We use PC laptops, MacBooks and Chromebooks exclusively for various
reasons. Most teams I see that make it beyond regionals and state use one
of those three, not saying that is a requirement to do so though. One of
our teams does blocks coding and the other does Python on custom firmware
(PyBricks.) The students will use their school issued Chromebooks for
testing programs initially and then migrate to a single PC laptop/Mac
device for the competition robot. The following are a few reasons why we do
not use iPads.

 - It's easier to backup your programs to an external device such as a USB
drive. The single most important reason in my mind, nothing like the iPad
cache getting wiped and losing your programs...
     **It's also worth noting that if you use the browser app and someone
clears the browser cache it will wipe all your programs unless you export
them to another
 - Typing is way easier than any touch screen. If you are looking for
efficient coding and saving time, stray away from touchscreens entirely.
 - You can charge your robot as you program if you plug it into your
laptop, we use a long flimsy USB. Not a big reason but still has saved us
time if they get into a long coding session where the robot needs to stay
at optimum voltage.
      **I have the team stay above 88%(7.3V) battery at all times. The
motors operate at a nominal 7.3V, if you go below that accuracy and motor
strength are not consistent. A fully charged battery is ~8.3V
 - Bluetooth is just as easy on a laptop as any iPad
 - It always seems like the Spike application for PCs gets updated before
iPads

I like the convenience of being able to carry around an iPad but it's just
as easy to do so with a laptop, MacBook or chromebook. If you are looking
for a budget device then you could go Chromebook and use the online Spike
App but it's just not as robust as the desktop application.

Thanks,
Alex Leonard


On Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 7:44 PM William J. Romasser <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> We’ve switched to iPad exclusively, with Bluetooth it just makes it a
> smoother experience,more portability
>
> Get Outlook for iOS
> <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faka.ms%2Fo0ukef&data=05%7C02%7CVADCFLL-L%40listserv.jmu.edu%7C1ab4227ce0304d59937308dc894bfa3c%7Ce9333c23cac742f499895cee3d4a79c0%7C0%7C0%7C638536207268818833%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C60000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OUa1h%2BY5j4gw9khedcyx44pN4wAruvScvQChsnmwtjA%3D&reserved=0>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* First Lego League in Virginia and DC <[log in to unmask]>
> *Sent:* Friday, June 7, 2024 5:31:12 PM
> *To:* [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> *Subject:* [External] [VADCFLL-L] Computer or ipad?
>
> *EXTERNAL EMAIL:* This email originated from outside of PWCS. Do not
> click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know
> the content.
>
> We are in the process of updating our robots and devices. Which works best
> for the Spike Prim App a computer or iPad?
> Thanks,
> Judy
>
> Miss Judy Martin
> Third Grade Teacher
> Fresta Valley Christian School
> 6428 Wilson Rd
> Marshall, VA 20115
> (540) 364-1929 X116
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-- 
*Alex Leonard*
Technology Coordinator
*Carroll County Public Schools*
 605-9 Pine Street
 Hillsville, VA 24343
*Office Phone*: 276-728-2414 or 276-730-3200

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