iPad vs. Windows laptop

If you are going to be typing a lot, and need to use Microsoft Word, I would consider a MacBook Air.

If you are interested in a computer that will last you until your acceptance to Grad school, look somewhere other than the plastic disposeable computers sold by HP.

Janeille wrote:

I would only need it for two years bc I'd be buying a MacBook when I start college

Then one of the plastic disposeable computers should serve you just fine. Any one of thos could be had for < $300.

I agree. An iPad is not a computer replacement. Get your self a cheap net book if you want portability. You'll get one wit all hte accessories for less than the price of the mini itself. (your mini, keyboard, case, etc will easily set you back 6-700 or more, an netbook and case will be less than 500)

Save the macbook for college.

While most the an iOS device these days can be used on-its-own, connecting a device to a computer is important for certain tasks. Are you saying if you buy an iPad, then you won't have access to your own computer (even a family one where you can create your own account on it)?

I'm a teacher, devices are nice, but for academic work, you should also have a laptop as a lot of the work done is best done on a computer. Macbook Air or Macbook Pro are the best.

With an external keyboard you should have no problem typing reports using "Pages". It is a 10 dollar app that is apples equivalent to Microsoft Word.

I have seen differences between OpenOffice(which is supposed to be very compatible with MS Office) and MS Office documents.

If your teachers want "MS Office" docuemnts today, stick with something that will make those.

Same situation going to college ... many people ask "will <this model> work?", but the department they will study in has a bias in favor of MS-only software.