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Indiana lawmakers considering iPads

by Dave Caolo Sep 6th 2011 at 12:00PM

iPads are growing in popularity among educators, doctors and now lawmakers. The Houston Chronicle reports that the state is considering buying iPads for the Legislature's 50 senators and 100 representatives. Seen largely as a cost-cutting measure, the program (if adopted) would end the practice of providing legislators with laptops and eliminate huge paper costs.

State Senator Brandt Hershman explains that every legislator is provided with a paper copy of every version of every bill. That's a lot of paper, collation and distribution. "Especially near the end (of session), how many times have we waited to consider a budget because they are feverishly printing hundreds of copies?" Senator Hershman told the Chronicle.

West Virginia's Legislature is currently using iPads, while Virginia and Vermont are reportedly also considering the devices.

[Via The Loop]



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iPads are growing in popularity among educators, doctors and now lawmakers. The Houston Chronicle reports that the state is considering...
 

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Kamek

They should probably learn to read before getting iPads. Basic math would be nice too, but maybe they plan to get that Elmo game to learn that stuff.

September 06 2011 at 4:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kamek

Maybe they should learn to read before jumping on the iPad, probably easier that way.

September 06 2011 at 4:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nick

Why are you quoting a Texas newspaper regarding a state-based issue for a state which is 1400 miles away?

September 06 2011 at 1:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ron Bokleman

This is not a slam against Apple or the iPad, but the logic used by so many in 'Government'. Rick Ludwig has it right (below in his post). It also doesn't solve the SEARCH, storage needs, version control, security and access issues with a proper bill filing and tracking system. Once again folks get hung up on the delivery mechanism (in this case and iPad) and gloss over the substaintial system requirements to reduce costs and waste by increasing productivity....then again we really don't want these clowns more productive than they are since all they'll do is infringe upon your libery and mine, but I digress...

September 06 2011 at 12:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Ron Bokleman's comment
GDal

The decision to use iPads is based on actual studies that show improved productivity, and lowered expenses. Yet you think they are hung up on gloss. Why don't you provide them with irrefutable studies that show how their costs will definitely increase and their productivity will definitely decrease, please. Otherwise, just leave your nonsense where it belongs. In your head.

September 06 2011 at 2:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rick Ludwig

So... they're currently being provided laptops, but they're still printing the bills? What is an iPad going to change about that if they're currently not reading it on their laptop? It's easier to read on an iPad screen sure, but I doubt it's THAT much easier than reading on a laptop.

I love the idea, but they're going to replace a laptop with an iPad? Seriously?

September 06 2011 at 12:22 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Rick Ludwig's comment
GDal

How many books have you read on laptops? Amazon's Kindle is a hit with readers because of it's clear screen and accessible form factor. The iPad form factor is similar. I guess people should just carry laptops around to read on right?

September 06 2011 at 2:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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