iPad Pro 12.9" 256GB Wi-Fi with Apple Pencil 2nd Gen - $1,199.00*

This is the modern tablet, and our Primary Recommendation to any seeking one. The specifications can be scaled as-needed, and this iPad is the most future-proof by supporting modern ports (USB-C), software with greater CPU and a higher-quality camera for those that need to be able to record hands-on work (such as labs). This is also the only iPad that supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which has a more user-friendly design that doesn't roll off the desk, charges via a magnetic connection instead of plugging into the only port the iPad has, and supports Gestures to allow instructors to quickly switch between apps.

* Cost estimated as of Fall 2021

iPad 10.2" 128GB Wi-Fi with Apple Pencil 1st Gen - $429.00*

This is the budget iPad. Specifications cannot be scaled higher than 128GB and it is an older design. It still uses the Lightning port and only supports the 1st Generation Apple Pencil, which needs to use that same Lightning port to charge -- causing conflict when you have to juggle the batteries of both during a long lecture. Less future-proof due to the older CPU and overall lower specifications. Still good for software and other needs, however. Checks all the boxes at a minimum.

* Cost estimated as of Fall 2021

Surface Pro 7 12.3" 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Surface Pro Signature Type Cover and Surface Pen - $1,459.97*

Microsoft Surface tablets are great because they run Windows 10. But they are also bad because they run Windows 10. The differentiation between tablet and laptop is blurred here, causing people to use them as laptop replacements, only to be disappointed by the hardware specifications. Can you run Matlab on a Surface? Yes. Should you? Probably not. The benefits here are the scaling specifications and the support for both USB-C and USB-A ports. This also comes with a higher quality microphone than its Surface Go counterpart.

* Cost estimated as of Fall 2021

Surface Go 2 10.5" 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Surface Go Type Cover and Surface Pen - $749.97*

This is the budget Surface. Similar upsides and downsides as the Surface Pro but toned down. There is no USB-A port -- only a single USB-C, it comes with a smaller screen and a lower-quality microphone. The support for the keyboard and pen remains the same, however. Specifications cannot really be scaled at all -- no room to customize. Graphics are limited. Still not a bad choice, however -- not as jarring of a difference as the iPad vs iPad Pro.

* Cost estimated as of Fall 2021

Galaxy Tab S7 11" 256GB with S Pen included - $729.99*

In the Android market, Samsung is the top of the market. The Galaxy Tab S7 provides the highest quality and most bang for your buck for an Android tablet. It includes the S Pen already, so no extra cost to include that, as the other platforms require. Android tablets are notoriously difficult to manage across an organization, however, as mobile device management solutions for Android are hard to come by, especially at high quality. This is a great solution for anyone that is very comfortable in the Android OS, however.

* Cost estimated as of Fall 2021