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Is the iPad 2 a legitimate substitution for college freshmen?
- Thread starter rockinmorockin
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yeah i'm not agreeing with solely having an ipad. i am going to get a laptop, eventually. just wanted to see what others thought
You may need a spreadsheet app then. I would suggest Numbers.
I have purchased the iWorks Suite for iPad (Pages, Numbers, Keynote), and also QuickOffice HD.
I have hardly ever used QuickOffice HD. I find iWorks Suite more solid. Complement it with a free 2GB WebDAV account at myDrive.ch for your cloud storage, and ReaddleDocs as your main file manager.
As for a note taking app, I bought a ton, but haven't really found the one I like the most, but for doing research and studying books and annotating, my favorite app is iAnnotate.
For in-class note taking, stick to a notepad and a pen for now. I found an app I like, but still needs a lot of improvement to become fully reliable for this task. I'll let you know if something better comes up, or you could PM me with any questions or to remind me
But as some people mentioned above, you'll definitely need a computer to sync and backup your iPad and install updates, etc.
If you get a Keyboard, get the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard, and why not, the Camera Connection Kit
Not even with an external keyboard?
What note-taking app are you using?
He could also use a regular notepad to take notes, and then take a picture of his notes and copy into the iPad, then go from there.
I would not suggest going to college on simply an iPad alone without a laptop. I mean, sure you CAN get by; there are some people that don't have their own computers and use the ones on campus libraries, but I think that's a really big inconvenience.
I think now having your own laptop is a must in college, but that's my opinion. I have a MacBook Pro 13" and just recently bought an iPad 2 too, but I could never see my iPad 2 replacing my MacBook and becoming my main computing device.
I do now just use my iPad 2 to type out notes in class, but it's much less accurate than on a laptop. I take it to class because it's lighter, thinner, and I enjoy taking notes on it more than my laptop just because it's fun, but I wouldn't say it's easier. You could get a external keyboard, but then that means you're now carrying two devices, and it defeats the purpose of carrying such a small device.
Also, I don't know how well I'd be able to write a paper on an iPad even with the keyboard. On an iPad you can only be viewing one thing at a time, and that would be the word processor, so it's very difficult if you compare it to a laptop where you can have multiple windows open, even side by side, and you can have your research open in one window while you type in another. Or you can have a dictionary open in a tiny window without having to continuously app-switch, which would be difficult, especially if you're trying to look at one thing while typing something else.
Also even just having my iPad for a little over a month, I've been required to go to certain websites to view material that requires flash, and I've had to open it up on my laptop. You might also come across the need of using certain programs that require you to have a real computer that allows you to download these programs.
Opening up web pages is also much quicker on a laptop. The biggest issue with me right now is that with my computing habits, having much more efficient being able to have more than one window open side by side.
Still love to use my iPad though.
I think now having your own laptop is a must in college, but that's my opinion. I have a MacBook Pro 13" and just recently bought an iPad 2 too, but I could never see my iPad 2 replacing my MacBook and becoming my main computing device.
I do now just use my iPad 2 to type out notes in class, but it's much less accurate than on a laptop. I take it to class because it's lighter, thinner, and I enjoy taking notes on it more than my laptop just because it's fun, but I wouldn't say it's easier. You could get a external keyboard, but then that means you're now carrying two devices, and it defeats the purpose of carrying such a small device.
Also, I don't know how well I'd be able to write a paper on an iPad even with the keyboard. On an iPad you can only be viewing one thing at a time, and that would be the word processor, so it's very difficult if you compare it to a laptop where you can have multiple windows open, even side by side, and you can have your research open in one window while you type in another. Or you can have a dictionary open in a tiny window without having to continuously app-switch, which would be difficult, especially if you're trying to look at one thing while typing something else.
Also even just having my iPad for a little over a month, I've been required to go to certain websites to view material that requires flash, and I've had to open it up on my laptop. You might also come across the need of using certain programs that require you to have a real computer that allows you to download these programs.
Opening up web pages is also much quicker on a laptop. The biggest issue with me right now is that with my computing habits, having much more efficient being able to have more than one window open side by side.
Still love to use my iPad though.
I like to have my Macbook Pro function as a desktop with my external monitor, so I ordered an iPad 2 (sophomore in college) because I want to be able to leave my macbook and use the iPad for portabillity, of course it can't code or anything but it can satisfy most of my needs besides the programs I use, which I like to be docked for a big screen with
As other have said, if you don't have a computer of some type, you have no way to backup or update your iPad. If your iPad crashes, you have lost all your work without any way to salvage it.
Be smart and get a laptop of some type and get a iPad to lug around campus. iPads were never meant to replace a home computer
Be smart and get a laptop of some type and get a iPad to lug around campus. iPads were never meant to replace a home computer
I used a used a white Macbook through undergrad (it's 5 years going strong! trooper!) and I just got an iPad 2. I currently have an iMac that I use as my primary computer for photography and design work (not my profession but I freelance)... I couldn't see using my iPad as my only "computer."
It's the device I use primarily throughout the day when I would have normally used my Macbook - in that sense, the iPad's replaced it. However, if I were starting undergrad in the fall I would definitely go for the Macbook Pro as my primary (or only, as the case may be) device. It offers the most versatility and is the best compromise between power and mobility for the average college student.
You MIGHT be able to swing the iPad as your only device with a wireless keyboard, but a Macbook Pro would be much more ideal to me. Typing long papers or crunching big spreadsheets are do-able on the iPad, but these tasks are more something I "could" use my iPad for than something I "would choose to" if I had a desktop/MBP handy.
Good luck!
It's the device I use primarily throughout the day when I would have normally used my Macbook - in that sense, the iPad's replaced it. However, if I were starting undergrad in the fall I would definitely go for the Macbook Pro as my primary (or only, as the case may be) device. It offers the most versatility and is the best compromise between power and mobility for the average college student.
You MIGHT be able to swing the iPad as your only device with a wireless keyboard, but a Macbook Pro would be much more ideal to me. Typing long papers or crunching big spreadsheets are do-able on the iPad, but these tasks are more something I "could" use my iPad for than something I "would choose to" if I had a desktop/MBP handy.
Good luck!
Wow, an utterly off-topic, unhelpful, unfriendly, pedantic response... Where would the Internet be without contributors like you? Thank you so much.
Back to the topic at hand:
I don't think the iPad is quite there as a standalone device. At the very least you'll need to synch with a computer for backup and restore... Storing your docs on the cloud helps, but won't cover everything... Hm... Maybe get a cheap windows netbook to backup to...
we have MBP 17, MBP 15, MBP 13, iMac 27, MacBook, MBA 13, MBA 11 And iPad 2 in our family business. I think best choice for what I have heard described is refurb MBA 11 or 13. As mush as everyone in our family loves the iPad 2, If anyone in our family could have only one computer, it would not be the iPad 2.
The iPad 2 will get you through some college work, but you'll eventually find some of the work more demanding than what the iPad 2 can handle.
For longer, more winded research papers, unless your sources are entirely nondigital (ie, textbook, book from library, newspaper article, etc.), you're going to have to switch between your word processor/spreadsheet, internet (ie, Safari), and/or your source(s) that you've loaded to your iPad 2 (ie, a PDF from your teacher on the source, or a word document or book purchased from iBooks or Kindle).
Trust me, it's not going to be practical pressing the Home button often or using gestures as you're writing the paper. You'll miss the convenience of having a mouse/touchpad and cursor to make things less difficult relying entirely on your finger skills. As others have said, the iPad 2 will certainly be a perfect complement and companion, but you're going to need something more "complete" and practical.
For all intents and purposes, I love my iPad, but I have a MBP to fill in wherever the iPad cannot.
-C
I would definitely not go in with the iPad as my only computer, even at first, unless you want to risk spending lots of time in computer labs or at the library.
A lot of schools/classes use online systems for managing assignments, announcements, and sometimes even tests. Those are usually powered by either Java or Flash, neither of which the iPad can handle.
With that said, the iPad can be a GREAT college companion. It's something that you'd keep in your backpack always, a way to look at a document or take some notes while in a class or kill some time between classes.
You really should have some sort of full computer though, even if it isn't the latest and greatest, just so you have somewhere to update your iPad, keep backups, and download documents from class websites so you can stick them on your iPad.
You can do basically everything you need to at college with a decent laptop, but not with just an iPad. It's a great companion device but you're expected to have a real computer for a lot of things.
A lot of schools/classes use online systems for managing assignments, announcements, and sometimes even tests. Those are usually powered by either Java or Flash, neither of which the iPad can handle.
With that said, the iPad can be a GREAT college companion. It's something that you'd keep in your backpack always, a way to look at a document or take some notes while in a class or kill some time between classes.
You really should have some sort of full computer though, even if it isn't the latest and greatest, just so you have somewhere to update your iPad, keep backups, and download documents from class websites so you can stick them on your iPad.
You can do basically everything you need to at college with a decent laptop, but not with just an iPad. It's a great companion device but you're expected to have a real computer for a lot of things.
The answer is no. The ipad is designed to be a media consumption device, and that's what it does extremely well. Don't delude yourself into thinking that the iPad is a laptop replacement - it's not even close. A $299 windows netbook would be a better choice than an iPad.
Your dad probably hasn't been through the college experience recently enough to know how dependent you will be on having an actual computer. Everything is online now, from course syllabi, texts, recorded lectures, even exams. The iPad's browser, while still one of the best mobile browsers on the market, is piss poor compared to one on a real computer. Lack of flash is a real deal breaker too.
The iPad is NOT a computer replacement. Not even close.
Your dad probably hasn't been through the college experience recently enough to know how dependent you will be on having an actual computer. Everything is online now, from course syllabi, texts, recorded lectures, even exams. The iPad's browser, while still one of the best mobile browsers on the market, is piss poor compared to one on a real computer. Lack of flash is a real deal breaker too.
The iPad is NOT a computer replacement. Not even close.
You will want Excel. Not Numbers, not OpenOffice, not any other spreadsheet program. Excel.
Just go buy a damn computer.
i'll have to agree with this.
the OP, however, sounds alot like someone who already made his decision and didn't really come here for advice, anyways :/
I don't really have a need for a college freshman, so I would take the iPad2.
I see what you did there... lol
First i want to say that i never wanted to get an ipad and couldn't find a reason why i would need it since i got an iphone 3G and a early 2008 white macbook. Then i decided to go back to school and i needed an ultra portable laptop and was saving to get the macbook air 13" ultimate. But then the iPad 2 came out and i tried it at the apple store. Then i thought to myself. Why don't i just get this and keep my macbook(it's still runs completely fine).
I'm a Nursing student and i got an ipad which complements my 2008 white macbook.
I love carrying just the ipad to school and not having to lug around with my macbook in my backpack.
It's awesome. I use the iPad primarily now and my macbook sits at home as a desktop replacement hook up to a screen and i mostly use it to write papers, Aperture/iPhoto, Itunes, iCal, Contacts.
I think getting the iPad was the best decision for me since it helped me to save money instead of getting a new macbook pro or Macbook air. My macbook still works fine and i'm not a heavy user and with 4GB of RAM it's more than enough and getting a Pro would be overkill.
I use the iPad to take notes(lecture) using Note taker HD and Note Plus since you can take handwritten notes( i'm not fast at typing), anotate pdf, Google calendar sync with iCal across my ipad, iphone 3G and iPad 2. I also use it to listen to music as well. It's so easy just to sit on a bench or in a quiet corner at school without having to worry about power connection. WiFi is available all over the campus.
The iPad is very useful for Nursing students since there are a few really cool apps to learn anatomy and other stuff that are not available on PC/Mac. I also sometimes start typing my papers on the ipad and then when i get home, i finish and edit them and all sync using free Dropbox.
I have tons of PDF on the iPad and it's the best device to read and annotate PDF on.
But i don't think a college student can use an iPad as the only machine. It's not a standalone computer. But if you are like me and don't want to spend money on an expensive full fledged laptop then the ipad is the way to go. Now i get to keep my 3 year old laptop without feeling the need/want to upgrade. and saving $$$$.
Lots of people complain that taking notes on iPad is hard. But for me using handwritten notes taking apps like Note taker HD/ Notes Plus is a lot easier and feels very natural. You don't need to carry an external keyboard. And since i can save my notes in PDF. I can access everything on the ipad instead of having several notebooks
To conclude the ipad is an all in one device. It's a multimedia device, a notepad, a book reader, a gaming device, a schedular, email, VOIP, and the whole internet in your hand.
I'm a Nursing student and i got an ipad which complements my 2008 white macbook.
I love carrying just the ipad to school and not having to lug around with my macbook in my backpack.
It's awesome. I use the iPad primarily now and my macbook sits at home as a desktop replacement hook up to a screen and i mostly use it to write papers, Aperture/iPhoto, Itunes, iCal, Contacts.
I think getting the iPad was the best decision for me since it helped me to save money instead of getting a new macbook pro or Macbook air. My macbook still works fine and i'm not a heavy user and with 4GB of RAM it's more than enough and getting a Pro would be overkill.
I use the iPad to take notes(lecture) using Note taker HD and Note Plus since you can take handwritten notes( i'm not fast at typing), anotate pdf, Google calendar sync with iCal across my ipad, iphone 3G and iPad 2. I also use it to listen to music as well. It's so easy just to sit on a bench or in a quiet corner at school without having to worry about power connection. WiFi is available all over the campus.
The iPad is very useful for Nursing students since there are a few really cool apps to learn anatomy and other stuff that are not available on PC/Mac. I also sometimes start typing my papers on the ipad and then when i get home, i finish and edit them and all sync using free Dropbox.
I have tons of PDF on the iPad and it's the best device to read and annotate PDF on.
But i don't think a college student can use an iPad as the only machine. It's not a standalone computer. But if you are like me and don't want to spend money on an expensive full fledged laptop then the ipad is the way to go. Now i get to keep my 3 year old laptop without feeling the need/want to upgrade. and saving $$$$.
Lots of people complain that taking notes on iPad is hard. But for me using handwritten notes taking apps like Note taker HD/ Notes Plus is a lot easier and feels very natural. You don't need to carry an external keyboard. And since i can save my notes in PDF. I can access everything on the ipad instead of having several notebooks
To conclude the ipad is an all in one device. It's a multimedia device, a notepad, a book reader, a gaming device, a schedular, email, VOIP, and the whole internet in your hand.
Well, first of all, you can't really use an iPad effectively without a computer to tether it to for syncing and backing up. I hate this about the iPad, but Apple made it this way and of course with Apple products it's their way or the highway.
And if you can't have both a computer and an iPad, then I think you'd be crazy to pick only an iPad......unless you have a lot of patience. There is very little in the world of productivity apps that an iPad can do faster than a laptop. But I think you'll find many many things that are faster on a laptop. And I think you'd be insane to go through college accounting without Excel. All of your peers will be using Excel.
If it has to be one or the other, get an ultraportable laptop. The portability difference is small, and it'll help you get your work done faster. And you'll be able to ask all of your peers how they handled their Excel functions.
And if you can't have both a computer and an iPad, then I think you'd be crazy to pick only an iPad......unless you have a lot of patience. There is very little in the world of productivity apps that an iPad can do faster than a laptop. But I think you'll find many many things that are faster on a laptop. And I think you'd be insane to go through college accounting without Excel. All of your peers will be using Excel.
If it has to be one or the other, get an ultraportable laptop. The portability difference is small, and it'll help you get your work done faster. And you'll be able to ask all of your peers how they handled their Excel functions.
Additionally, all of your teachers will be using Excel. All of your textbooks will be teaching how to do things in Excel. All of your homework will be geared towards Excel. All of your potential internship companies will be using Excel. All of your potential jobs out of college will be using Excel. Et cetera, et cetera.
Yes, there are a small minority of people that use alternatives, like Numbers, but that's only after they learned Excel. Trying to become an accountant on anything but Excel is like trying to become a classical violinist on a pentatonic scale. You will simply be shooting yourself in the foot. Repeatedly.