Best laptop/operating system for WGU coursework?

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, IMCU, ED, med-surg.

I'm planning on a 9/1 start for a RN-BSN. I need to either purchase a laptop or iPad (or other tablet) prior to that date so I have a dedicated device that I can keep my academic life on.

So, recommendations? :down: Cost is not as big a concern as best fit to all the required activities (whatever they may be).

Thanks! :sarcastic:

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I would avoid Apple products. While they're working on integrating their program with Mac, AFAIK they're not quite there yet. I've found that a good inexpensive (

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Buy a basic Windows laptop. You should be able to get one to meet all your needs for under $500.

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I primarily use a chromebook with chromeOS and it has worked for everything except the online proctored webcam assessments.

Also the online webcam assessments don't support Windows 8, but supposedly they will starting August 3rd. I'm waiting until sometime in August to buy a new Windows 8 computer. Until then I'm borrowing a friends laptop with Vista for when I need to take proctored webcam assessments.

I highly recommend a tablet, they're so much better to read from, especially after a long time. Definitely get an HD or Retina display it makes all the difference.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

See, I don't think I would like a tablet, because I type about 80 wpm, and working on a tablet would severely curtail the speed at which I can write papers. And there are a lot of papers.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Dialysis, School Nursing.

I love my MacBook Pro. Use my Dell for the proctored exams but as of early Aug will be compatible with Safari too so can use my Mac.

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See, I don't think I would like a tablet, because I type about 80 wpm, and working on a tablet would severely curtail the speed at which I can write papers. And there are a lot of papers.

Tablets for reading not for typing.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

So you would need a separate device for writing. DOesn't seem very cost effective to purchase a tablet *and* a laptop or PC for a school program, which is what the OP is asking about.

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I still highly recommend it. A year of reading from a tablet vs a year of reading from a computer makes it an easy choice in my mind. Reading on the computer screen is just so horrible, or maybe it's just my computer? Maybe a nice mid range computer would have a nicer screen than I have?

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, IMCU, ED, med-surg.

Thank you all! I think I'll spring for a tablet for the reading...saw a coworker at work last night who goes to with her tablet, which she LOVES for reading the assignments. So I'm convinced!

I'll probably also get an inexpensive laptop as well.

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Specializes in Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology.

I'm glad to see that someone has been able to use their macbook. I have a 3 year old macbook that still runs like a champ, and I am planning on using it for most of my homework. I do have a desktop in case I need it, but I really prefer my macbook.

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