Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
What do you guys think about buying an iPad for college as opposed to a laptop/netbook?
I've been doing a lot of research and I've seen a lot of mixed reviews; however those whom are against it, from what I've seen, are business/accounting/statistics etc majors, and they didn't like it because of lack of programs (i.e spreadsheets etc). I plan on majoring in Early childhood education, so would it matter if I had an iPad? Is it likely that there will be programs/things I can't do. And if there are is it too much work/too inconvenient to go the computer lab or library?
Sorry I'm asking so many questions, I just want want to make sure I get information from every angle before committing to this purchase.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,711 posts, read 58,042,598 times
Reputation: 46182
What is your major? iPad will be of little value if you are headed in a technical direction.
iPad is more of a PDA, than a Computer. I planned to get one for my overseas commuting / engineering work, but way too gutless of a device.
Afraid you need to spring for a Macbook, or an equivalent PC based device. There are Android tablets that are more functional, BUT... I would get a slightly outdated (maybe used) LIGHTweight and dependable laptop (I have had good luck with Toshiba). THEN get a docking station for typing (or just a USB keyboard and wireless mouse) ~ $350 - $550 will fix you up with some POWER.
You can get a keyboard for an ipad and from what I hear some of the word processing programs are decent. I would look into how many computer labs your college has and their hours. If you need to pull an all nighter writing a paper, will you be able to do it as quickly on an ipad as you would a computer and if not will you have access to a computer lab?
I would find an ipad less than ideal for editing a major paper.
The iPad is awesome, I'm using one right now but no way can it be used instead of a laptop no way in the world. Save up the money and get the iPad for fun.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
