Are iPads worthwhile for distant learning?

I study with the open university (going into final year) & so a LOT of my work is online. I use my laptop (technically it’s an ideapad) to access each week, the materials, quizzes, videos & to write my actual assignments, so I don’t use it for taking notes else I’d constantly be flicking back & forth, I don’t have space for 2 screens either. I’m sick of writing my notes using pen & paper because they just get crumpled & my handwriting gets messy. I have TONS of screenshots & photos on my phone, kept in various albums so my phone is really messy & unorganised.

I’m considering getting the 2021 ipad & an Apple Pencil solely just for note taking & keeping photos/albums, so I can be more organised & separate my personal phone from study stuff, but this will set me back a little over £400 just for note taking basically. Would it be worthwhile?

iPads are definitely worth it so it would be great looking into getting one. (iPad air 4th gen is a great option for note taking). I wouldn’t recommend getting an Apple Pencil because it’s not worth what you’re paying for it so instead I’d recommend getting a cheaper pencil that will is iPad compatible .

Thank you!! What’s the difference between an Apple Pencil and a cheaper pencil that is iPad compatible? Will the cheaper pencil turn my writing into readable text?