If you have experimented with or are seriously using web apps (e.g., Google docs and spreadsheets), you may find a post on the ReadWrite blog to be of interest. This post briefly contrasts advantages and disadvantages of browser and Internet based apps vs. offline browser apps (perhaps not a distinction you might recognize – not the same as an offline app such as MS Word). I guess offline browser apps have existed for some time (e.g., Composer), but thinking of the browser as a way to meet general productivity needs is a little different.
I think the educational benefits of online browser apps are obvious – low or no cost and access from multiple locations (if schools allow). What about offline browser apps? I guess that might depend on cost issues.
