Category: Technology

A quick comparison of the American School favorite, the Chromebook, and education’s underdog, the iPad

By: Alex and Smaran

In over 50% of schools in the United States, which is equivalent to around 10 million students, Chromebooks are used instead of iPads, so why doesn’t D103 use Chromebooks too? To figure out why, we compared the two more work focused iPads with more Chromebooks at different expenses. Based on the evidence below, we found that higher quality Chromebooks are normally more expensive. For example, a 12.3 inch Google Chromebook with 512 gigabytes of storage costs over five hundred dollars more then the equivalent, larger iPad. Although the less expensive Chromebooks may cost a lot less than a baseline iPad, they are bulkier and heavier. And, if you look at the dollar per gigabyte of memory value, the $409 iPad is a better deal then a $259 Samsung Chromebook, at $3.19 per gigabyte to $8.09 per gigabyte.

  Also, Google charges a thirty dollar management fee for schools. This fee might seem small for just one Chromebook, but it forces the Chicago public school district to pay 33.5 million dollars on around 134,000 Chromebooks. If D103 had to pay the management fee for a Chromebook per student, they would have to pay around $53,000 for over 1500 Chromebook. If you throw in the cost of 1750 new Chromebooks, it adds on another $453,250. And that doesn’t even account for the apps and custom software add-ons.

  Basically, although Chromebooks are more popular in America’s schools, the iPad is a much better deal for schools. And, if you add in the new gen. six’s Apple pen capability, the iPad becomes an even better deal. Those plentiful reasons for buying an iPad instead of a Chromebook is why our school district uses iPads instead of Chromebooks.

 

Less Expensive Chromebooks
	Acer with 16 gigabytes of memory: $109-$299
	Dell with 16 gigabytes of memory: $149-$199
	Samsung with 32 gigabytes of memory: $259
More expensive Chromebooks
	Google with 128 gigabytes of memory: $999
	Google with 256 gigabytes of memory: $1199
	Google with 512 gigabytes of memory: $1649

 

iPad
	32 gigabytes of memory: $309
	128 gigabytes of memory: $409
iPad Pro
	10.5 inch display
		64 gigabytes of memory: $629
		256 gigabytes of memory: $779
		512 gigabytes of memory: $979
	12.9 inch display
		64 gigabytes of memory: $779
		256 gigabytes of memory: $929
		512 gigabytes of memory: $1129
iPad education
	32 gigabytes of memory: $299*
	128 gigabytes of memory: $399*
*discount not included

 

Sources:

Apple.com

Bestbuy.com

Forbes.com

 

By The Audiophile

Beats. Everyone’s favorite brand. They cost upwards of $200, but they are made of one of the cheapest materials possible, plastic. The headphones’ built-in audio settings pump up the bass so high that they overpower the mids and highs that you can really appreciate with a pair of nice Sennheisers, V-Modas, Bose, or even a pair of Sonys.

Another reason why having the bass cranked up too high is that is can tear the drivers, the bits of metal and magnets that create the sound. The headphones give a sense of quality by adding metal to parts that might as well be plastic. Metal increases a sense of quality because it feels heavier, and it is usually a more expensive material when compared to the plastics that headphones are made of. Another problem with Beats is that they will put pressure on your eardrums from the high bass, which causes the listener great discomfort.

On the other hand, you could spend the money that you were going to spend on beats on a nicer pair of high-quality headphones like Bose or V-Moda. They’re usually packed with features like active noise cancellation and/or great sound quality. V-Moda has been dubbed “The Beats Killer”. Another great brand that offers high-quality audio products is Bose. Their headphones have a great sound range, and they even make very nice speakers. Finally, a more budget option with very good sound is the pair of headphones that look like they would be from on an airplane. They are called JVC Flats. While they don’t look the best, they have very good sound for the $12 that they cost.

If you’re looking for a nice pair of earbuds, it would be a good idea to get the Blue Ever Blue 328R in ear headphones. These cost $35 on Amazon.com, and have very good sound quality. The difference between these and a normal pair of earbuds is that these use the HDSS (High Definition Sound Standard), with ETL technology. It prevents pressure buildup in the earbud due to heat, which distorts the sound. This makes the sound crisper and clearer.

Beats might be mainstream but mainstream isn’t always the best solution. Picking up a pair of Boses or V-modas will increase quality and give you extra features. Never settle for less, don’t get Beats.

By: Ethan Z.

In our new and advanced world, many new inventions are incredibly innovative, yet many people have never heard of them. Even those who know about some of these inventions, most don’t know there are toys for kids that teach them to code. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) majors have found ways to teach kids how to code, in the form of toys. Many of these have been created, such as the Code-A-Pillar, a caterpillar shaped robot that has multiple segments, each segment containing a command, for example turn left or go forward. Kids can rearrange the segments causing the Code-A-Pillar to do different things and teach the kids coding. Another one is the Ozobot, but these are made for a higher age because of the harder coding and complicated use. These robots use a iPad app called “Ozobots” and “Ozobots Dance” which are completely free, but the Ozobots cost about $60. Another coding toy that is directed to higher ages are the LEGO Boost Robotics Creative Toolbox, which are multiple LEGO robots that move and can be coded to do certain things. These robots are mostly directed to higher ages because it is harder to code programs using it, and it is made of legos, making it more difficult for minor. Many people haven’t heard about these toys, but if you’re looking for a great present, now you know where to start!

Check out the following commercials for more information

By: Shreya S.

Have you ever been annoyed by your tangled earbuds? Don’t they just seem to be a constant problem?

A large percentage of the population in the current age use earbuds for daily use (about 50% according to surveys.pro), if it’s for listening to music or watching a movie. A common problem among earbuds is that they can get tangled, preventing the ideal listening experience. Luckily, digital marketers are already trying to produce new technology to prevent tangled earbuds. However, many are still uninformed about the new products in stores.

One of the top leading items on the market are the Zipbud earphones. These earbuds use simple yet effective features. The cable consists of a zipper that can zip and unzip, allowing for minimal tangles and also includes military-grade fibers. This allows for lasting durability.  The brand offers a wide variation of the earbuds as well. These items include noise canceling($23.95), sport earbuds ($49.95), juiced (least price of $19.95). However, the popular version is juiced, since this certain version is the cheapest yet still is able to produce a high quality sound. The main con of the juiced earbud is that if not taken care of properly, will easily break.

A more affordable solution is the many type of earbud holders. This includes the Funkyfonic Retractable earbuds. The Funkyfonic is a more affordable case approximately $10.99, to hold your earbuds, although it may look bulky it will performs it’s job well. The hard outer side of the case makes it more durable and easy to hold onto. It can easily fit into your pocket with the clip included in this product.

Another product is the Jeddis – iphone case for headphones. This case is capable of holding the earbuds inside of the actual case. From there, you are able to remove the earbuds for convenient use. It’s sleek design also allows for a stylish phone case as well.

In the end, I think that the end of tangled earbuds is close to a permanent solution.

By: Ethan Z.

On November 18, 2016, Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, two dazzling new 3DS Pokemon games, were released in multiple countries. The new games will introduce many new concepts and Pokemon, and the game is released during the year of Pokemon’s 20th anniversary. Both Pokemon Sun and Moon both cost $39.99.

The new starter Pokemon are Rowlet, the grass type owl that shoots feathers, Litten, the fire cat that breathes flames, and Popplio, the water type seal that shoots bubbles. Some Pokemon, such as the Alola Pokemon, Zygarde forms, and the ultra beasts, are fantastic legendaries. Their names are Solgaleo and Lunala.

The new region, Alola, is based off Hawaii. The islanders wear clothing for warm weather. The Alola region consists of four new islands: Melemele island, Ulaula island, Polu island, and Omaoma island. Their names mean red, green, yellow, and blue, the names of the original Pokemon games. Each island has a different guardian with their own special ability and type.

A part of this game that is surprising to many older Pokemon fans is that Pokemon Sun and Moon are bringing back the original trainers. Yes, none other than Trainer Red and Trainer Blue. This is one of the major parts that is making this new game more popular than ever. Also, the graphics are better and the new Pokemon is clearly pursuing a new path and it just might be better than others. One of the best Pokemon games was released on November 18th.