Anyone see a need for a laptop in NS?

[tfleuter]

I've never been one to bring a laptop to classes, usually I find hand writing my notes much more my style. Plus with all the books I need to drag around, the last thing I want is too add a laptop to that. I see that Dell has come out with a mini-laptop that has a 9" screen and is $250. This seems like a good alternative for class, small and inexpensive. More importantly though, is there a need for one in ns? Nursing just doesn't seem like one of those majors where a laptop is needed.

[cabogirl]

I've been debating on whether or not to "splurge" and get myself a laptop (I just started NS last Monday!). I've seen quite a few students in my class with them. I thought it might be helpful with notes, and having all my documents handy. But what finally sold me on it - my instructors post their PowerPoint lectures & by using the "notes" feature on PowerPoint, you can type your lecture notes under each slide. This seems like it would be extremely helpful for me... I type way faster than I write! I figure its an investment in my 3 year education :) and a nice gift to myself for finally being accepted into a nursing program! I know that some of my books are also available online... I would much prefer to carry my laptop vs lugging around my Fundamentals & Pharm books!

[inland18mempire]

it's primarily a personal decision. if a laptop will help you, then get it. personally, though, i hand write the notes. doing this allows information to "sink in". and also... you'll pretty much be reading like crazy and taking tests, so you won't need a laptop for that. you WILL have to write a few papers and do careplans, for which you will need a computer or printer. but you can use any ole' computer for that! good luck to you

[chnc1024, ASN]

I also downloaded my books to my laptop, and it's awsome (also elsevier/evolve) because all I have to take to class is my laptop and a note book. My books are set up so that you can search across all the chapters, and books if you like at the same time, making it much easier to get more information if you need it. It also has a highlight feature, and you can have your highlights sent to your word program to print. It's great! I never thought I'd like an ebook, but it's been invaluable!

I think most books can be downloaded if you look online, but remember if you didn't pay for access when you bought your text books you will have to pay extra.

[coolpeach]

All of my books are online so I don't have to carry ANY books to school, just my little netbook. With a click of a button I can open any of my 16 books, and search them all in seconds. We also have case studies which are online. As someone mentioned above all of my professors use powerpoint lectures and put the power points on the schools internet site for us to download. I write all of my notes on my netbook, and into the powerpoint. I also record my lectures, and save them on my netbook so I can listen to the lecture while going through the powerpoints at home....Its just like being there. My clinical professor is really bad about emailing out very important information at the last minute so it allows me to be in contact with my email (I don't have internet on my phone). When I do my clinicals my professor goes over each of our care plans with us. She always writes down look up this, look up that to challange us she says. I just grab my net book, and I am done. The folks without one have to take their care plans home, and bring them back the next week. It's also nice to have everything in one place to take to study groups etc. I actually got rid of my gaint luggage on wheels backpack cause I don't need it anymore.

[AKFLIGHTRN]

You can also look for a tablet. I use an older HP tablet. The TC100. You can find them on ebay for anywhere from $250 to $700. It has an input pen & you can take notes right on your laptop.

Matt

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

Just an FYI - if you do go for a laptop, don't get a mac. Not that I don't love mine, but none of the software that comes with our textbooks work on it, I had to dig our old desktop out of the garage and set it up to do review questions on. But other than that, I love having the option of carrying my laptop with me to school, especially the day of a test, so I can look up last minute things without going to the computer lab.

[cabogirl]

I went ahead and bought one and have been using it in all of my classes this week. It has already been very helpful in taking notes within the powerpoint lectures. I've also found it convenient to be able to quickly reference other documents the instructor might reference. I'm going to download my books this weekend & hopefully rid myself of hauling around all these books! I'm glad I bought one :)