Is an iPad beneficial?

[Brookelin]

I have an off question, but figured you guys would be the best ones to ask. I'm probably one of the last people to not have a stinkin Apple iPad. I'm toying with the idea of buying one but only if it will be useful. Have any of you found that having an iPad was helpful for school or studying? And in what ways? Unfortunately I don't think my school offers digital versions of our books, otherwise that might have been helpful. Any apps that you love using to study? I'm not familiar with Apple's software (I'm a PC user mostly) so don't know what that offers.

I'm just trying to justify spending that kind of money. I have a few personal things I could use it for, but I'm hoping that it would be mostly used for school...if possible.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Stephalump]

If you're taking notes for 9 hrs then yes, you'd need to charge. I do agree that it can be a challenge to sit in class and not play on it though. I'm fairly certain there were pre-reqs that I never heard a word in (like 'First Year Experience'). Lol

I can use mine to record and take notes during a 3 hour lecture and go home with 80% battery life, so not too shabby.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

Regarding wireless Internet access on the iPad and other cost savings tips: I bought my iPad with 3g and wifi refurbished from apple online. It was the same price as a new one at Walmart without both the 3G and wifi.I bought an iPhone from virgin mobile. I added wireless modem service to my cell phone plan for $15 with no contract. Internet is slow, but has provided me with mobile access cheaply. This way I can go online on my iPad whenever I want.

[manisha03]

dont need it but if you can afford it i would say it go for it!!! its so convinient, there some awesome apps...goodnotes, evernotes, davis drug guilde etc. ...and you can take it everywhere and its so light

[zoe92]

The only time I have used an iPad for school was when listening to two lectures that my professor posted online. I liked it because I could prop it up next to me without it being too bulky. I was able to follow with my pen & Powerpoint in hand. It was pretty neat, but I would never take it to class with me because I am pretty clumsy & sure I would drop it or something.

[STA51]

So much awesome advice in this thread. Thanks!

For you visual learners, try out mind mapping using the iThoughts app.

[Dazzles]

I purchased a Nook Color and rooted it to be an Android tablet. So a cheap, reliable, good quality tablet for half the price and it works on wi-fi.

[shastastout]

I have a nook color and would love to do something like that. I didn't know you could do that. Is there a special way to do it? Does it work the same as an Ipad that way?