The Interwrite Mobi interactive tablet can be used in a variety of ways. If the instructor uses the tablet in “sandbox” mode, the entire class can collaborate on a project. In “split screen” mode, the instructor might have several students or several groups of students working on the same problem and displaying the progress on the screen.  And, of course, the instructor of can use the mobi tablet as a regular interactive tablet.

Pros:  The mobi uses RF (radio frequency) communication, is lightweight and compact, and rugged enough to stand up to many hours of classroom use.  The tablet is recharges via a USB cable from the computer, so it does not require another AC outlet.  It has a 2.4-inch built-in color display that, when used with the Interwrite CPS, shows student responses to questions on the tablet.  The tablet integrates with Examview softview and teachers can use up to seven student mobis at one time.

Cons: It still uses a rechargeable pen, which could run out of power before a lesson is over.

Overall Impression: This is the best interactive tablet I’ve seen so far. Since multiple students can participate at the same time in their own workspace, this system more or less makes the idea of expensive interactive whiteboards obsolete. 

Retail price: Teacher tablet, $399; student tablet, $349; mobi learning system (one teacher tablet, two student tablets recharging station and software), $1,150.