Which iPad is best for a college student?

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smorris2012 Author

Level 1

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Which iPad is best for a college student?

I just graduated high school, and my parents told me that I could get an iPad for college. I'm still debating about the best option for note-taking.

Is it possible to take notes quickly with this? I really want to avoid apps that exclusively type because I need to be able to draw diagrams in my notes. In the research that I've done, the iPad is a pretty good option for this, I just want a few more opinions.

I have no idea as to which one I should get, however. As far as watching movies or listening to music on it, that is not a concern at all (my iPod works for that). I do want to be able to pile it down with tons of books, but those files aren't that big, so I don't think that I need a lots of space, right?

Obviously, price is a concern, but I would certainly be willing to trade storage capacity for speed and performance. I don't want to have to wait for an app to load, and I want to be able to switch between things in class quickly.

I apologize for the length, but which iPad would you recommend?

iPad

Posted on May 26, 2012 4:11 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BobTheFisherman

Level 10

81,925 points

May 26, 2012 4:21 PM in response to smorris2012

For college I would not recommend an iPad. I recommend a laptop computer. One that is compatible with that specified by the professors in the field you will be taking. They will also recommend software programs which in all likelyhood will not run on an iPad. You will also want to ensure your assignments are in a format that the professors want, probably in a format other than provided by an iPad. You will also want to share files with classmates working on projects together. You will want the files to be readable by you and all classmates, probably not in an iPad format.

Check with your professors first.

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Answer 2

May 26, 2012 4:27 PM in response to smorris2012

A Mac laptop would be best, however, here's the info on iPads.

What are all the differences between the iPad 3rd Gen and the iPad 2? Is the iPad 2 worth the cost savings?

http://everymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/ipad-faq/differences-between-ipad-3rd-gen -2012-ipad-2-2011.html

What are all the differences between the iPad 3rd Gen models? Which should I buy?

http://everymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/ipad-faq/differences-between-ipad-3rd-gen -early-2012-models.html

Should I Buy a New iPad? Or an iPad 2?

http://www.maclife.com/article/blogs/should_i_buy_new_ipad_or_ipad_2

iPad 3 vs iPad 2 vs iPad 1- Feature comparisons with iOS 5

http://ipadhelp.com/ipad-help/ipad-3-vs-ipad-2/

iPad Q&A

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/ipad-faq/differences-between-ipad-3rd -gen-early-2012-models.html

A Few Questions (and Answers) About the New iPad

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/a-few-questions-and-answers-about-the- new-ipad/?ref=personaltechemail&nl=technology&emc=edit_ct_20120315

New iPad: A Polishing of the Old

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/technology/personaltech/the-new-ipad-is-much-t he-same-only-better.html?nl=technology&emc=edit_ct_20120315

iPad 1, 2 and New Specifications

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/index-ipad-specs.html

How much content will fit on my iPod or iPhone?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1867

If you think you may get an iPad 2:

Refurbished iPad Prices

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

New 16GB iPad 2 Prices

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad/select_ipad2

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 3

smorris2012 Author

Level 1

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May 26, 2012 4:45 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

I'm definitely going to use a laptop. Sorry, I should have said that. It's just really big (17.3") and it would be fantastic if I didn't have to lug it to every class to simply take notes on, but I wanted to avoid pen and paper because they cannot be easily organized (or amended, or moved around, or added to...). If I got an iPad for school, it would only be for notes. So do you think I'm better off skipping out on the iPad and finding a different way to take notes?

Thank you guys for the answers. I appreciate your time.

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Answer 4

steve359

Level 6

17,181 points

May 26, 2012 4:47 PM in response to smorris2012

Apple stores do not charge you rent if you want to stay for a while (2-3 hours?) and compare weight of each model. That will give you time to compare screen resolutions and other capabilities.

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Answer 5

smorris2012 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 26, 2012 4:55 PM in response to steve359

That's actually a good idea. The nearest Apple store is a good 30 minutes away, but I live literally 2 minutes down the road from a Sam's Club. They won't have the same selection, but I can get a feel for them.

Thanks,

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Answer 6

May 26, 2012 5:44 PM in response to smorris2012

Here's some general info.

Working with Notes and Documents on the iPad – Alternatives & Suggestions

http://ipadacademy.com/2012/04/working-with-notes-and-documents-on-the-ipad-alte rnatives-suggestions

Suggest you get a case with a bluetooth wireless keyboard.

For my iPad 2, I bought an Adesso case/keyboard model WKB-2000CD http://www.adesso.com/en/component/content/article/49-coming-soon/455-wkb-2000cd .html Works great & looks good. The keyboard is easier to use than Apple's on-screen keyboard. Do a Google search using the model number to get the best price. About the same price as Apple's covers & it covers the whole iPad. Although the new iPad is slightly thicker, it should fit this case.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Message was edited by: Texas Mac Man

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