TABLET OPTIONS / USES

Starting out I would immediately address the issue that the Principal has with the smallest kind of tablet devices.  (ie. iPod/MP3)  These devices are too small for proper use in the school setting and are easier to sneak below the desk for cheating purposes.  The iPad mini is a better option if the students feel like the standard iPad is too large or heavy for them.  The smallest tablet devices don't have the power and screen size to hold up to a standard one so they should be ruled out completely.

Each of the three major tablet operating systems have their own perks and downfalls and deciding on which one is best for a school system needs further research.

APPLE
Pros

• Apple has a site dedicated for education and their OS has plenty of educational apps already available for use in the classroom.  Educational discounts are also a bonus.
• Controlled hardware.  There is only one version of each iPad per generation as compared to Android where there are dozens of different devices.  Since each new incoming class will have the same hardware it is less stressful on the technicians to troubleshoot.
• Strong hardware.  Powerful processors, clear and crisp display, battery life long enough to last an entire school day, the smoothest feeling OS.

Cons

• More expensive than comparable Android devices
• No available physical way to increase storage.

ANDROID
Pros

• A lot less expensive than Apple and Microsoft tablets while having equivalent or a step lower hardware.  Slightly longer battery life.
• A lot more open to customize for school technicians. File structure feels more like a standard computer when navigating. 
• Some models are able to use removable storage media which allows for up-gradable storage space for apps, media, and files.

Cons

• No structured market for educational products or benefits for educational departments.  
• Too many options and models to adopt a specific brand or model for multiple incoming classes.  Hardware will constantly change.

MICROSOFT
Pros

• Very smooth OS with the ability to multitask on the same screen.  
• Hardware comes with a magnetic keyboard attachment, USB3.0 port, and microSDXC port.  PRO version adds 1080p resolution, a full version of Windows 8, and the ability to use the PRO utilities with a corporate domain.  PRO version is essentially a laptop.
• Comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Office Suite which students will need to become acquainted with.

Cons

• Very expensive.  The PRO version has lots of features that would essentially be overkill for standard use in the classroom.
• Very limited in its app market.  Other than MS Office and E-Reader the educational benefits are limited at this point in time.

Both Apple and Android's hardware have the ability to use "cellular" technology but it is definitely not something that should be considered for an educational setting.  I feel like if someone in the administration wanted to opt for a cellular device they should have to pay the difference in the cost as well as the monthly fee that comes with it.  Most schools have a wifi network that allows teachers to access internet and their network files and is more than sufficient for professional use.  This option to pay for a cellular device should not be given to the students because it will allow them to use the internet without restrictions the school network gives them.

After listing all of the pros and cons above it should help determine a decision the school wishes to take.  Tablets are definitely an incredible tool in which students can carry many books with them as a single object, have access to resources needed for further study, and most importantly enable the eagerness and excitement of having a tablet boost learning capabilities.  If used properly, the tablets would boost studying in a sense of being "fun" as well as properly respond to the different learning methods of children of this age of technology.

I would recommend the Apple iPad or the iPad Mini if in an elementary setting.  Apple acknowledges that their products are being adopted by educators and are showing effort in furthering the benefits of adopting their technology.  This alone should be enough to show which product will be worth the time and money.  However, the pros for the Apple products are really solid for a controlled environment such as education.