Considering an iPad/Macbook

max76249

max76249

max76249

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So I'm a student at the moment, and whilst living on campus I'm getting little use out of a laptop because my PC is like 5 minutes from wherever I am. However, next year it'll be a 45 minute bus away so a laptop is a must.

Here's the thing, will an iPad do the job I need? I've never used an iPad properly, just to mess around with, so what are the features like for general studying? Most of my work is word processing and internet browsing, so nothing intense at all. With the new iWorks, would the iPad be enough?

On that note, if you say no, what would you say about a Macbook air/pro. I currently have a Dell Inspiron Q15R (with the i7), so not a bad laptop at all, but it's just too big and to be honest I've always fancied getting a mac. Is it worth it? Or have I just convinced myself it is?

Thanks for the read.
 
ipad + normal laptop...

IPAD great for browsing super fast, not so good for typing (ok for emails and such and - I do invoices and quotes on mine fine)

normal cheap I3 laptop for long essays and more complex work
 
Can you be more specific about what work you are likely to be doing, as word processing can be done on an iPad, but I wouldn't want to be writing more than a few paragraphs a day.

You can obviously get a bluetooth keyboard for the iPad, but that's not really ideal for your setting imo.

Going from what you've said, assuming you don't need the extra ports/dvd drive of a macbook pro, I would go for a macbook Air, 13", I wouldn't even consider an iPad.
 
As a student myself, I found the iPad to be unsuitable for university. It's a great device, but as has been said, you won't be writing essays on it and it can't do much more than basic word processing/spreadsheets etc, so if your course requires specialist software, you're out of luck.

I settled for a 13" MBP which is the biggest laptop I find comfortable to carry. It's a brilliant bit of gear (which justifies its premium pricing) and I can carry it all day (I work full time and attend uni in the evenings)

Don't forget you can get a decent discount through the education store or NUS Extra!
 
I have a tablet and while it's fine for occasional sofa duties I wouldn't want to do any work on it.

A laptop is still way ahead of any tablet for what you want to do and as it's nothing too taxing the Air will easily be powerful enough for what you want to do. So I'd recommend it, alongside the Asus UX31, Dell and Samsung Series 9 depending on how set on having OSX you are. They are all small and light with good battery life and very well built. :)

EDIT: And just a word about OSX... It's not as light and day as a lot of people suggest over windows ;). It's good, just like windows so don't go buying it thinking it will change your life. :p If you want a change and have no preconceived ideas then go for it, it's nice to have a change every so often!
 
Last edited:
Amp34 said:
I have a tablet and while it's fine for occasional sofa duties I wouldn't want to do any work on it.

A laptop is still way ahead of any tablet for what you want to do and as it's nothing too taxing the Air will easily be powerful enough for what you want to do. So I'd recommend it, alongside the Asus UX31, Dell and Samsung Series 9 depending on how set on having OSX you are. They are all small and light with good battery life and very well built. :)

EDIT: And just a word about OSX... It's not as light and day as a lot of people suggest over windows ;). It's good, just like windows so don't go buying it thinking it will change your life. :p If you want a change and have no preconceived ideas then go for it, it's nice to have a change every so often!
Click to expand...

Agreed with every word of that. Great advice.
 
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