Tablet vs laptop

gelli.25 · Jul 1, 2016

I was curious about this topic as well. I recently purchased a desktop within the last year (not because of school but because I needed a new one), I love desktops! It's right here by my windows in my room and I also have one downstairs. I find it appealing because it's a big screen with a separate keyboard; it makes the setting more of a classroom feel I guess. It prevents me from surfing the net in bed. I am able to add memory if I need it. I also don't feel closed off and locked to a tiny device, if that makes any sense.

However, I've wondered about a laptop just in case I want to go to the library or coffee shop or if I'm out of town. Also, if it will be convenient to bring it to clinical - but I'm hoping they will have extra desktops available. I'm leaning more towards just only having my desktop honestly. I absolutely love it! I've always preferred desktops over laptops. I did purchase a laptop during my undergraduate and it honestly didn't benefit me much. And plus, my program is distance learning so there is no need for bringing it to class for note-taking. Desktops also never run out of battery; it's always plugged. They are longer lasting overall. And if something is wrong, it can easily be fixed by: pretty much opening up the CP. And if your monitor breaks, can buy a new one simply for an affordable price.

I have a friend who's attending another FNP graduate program and they are REQUIRING them to have a laptop; it's absolutely mandatory.

As far as portable devices with apps for clinical, my cell phone will do just fine. But, unfortunately I am going to have to up my memory on my phone because apps do take up quick bit of memory.

Still open to other's comments for this thread however.

Good Luck!

tk57 · Jul 1, 2016

FNP hopeful here currently taking prereqs: I bought a Mac Air and I'm IN LOVE with it. It's light, mobile, and holds a lot of space and you can transfer stuff to an external drive or iCloud to free up space if need be. I'm so so glad I made the switch to a mac laptop vs my windows tower. Mac's are a little more spend but worth every single dime in my opinion.

bbcewalters, NP · Jul 1, 2016

We are a Mac family and I use a MacBook Pro for school. However make sure you are going to a Mac friendly school. I know of a few where their software does not play nice with Mac.

A desktop is fine unless you need to travel to study.....

laughlove · Jul 5, 2016

I have considered mac but it's so expensive :/

Anything apple related is expensive, really.

Still haven't decided...

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2016

I prefer my desk top for homework. However, I do have a laptop. I prefer real keyboards and I found that the tablets do not work as quickly as a laptop when paired with a virtual keyboard. I do have a laptop that has a touch screen and will bend all the way but I personally don't use the touch screen function.