iPad vs MacBook paramedic science

Hello,
I’ve applied for university for September, I’m just trying to work out the best option for my course. I currently have a MacBook which I really like but ideally needs renewing prior to September. For my course I’ll be doing essays drawing diagrams etc so which is the better option out of a MacBook or iPad?

Reply 1

econhelp525

Get an iPad, and use it in conjunction with your MacBook.

Reply 2

Lucycox124

Original post by econhelp525

Get an iPad, and use it in conjunction with your MacBook.

That might be an idea actually, I’m just not sure how long MacBooks last and if it would need replacing if that makes sense

Reply 3

username5319484

How old is your macbook? I'd say get an ipad as you can take digital notes and using 2 screens at once is a great productivity boost

Reply 4

econhelp525

Original post by Lucycox124

That might be an idea actually, I’m just not sure how long MacBooks last and if it would need replacing if that makes sense

I've seen people at my university with MacBooks from like 2015/2016/2017, so I assume they last for quite a while. It was one of the main driving factors as to why I got a MacBook in 2020. I don't have an iPad though, I've got a Samsung Galaxy Tab s6 lite, because for like everything else I use Samsung.

Definitely invest in a tablet though, paper is the worst at university. There's so many notes, that you'll be burning through notebooks, it's not worth it!

Reply 5

Lucycox124

Original post by hungrysalamander

How old is your macbook? I'd say get an ipad as you can take digital notes and using 2 screens at once is a great productivity boost

It’s the 2015 model hence why I was a bit wary and I’m not very tech savvy to know the information haha. I did think that to be honest! I could have a text book on one or lecture notes on the ipad and assignment on the other

Reply 6

Lucycox124

Original post by econhelp525

That’s what I’m thinking! I do like paper notes however I’m prone to losing them and like everything neat so I’m thinking an iPad may be the better option

Reply 7

econhelp525

Original post by Lucycox124

That’s what I’m thinking! I do like paper notes however I’m prone to losing them and like everything neat so I’m thinking an iPad may be the better option

I just like taking handwritten notes. Nothing beats paper, of course, but it's such a nice feeling writing on an iPad or another tablet. So helpful, as well, you can just scroll through your folders and find whatever you're looking for with ease.

Reply 8

tomfairwood

Never replace a laptop with a tablet with keyboard. They key is the operating system. iPadOS is awful on multitasking and its software ecosystem is quite lacking. MacOS is much more friendly for work and multitasking. Also, some softwares even they have an iPadOS version, it is slightly different from the Mac/Windows version, such as Microsoft Office. If you’re on a budget I suggest purchasing a low spec iPad for note taking such as iPad 9/iPad Mini 6 with MacBook Air M1.

Reply 9

profjb

I think it's really course specific. If you're doing a STEM related course then i'd recommend just buying a laptop instead as i've found using an M1 macbook most of the software they want me to use I can't install anyway and have to use University computers.

If you're doing any other type of course i'd recommend the cheapest base model Ipad just because you really don't need the more expensive ones unless you want more screen space.
The money you save from not bothering with paper for the rest of your degree probably will compensate at least 50% of the cost anyway.

If you have the money I would recommend getting a Macbook Air M1 as well, they're still pretty damn expensive but it's a good investment. The air doesn't have a fan and it runs incredibly fast. The keyboard is perfect and unless you want to play games or run specialist software it's basically the perfect laptop.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 10

username5817639

@tomfairwood @profjb I noticed you both recommended the MacBook Air over the pro..why is this?

Reply 11

profjb

Original post by DrSmile

@tomfairwood @profjb I noticed you both recommended the MacBook Air over the pro..why is this?

- For the vast majority of users the base M1 chip already offers incredible performance, especially with native apps that have been designed to utilise it fully
- Doesn't need a fan and can passively cool itself. Means the laptop has zero moving components, hopefully making it less likely to fail and ultimately completely silent
- It's lighter. Like so light you can carry it around with one hand pretty easily
- The old Macbook Pro was basically the same device but with a touch bar and some minor tweaks. The new Macbook Pro has some advantages for specialist users and those who like a better resolution display but it's also now twice the price and considering I had to do an internship to earn the money to be able to afford the Macbook Air spending $2000 for the base model of a laptop is kind of insane.