What tablet should i buy?

JMart83 · May 28, 2013

I got a IPad mini 32 gb wi-fi only. The regular iPad was too bulky, I figured the mini would fit better in my lab coat. I don't use it for e-books because I like to highlight and write in the book as I study, but I did get a little keyboard so that I can use it to take notes in class. I have glasses/contacts and I don't feel like the mini is too small that I'm straining my eyes. So far the only app I've used is the Micromedex Drug Info app, but I am very early on in my schooling. Would love to hear what other apps everyone else finds helpful!

HikingEDRN, BSN, RN · May 29, 2013

I love my ipad although I don't really use it for school (I just started this summer as well). My ipad is full size but I think JMart has a great point about the mini fitting in the pocket of a lab coat. I've heard there are some excellent note taking apps but I haven't really used any of them. I bought a macbook air (11 inch) for school because I wanted something portable that I could use for heavier duty assignments and I love it.

ILoveHealthCare · May 29, 2013

I am starting my FNP program (online classes) next week and am trying to decide on a tablet to purchase. I am considering the iPad, galaxy note 10.1, and Microsoft surface pro.
I already own an iPhone and a desktop PC. I am looking to purchase a tablet for ebooks, reviewing power points, and doing light assignments (like posting to online discussion boards). I will use my PC for big writing assignments and PowerPoint presentations.
What is everyone else using and why do you or don't you like it? Thanks!

I have a ipad 4th generation Retina Display that I really like. I also have an iphone 5 and a macbook pro so I love how my calendar and everything sync together. I always have the info with me. I also have some books on my ipad which I can read on my phone if I forget it. I think the ipad is a little big, but I don't take it to clinicals and it fits right in my bag so I really like it. I've also tried the google nexus and it's nice, but I prefer apple. I also have a zagg keyboard case on mine that I really like. I downloaded pages and use it to type my paper's. I haven't really found anything that I couldn't use it for! GOOD LUCK!

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · May 29, 2013

I'm another with a Mac book, iPhone and iPad. I currently use an iPad mini and LOVE it. I have a full size iPad laying around too.

NJprisonrn · May 30, 2013

I like my Ipad for in class but I use my phone and a notebook for clinical. Tablets are too big to lug around unless that's what the site uses with their EHR.

jadhalliwellflores · May 30, 2013

I used to have an Android tablet, the Nexus 7, which was really good for my textbooks. However, one of my classes had ebooks that were only compatible with a certain app that was not available for Android at the time. I have not found any ebook formats that are not compatible with the iPad. Things could have changed since that time, though, and maybe the ebooks that were previously not compatible with Android are now compatible.

Tip: get the device with the smallest GB storage and then just install Dropbox, Skydrive, and/or Google Drive to make up for the smaller amount of space. You can seamlessly and easily transfer files between your computer and your tablet without having to email them to yourself.

lemur87 · May 30, 2013

That's such a great tip! I already use sky drive on my iPhone and home PC and love it! Getting the lower GB option will save me hundreds.

jadhalliwellflores · May 30, 2013

With Skydrive you can create and edit Word documents from the Skydrive website. When I travel, I convert videos to the appropriate format and make them available offline on Google Drive and I do not take up any of the 16gb available on my iPad.

mzaur · May 31, 2013

Tablets are for reddit and Netflix. Have you tried typing on one? I'd recommend a touchscreen netbook with Windows 8. No compatibility issues and a real keyboard. I'd get the Surface Pro if you can afford it, if you want the best of both worlds

ILoveHealthCare · May 31, 2013

Tablets are for reddit and Netflix. Have you tried typing on one? I'd recommend a touchscreen netbook with Windows 8. No compatibility issues and a real keyboard. I'd get the Surface Pro if you can afford it if you want the best of both worlds[/quote']
They make awesome almost full sized keyboards now. I have to argue that mine is way faster than my Netbook. Definitely get the tablet over the Netbook.
It's a beautiful day to save lives.

mzaur · Jun 1, 2013

How can your bluetooth keyboard on your tablet be "faster" than your netbook keyboard? Makes no sense to me. Keyboards aren't fast or slow. They either work or do not work. Bluetooth keyboards do work but have connectivity issues and run on batteries.

Anyway, the issue is that tablets run on mobile OS's instead of the fully featured OS that's on netbooks and surface pro. That's my main reason for suggesting against a tablet. Tablets are for kids or non-techy adults. If you want something you can do work on, whether for school or business, it's much better to have a small laptop since you can run anything you need on it. But to each his own.