Why? Will your iPad 2 suddenly lose functionality when the iPad 3 is released? I suspect, frankly, that it may have something to do with an iPad 2 no longer carrying the status of the latest and greatest gadget.
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Ipad 2 for college?
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Why? Will your iPad 2 suddenly lose functionality when the iPad 3 is released? I suspect, frankly, that it may have something to do with an iPad 2 no longer carrying the status of the latest and greatest gadget.
dccorona
macrumors 68020
as an add on it will be great. Depending on your program, the 2 year old MBP should be more than enough for your purposes (unless you are in Film, or Art, or maybe CompSci). All you will need the laptop for is writing papers, etc.
I use an iPad for notes in class all the time. With Evernote, I am able to type faster than I could ever write. For classes that don't allow electronics in them, I write my notes with a Livescribe smartpen and then transfer them to my desktop...It'd be really awesome if they'd come out with an iPad app.
The other thing I like to do is use studyblue.com and sync my evernote notebooks to there...its a great site that, if they have your school, pools everyones notes together so you have a lot more than just your own notes to pull from.
Basically what I'm saying is this: don't get an iPad INSTEAD of a computer, but in addition to a computer, it can grow to become an invaluable tool for your studies
I use an iPad for notes in class all the time. With Evernote, I am able to type faster than I could ever write. For classes that don't allow electronics in them, I write my notes with a Livescribe smartpen and then transfer them to my desktop...It'd be really awesome if they'd come out with an iPad app.
The other thing I like to do is use studyblue.com and sync my evernote notebooks to there...its a great site that, if they have your school, pools everyones notes together so you have a lot more than just your own notes to pull from.
Basically what I'm saying is this: don't get an iPad INSTEAD of a computer, but in addition to a computer, it can grow to become an invaluable tool for your studies
dccorona
macrumors 68020
I'd stay away from using the iPad for books just because if you are going to use it to take notes as well, it can be difficult to switch between book and note-taking functionality
Seriously? Thats a fair argument for someone waiting until March....6 months from now.
But for the sake of it I'll go with you're argument. Let's say you bought an iPad. Then LITERALLY 5 minutes later, they put a new upgraded model on the shelf and didn't allow you to return your model. Would you be bummed you didn't wait the 5 minutes.
Now lets extrapolate that. Wheres the line between need, desire and consumer awareness? 24hrs? 3 days? 2 weeks? 1 month? 6 months?
I don't spend months waiting for the latest and greatest. But yes, I will wait 2 weeks to get the upgraded model.
For reference, I kept my 3G until the iP4 came out and I was upgrade eligible. And I'm still rocking a 2008 Macbook (ya know, the white one that just got discontinued!)
For gods sake theres a BUYERS GUIDE ON THIS WEBSITE encouraging people NOT to upgrade until the newest is model out. It has nothing to do with me being a snob, it has everything to do with being an intelligent consumer. A little research and some intelligence stretches your dollar a lot further. Something that can help a lot when buying apple products.
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I do not take notes on the iPad (for various reasons), and I highly recommend it as a reading device (for various reasons). In an ideal setup (assuming you are a touch typist) iPad + iPod + BT keyboard works well. I have posted a few threads about going digital, getting stuff done with the iPad, etc.
https://forums.macrumors.com/search/?searchid=24024882
Echoing what others said, the iPad is great as a supplement to a computer (perhaps as much as 90 percent of the time), but I would recommend you either own a computer, or at least have access to a good one (at university perhaps).
Being a college thread, if you would like a proof I will provide one:
iPad 2 Functionality constant: x
iPad 3 Functionality constant: y
Work accomplished = functionality * time
as time of ownership -> 3 years (length of ownership)
iPad 2 work = 156 weeks * x
iPad 3 work = 154 weeks * y
iPad 3 work will be greater than iPad 2 work if iPad 3 functionality is 1.02 (rounding up) times the functionality of the iPad 2. Now this assumes work is linear with time and functionality, which is a fair estimate I think.
So yes, I think I would benefit more (beyond having the latest and greatest) from waiting 2 weeks. Happy?
I like that 🙂
But, just to give you trouble, here are some more variables to consider.
Work getting done now=0
Fun time enjoyed with the iPad=0
Likelihood that iPad 3 will come out in two weeks=0
I still have an iPad 1, and as far as I can tell, for the kind of stuff I do, the difference between it and the iPad 2 is marginal at best. But, some people enjoy the waiting game, so to each his own 🙂
Work getting done now is factored into the 2 weeks missed hence the 156 vs 154 weeks. A fun factor could also be weighted in with a similar analysis, leading to the same ratio required.
My plan is to buy the iPad when Apple sends out invites to their Sept conference. They usually send em out ~1 week before the conference. That way if a new iPad is announced, I'll return the iPad 2. Otherwise I'll keep the iPad 2 and enjoy it.
I can't even physically buy one until mid-Aug (currently on internship on west coast, ~$200 gift cards are back east), so why not wait to see what the Sept conference holds?
Smart shopping can help save a lot. I'm sure your iPad 1 works just fine. But one functionality difference that quickly comes to mind is the front facing camera. Good way to chat with the parents back home😀. I think that alone makes up the .02 difference necessary.
i was told there would be no math on these forums. there is a reason i don't quantify my life!
i did purchase my ipad 1 for 350 dollars, after the ipad 2 came out, but i wasn't really waiting. i actually hadn't yet found a reason to buy it. then, i discovered goodreader 🙂
i prefer not to chat with cameras, but my ipod does the trick just fine, so no need to upgrade (downgrade?) to the ones on the ipad 2. it sounds like you have everything worked out. let's hope apple produces an ipad 3 for you 🙂
Haha, no worries, sometimes I get caught up in the math/science. I felt compeled to add it since this is a thread about college.
So in your case, cost played a factor. That wouldn't translate to my case since I assumed the iPad 2 and iPad 3 will be at the same price points. Secondly, you analyzed the features and came up with a different answer. In your case, there wasn't a functionality difference so it was a smart move to take the cheaper product and save the $150.
Perhaps the same could happen in my case. What if an iPad 3 does come out 2 weeks later, but I don't need the new functions? Well, I could have bought the iPad 2 two weeks earlier at $500. Or I could wait 2 weeks (maybe a bit more) and buy it for $350 like you did. Is $150 worth a 2 week wait? My answer is yes.
Props to you though. Smart shopping saved you quite a bit of money. That $150 could almost buy you a new iPhone, or could be put towards a future iPad or another product.
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Thanks for the kind words. Well, in my case I wasn't really waiting, the iPad 2 was sold-out everywhere, it wasn't coming to Japan for another couple of months, and I decided that for my uses, the iPad 2 wouldn't make a huge impact, so I ended up with the iPad 1. It wasn't a very calculated decision, really. The iPad finally fell into a price range I felt really comfortable with and it was available.
The iPad thingy supposedly coming out in September sounds odd to me, and I can't help thinking that it will have some premium features at a premium price in order to distinguish it from the iPad 2. In other words, and iPad HD or something like that, and the price point will be much higher than 500.
The iPad is a godsend for school!
I am a college student, and I have been using the iPad as my primary portable computing device since the first model came out last year. I can't tell you how great it has been to use for school, so useful in fact that I was able to justify upgrading to the iPad 2 this year with no qualms whatsoever. Even though I had a laptop (now a new iMac) I ceased lugging it around immediately because of the iPad. I use dropbox and goodreader all of the time, and purchase as many of my texts in ebook form as possible; this dramatically reduces my load. Also, if you are like me, you'll find that using goodreader to store all of your PDF files for your classes (which accounts for much of my reading material/coursework) is an unbelievably helpful tool. You can annotate and mark-up your files using the app, and then you can sync it to dropbox so that all of your materials are available wherever you have an Internet connection. Plus, in my experience, the iPad is quite a bit less of an intrusive device in class--particularly those classes that require more interaction with professors and classmates (like seminars). I have found that many professors respond favorably to the iPad in class, as opposed to laptops which can be viewed as a greater distraction (as they create a separation of space from the instructor and class). At any rate, I LOVE the iPad as an accessory to my studies....I never want to be without one again!
I am a college student, and I have been using the iPad as my primary portable computing device since the first model came out last year. I can't tell you how great it has been to use for school, so useful in fact that I was able to justify upgrading to the iPad 2 this year with no qualms whatsoever. Even though I had a laptop (now a new iMac) I ceased lugging it around immediately because of the iPad. I use dropbox and goodreader all of the time, and purchase as many of my texts in ebook form as possible; this dramatically reduces my load. Also, if you are like me, you'll find that using goodreader to store all of your PDF files for your classes (which accounts for much of my reading material/coursework) is an unbelievably helpful tool. You can annotate and mark-up your files using the app, and then you can sync it to dropbox so that all of your materials are available wherever you have an Internet connection. Plus, in my experience, the iPad is quite a bit less of an intrusive device in class--particularly those classes that require more interaction with professors and classmates (like seminars). I have found that many professors respond favorably to the iPad in class, as opposed to laptops which can be viewed as a greater distraction (as they create a separation of space from the instructor and class). At any rate, I LOVE the iPad as an accessory to my studies....I never want to be without one again!
You don't think the MBA & iPad overlap too much?
I'd be worried about having a real workhorse to run code, model, play 1080p etc.
Mlrollin91
macrumors G5
I saw that article too. Ive had my iPad 2 since launch and have put it to great use in every single one of my classes. Had a MBP for home and for larger assignments, but with the Bluetooth keyboard my iPad was perfect plus I save a ton on textbooks. My iPad will pay for itself in a year with textbook savings.
i agree. as thefreeagent also mentioned, the iPad is unbelievably useful for graduate school. i know several students who use it almost exclusively. it changes everything.
regarding that article, there is another thread somewhere in the forums about it. personally, i think it was an especially inane list, and i wouldn't put much stock into that drivel. the list apparently originated with a media editor of a site i am unfamiliar with (spam to lead us there?) and seems to have been targeted for parents (and perhaps school districts) who are buying ipads for young children in k-12 education. you can read the forum discussion for more, but i think the anecdotal evidence of undergraduate and graduate students throughout these forums pretty strongly leans toward viewing the ipad as a revolutionary device they are thrilled to have.
It seems as though everyone pretty much has good things to say about the ipad, especially for school. At this point, i will likely be purchasing one if not very soon, the end of august before i leave for school.
I am wondering if anyone could give me a list of apps that i should look into purchasing/downloading that will help make the ipad that much better for school.
Some info:
I plan on buying the 16gb wifi only ipad (white, i dont know why it looks amazing 😀 )
I am currently a chemistry major looking to transition into chemical engineering.
I've got a 13" MBP (running OSX 10.5.8)
I have an iphone 4.
Thanks for any help
I am wondering if anyone could give me a list of apps that i should look into purchasing/downloading that will help make the ipad that much better for school.
Some info:
I plan on buying the 16gb wifi only ipad (white, i dont know why it looks amazing 😀 )
I am currently a chemistry major looking to transition into chemical engineering.
I've got a 13" MBP (running OSX 10.5.8)
I have an iphone 4.
Thanks for any help
anjinha
macrumors 604
iStudiez Pro is a really good app to keep track of your schedule, assignments, exams...
If you have PDFs that you need to read for school I recommend PDF Expert. You can highlight text, add notes, write annotations...
ProwlingTiger
macrumors 65816
absolutely worth the investment
I am a junior in University at the moment, and to respond to the OP I would DEFINITELY suggest getting an iPad so long as it is reasonably within your budget. Don't go staving or cutting into your beer budget for it!
;p
But in all seriousness I am doing just what you are hoping for, using my iPad instead of my Macbook Pro 15inch as my mobile computing device.
Here are some things I reccomend:
Zagg shield for your screen. Tossing your ipad in your backpack with keys, pens, jump drives, or whatever else could eventually cause a scratch. And even a small scratch would reduce resale value.... So the 29 bucks for a screen protector is worth it. They even offer a smudgeproof and glare resistant version which will help you read your books under the trees on campus in the sun 🙂
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/apple-ipad-2-cases-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php
If you are planning on using your ipad as a note taking, word processing machine (which I highly recommend you do), consider as others have mentioned the Apple wireless keyboard. And the best addition i've found is the Incase Oragami Workstation. Handsdown the neatest accessory for my ipad. It props up your ipad at the perfect angle, just above the keyboard. you really get a touch-screen laptop experience! And then it folds around the keyboard to protect it in your bag. Check out the 360 degree view on their page!
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/cl57934/2
Finally the iWork suite like others have mentioned. And iStudiez, the best app for a student planner (keep track of assignments, professors, class locations, tests, etc).
finally, its not necissary but I am also using the LiveScribe Echo pen to take my notes in class. This is a great tool that gives you the fast and free experience of pen and paper, but also automatically uploads a pdf version of your notes to your computer, laptop, facebook, etc.... AND it records the whole lecture as you take notes, so you can go back and touch any of your notes to hear that specific part of your teacher's lecture. GREAT for study guides on tests! It also makes your notes 'searchable' on your computer!
http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/
Good luck OP!
I am a junior in University at the moment, and to respond to the OP I would DEFINITELY suggest getting an iPad so long as it is reasonably within your budget. Don't go staving or cutting into your beer budget for it!
;p
But in all seriousness I am doing just what you are hoping for, using my iPad instead of my Macbook Pro 15inch as my mobile computing device.
Here are some things I reccomend:
Zagg shield for your screen. Tossing your ipad in your backpack with keys, pens, jump drives, or whatever else could eventually cause a scratch. And even a small scratch would reduce resale value.... So the 29 bucks for a screen protector is worth it. They even offer a smudgeproof and glare resistant version which will help you read your books under the trees on campus in the sun 🙂
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/apple-ipad-2-cases-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php
If you are planning on using your ipad as a note taking, word processing machine (which I highly recommend you do), consider as others have mentioned the Apple wireless keyboard. And the best addition i've found is the Incase Oragami Workstation. Handsdown the neatest accessory for my ipad. It props up your ipad at the perfect angle, just above the keyboard. you really get a touch-screen laptop experience! And then it folds around the keyboard to protect it in your bag. Check out the 360 degree view on their page!
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/cl57934/2
Finally the iWork suite like others have mentioned. And iStudiez, the best app for a student planner (keep track of assignments, professors, class locations, tests, etc).
finally, its not necissary but I am also using the LiveScribe Echo pen to take my notes in class. This is a great tool that gives you the fast and free experience of pen and paper, but also automatically uploads a pdf version of your notes to your computer, laptop, facebook, etc.... AND it records the whole lecture as you take notes, so you can go back and touch any of your notes to hear that specific part of your teacher's lecture. GREAT for study guides on tests! It also makes your notes 'searchable' on your computer!
http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/
Good luck OP!
WORKFLOW
-------------------------------------------------
1. Getting Things Done with the iPad
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1197650/
2. Going from Paper to iPad
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1198956/
3. Getting Things Done: iPad for Academics
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1189442/
APPS
-------------------------------------------------
1. GoodReader
http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html
2. Evernote
http://www.evernote.com/about/download/ipad.php
3. VoodooPad (see student discount)
http://flyingmeat.com/voodoopad/#
4. Pages (or DocstoGo)
http://www.apple.com/ipad/from-the-app-store/pages.html or http://www.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/iphone/
5. Dropbox
http://www.dropbox.com/
6. GoodReader USB (for heavy users of GoodReader)
http://www.goodreader.net/gr-man-tr-usb2.html
7. RecorderPro
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recorder-pro/id290854227?mt=8
8. Sugarsync
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sugarsync/id288491637?mt=8
9. gFlashPro
http://www.gwhizmobile.com/Desktop/gFlash.php
10. ScannerPro
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scanner-pro-scan-multipage/id333710667?mt=8
ACCESSORIES
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Origami Workstation
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/cl57934
2. Apple Bluetooth Keyboard
http://www.apple.com/keyboard/
3. ScanSnap
http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/computing/peripherals/scanners/scansnap/
-------------------------------------------------
1. Getting Things Done with the iPad
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1197650/
2. Going from Paper to iPad
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1198956/
3. Getting Things Done: iPad for Academics
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1189442/
APPS
-------------------------------------------------
1. GoodReader
http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html
2. Evernote
http://www.evernote.com/about/download/ipad.php
3. VoodooPad (see student discount)
http://flyingmeat.com/voodoopad/#
4. Pages (or DocstoGo)
http://www.apple.com/ipad/from-the-app-store/pages.html or http://www.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/iphone/
5. Dropbox
http://www.dropbox.com/
6. GoodReader USB (for heavy users of GoodReader)
http://www.goodreader.net/gr-man-tr-usb2.html
7. RecorderPro
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recorder-pro/id290854227?mt=8
8. Sugarsync
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sugarsync/id288491637?mt=8
9. gFlashPro
http://www.gwhizmobile.com/Desktop/gFlash.php
10. ScannerPro
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scanner-pro-scan-multipage/id333710667?mt=8
ACCESSORIES
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Origami Workstation
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/cl57934
2. Apple Bluetooth Keyboard
http://www.apple.com/keyboard/
3. ScanSnap
http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/computing/peripherals/scanners/scansnap/
Livescribe sucks, much too buggy to depend on. I had both the cheap one and the expensive one and both had driver issues, wouldnt connect, wouldnt load, etc...
Most apps are not catalogs of books, they are readers. Meaning that you can get the actual ebook from many different sources, and that particular app just lets you read them. Some have built in stores, but those are accessible from outside the app too.
SO you really just need to get a list of your books and check each one individually. just type in the title and "ebbok" or "pdf" or something into google.
SO you really just need to get a list of your books and check each one individually. just type in the title and "ebbok" or "pdf" or something into google.
AppleDApp
macrumors 68020
cost wise how do they compare to the hardcover copy? am I saving money going this route?