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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.
Typing on it with a keyboard case is no harder or easier than typing on a netbook. You can use Pages which works even better than word and can save as .doc
That being said, what is your major. If it is science, and you are going to have to do any sort of data analysis, than an ipad is not going to cut it.
Thanks guys, these seem consistent, I wasn't sure since there were so many other reviews
And the iPad has a keyboard and word "equivalent" programs for those who asked.
What about the tablet laptop? Do any of you have that' it's the computer with a detachable full size keyboard. There are 2 types the one where the screen comes off entirely So it doubles as a tablet & there's the one that the screen spins and closes so its a laptop size tablet
For University level work a notebook/laptop is more feasable. You need to have the Office based programs for nearly everything. If you can afford it, get a Samsung Series 9 notebook. As to the Ipad you can get away with using a bluetooth keyboard with it, but currently for your use it is not a notebook replacement. On an Ipad you can type notes. problem is that you have to email it to a computer in order to print them. On an Ipad you can also record lectures, but if you want to listen to them in a mp3 device you need to copy it over to a pc and convert it. They both have their pluses but a notebook still makes more sense.
For University level work a notebook/laptop is more feasable. You need to have the Office based programs for nearly everything. If you can afford it, get a Samsung Series 9 notebook. As to the Ipad you can get away with using a bluetooth keyboard with it, but currently for your use it is not a notebook replacement. On an Ipad you can type notes. problem is that you have to email it to a computer in order to print them. On an Ipad you can also record lectures, but if you want to listen to them in a mp3 device you need to copy it over to a pc and convert it. They both have their pluses but a notebook still makes more sense.
I agree that a laptop makes more sense unless the OP has easy access to a computer lap, but you can print wireless to a printer from an Ipad, and record and play back info easily.
I'm not sure why the OP would need a $1000+ computer when the OPs basic needs are word processing and internet use. There is absolutely no need for that. The OP should be just fine with a basic $350-500 laptop and student version of Office. If you want to buy a $1000 laptop, by all means go for it, but understand that for most people it isn't necessary.
I agree that a laptop makes more sense unless the OP has easy access to a computer lap, but you can print wireless to a printer from an Ipad, and record and play back info easily.
I'm not sure why the OP would need a $1000+ computer when the OPs basic needs are word processing and internet use. There is absolutely no need for that. The OP should be just fine with a basic $350-500 laptop and student version of Office. If you want to buy a $1000 laptop, by all means go for it, but understand that for most people it isn't necessary.
A college student needs something portable. There aren't many good options in the $350-$500 range other than netbooks. Could you imagine carrying around a 5LB, 1-inch thick laptop around all the time? It's possible, but gets annoying real fast.
.... but you can print wireless to a printer from an Ipad,
Would you like to try that again?
Per Apples website:
Quote:
The "AirPrint" feature in iOS 4.2 (for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad) works only with AirPrint-enabled printers, of which there are currently only a few (all from HP). iOS devices can't currently print to a generic network-attached printer in the way that PCs and Macs long have.
I have an iPod touch & I can print straight from my iPod to my printer because they're on the same network, I dot see why an iPad wouldnt allow wireless printing (I've also done it at school )
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