Lets just be clear for college students

[macguy360]

The main point of this thread was to debunk the idea that you can go to college with a brand new iPad in hand, nothing else and be just fine. I felt that there have been several threads by people claiming to be doing that exact thing or claiming that it is easily doable.

As a discussion forum that is probably one of the main forums people come across when researching Apple devices, it would be irresponsible to make future owners think they can go to college with just an iPad. Those people on here saying that...

1. You can just use the computer lab on campus
or
2. You can use a backup computer at the dorm/home

are helping to mislead people into thinking the iPad is all they will need for college. People that come quickly check these forums may not realize that a person claiming to only be using an iPad at college has a backup desktop/laptop at home. Additionally, using a computer lab puts extra work on the college student in having to schedule times to use the lab, travel to the lab etc.

Lastly, stop arguing for the sake of arguing. The clear answer on this topic is that a laptop/desktop is the best solution for college and that anything else will put extra work onto the student. End of story

 

[mildocjr]

And I certainly agree in theory. My program "required" a pro-level laptop, and definitely if I'd skimped I would have been far worse off for my video production; nowadays though since FCP is out and CC is in you could probably get a Windows laptop and be fine.

If you're in some liberal arts program virtually any laptop can perform well, although I do believe some of the advice here is penny-wise, pound-foolish in getting a computer that can last or hold its value versus one you chuck and forget after three or four years.

You were excluded from the group that would need a low-end laptop.

Programs that would need a high-end laptop are Graphic Design (or Marketing that uses Graphic and Design in the program), Music Production, Video Production, CAD Programs (in case you like to distinguish between Graphic Design and CAD), and Programming. Other programs that I did not list but have high-end computer requirements due to a heavy demand on CPU, crunching many numbers per second (requiring the 2.5 Ghz 8-thread CPU or ~ 2.5 billion * 8 bps), or require a high-end graphics card due to graphical work in 2d with many layers or 3d modeling. If your program doesn't require this then you are just wasting your money on unused features.

 

[anjinha]

If you are a current college student or future college student and you are wondering whether the iPad can replace a laptop as your only device for college, there are a few huge shortcomings you have to be aware of.

1. Referencing software. The iPad cannot do referencing via zotero, refworks, endnote like a laptop. I believe endnote is available for iPad, but due to the nature of apps not working together like on a full OSX device (i.e. in office zotero has a plugin for doing references) you will not be able to do those things. This is a big deal for anyone needing to write research papers with 20+ references. In the current college environment of writing referenced papers, referencing software is a must.

2. Statistics Software. There is no SPSS for iPad and probably won't be for a very very long time. If you need to do research and crunch numbers for statistics using legitimate collegiate research software, you will need a laptop.

3. Math/chemistry Software. Many colleges have math and chemistry classes that require downloading and installing software for completing homework. You will not be able to do your homework using your iPad because this software will not be available on IOS.

So lets just be clear. All these people spouting off about replacing their laptops with iPads for college are maybe just taking notes, writing english papers, and making power-points. If you think you will be taking a math class, chemistry class, or class that requires research into literature with referencing, do yourself a favor and have a laptop.

That depends on your college's/course's requirements though, not everyone needs those tools.

Also, when I was in college SPSS wasn't available for Macs either, so I just used it in the computer lab. What I did need back then though was something to read the mountains of PDFs that we had on the go, but instead I had to spend tons of money on printing them.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Well I've never used referencing software. I've always done my references manually. Even when I was doing the thesis for my masters. I'm just stuck in my ways. I even went on a course to learn how to use the various different referencing software and then I came back and carried on doing it manually.

My first degree was in molecular biology and genetics and my masters was in functional genomics. There is no way in hell that I'd have been able to use any iPad even an iPad Pro when I was doing those courses. An iPad couldn't have run all of the software I needed.

However after some time working in the field I went back and completed my nursing degree. 99% of the work was straight forward essay typing with the occasional power point presentation/ concept map/ poster. Although at the time I had a laptop, chromebook and iPad. An iPad alone would have sufficed. So I think it depends on what subject you are studying.

 

[Ghost31]

As a discussion forum that is probably one of the main forums people come across when researching Apple devices, it would be irresponsible to make future owners think they can go to college with just an iPad. Those people on here saying that...

1. You can just use the computer lab on campus
or
2. You can use a backup computer at the dorm/home

are helping to mislead people into thinking the iPad is all they will need for college. People that come quickly check these forums may not realize that a person claiming to only be using an iPad at college has a backup desktop/laptop at home. Additionally, using a computer lab puts extra work on the college student in having to schedule times to use the lab, travel to the lab etc.

Lastly, stop arguing for the sake of arguing. The clear answer on this topic is that a laptop/desktop is the best solution for college and that anything else will put extra work onto the student. End of story

Uhhhhh...what? But some people DO go to college with an iPad and make it work just fine! Without any crazy workarounds too. So to generalize it and say "GRRRR no you're just wrong you can't and it's bad to tell people you can and blahhhh" is just posting a biased perspective trying to apply it to fit everybody. No no just freaking no. You cannot have this one size fits all approach to such a broad conversation such as this. You don't know what X person requires for college...don't you think it's a bit pretentious to tell total strangers what they do or don't need?

If the person going to school was smart, they would go to their school and talk to the admissions people about what they would need for completing the degree. Then they have that information...decide what to do that best fits THEM and go on with their lives.

 

[HengenJL]

I returned to higher education after 15 years. I knew going in that an iPad would never get me through my classes. However with the right workflow an iPad can greatly supplement a learning experience. I have fellow classmates that only bring their iPads to school with them and use their home computer as their primary computer. It's much easier to carry a 1lb device than a 5lb laptop along with all of the class materials.

 

[upritbass]

Let's just be clear, I'm amazed that my grandparents were able to get their Ph.D.'s without your required laptops.

And for being such a high-and-mighty know-it-all, you might want to learn the difference between 'let's' and 'lets'...

 

[Ghost31]

Let's just be clear, I'm amazed that my grandparents were able to get their Ph.D.'s without your required laptops.

And for being such a high-and-mighty know-it-all, you might want to learn the difference between 'let's' and 'lets'...

Huge LIKE for telling him HE is high and mighty and then going around and being a grammar nazi right after. Comedy gold right there

 

[spiderman0616]

Nobody is "spouting off". For some people, the iPad can easily replace a computer. For others, it can't. Students need to find out what's going to be required of them in college before purchasing new hardware. I don't remember seeing anyone insist that every college student replace their computer with an iPad.

 

[upritbass]

Huge LIKE for telling him HE is high and mighty and then going around and being a grammar nazi right after. Comedy gold right there

Not being a grammar nazi, just letting Mr. know-it-all know that he doesn't, y'know, know it all.

 

[DaniJoy]

I'm in the animation illustration program in San Jose state. iPad Pro for digital design is pretty much useless. There is no procreate class, we learn photoshop, maya, stuff like that. I could replace my iPad Pro with a sketchbook. But, I like it I'm keeping it. It's nice to sketch digitally. I just wouldn't recommend it to someone over a laptop or cintiq. I do my work on a cintiq companion.

 

[bensisko]

The main point of this thread was to debunk the idea that you can go to college with a brand new iPad in hand, nothing else and be just fine. I felt that there have been several threads by people claiming to be doing that exact thing or claiming that it is easily doable.

As a discussion forum that is probably one of the main forums people come across when researching Apple devices, it would be irresponsible to make future owners think they can go to college with just an iPad. Those people on here saying that...

1. You can just use the computer lab on campus
or
2. You can use a backup computer at the dorm/home

are helping to mislead people into thinking the iPad is all they will need for college. People that come quickly check these forums may not realize that a person claiming to only be using an iPad at college has a backup desktop/laptop at home. Additionally, using a computer lab puts extra work on the college student in having to schedule times to use the lab, travel to the lab etc.

Lastly, stop arguing for the sake of arguing. The clear answer on this topic is that a laptop/desktop is the best solution for college and that anything else will put extra work onto the student. End of story

1. If you want to make a statement and have no one challenge it, write a blog post and don't attach a comments section. This is a forum for discussion - you don't get to say "End of Story, no discussion".
2. It's your OPINION (not fact) that an iPad can be used (as a general statement).
3. If other people are claiming that they can do this, then it's obvious to me that some can and some can't.
4. Lastly, wouldn't it be better for people to make decisions based on many opinions, stories and real life experiences instead of one person's opinion? I know I don't ever buy anything based on one review - I look for many experiences so I know what my range is (I know what the best case and worst case is).

 

[Ghost31]

1. If you want to make a statement and have no one challenge it, write a blog post and don't attach a comments section. This is a forum for discussion - you don't get to say "End of Story, no discussion".
2. It's your OPINION (not fact) that an iPad can be used (as a general statement).
3. If other people are claiming that they can do this, then it's obvious to me that some can and some can't.
4. Lastly, wouldn't it be better for people to make decisions based on many opinions, stories and real life experiences instead of one person's opinion? I know I don't ever buy anything based on one review - I look for many experiences so I know what my range is (I know what the best case and worst case is).

Damn. Shots fired

 

[hiddenmarkov]

The main point of this thread was to debunk the idea that you can go to college with a brand new iPad in hand, nothing else and be just fine. I felt that there have been several threads by people claiming to be doing that exact thing or claiming that it is easily doable.

As a discussion forum that is probably one of the main forums people come across when researching Apple devices, it would be irresponsible to make future owners think they can go to college with just an iPad. Those people on here saying that...

1. You can just use the computer lab on campus
or
2. You can use a backup computer at the dorm/home

are helping to mislead people into thinking the iPad is all they will need for college. People that come quickly check these forums may not realize that a person claiming to only be using an iPad at college has a backup desktop/laptop at home. Additionally, using a computer lab puts extra work on the college student in having to schedule times to use the lab, travel to the lab etc.

Lastly, stop arguing for the sake of arguing. The clear answer on this topic is that a laptop/desktop is the best solution for college and that anything else will put extra work onto the student. End of story

That and well...when you need the more full blown computer at the lab you aren't really replacing the laptop/computer. Its still needed. Nothing has been replaced. A middleman has been added is all that has happened. That may be me being a stickler for details.

I for example replaced PC/windows with a MBP a few years back. By replaced I mean 90% use of MBP in mac os. No bootcamp, no virtual to run just that 1 windows application I cannot live without. Application ported over or I found applications Mac OS side that covered my needs.

keen eyes will note the 90%. The remaining 10% is Linux based parallels vms that run servers liked more in Linux or only run it more readily (ie. not going crazy in Mac OS cli to get things up). I prefer LAMP over MAMP for example. And a windows vm for testing purposes.

I also get the bene when servers not needed, vm's are turned off or not even turned on. frees up resources not having to run lots of service shutdown commands. That have to be reversed later to turn on.

For some science and math the Linux tangent is not a tangent. Some of them will see Linux as it what will be what their tools run on in the server backend. Of them some will be making their own little servers (on the tower/laptop or maybe in a virtual on them) at some point as well. This point will come when they tire of spending more time waiting in queues than running their analysis. Or the online resources have limits. Why I have run a few local biology applications locally anyway in the past.

In before lab for this.....when either by choice or major needs one needs to play with Linux a decent lab admin is not going to let you get wild with ideas on their systems. Current students can correct if wrong. Do your labs allow root access or give you sudo rights to do whatever you want on Linux images?

 

[Videomanmac]

Let's lighten the mood...lets be real of what iPads are actually useful for in college.

Netflix and chill.

 

[sjleworthy]

also arrogantly, the OP is assuming we all go to/went to American institutions of learning. no consideration to the fact others across the world read these threads and the point might be a different one according to demographic. it was blanketed as 'college students'.

if i had a Pro when i was in college im certain i'd have got straight A's ! (ok, probably not), but i know the software within it exists to have been a massive aide for me.

 

[Cascades42]

Just as a note, this morning we had a "pre-exam" lecture - before which the lecturers collected a list of questions of which past paper questions we wanted them to go through the solutions for. I was using Notability, it started with general organisation information (which I chose to type), and then we began with the questions. There were 9 past papers, each with 10 pages. Thanks to having my iPad Pro I could just export the relevant paper (Copy to Notability extension), add to note, select the right page, and get straight to writing on it (I estimate this took at most 30 seconds per question we solved in the lecture). This was really useful and I now have a well organised document which shows me exactly what we covered. There's no way I'd have been able to handle this nicely on paper (45-90 pieces of paper floating around to flip through would have been a nightmare - I'm sure it would have taken longer to find each one than my digital solution), and one professor actually asked if I can send them a PDF of my notes to upload to our class site as the video they make of the lecture apparently kept cutting out today. So for some things as a student it's definitely much better than the alternatives. (This is a math/science based class, I wouldn't have been able to type the formulas into my laptop anywhere near fast enough!)

 

[teeejay]

For law school student it's amazing.

 

[spiderman0616]

also arrogantly, the OP is assuming we all go to/went to American institutions of learning. no consideration to the fact others across the world read these threads and the point might be a different one according to demographic. it was blanketed as 'college students'.

if i had a Pro when i was in college im certain i'd have got straight A's ! (ok, probably not), but i know the software within it exists to have been a massive aide for me.

I find myself often thinking the same thing. If I had an iPad in college, it wouldn't have been the only computer I needed, but it sure would have lightened up my backpack!
[doublepost=1460034074][/doublepost]

For law school student it's amazing.

A friend of mine is getting his doctorate and bought the 12.9" iPad Pro last fall. His review: "I couldn't do this without it."

 

[andyw715]

I don't even know what referencing software is.

 

[teeejay]

I find myself often thinking the same thing. If I had an iPad in college, it wouldn't have been the only computer I needed, but it sure would have lightened up my backpack!
[doublepost=1460034074][/doublepost]
A friend of mine is getting his doctorate and bought the 12.9" iPad Pro last fall. His review: "I couldn't do this without it."

The thing is, I know that not everyone is "lucky" enough to get one, it costs, well, a fortune, at least in my country. But it can make your things easier. However I am not able to study directly from PC screen or tablet, I always need paper.

So the iPad has more of a supportive role, while looking up statutes etc.

 

[friedmud]

If you are a current college student or future college student and you are wondering whether the iPad can replace a laptop as your only device for college, there are a few huge shortcomings you have to be aware of.

1. Referencing software. The iPad cannot do referencing via zotero, refworks, endnote like a laptop. I believe endnote is available for iPad, but due to the nature of apps not working together like on a full OSX device (i.e. in office zotero has a plugin for doing references) you will not be able to do those things. This is a big deal for anyone needing to write research papers with 20+ references. In the current college environment of writing referenced papers, referencing software is a must.

2. Statistics Software. There is no SPSS for iPad and probably won't be for a very very long time. If you need to do research and crunch numbers for statistics using legitimate collegiate research software, you will need a laptop.

3. Math/chemistry Software. Many colleges have math and chemistry classes that require downloading and installing software for completing homework. You will not be able to do your homework using your iPad because this software will not be available on IOS.

So lets just be clear. All these people spouting off about replacing their laptops with iPads for college are maybe just taking notes, writing english papers, and making power-points. If you think you will be taking a math class, chemistry class, or class that requires research into literature with referencing, do yourself a favor and have a laptop.

Maybe not a replacement for everyone... but as a college student I can tell you that an iPP (especially the 12.9") is AWESOME! I highly recommend it to any student.

Why does it have to be either/or? I carry my MBP and iPP with me. They are both awesome at what they do...

 

[DaniJoy]

Maybe not replacement for everyone... but as a college student I can tell
You that an iPP (especially the 12.9") is AWESOME! I highly recommend it to any student.

Why does it have to now either/or? I carry my MBP and iPP with me. They are both awesome at what they do...

yes, i do like mine for a companion device also for school.

 

[friedmud]

Also, don't forget certain courses allow written notebooks during tests/exams. These courses require you to buy special notebooks at school stores, and ONLY these notebooks are allowed during tests/exams.

Since I take all of my notes on an iPP and just had an exam today I feel qualified to comment here.

Some (most, actually) of my classes let me use my iPP during the exam. Some classes say "no internet" during exams, some are even open internet!

My test today was open book and notes but no computer. For those cases I simply print my notes out and put them in a binder. Notability notes look AWESOME printed out - it's really not a problem.

 

[dogslobber]

Also, let's be clear. Any college student seeking a Bachelor's of Science/Master's of Science will be taking math and science courses. You cannot take those courses without using math and science software and writing papers with references.

Eh? You use textbooks and paper for maths and stats courses. You can easily type papers up on a typewriter (Google it) so no need for a computer for such courses at all. In fact, maths and stats courses should be hand written papers.