That's very kind of you. I am glad I could help out. And, of course, without everyone else weighing in, we wouldn't have so many great options to choose from. I learned a lot as well reading everyone's posts.
Good luck at university!
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Resolved What should I get for college?
- Thread starter combataran
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That's very kind of you. I am glad I could help out. And, of course, without everyone else weighing in, we wouldn't have so many great options to choose from. I learned a lot as well reading everyone's posts.
Good luck at university!
+1
As a future college student next year, I would be very interested in learning more about the iPad as a note reading device/scanned notes. Do you have any links to the OCR, or other specific software you use on the iPad? Thank you
Hi! Glad this is helpful. Here is a picture of my setup, and here is the whole list of stuff. You asked for it! It is kind of long
I gotta go to bed (I am in Asia right now, so it is early morning). Send me more questions tomorrow if you'd like.
*Items in each category listed in order of personal preference.
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I. SOFTWARE
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A. NOTETAKING
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VoodooPad ($29). Macintosh. It lacks some of the more advanced functions, but it fits my needs. Make sure to email support for the ten dollar student discount coupon code.
http://flyingmeat.com/voodoopad/
bLADEWiki (free). Windows. It is extremely simple, lightweight, and the owner has been actively supporting it for years. Unfortunately, it isn't quite as robust as VoodooPad. In particular, it does not have the automatic linking feature.
http://sites.google.com/site/dalelane/
EverNote (free). Macintosh, Windows, and online. I like it a lot, especially because it can sync across devices. However, it cannot (easily) make internal links, and it is not especially useful for organizing your thoughts.
http://www.evernote.com/
An exhaustive list of available products would go on and on, but other popular options include DevonThink (Macintosh), Scrivener (Macintosh), Tiddlywiki (Windows and Macintosh), Zulupad (Windows and Macintosh), and Microsoft OneNote (Macintosh and Windows).
B. BIBLIOGRAPHIC MANAGERS
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Bookends ($69). Macintosh.Student discount available.
http://www.sonnysoftware.com/
Refworks (free). Online. Many institutions offer free access.
EndNote (free). Online is free and $13 for Macintosh or Windows software at my institution.
Zotero (free). Online through Firefox browser.
C. WORD PROCESSING / WRITING
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Microsoft Office ($49). Macintosh and Windows. If you are purchasing the Windows version, and think you might want to use things like OneNote or other Microsoft programs, you may want to consider spending a few dollars more to get the Ultimate version online (deeply discounted at Ultimate Steal http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/office/default.aspx).
Open Office (free). Macintosh and Windows. It is good for everyday tasks (maybe a class paper), but I have had difficulty with formatting issues in the past, so I don't have faith in it's ability to handle something like a dissertation.
Google Docs (free). Online. I find it extremely annoying, but occasionally use it in concert with programs designed for accessing it.One benefit is that documents can be shared, and this is a great way for people to collaborate on projects like vocabulary lists.
D. PDF CREATION
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Adobe Acrobat X Pro ($55). Macintosh and Windows. If you plan to scan documents or printed sources, combine PDF / image files, and use optical character recognition (OCR) to make content searchable, then you'll want to make an investment in this software. Prices vary by institution.
E. BACKUP
-----------------------------
Sugarsync (free). Windows, Macintosh, and online. A powerful backup service.The paid plans are reasonable.I think this is the best option if you plan to sync your files across multiple devices, stream music from the cloud, and so forth.
Carbonite ($49 per year). It backs up your entire hard drive. It does not backup external drives, and it doesn't have as many features as other services. It is also agonizingly slow for the initial backup. I was reaching speeds of one GB per day, which means that it would have taken me nearly a year to complete the backup process.
Dropbox (free). Windows, Macintosh, and online. The paid plans are reasonable.I prefer to use this as a file sharing service, and don't rely on it for backup.
F. IPAD
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GoodReader ($5). Reading and organizing PDFs. Extremely robust and well-suited to reading sources (assuming you have scanned them). Customer support is awful, but it is frequently updated, and hopefully you won't need to contact them!
Evernote (free). Good for syncing notes.
Kotoba! (free). An excellent Japanese dictionary based on Jim Breen's EDict project.
Dropbox (free). Ideal for transfering files wirelessly.
gFlashPro ($5). A great flashcard program that syncs with vocabulary lists in your Google Docs files.
Sugarsync (free). Backup program (see E above). This would be useful for someone syncing changes to files.
=======================
II. HARDWARE
=======================
A. READING
-----------------------------
BookGem ($15). A perfect bookstand that is good for books, Kindles, iPads, Nooks, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Bookgem-Book-..._1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305303956&sr=1-1-catcorr
Kindle DX ($299-375). The best large e-reader on the market. Great for reading PDFs and ebooks. For extended reading (hours), I prefer it over the iPad. Sadly, it does not manipulate PDFs (zooming, taking notes, etc.) well. And, if you are scanning to read on it, you really ought to scan one page at a time. This pretty much doubles the scanning time, so I end up using it mainly for journal articles and texts that I already have in PDF form.
iPad ($350+). I have found the iPad 1 to be sufficient for my needs (mainly as a second display for reading PDFs of scanned materials). I think the various tablet competitors could perform as well, but they are far more expensive, and often inferior in terms of hardware and software. GoodReader is a must for PDF reading. This is wonderful for reading manuscripts that I have photographed in archives, because I can easily zoom and move around the image.
B. SCANNING
------------------------------
Fujitsu ScanSnap ($189-$254). Scans handouts and handwritten notes, saves them in PDF format, and can run OCR on files you have scanned with it. Somewhat pricey, but extremely portable, and I use it on a daily basis. I recommend the S1300.
http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-ScanS...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305302097&sr=1-2
C. CONCENTRATION
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Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones ($300). Pricey, and people say the sound quality is not as good as other brands (I cannot tell), but these are the best at noise canceling.
D. BACKUP
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Seagate portable external hard drive (various). For Windows users, this is probably the best backup software/drive. I haven't decided what I want to get for my Mac yet.
E. COMPUTERS
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MacBook Pro if you plan to do a lot of PDF creation, OCR, searching, and so forth. I chose the 13" model with 8GB RAM. Depending on how much you plan to do at once on the computer, you could get away with the base level of 4GB. You'll want to choose the MacBook Air if you don't expect to be doing much multi-tasking. From what I have heard, you'll probably want the 4GB model if you can get it (cannot be upgraded later). For typing romaji on Macs, you'll want to enable the extended US keyboard in order to have global access to macrons (ā,ī, ū, ē, ō). This is very convenient. Unfortunately, for input of Japanese characters, you will have to make do with the Chinese input device. It is inferior to the IME pad on Windows, but it will do.
For Windows, if you will be multitasking, anything with a fast processor and lots of memory will do. For less intensive work, the ASUS netbooks are the best value for the money. As of this writing, $250 will get you the newest processor, 350GB HD drive, and an amazing 13+ hours of battery life. For the macrons, you can set a shortcut in Microsoft Word, but there is no global setting: (Insert -> Symbol -> Shortcut Key). In my experience, Windows 7 Starter is sufficient.I prefer using Mac over Windows because the Finder search function is very good at indexing and instantly locating any query you put into it. I also think VoodooPad alone is good enough to justify switching.
Logitech N110 Riser. Extremely portable and lightweight stand for your computer. I've carried it around the world with me and never had a problem.
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-939-...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1305304194&sr=1-1
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Do you actually use ALL of the above software, or just specified ones?
And what's your definition of multitasking?
And what's your definition of multitasking?
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Don't forget Applecare
Depending on how important and complex the music production is, either unit can be adequate.
The Macbook Pro can serve you for all four years of college. I'd put up with the weight, but then, I was literally lugging around an Osborne I and a Kaypro II when I went.
But, and I say this as a former depot repair jockey ... GET THE APPLECARE.
Notebooks are more sensitive than desktops, and get moved around more. And DON'T get a third party warranty. Applecare is solid stuff, and Apple sheds no tears for those who fall outside of it.
Depending on how important and complex the music production is, either unit can be adequate.
The Macbook Pro can serve you for all four years of college. I'd put up with the weight, but then, I was literally lugging around an Osborne I and a Kaypro II when I went.
But, and I say this as a former depot repair jockey ... GET THE APPLECARE.
Notebooks are more sensitive than desktops, and get moved around more. And DON'T get a third party warranty. Applecare is solid stuff, and Apple sheds no tears for those who fall outside of it.
i have used everything listed. i don't use it all now. things are listed in order of personal preference. people have different needs, likes, and wants, so i included options.
multitasking to me means having several programs open, and at least two of them claiming cpu/ram resources. in my case, i usually have adobe acrobat doing something in the background all day long---combining files, ocr, optimization, etc. it may not seem like much to you mac people, but that alone used to wipe outmy notebook. i occasionally have itunes playing a news video/music, but usually leave that to my ipod. sometimes i have scansnap running as well (borrowing a mac compatible one from a colleague now). and, of course, i have word, excel, voodoopad, bookends, chrome, mail, and other programs open (these don't seem to chew up many resources just sitting there).
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A stray brain fart before falling to sleep last night. It has been expunged from my post
Right. Back to the main topic at hand, any screenshots of your work model?
Also, how do you feel about the 16GB storage on the iPad, do you use a smart cover/any cover for that matter on the iPad/Macbook Pro, and do I need to get Applecare for both the machines?
Also, how do you feel about the 16GB storage on the iPad, do you use a smart cover/any cover for that matter on the iPad/Macbook Pro, and do I need to get Applecare for both the machines?
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I know its closed, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents.
I think everything palpatine suggested sounds like a great way to handle things. I will give a plug for the MBA once again, but there is really no way to go wrong with a MBP, it works better in a much broader range of situations.
I completely agree about the snapscan, the ipad and the not needing a cellphone. The one thing I might not agree with 100%, and this might just be a personal thing, is the writing everything down first aspect, but only because I type much, much faster than I write. That said, IF you can't type without looking, I'd suggest you make learning how to a HIGH priority!
I plan on doing my best to implement your method, but without much note taking (yet) i'd mostly benefit from having searchable ebook versions of my textbooks.
I think everything palpatine suggested sounds like a great way to handle things. I will give a plug for the MBA once again, but there is really no way to go wrong with a MBP, it works better in a much broader range of situations.
I completely agree about the snapscan, the ipad and the not needing a cellphone. The one thing I might not agree with 100%, and this might just be a personal thing, is the writing everything down first aspect, but only because I type much, much faster than I write. That said, IF you can't type without looking, I'd suggest you make learning how to a HIGH priority!
I plan on doing my best to implement your method, but without much note taking (yet) i'd mostly benefit from having searchable ebook versions of my textbooks.
Hey palpatine,
Do you have the mac version for the snap scan? I see that there is a specific mac model.
Do you have the mac version for the snap scan? I see that there is a specific mac model.
That's what the forums are for!
Agreed. Nothing at all wrong with the MBA, as long as you are sure it meets your needs.
Yep. You definitely ought to come up with a system that works best for you. This is just the one I use. I should mention that I type MUCH faster than I write longhand (it varies by subject and language, but somewhere between 50 and 100 words per minute). For me, it's not so much a matter of speed, but the process of writing (I tend to remember things better this way) and the freedom to move easily around a piece of paper (diagrams, maps, etc.).
The best lectures and discussions rarely follow the linear model that you almost invariably end up with when you are typing (I save this for later, when I review/reorganize stuff), and I find I pay a lot more attention at class meetings without the computer there. To me, the value of the class (the whole reason to pay for all of this) is the intense intellectual immersion of a class/seminar (this really cannot be replicated by online classrooms), and I don't want tech to get in the way.
Yeah. It's difficult to see a downside to the searching. I am working on a text with an obscure name in it. I just did a search and confirmed that no scholars in my field have written anything about the guy. This saved me hours of wated time searching through paper copies to see if he was mentioned anywhere. What a huge benefit! Finder isn't perfect (it doesn't always catch instances of a word) and neither is OCR (occasionally garbles stuff), but they are still revolutionary tools!
No. I was a Windows user at the time and bought the Windows only version. What a huge mistake that I am deeply regretting.
For the moment, I have a super high speed office scanner in my office. I also use the ScanSnap with my Windows computer (a pain, because then I have to transfer it over to the Mac). When I lose access to that office scanner in September, I plan to purchase the ScanSnap S1300.
http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-ScanSnap-Instant-Sheet-Fed-PA03603-B005/dp/B003990GMQ
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SCREENSHOTS
Sorry. I missed that. I will get to the screen shots. That takes more time
16GB IPAD
16GB on the iPad is fine for me. That holds a whole lot of PDFs, and I still have room for podcasts and so forth. Of course, the more memory you have, the better, but since I have a pretty specific reason to use it (reading), and I can only read one thing at a time, the extra memory would be wasted on me.
IPAD COVER/CASE
Everyone has their own preferences for these things. I bought the iPad 1, because it is incredibly affordable now. I cannot comment on covers for the iPad 2 except to say that I would want the back covered up, so the smart cover wouldn't be enough for me (check the iPad forums for recommendations about this). I spent days looking for a cover/case and was deeply disappointed until I found the original Apple one (most stores had it inconveniently located to make room for all the new stuff). It is just perfect. I cannot believe how well it is designed. Simple, elegant, sturdy, light, and inexpensive.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC361ZM/B
MACBOOK PRO CASE
I originally did not intend to get anything. After seeing pictures of dropped macs and hearing stories, though, I have changed my mind. I have a nice protective case I got in Japan (but have not seen elsewhere). I would have bought a sleevecase from SF Waterfield if I had been in the US at the time. They make great stuff--a little more expensive than the stuff you might find on the shelf at your neighborhood box store, but extremely high quality. I am sure other people on the forums are using their stuff too.
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.php
I also bought a hardshell case for my Macbook Pro, and it has given me peace of mind. I should say that I am extremely careful with all of my electronic stuff. If drinks are on the table (rare, but it happens) , they are far away (no chance of me knocking into it), or in a thermos (even then, far away). Food doesn't get eaten anywhere near the computer. Ever. The computer always gets opened up carefully and placed securely on the table surface (or even the riser shown in the picture). But, I still found a tiny scratch on the lid a couple days after I got it. How!? So, with the hardcase I feel a bit better. It is light and totally unobtrusive. I have an Elecom brand (bought in Japan), but it is pretty much the same as the Speck one available in the US.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZH6SPGCTJTHRVHFM6GM
KEYBOARD COVER
I was violently opposed to getting one of these. I type fast and I don't want something slowing me down. But, I have changed my mind. Even after just a few days, I had some dust and a stray food particle in my keyboard (used compressed air to clean). HOW!? I don't know. At any rate, I am going to get a super thin one (I don't want my typing to be impeded) this week from the Apple store in Japan (if possible). Unfortunately, I have the English language keyboard, so I may not be able to find one that will fit, and I will have to wait until I am in the US again. If that happens, I will buy this one from Moshi.
http://www.amazon.com/moshi-ClearGu...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305460285&sr=1-3
SCREEN
I should also mention that I kept the thin piece of foam on the keyboard that came with my computer (you'll know when you see it). If I didn't have this, I would have used a thin microfiber cloth. I never close the lid without having something on top of the keyboard. I had bad experiences with a poorly designed Toshiba (they designed it to blow heat out of the keyboard) melting the screen over time (yikes!), but more importantly, the foam keeps the screen perfectly clean, because the screen never touches the keys.
APPLECARE
I will get it in a few months. You have a year to decide. I also have insurance. I would HIGHLY recommend you get renter's insurance or some kind of insurance when you go to college (not just for your Mac stuff). It is really inexpensive and can save you a whole lot of grief later. Talk to your parents to see if you can get a deal with them/their company, or get your own separate plan.
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Out of interest (because of your choice of tools), what do you study/what's your field, palpatine?
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Again, awesome replies.
Glad i could help. Of course, these are all just my opinions. Make sure to do what's best for you!
We dedicate countless hours to reading manuscripts squirreled away in libraries around the world in an attempt to explain why everyone before us got it wrong, we write new stories based on our research with the aim of telling people how it "really" was, and then we train a younger generation to repeat the process
Did you watch the DaVinci code? Remember when Tom Hanks goes into the Vatican archives (hahaha), apparently without the ability to even read the stuff he was looking for there, he pulls it off the shelf where it had been perfectly placed for him, and then he rips (!) a page out of it? In my experience, research is NOTHING like this. Harvard professor? Academic researcher? What a joke. LOL.
Don't even get me started on his latest book. Oh my goodness...
This week I will be handling some sixteenth-century documents that only a handful of researchers have seen, and no one else in the world has studied. Cool stuff. I am unlikely to be in any car chases, violent confrontations with Illuminati, or biblical struggles with tattooed crazies. If I am lucky, my days inside a library poring over the documents will result in a footnote or a few paragraphs in my book. LOL. Anyhow, it is a fun profession.
Truthfully, that sounds fun. Let me tell you a secret. I actually love reading philosophy and metaphysical articles, and I'm planning on taking electrical engineering as my major. How about that.