Exactly. I'm aware that, as some people on here have said, the iPad is a "content/media consumption device" but I'm also aware that it can be quite handy and productive. Thanks for the links! (but kind of pricey
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iPad 2 for College
- Thread starter stefc93
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Exactly. I'm aware that, as some people on here have said, the iPad is a "content/media consumption device" but I'm also aware that it can be quite handy and productive. Thanks for the links! (but kind of pricey
)+1
Note taking: Notes Plus App
Typing Essays, etc: Pages App
Downloading PDF's and annotating them in real time: PDF Expert, GoodReader App
Learning Civil Engineering while being entertained with the ease of videos: iTunes University
Bottom line: adapt to it, get used to it, you will see the benefits and use it a lot more than you think you will. Consider purchasing the targus rubber tip stylus for note taking. As this is the bottom line, i should also mention that it is your decision but in my experience, my suggestion is to go with the iPad and not the MBA. You can also draw on the iPad which is a big plus for free-body diagrams that you will be doing your first 2 years and then CAD which you can somewhat do (enough for college level) using the autocad app for the iPad.
Hope this helps.
Typing Essays, etc: Pages App
Downloading PDF's and annotating them in real time: PDF Expert, GoodReader App
Learning Civil Engineering while being entertained with the ease of videos: iTunes University
Bottom line: adapt to it, get used to it, you will see the benefits and use it a lot more than you think you will. Consider purchasing the targus rubber tip stylus for note taking. As this is the bottom line, i should also mention that it is your decision but in my experience, my suggestion is to go with the iPad and not the MBA. You can also draw on the iPad which is a big plus for free-body diagrams that you will be doing your first 2 years and then CAD which you can somewhat do (enough for college level) using the autocad app for the iPad.
Hope this helps.
I use my iPad to type up notes during class. It works perfectly fine for me; I'm a pretty fast typer on the touchscreen so I manage to write down everything I need to write down.
As for apps, I would recommend TapTyping to get better at typing on the touchscreen.
As for apps, I would recommend TapTyping to get better at typing on the touchscreen.
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I'm a student and planning to get an iPad for note taking, dictionaries, various reference books, even some required text books via Amazon/BN readers. The great thing is that all of those things are at your disposal on a single device, hence no need to shuffle through tons of books in your bag.
To get you started, get this app called PhatPad.
Hope this helps.
To get you started, get this app called PhatPad.
Hope this helps.
I'm currently an Environmental Engineering major and spent my first 3 semesters at my university as a civil engineering major and I don't see the benefit of an iPad for note-taking purposes or for doing homework. Although you'll be doing some writing here and there, you'll be entering a lot of equations and using Excel and doing these assignments on a computer would be much more beneficial for your uses.
As others have said, that money would be put to much better use if put towards a MBA or another device, you'll be able to keep up with lecturers much easier with a physical keyboard (trust me on this, some people are difficult to keep up with).
As others have said, that money would be put to much better use if put towards a MBA or another device, you'll be able to keep up with lecturers much easier with a physical keyboard (trust me on this, some people are difficult to keep up with).
OP, how the hell are you going to succeed with a difficult major like civil engineering when you even lack the most basic analytical skills?
An iPad is not for you.
Despite all the reasonable arguments other have already made about why a laptop is probably a better choice for you, you seem convinced that an iPad is the perfect device for you.
So just buy the iPad already and I hope for your sake that you aren't as shallow as you appear in your posts. Just don't come crying back here when you can't do your schoolwork on it.
An iPad is not for you.
Despite all the reasonable arguments other have already made about why a laptop is probably a better choice for you, you seem convinced that an iPad is the perfect device for you.
So just buy the iPad already and I hope for your sake that you aren't as shallow as you appear in your posts. Just don't come crying back here when you can't do your schoolwork on it.
I use my iPad with a pogo sketch stylus all the time to take notes and whatnot. There is an app called Penultimate which is really good. Basically a digital notebook.
Civil Engineering eh...get a Sony Vaio. Lighter than most PC laptops plus cheaper than a MB and better for engineering related stuff. Put linux on it and you will be good to go
I think getting an iPad isn't a HORRIBLE idea, just be prepared to run to a computing lab for some tasks. I can do more or less all my schoolwork on an iPad personally and if you get a pen, you've just made it even more worthwhile as a learning tool since really digitized notes are AWESOME(was a huge Tablet PC user ever since '06) . Honestly, I'm all for it. I personally carry an iPad and a 15" MBP around daily and I mainly use the iPad unless I need to access our school's servers.
I just need to say one thing. People in this forum need to read....This guy has asked for help and advice on buying an iPad.....Not a notebook or anything else. I am a college student and I plan to get the iPad 2 on Friday.
*With a duo core processor, I'm sure that will be fast enough for me to take college notes on.
*When I am in class, I do not need Filemaker, Adobepro, or any of my full programs.....So, I am just fine using Keynotes (for the many presentations I will be doing this semester), Pages (for typing my notes and transfering them to my computer), and Numbers (which I really don't need, but I understand they just came out with the bundle for iPad...So, I'll buy the bundle)
*I need something that connects to the internet because the building I have classes in and study in has poor wifi signal. I refuse to pay $45 (I believe) for the teathering package for my computer when I only use 200mbs on my phone (and yes, I do study internet sites using my phone when necessary). I also refuse to pay $40 dollars a month for a moble wireless plan.
*I also need something that has a battery life greater than 4 hours......iPad is rated for 10 hours.....So, even if I get 8 hours, I will be fine.
*I am tired of lugging a heavy computer around, so I plan to cut some weight by purchasing the lighter iPad and a light keyboard.
So, yes, a computer may be nicer, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT I NEED, nor does this other gentleman it seems.
Anyway, as far as apps, I can't help you too much. I don't know too much about the engineering side of things. I do believe there is an autocad lite for iPad and I think you can get scientific calculator software as well. Here is another site I found that may be of some use.....If I find anything else I'll be sure to post it.
http://www.businessinsider.com/20-best-ipad-apps-for-business-2010-5#apples-iwork-suite-1
According to the new iPad features.......Connecting to a secondary monitor should be easy and effortless now. It is no longer program specific. Printing, there are work arounds (just google it). That is the same problem I have with my macbook and I just email myself and print from the computer lab.
I did notice some engineers saying that the iPad may not be what you want due to it being heavy math note taking. Personally, I would have loved to have had an iPad in all of my Calculus classes (Cal 1-4), but I never had one to test it out. I would definately search and test a couple of note taking applications before being sold on the pad (there are several that will allow you to use a stylus to physically write the notes as opposed to typing them).
Forseeable Advantages/Disadvantages:
Advantages:
*Always have all of your notes every where you go
*Will not take up a lot of storage space as you progress through school
*Has potential to save a lot of erasers
Disadvantages:
*You may have to learn a new way of taking notes due the iPad's size compared to how large you write on the iPad
*It's harder, sometimes, to search through the hand written note programs to find the specific notes you need
*It's more difficult to look at multiple pages of notes at one time
*You may not be able to take graphing notes on the iPad
Over all, I say get it and put it to the test. Try writing out a page math notes on it and see how you like it. If it works for you, awesome....If not, return it for a refund. Also, I would seriously talk to some of the other professionals in the field to tell you why they disagree with the idea.....
*With a duo core processor, I'm sure that will be fast enough for me to take college notes on.
*When I am in class, I do not need Filemaker, Adobepro, or any of my full programs.....So, I am just fine using Keynotes (for the many presentations I will be doing this semester), Pages (for typing my notes and transfering them to my computer), and Numbers (which I really don't need, but I understand they just came out with the bundle for iPad...So, I'll buy the bundle)
*I need something that connects to the internet because the building I have classes in and study in has poor wifi signal. I refuse to pay $45 (I believe) for the teathering package for my computer when I only use 200mbs on my phone (and yes, I do study internet sites using my phone when necessary). I also refuse to pay $40 dollars a month for a moble wireless plan.
*I also need something that has a battery life greater than 4 hours......iPad is rated for 10 hours.....So, even if I get 8 hours, I will be fine.
*I am tired of lugging a heavy computer around, so I plan to cut some weight by purchasing the lighter iPad and a light keyboard.
So, yes, a computer may be nicer, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT I NEED, nor does this other gentleman it seems.
Anyway, as far as apps, I can't help you too much. I don't know too much about the engineering side of things. I do believe there is an autocad lite for iPad and I think you can get scientific calculator software as well. Here is another site I found that may be of some use.....If I find anything else I'll be sure to post it.
http://www.businessinsider.com/20-best-ipad-apps-for-business-2010-5#apples-iwork-suite-1
According to the new iPad features.......Connecting to a secondary monitor should be easy and effortless now. It is no longer program specific. Printing, there are work arounds (just google it). That is the same problem I have with my macbook and I just email myself and print from the computer lab.
I did notice some engineers saying that the iPad may not be what you want due to it being heavy math note taking. Personally, I would have loved to have had an iPad in all of my Calculus classes (Cal 1-4), but I never had one to test it out. I would definately search and test a couple of note taking applications before being sold on the pad (there are several that will allow you to use a stylus to physically write the notes as opposed to typing them).
Forseeable Advantages/Disadvantages:
Advantages:
*Always have all of your notes every where you go
*Will not take up a lot of storage space as you progress through school
*Has potential to save a lot of erasers
Disadvantages:
*You may have to learn a new way of taking notes due the iPad's size compared to how large you write on the iPad
*It's harder, sometimes, to search through the hand written note programs to find the specific notes you need
*It's more difficult to look at multiple pages of notes at one time
*You may not be able to take graphing notes on the iPad
Over all, I say get it and put it to the test. Try writing out a page math notes on it and see how you like it. If it works for you, awesome....If not, return it for a refund. Also, I would seriously talk to some of the other professionals in the field to tell you why they disagree with the idea.....
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This thread is pointless. OP doesn't seem to realise that laptops are cheaper than the iPad and have more functionality and every time a laptop is suggested they seem to jump at the idea of a Macbook, which isn't needed.
@Frog22: I have an Acer Aspire netbook and it gets around 8 hours battery life.
The iPad isn't slow in processing speed, but it definitely is going to be slower in regards to the interface than a laptop.
@Frog22: I have an Acer Aspire netbook and it gets around 8 hours battery life.
The iPad isn't slow in processing speed, but it definitely is going to be slower in regards to the interface than a laptop.
As a senior in computer science, get a laptop. And let me save you some embarrassment because the first time you pull from your backpack your ipad and keyboard dock in a lecture, expect to be laughed at.
An iPad and a keyboard dock......sounds like a netbook but much more unwieldly and less useful.
This isn't about being laughed at or how cool/uncool a piece of tech is.
The OP wanted advice as to which direction to take. My opinion (judging by what I've read so far) is that you currently don't need anything to improve your workflow during your studies. I am a uni student in the UK, I've got my iPod touch 4G which is essentially an iPhone, and that's all I need for note-taking. Sync with Mac when I get home, done.
As for personal use, my iPad is at home for entertainment and relaxation time. Don't take an iPad with you for college because so far I see no-one work productively with an iPad at my university. We have more software and high-spec PCs for that.
You said you have an iPhone 4. I think you're sorted, mate. Don't buy into Apple's luring marketing tactics.
Okay but every person in that lecture is going to know you could have bought a full sized laptop for the same amount of money rather than that oversized ipod and peripheral. And while everyone pulls their notebook (paper kind) or laptop from their bag/backpack and open it up, you will be fumbling around with your giant ipod and keyboard dock. The same will happen at the end of class too.
You can buy a macbook or macbook air 11" for about $100 more than the 64GB 3G iPad when you use the student discount. And if you wait until the summer, you can get a free ipod touch, which can be sold be drop the price some more. Or yeah, get a windows/linux laptop.
My suggestion is to buy an ipad when you start college and take it to a random math class where the notes don't matter and try to keep up taking notes. That way you can take it back within the 14 day return period if you decide pen and paper is far easier to work with. I see about 1 person in a class of 25 actually try and use a computer for note-taking in engineering classes. Everyone else does it the old fashioned way with a pad and paper or printing off the lecture slides. You will have a hard time typing all of your notes due to them being both graphical and mostly equations. Equations can be typed with software like Mathtype fairly proficiently once you get used to the shortcuts but their isn't a good way to do graphics efficiently.
As far as working on larger projects once you get into your core CE classes, every engineering building on our campus has computer labs with the software needed to complete your assignments. I used a desktop at home and the desktops @ school throughout my undergraduate degree. I didn't purchase a laptop until I started grad school and I still don't use it to take notes in class.
As far as working on larger projects once you get into your core CE classes, every engineering building on our campus has computer labs with the software needed to complete your assignments. I used a desktop at home and the desktops @ school throughout my undergraduate degree. I didn't purchase a laptop until I started grad school and I still don't use it to take notes in class.
OP is a funny guy.
Came here asking for suggestions and only wants to listen to the people who tell him what he wants to hear.
Why did you come here? You already made up your mind from the tone of your posts.
If I were you, I'd sell the Mac get a Macbook Air then use the leftover cash on a social life. Sure could have used a MBA in college.
Came here asking for suggestions and only wants to listen to the people who tell him what he wants to hear.
Why did you come here? You already made up your mind from the tone of your posts.
If I were you, I'd sell the Mac get a Macbook Air then use the leftover cash on a social life. Sure could have used a MBA in college.
Wow- what a surprising thread. It sounds like the OP knows he wants an iPad, and needs some advice on apps so as not to waste money on stuff that others may have tried and tested. Not sure being berated for buying a decent desktop is that helpful here....
Of course, you'll know the iPad has limitations, but I find so many advantages to using the iPad as my portable over my MacBook pro. My experiences if they're of use:
Document creation works really well with The iWork apps and Docs to Go ( which I use mostly for viewing comments and track changes). Have never had any problems creating and showing PowerPoint via Keynote. I use a Bluetooth keyboard for creating and editing long documents (bought a cheap secondhand igo- would highly recommend, even over my Apple KB) but for keeping up with note taking, I find the on screen keyboard absolutely fine. I've found a stylus useful for annotating PDFs. I use Dropbox for online storage and syncing.
Evernote for taking notes and syncing to MacBook pro,
iWork and D2G for documents, PowerPoint etc
PDF expert for storing, viewing, annotating PDFs
Readdledocs for file storage, syncing to Dropbox etc (great new native sync feature that allows you to sync an online folder to the native documents folder)
Instapaper for grabbing useful web pages
Logmein for the occasional time I need to access my MacBook pro at home
Jotnote pro for scanning in documents via my iPhone (soon be able to do this with the ipad2 - excellent!) This is handy when I get paper handouts and want to get them on to the iPad quickly to save having to file away bits of paper (also means you can start annotating it on your iPad there and then)
Omnigraffle as part of my work flow
IBooks/ Kindle app for buying related books and textbooks online as ebooks
All these apps do add up, and there are probably lots of free alternatives to the ones I list- but at least you can prioritize the apps you know you'll need immediately, and build up the rest over time.
When I'm at home, I just switch over the MacBook pro to tidy up and format documents and do things that are easier on a laptop.
I love that the battery always lasts long enough for the entire day or more, that my back no longer aches from carrying MacBook pro and charger, that I can fit everything I need into a handbag rather than carrying big back packs. The limitations that sometimes appear- like needing to print something and just having to email it to myself and print at a computer station- are usually easy to work around.
Advantages outweigh the disadvantages for me - others will disagree, but different strokes for different folks an' all that.
Of course, you'll know the iPad has limitations, but I find so many advantages to using the iPad as my portable over my MacBook pro. My experiences if they're of use:
Document creation works really well with The iWork apps and Docs to Go ( which I use mostly for viewing comments and track changes). Have never had any problems creating and showing PowerPoint via Keynote. I use a Bluetooth keyboard for creating and editing long documents (bought a cheap secondhand igo- would highly recommend, even over my Apple KB) but for keeping up with note taking, I find the on screen keyboard absolutely fine. I've found a stylus useful for annotating PDFs. I use Dropbox for online storage and syncing.
Evernote for taking notes and syncing to MacBook pro,
iWork and D2G for documents, PowerPoint etc
PDF expert for storing, viewing, annotating PDFs
Readdledocs for file storage, syncing to Dropbox etc (great new native sync feature that allows you to sync an online folder to the native documents folder)
Instapaper for grabbing useful web pages
Logmein for the occasional time I need to access my MacBook pro at home
Jotnote pro for scanning in documents via my iPhone (soon be able to do this with the ipad2 - excellent!) This is handy when I get paper handouts and want to get them on to the iPad quickly to save having to file away bits of paper (also means you can start annotating it on your iPad there and then)
Omnigraffle as part of my work flow
IBooks/ Kindle app for buying related books and textbooks online as ebooks
All these apps do add up, and there are probably lots of free alternatives to the ones I list- but at least you can prioritize the apps you know you'll need immediately, and build up the rest over time.
When I'm at home, I just switch over the MacBook pro to tidy up and format documents and do things that are easier on a laptop.
I love that the battery always lasts long enough for the entire day or more, that my back no longer aches from carrying MacBook pro and charger, that I can fit everything I need into a handbag rather than carrying big back packs. The limitations that sometimes appear- like needing to print something and just having to email it to myself and print at a computer station- are usually easy to work around.
Advantages outweigh the disadvantages for me - others will disagree, but different strokes for different folks an' all that.
This is what I have to overcome. I'm a CS major at a top university, and for some reason I find the need to place the iPad into my repertoire of school related items. At the end of the day, I'm satisfied with my MBA.
The thing about buying the iPad is it's supposed to fit IN to your lifestyle, not have to make you shift things around to MAKE it fit in. I could see the iPad being the perfect alternative for a laptop for a Literature major, or a History major, but doing as something as technical as Civil engineering means that you don't have the luxury of relying on handwritten notes on a device that's meant to be used for entertainment or light productivity.
I've fallen into this mentality before (and now I'm doing it every day with the advent of the iPad 2 announcement), but at the end of the day, I don't need to ruin my productivity with a fun device, but need a working laptop for my stay in college.
And if that doesn't help, just think of it like this: the iPad 6 will be out when you graduate. Then you'll have plenty of time for a "play" computer and a "work" computer
Edit: I see a lot of university students chiming in here saying that the iPad works fine for them. My question is, what are you majoring in?
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How do these same things not apply to a MacBook/Air/Pro?
- Note-taking? He said he'd buy a bluetooth keyboard, and Apple's BT keyboard is identical to the keyboard on the MacBooks. Advantage: probably nil.
- Printing? My university didn't let us just plug the printers into our personal computers. We would have to email it, get on a school computer, then print it. Same thing with an iPad. Advantage: nil.
- Presenting? Most people who present will have a VGA adapter for their Mac. Same thing with an iPad. Advantage: nil.
- Switching back and forth? My iMac is 1440x900, and I can't have two windows side-by-side. I have to overlap, which means switching back and forth between windows. Advantage: computer sometimes, but largely a wash.
It sounds like an iPad will be just fine for the OP (especially considering he has an iMac at home,) but even if a computer would better suit his needs, the reasons you gave are rather poor ones, as he'll encounter those problems with either a MacBook or an iPad.