Computers for dental schools

[FutureToothfairy25]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey guys! My Macbook is extremely old and hanging on to dear life. I was wondering what type of computer is best for dental schools? I was debating between the new iPad pro or surface pro. Ive worked with apple the most. Any recommendations????

 

[bracketbuster68]

Doesn't really matter. Go with what you want. I like macbook pros. The new macbook airs are cool. Some people like tablets/surface for the stylus option. Just get a really reliable computer. For me, that's a mac.

 

[IdleKoala]

I know this isn't general, but I know several people in my class alone that have had issues with their surface. Some issues were with the tablet itself and others with using various note taking apps. Not to scare you away from it, cause other people have used theirs no issue, but there does in general seem to be more failure with the surface than the ipad. I personally have a cheap macbook air that stays at home, and I do everything else on my 32gb ipad with an apple pencil. I even take exams on my ipad in the testing center. The whole set up cost a little over $1000. I personally would go with the ipad again. If you get a keyboard you might even be able to avoid getting laptop altogether. Best of luck.

 

[FutureToothfairy25]

I know this isn't general, but I know several people in my class alone that have had issues with their surface. Some issues were with the tablet itself and others with using various note taking apps. Not to scare you away from it, cause other people have used theirs no issue, but there does in general seem to be more failure with the surface than the ipad. I personally have a cheap macbook air that stays at home, and I do everything else on my 32gb ipad with an apple pencil. I even take exams on my ipad in the testing center. The whole set up cost a little over $1000. I personally would go with the ipad again. If you get a keyboard you might even be able to avoid getting laptop altogether. Best of luck.

That was very helpful, thanks so much for the response! 🙂

 

[FutureToothfairy25]

Doesn't really matter. Go with what you want. I like macbook pros. The new macbook airs are cool. Some people like tablets/surface for the stylus option. Just get a really reliable computer. For me, that's a mac.

thank you! 🙂

 

[Life of Pablo]

iPad so you can use notability. It's better than OneNote.

 

[babytomato]

I've had my Macbook Pro 13 inch for a couple years and it works great! Make sure to check your school requirements for laptop before purchasing though. My school does not accept MacBook Airs.

 

[Pablo Sanchez]

Totally unpopular opinion here, but I have a Dell and it works great for me. Dental school is expensive. I just wanted a computer that would work for the needs I have in dental school. No need to waste extra money on anything super fancy.

 

[0Mik3cho]

Hey guys! My Macbook is extremely old and hanging on to dear life. I was wondering what type of computer is best for dental schools? I was debating between the new iPad pro or surface pro. Ive worked with apple the most. Any recommendations????

If you know a bit about computers then swapping out the hard drive for a solid state drive can do wonders and make it feel almost like new. Granted, it may or may not struggle with large textbook PDFs depending on how much RAM and what processor you've got. I've got a 2008 MacBook Pro that I'm refurbishing and it runs pretty nicely for basic tasks like Spotify, Youtube, emails, and Word but large PDFs have a bit of a hard time.

 

[FutureToothfairy25]

If you know a bit about computers then swapping out the hard drive for a solid state drive can do wonders and make it feel almost like new. Granted, it may or may not struggle with large textbook PDFs depending on how much RAM and what processor you've got. I've got a 2008 MacBook Pro that I'm refurbishing and it runs pretty nicely for basic tasks like Spotify, Youtube, emails, and Word but large PDFs have a bit of a hard time.

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into that as well! That way I can also keep my old macbook as backup as well.

 

[0Mik3cho]

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into that as well! That way I can also keep my old macbook as backup as well.

No problem. This would be how you'd migrate your data to a new drive if that's the option you choose (I've been assuming your system is old enough that it still has a mechanical hard drive).

Step By Step: How To Clone Data to a New Mac Hard Drive

Have a new Mac hard drive? Step by step instructions for how to clone your data to a new hard drive for any Mac laptop or desktop.

eshop.macsales.com

 

[LeagueofLigTies]

I absolutely love my 12.9 inch iPad Pro. Notability on it works great and it’s big enough to function like a laptop.

 

[FutureToothfairy25]

I absolutely love my 12.9 inch iPad Pro. Notability on it works great and it’s big enough to function like a laptop.

Have you encountered any situations were you would deem a laptop would work better? I am really leaning towards the ipad pro as well

 

[pubhealthdent]

Hey guys! My Macbook is extremely old and hanging on to dear life. I was wondering what type of computer is best for dental schools? I was debating between the new iPad pro or surface pro. Ive worked with apple the most. Any recommendations????

I absolutely love my surface pro. Great portability - super lightweight, functions just like a laptop or tablet depending on what I need it for. Great for drawing on which really helped me when taking notes. But if you're already an Apple person, the iPad pro is virtually the same functionality wise

 

[FutureToothfairy25]

I absolutely love my surface pro. Great portability - super lightweight, functions just like a laptop or tablet depending on what I need it for. Great for drawing on which really helped me when taking notes. But if you're already an Apple person, the iPad pro is virtually the same functionality wise

thank you for the thorough response! 🙂