In the fall I will be starting college as pre-nursing and following to apply for my schools nursing program. I am having trouble deciding between the iPad and Macbook. I love the touch screen and pencil idea for the iPad but am comfortable with the sturdiness of the laptop. Any suggestions?
There are many cases, keyboards, folios etc for the iPad Pro (they're like insects there's so many). If you choose the right one, your iPad Pro may be even sturdier than a MacBook Pro. There are other things to keep in mind though:
-The MacBook Pro has significantly longer battery life than the iPad Pro
-macOS allows you to run many more apps than iOS (which only allows Apple App Store apps)
-The iPad Pro offers a cellular model for places where you can't get wifi. The MacBook Pro doesn't.
It ultimately depends on what your needs will be.
btw, whichever you pick, be sure to take advantage of this special offer before Sept 27! https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/back-to-school
There are many cases, keyboards, folios etc for the iPad Pro (they're like insects there's so many). If you choose the right one, your iPad Pro may be even sturdier than a MacBook Pro. There are other things to keep in mind though:
-The MacBook Pro has significantly longer battery life than the iPad Pro
-macOS allows you to run many more apps than iOS (which only allows Apple App Store apps)
-The iPad Pro offers a cellular model for places where you can't get wifi. The MacBook Pro doesn't.
It ultimately depends on what your needs will be.
btw, whichever you pick, be sure to take advantage of this special offer before Sept 27! https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/back-to-school
Since you’re applying to pre-nursing school, I’d pick iPad Pro with a keyboard. You don’t need any advanced capabilities of macOS since you’re not going to be studying engineering or anything of that nature, but what you will have is a nice touch screen with a pencil and the keyboard which is very, very neat.
Also, keep in mind that with the release of iPadOS 15 in the fall, the iPad Pro you get will get even more powerful with enhanced multitasking controls and the like. Sure, you won’t get the amazing battery life you’d get with a MacBook, but you’d still get over 8 hours on a single charge which is likely more than enough for standard college work, and there’s an added benefit of having a cellular connection whenever you need it (should you decide to get a cellular model, which I would definitely recommend).
mmavrick wrote:
In the fall I will be starting college as pre-nursing and following to apply for my schools nursing program.
If any of the courses you are taking require software which cannot be obtained from Apple's App Store, then you need to go with a MacBook. iPads do not allow you to download and install apps from just anywhere, while a MacBook does. You might ask the school or other students already there in those courses.
Ask your school what software will be required. This will tell you if you can use an iPad, need a Mac, or even if a Windows PC is your only option.
If a Windows PC is your only option, I recommend of the Microsoft Surface laptops if you like portability and a touchscreen.
Macbook Pro vs. iPad Pro
