be another big disappointment.

 

[Act3]

I’m willing to bet the new iPad will just be a lower spec current iPad for $279.

Sad if the case, the current (2017) iPad has been on sale several times now for $259 or less at places like target or bestbuy

 

[DocMultimedia]

I expect nothing at this event. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[L-Viz]

I expect at least an internals update of the iPhone SE, otherwise I will be very very disappointed.

 

[sracer]

You don’t seem to have the slightest understanding of mass provisioning in schools.
Device-, content-, app-, version management are all area’s that Apple has no solution for. It doesn’t have a clue of the broader context of managed doc/exam/device distribution in schools/institutes.
By its lack of multi-user support and simplified version of multi-windowing (there is no iOS function or app that allows multiple ref. docs to be open for simultaneous editing or even consultation) the iPad remains an expensive BYOD sketchbook instead of a post-PC study device that can be mass-provisioned and supported by an infra. If it could ever match a Chromebook in price.
Education (despite some niche area’s perhaps) is not an area that Apple is interested in, with its focus on premium prices and selling boxes it lacks real solutions and better stay out.
A package deal with a Pencil is the easy attempt that does not fix any of these underlying shortcomings.
Nice device for that single rich kid on the first row - in a Chromified world...

It is posts like these when I wish we could have more than one upvote per post.

I have a lot experience using chromebooks... pushing them to see how well they can perform productivity and entertainment tasks. My daughter is a 5th grade teacher where chromebooks are an integral component of the education experience. The response to that experience has been fantastic.

You are absolutely spot-on with your assessment of how well (poorly) iPads can satisfy the needs of the educational market. Unless there is a dramatic change in strategic direction for iOS, no iPad-based hardware will be a viable solution in the education market. And given the low-key approach that Apple is taking with this event, I don't think such a changing is going to happen.

 

[Putzytart]

Really hoping for Apple Pay Cash in the UK...