Do I need a laptop or iPad for sixth form?? Or neither

I’m doing chemistry biology and maths a-level next year, do I need a laptop or iPad or none?
I have a personal iPad but it’s pretty old but still works, and in our house we don’t really have a well functioning laptop (excluding my dad’s work one)
If I do need a laptop, please recommend! Thanks!

Reply 1

DerDracologe

17

Check with your school buts it’s generally expected that you have a laptop. Although if you’d prefer to use your iPad you can ask if this is allowed, I use an iPad for school instead and they’ve allowed me to do this for sixth form as I already had it and prefer it. If you are for any reason unable to buy a laptop then your school can loan you one for your studies.

Reply 2

zehra895642

7

I did these 3 a levels and had a laptop. My notes were all over the place, some on paper and some online. I think it is best to have an iPad as you can write but also type, if you want to get a blue tooth keyboard off of amazon it can help but not necessary. When I started uni (I now do biomedical science), I got an iPad and I have had no problem and would highly recommend.

Reply 3

Topbannana123

11

Is an I pad worth the hype or is it better with an note pad brutal HONEST opinion

Reply 4

subbhy

18

Original post by mayarpapayar

I’m doing chemistry biology and maths a-level next year, do I need a laptop or iPad or none?
I have a personal iPad but it’s pretty old but still works, and in our house we don’t really have a well functioning laptop (excluding my dad’s work one)
If I do need a laptop, please recommend! Thanks!

Hi, I’d definitely recommend an iPad! Especially if you get a stylus with it, you can make notes. I’ve found them more versatile than laptops personally and have used one since GCSEs!

Reply 5

subbhy

18

Original post by Topbannana123

Is an I pad worth the hype or is it better with an note pad brutal HONEST opinion

iPads are great: you won’t misplace your notes as with paper. Some people prefer paper though 🤷*♂️ but you can type, write physically or dictate on an iPad if you wish to

You could also write on paper and take scans on your iPad so your notes are organised in one place and perhaps even add annotations on top of that

Reply 6

Chronoscope

Volunteer Section Leader

21

Original post by mayarpapayar

I’m doing chemistry biology and maths a-level next year, do I need a laptop or iPad or none?
I have a personal iPad but it’s pretty old but still works, and in our house we don’t really have a well functioning laptop (excluding my dad’s work one)
If I do need a laptop, please recommend! Thanks!

In your scenario I would probably opt for an iPad with a stylus, and buy a separate Bluetooth keyboard (not the Apple keyboard, it's quite expensive). I remember wasting sooo much paper (plus when I did manage chem mechanisms there wasn't always enough space, hehe) on learning chemistry mechanisms in order to understand them, I wished I had an ipad then.

HOWEVER, if you plan to go to uni, you will most likely end up purchasing a laptop for first year anyway, so that's worth bearing in mind.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 7

mayarpapayar

OP

15

Thanks for the responses guys!! I think I’m gonna opt for an iPad :smile:

Reply 8

idkyasin

7

Original post by Topbannana123

Is an I pad worth the hype or is it better with an note pad brutal HONEST opinion

When you have 20 folders of 200 pieces of random paper each sitting in your room at the end of your studies, you’d be wishing it was all on a device and you wouldn’t have to deal with it. Also you have the internet directly connected to your notes, no need to pay for stationery and additionally, you would have a lot more control over your notes and can access them anywhere in the world and all on a small and thin device

Reply 9

Topbannana123

11

Original post by idkyasin

When you have 20 folders of 200 pieces of random paper each sitting in your room at the end of your studies, you’d be wishing it was all on a device and you wouldn’t have to deal with it. Also you have the internet directly connected to your notes, no need to pay for stationery and additionally, you would have a lot more control over your notes and can access them anywhere in the world and all on a small and thin device

Yes lol good brutal honesty

Reply 10

DerDracologe

17

I personally prefer handwriting notecards because I find things easier to remember in my own handwriting. I do however use digital flashcards. I write my notes in exercise books because I don’t look back on them and I like the freedom to doodle which helps me absorb information. Just my perspective and different things work for everyone.

Do I need a laptop or iPad for sixth form?? Or neither

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