Laptop vs IPad for note taking

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I currently have a MacBook Pro which I love but I am trying to decide if there’s also a need for an iPad as well. I’ve seen videos on YouTube of people who use good notes or notably to take digital notes. I figured this would be a good option to cut down on the amount of papers and books I’ll have to tote around since I’ll be going straight from class to work. I’ve taken notes on my MacBook in the past and they weren’t the best especially in comparison to my handwritten notes. There is another thread about this here but it’s from 2013 before things like the Apple Pencil came about

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I prefer an iPad. I retain information better by writing as opposed to typing on a laptop. It’s all about finding your learning style, what works , what doesn’t etc

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Also, before you invest in something for note-taking in class, make sure you're allowed to do so in your program. My program only allows note-taking via non-electronic means (although most teachers will also allow you to record the lectures).

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Specializes in ED.
1 hour ago, shiftingtides said:

Also, before you invest in something for note-taking in class, make sure you're allowed to do so in your program. My program only allows note-taking via non-electronic means (although most teachers will also allow you to record the lectures).

That's a very good point! I'll find out before I waste my money

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4 hours ago, Nursevibes said:

I prefer an iPad. I retain information better by writing as opposed to typing on a laptop. It’s all about finding your learning style, what works , what doesn’t etc

I agree. It feels as though I didn't even take any notes when I use my laptop. I don't remember much

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I had an iPad and I ended up selling it and getting a MacBook Air. I regret it. I'm sure taking notes on an iPad is much simpler than on a Macbook. I recommend getting an iPad, getting the bluetooth mouse and keyboard and you have a tablet and a "laptop" in one!

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Specializes in ED.
On 4/13/2019 at 10:55 AM, AshtonR said:

I had an iPad and I ended up selling it and getting a MacBook Air. I regret it. I'm sure taking notes on an iPad is much simpler than on a Macbook. I recommend getting an iPad, getting the bluetooth mouse and keyboard and you have a tablet and a "laptop" in one!

I learned that the school provides kindles so I think I’m going to be using that instead of my MacBook

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You won't be able to take traditional notes on a Kindle. You will be able to read your textbooks that you download to the kindle and make notes on certain sections of the books, however.

I was wondering the same thing as the original question. I've used my laptop all through my pre-req's, but it seems like a tablet would be better for working with powerpoint ect.

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14 minutes ago, morbidlycurious said:

You won't be able to take traditional notes on a Kindle. You will be able to read your textbooks that you download to the kindle and make notes on certain sections of the books, however.

I was wondering the same thing as the original question. I've used my laptop all through my pre-req's, but it seems like a tablet would be better for working with powerpoint ect.

That sucks... I'm still going to need two devices. I'm leaning closer to getting an iPad. Hopefully I can use the Kindle app and still access the books that way on the iPad as well. iPad seems better than my MacBook because I can physically write on it . I don't retain as well when I type out my notes

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I have a Kindle, and I've been able to read books on my laptop using my account. I used a chromebook, but I am sure that they make an App for MacBook/iPad as well!

Personally, I will always prefer hard copies and notes that I can physically touch, but carrying all this stuff around is starting to seriously strain my back. I am thinking of buying cheap used copies of my textbooks for at home, and then use the Kindle versions at school and on the go. The cost may sink my wallet, however.

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I definitely prefer paper as well! They have an iPad app I've used it to read books on my current iPad. I'm only replacing it because the storage isn't enough to store much of anything and doesn't support Apple pencil since it's so old. I'm glad the school is keeping up with tech and using ebooks but I wish we had the option to get paper instead. I was also thinking about getting hardcover to use at home but I can't afford to do both

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If you know what books you'll be using, I'd check used books prices online starting like the first week after the end of this semester. That's probably when most people will be trying to sell theirs, although I imagine that a lot of nurses save their textbooks. Still you might be able to find something on the more affordable side!

Unfortunately, I don't even know if I got in yet, and even if I did, the school that I applied to doesn't release their list of required books until like a week before the start of classes! Boo.

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