Best tablet/laptop for Nursing School?

Nursing Students General Students

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Hello!! I'm looking forward to starting nursing school this Fall and have worked hard to be awarded a technology grant from the Choctaw Nation! But my question is, what should I get? Are you a Surface Pro 4 fan or an ipad fan? I've been more interested in the Surface but I want to hear from you!! What do you like and dislike about your tablet/laptop??

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I have a surface pro 3 and I love it. I got it with the intention of using OneNote and taking my notes right on the computer. However I was trying to teach myself the program and we received printed powerpoints instead of an electronic one. I quickly learned it was a better use of my time to just use the powerpoints. What is nice is the ability to type full papers on the surface and use the entire Microsoft suite. Can't do that on the iPad. Also I'm unsure if the newer models of the iPad have specific keyboards, but I like the one for the Surface.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Ditto on the Surface. A few of years ago, I got the second Surface model & immediately stopped doing anything on my iPad. I got a new Surface last year & fell in love all over again. There's nothing it can't do. Love the pen/stylus for taking notes on PP slides. I also agree with the advantage of using OneNote. It's a digital 'Trapper Keeper' (anyone remember those?) that aggregates all your info in any sort of format.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I went through nursing school with an old clam-shell iBook. Had to use Apple Write and TextEdit for my papers. I also had to have a hard connection to my modem (no wireless internet, it was only the 2nd generation clam-shell) and had to hope that primitive Safari could handle Blackboard (answer: it can!).

I didn't go to school that long ago, either. I'm just a fan of classic Macs. And yes, I still use it from time to time.

OP: choose whichever one is most comfortable for YOU to use. What are your preferences?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
It's a digital 'Trapper Keeper' (anyone remember those?)

You just made me flash back to 3rd grade.

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Specializes in ER.

I personally think a laptop is better. I have a mini ipad but I don't use it. I have a "notebook" that can double as a tablet but I never use the tablet function unless I am trying to watch a movie.

If you write better, then a tablet. I am a better typer so a notebook/laptop/whatever works better for me.

I think tablets do not necessarily have as good processing power as a notebook anyway. I do own a wireless keyboard for my ipad but I don't use it.

Also, you could get a metal clipboard that can hold an ipad. However, I wouldn't bring it to clinicals to be honest

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I went through nursing school with a notebook and a few pens. Didn't even have calculators.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I used a MacBook Pro. Refurbished. Bought in 2009. It got me through prerequisites, LVN and RN school. The main thing I like is that it has lasted so long! I bought Dells and HPs before and they went bad after 6mos to 3 yrs. The only money I've spent on it was to replace the power cord 1 time and the battery 1 time.

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Thank you everyone for your input! I look forward to going to both Microsoft and Apple stores and playing around with server all different models to see what works best for me! At this time I am leaning toward Microsoft since I am already so familiar with it

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I love my MacBook Pro, I've had it since 2011 and it's still in perfect condition. However, Microsoft laptops and tablets are considerably cheaper and still get the job done. It really depends on your preference and what you like but if you have an iPhone, I would stick with Apple everything else just because it's nice when things are in-sync. I feel like it makes my life easier being able to save documents to iCloud and see them on all of my devices. At the same time, my school uses Outlook and we get Microsoft Office for free which of course is not compatible with any of my Apple products. Good luck with your decision :)

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iPad Pro with pencil is my favorite. I got mine for Christmas, and the pencil is great for note taking in my psy 210 class.

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I can't recommend anything based on personal experience. However, I will say that I was given an iPad during nursing school and found it to be very difficult to use for academics, even with a keyboard attached. Attaching files to emails, PowerPoint, and even taking notes were a challenge. I would definitely not recommend an iPad for school. It's nice for road trips though!

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