iPad vs laptop for language student

So I had a 2 in 1 hp laptop but it got drenched in my bag so I have to get a new one but idk if I should go for an iPad or laptop. I already have a whole pc in my room so I could use that to do big assignments but I just don’t know which one to go for.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Do you want to bring your whole desktop to uni?

If so then no real need to get a laptop separately - a tablet would be a more economical choice while still filling in the missing niche your desktop doesn't. I'd probably suggest looking at non-apple tablets as they're much cheaper and do the same thing.

If you don't want to be bringing your whole desktop to uni with you though then a laptop may be a consideration.

Reply 2

Pink_Flower_Pot

Original post by artful_lounger

Do you want to bring your whole desktop to uni?
If so then no real need to get a laptop separately - a tablet would be a more economical choice while still filling in the missing niche your desktop doesn't. I'd probably suggest looking at non-apple tablets as they're much cheaper and do the same thing.
If you don't want to be bringing your whole desktop to uni with you though then a laptop may be a consideration.

Yeah I already have my pc in the dorms. I’m just worried if a tablet would run smoothly with the note taking because I’ve never had one before.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Pink_Flower_Pot

Yeah I already have my pc in the dorms. I’m just worried if a tablet would run smoothly with the note taking because I’ve never had one before.

I mean I'd probably just suggest writing your notes on paper anyway. Then you still get the benefit of handwritten notes (as research has found handwriting notes improves recall vs typing notes) but you don't need to worry about whether your tablet is charged/has everything updated and installed/is working properly/you find writing on it comfortable (writing on tablets is not the same as writing on paper - it feels different and not everyone gels with it I think).

I would have presumed the tablet would be more for accessing webpages and stuff on the go at the uni without being limited to your phone screen!

Reply 4

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

Original post by Pink_Flower_Pot

I personally make notes using an iPad and I like it (I prefer pen and paper but I was sick of carrying ring binders around and now get annoyed when I’m given paper handouts so I use an iPad and hand write notes on OneNote).

Much better for me when it comes to organising notes.

I didn’t bother getting a top end iPad, just the standard one and a off-brand pen rather than paying for an Apple pen or getting the iPad Air/Pro. I don’t find myself having to worry about battery unless I use it for hours in a row (talking about making notes on it for 6+ hours in one go). I find that I only need to change the iPad once every 2-3 days based on my personal usage or even less than this.

Normally I would instantly recommend laptop but seeing as you have a desktop then I guess you can always use that and write assignments in the library or your room. Just be aware of the limits of iPad OS however as there might be stuff that you need do in lectures that require desktop OS.