Review: Acer Iconia Tablet 10 Offers Sturdiness and Versatility for the Classroom

For many districts, the arrival of Smarter Balanced and PARRC online assessments have forced IT departments to make significant investments in their infrastructure, all of which require careful consideration, especially when it comes to choosing an affordable and versatile device for the modern classroom.

The Acer Iconia Tab 10 (version A3-A20FHD) combines versatility and low cost in a feature-rich device. The tablet runs on a powerful MediaTek 1.5-gigahertz quad-core processor, complemented with an ARM Mali-450 MP4 graphics chip, 2 gigabytes of RAM and Android’s KitKat operating system (version 4.4).

Classroom Workhorse

The Iconia Tab 10 also includes a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 2MP front-facing webcam, allowing students and teachers alike to produce multimedia content easily. Teachers can use the device to write lesson plans, choose among millions of inexpensive applications available through the Google Play store, track formative assessments and share media on a larger screen using an HDMI cable. Students can use it as an e-reader, word processor, educational gaming platform, content creation tool and web browser. Add a Bluetooth- or USB-connected keyboard and a pair of headphones, and the Acer Iconia Tab 10 is capable of supporting online testing.

The scratch-resistant, 1920x1200 WUXGA Gorilla Glass 4 display features an anti-fingerprint coating and the capacitive, 10.1-inch multitouch screen boasts zero air gap technology, which means air was removed between the panel and LCD, resulting in improved readability and reduced screen glare.

Weighing in at a mere 1.12 pounds, this device is also quite comfortable to hold. Smooth edges and a polished aluminum rear panel make it just as attractive as others on the market that cost significantly more. All in all, such features add up to one snappy and responsive device, and make it a great fit for education. n