Any current UIC students out there?

[cpb80]

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Hi-
Starting my first year in Aug. and I'm deciding btwn, a desktop, laptop, and tablet pc. Based on the style of instruction, what do you suggest? For example, are most of the notes provided, or is there a lot of notetaking (in which case a tablet pc might help).

Anyone have experience w. the tablet pc's. How good is the recognition? Does it eliminate the need for a pda?

Any other suggestions re. material, books, tech, etc. are appreciated!

Thanks guys.

 

[skiz knot]

I am an M2 starting at Peoria this year and did my M1 at the CU campus. I can't specifically speak for the Chicago campus, but I would recommend a tablet for the way the curriculum is presented. Lots of PPT notes. Awesome to take notes directly on them. The capture of your stylis movements is generally impeccable, but actual handwriting recognition still has a way to go (at least with my crappy handwriting). You won't "need" a pda until M3 so hold off buying until then when technology is cheaper and better. If you can buy a "cheap" tablet that is lightweight and portable (not a convertable). I got mine for 1000 bucks last year (NEC versalite, currently discontinued but still available on the net). Supplement that with a full featured desktop for around another 1000 bucks (more computing power than you will ever need for medical school...). For around 2k you will get more for your money than one of the newer "full-featured tablets).

But before you commit to anything, start school first and see what instruction is like, and how you best handle everything. Also at UIC, if you purchase the computer AFTER you start school, the financial aid people will increase your financial need, making you ELIGIBLE for additional loans if you need/want the money.


My 2 cents

Hi-
Starting my first year in Aug. and I'm deciding btwn, a desktop, laptop, and tablet pc. Based on the style of instruction, what do you suggest? For example, are most of the notes provided, or is their a lot of notetaking (in which case a tablet pc might help).

Anyone have experience w. the tablet pc's. How good is the recognition? Does it eliminate the need for a pda?

Any other suggestions re. material, books, tech, etc. are appreciated!

Thanks guys.

 

[cpb80]

Great info! Thanks 🙂

 

[Daiphon]

hey cpb...

as a recent graduate of UI-Rockford, I can tell you that they've begun a beta-test of an electronic medical record @ the clinics (should go fully online by mid/late 2006); and that the whole campus in rockford is wi-fi'd up...

so, if you're heading to rockford, i'd tablet it up...

good luck.

-t

 

[doctorsean]

I start ui-uc in the fall bound for rockford the next year and was about to purchase a new laptop, until i saw this thread. those of you recommending a tablet over a laptop i was just curiouse as to why you think it would be more beneficial.

 

[skiz knot]

I start ui-uc in the fall bound for rockford the next year and was about to purchase a new laptop, until i saw this thread. those of you recommending a tablet over a laptop i was just curiouse as to why you think it would be more beneficial.

At U/C the best thing a tablet is for is taking notes directly on the powerpoints on which lecture notes are provided. At test time who wants to carry 20+ lbs of paper in their book bag from all the notes.

It is especially helpful in anatomy and histology lectures to be able to write directly on a detailed color picture rather than a black and white print out. A tablet is also nice for histo lab.

In addition the lecture hall at U/C is wifi ready, so it is nice to be able to surf the web during a boring lecture.

Oh, if you plan to have a tablet, some don't have exceptional battery life so I suggest staking a claim to a seat in the front or back row, as those are nearest to power outlets.