Laptop vs iPad

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Hi. Do you recommend a laptop or an ipad for NP school? Just wondering what you all think.

Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I have both and still wouldn't take the extra time convert all my Word and PP documents to PDF and then take the extra time to put together my keyboard set for the IPAD, doesn't make sense when I have a laptop that does it without the extra work. Now if the OP is wanting to buy one or the other, then definitely something to think about.

If it was one or the other without some sort of home desktop, then, yes, I'd say a laptop is the clear choice. Even if I had a computer at home, if I wanted to type notes in class, I'd still choose the laptop. But I've found that writing notes during lecture and then retyping them at home works far better as a learning tool (repetition) so the iPad works for me.

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Specializes in Neuroscience/Brain and Stroke.

Totally agree Stephalump, very good way to get extra studying in!

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

You cannot write a thesis or any major paper on an ipad. At least not easily! My kids love the ipad, but it is just a toy.

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Notability is great! And it is available (http://www.gingerlabs.com/). I have it on my ipad2.

If you have to choose one or the other, then a good laptop makes more sense. If you can do both, even better.

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Oh, I completely forgot to suggest Libre Office. It's a free, full office suite. Opens all ms docs and saves in ms format to then upload or share with anyone. Works on Mac and pc. Highly recommend it in order to break free from the ms monopoly.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
You cannot write a thesis or any major paper on an ipad. At least not easily! My kids love the ipad, but it is just a toy.
Oh goodness...Not being a great tool to type long papers doesn't make tablets "just a toy."
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For Faulkner Nursing you will need to invest in a laptop or computer, the classes are web enhanced and there will be quite a few disks that come with the textbooks that you have to use and you will have to use online sites such as ATI and watch videos on each lesson and take tests, and practice tests, you will have a lot of things you will have to download and print!

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For Faulkner Nursing you will need to invest in a laptop or computer, the classes are web enhanced and there will be quite a few disks that come with the textbooks that you have to use and you will have to use online sites such as ATI and watch videos on each lesson and take tests, and practice tests, you will have a lot of things you will have to download and print!

Thanks:) can I pm you with some questions?

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Thanks:) can I pm you with some questions?

Sure you can, I will be glad to help out in any way that I can!

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Thanks for all the wonderful information you all have placed on my thread. I appreciate each and everyone of your comments. I have decided that I want a laptop for my first semester and for Christmas, I want an ipad.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care.

I just purchased a Macbook air 11". It is amazing. Light enough to carry around and even take in a patient's room, pull up EMR, and do their history as you go. Typing is difficult on the iPad, would probably slow you down in fact.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Most hospitals have "COWS" computers on wheels that we all use when in the hospital. I do have an ipad that I take with me to clinics and put on a wheeled stand to make rounds with - works very well.

In the hospital though I use their computers.

Gotta agree thought that I love my Macbook Air 11"

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