laptop or ipad for uni

I have a computer but its quite bulky so I wouldn't be able to carry it around with me. Do I invest in another or do i buy an ipad for uni?
Any product recs would be appreciated

Reply 1

Medic10

Original post by Anonymous

I have a computer but its quite bulky so I wouldn't be able to carry it around with me. Do I invest in another or do i buy an ipad for uni?
Any product recs would be appreciated

Hey there,

Med student here.

I see you’re considering a computer or IPad for uni.

I’ll give some insight into both:

Laptop:

Easier to type up lectures

Lectures can be edited via word document and saved to online drive or local storage

Can access websites/apps more efficiently compared to mobile counterparts

Can use OneNote to import lecture notes (Windows and Mac)

Cons:

Heavy to carry around

Can’t hand write notes unless you have dual capability

iPad:

Hand write notes on Notability (hand writing app)

Sync notes on cloud and access on apple devices like iPhone and Mac

Can easily import diagrams and sketches from lecture notes

Easier to carry around in the bag

Cons:
Can’t access websites that require laptop use
Slower to handwrite notes in lectures during uni

Need to buy Apple Pencil separately to hand write notes

Can audio record notes on Notability

There is a video on YouTube that goes through the IPad in detail with Notability

PM me if you want more information.

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, do let me know here or PM me

Reply 2

Liverpool Hope University

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I have a computer but its quite bulky so I wouldn't be able to carry it around with me. Do I invest in another or do i buy an ipad for uni?
Any product recs would be appreciated

Hi there!

I've just graduated and while I was studying I used a laptop as well as an iPad. I brought the iPad as I thought that I would handwrite notes all the time but I actually found that I gave up handwriting notes mid way through first year as it was more time consuming compared to typing. My laptop was heavy and old so I still found my iPad helpful because I didn't need to lug my laptop around unless completely necessary. I found that documents on Word linked between my iPad and laptop when saved to OneDrive which meant that I could type of my iPad during lectures and then find it later on my laptop. I also found my iPad helpful for audio recording important information in lectures about assignments rather than missing stuff while I was rushing to type. I only used my laptop for writing essays at home and I used my iPad as a second screen while I did that.

If you end up getting an iPad, I would recommend getting a keyboard and pencil too. I got mine for cheaper off of Amazon and they lasted through my whole 3 year course. Apple also do student deals until October so you have plenty of time to decide what is right for you and still buy things with a discount. If you are doing a course that may need some drawing, like architecture or chemistry, then an iPad with a pencil is probably better suited to you.

It is all down to personal preference. Pick what you think will be best for you personally and what you will do more work using.

I hope this helps 😀

Lottie, Graduate Advocate

Reply 3

Scotland Yard

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Anonymous

I have a computer but its quite bulky so I wouldn't be able to carry it around with me. Do I invest in another or do i buy an ipad for uni?
Any product recs would be appreciated

I briefly trialled using a tablet for lectures. I vastly preferred using a laptop, I can type much faster with a physical keyboard and it's just easier and faster to use.

Reply 4

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I have a computer but its quite bulky so I wouldn't be able to carry it around with me. Do I invest in another or do i buy an ipad for uni?
Any product recs would be appreciated

Hey there!

There are a few things to think about here including what course you are studying and what suits the type of work you will be doing for the course. I just recently graduated from Fashion Promotion and Marketing, and I couldn’t recommend a laptop more. I did also get an iPad twice within the four years of uni to make notes and sketches on however, ended up selling them both as it wasn’t right for me and what I was creating for my course work.

If you are thinking about getting another laptop just because the current one is bulky but still works, then maybe look at getting an iPad so you have both options if needed. Some websites or apps work only on laptops or work better on laptops so I would investigate that as well. Have a think about your learning methods such as do you prefer pen and paper or making notes digitally.

You could always wait till you start the course and see how you get on, to avoid wasting money on an iPad or you could save up till then to get a mac/laptop. Having a mac is great for me personally and wouldn’t recommend any other laptop! Everyone is different though so see what works the best for you!

Hope this helps 😊
Jakub - Fashion promotion and marketing graduate.

Reply 5

University of Sunderland Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I have a computer but its quite bulky so I wouldn't be able to carry it around with me. Do I invest in another or do i buy an ipad for uni?
Any product recs would be appreciated

I personally found an ipad with a detachable keyboard really handy for writing up notes and catching up on emails and then used a library computer for when I had essays.

Reply 6

xoxlaurenxox

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi there!
I've just graduated and while I was studying I used a laptop as well as an iPad. I brought the iPad as I thought that I would handwrite notes all the time but I actually found that I gave up handwriting notes mid way through first year as it was more time consuming compared to typing. My laptop was heavy and old so I still found my iPad helpful because I didn't need to lug my laptop around unless completely necessary. I found that documents on Word linked between my iPad and laptop when saved to OneDrive which meant that I could type of my iPad during lectures and then find it later on my laptop. I also found my iPad helpful for audio recording important information in lectures about assignments rather than missing stuff while I was rushing to type. I only used my laptop for writing essays at home and I used my iPad as a second screen while I did that.
If you end up getting an iPad, I would recommend getting a keyboard and pencil too. I got mine for cheaper off of Amazon and they lasted through my whole 3 year course. Apple also do student deals until October so you have plenty of time to decide what is right for you and still buy things with a discount. If you are doing a course that may need some drawing, like architecture or chemistry, then an iPad with a pencil is probably better suited to you.
It is all down to personal preference. Pick what you think will be best for you personally and what you will do more work using.
I hope this helps 😀
Lottie, Graduate Advocate

what iPad do you have if you don't mind me asking? im in-between the iPad 10th gen and the iPad Air 5th gen...