Computers, Tablets, Phones, & other Tech for Med school

BU Medical Sciences
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dudeliness said:
Wait, wasn't it NSU that was giving out toshiba craptops to the incoming osteopathic students? Or was it for dental students? Or was it at DMU? Oh my poor, sad brain.
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Getting old, buddy. Never heard of craptops for the med students. Maybe it was DMU. I do remember something about DMU and laptops. Oh well, not a fan of Toshiba anyway.
 
HalfListic said:
Oh yeah that right! MU-COM decided to get us some too. They are trying to decide between the mini and the regular size.

I love my mini, but I can see the full size having a lot of advantages too. Especially if its with retina display, I think Id prefer the full size. They are going to put most of our texts preloaded on them too, I guess (with the option to get the physical book as well of course).
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I wonder if AFIT will pay for your school-issued iPad as a book expense? Lol
 
dudeliness said:
I wonder if AFIT will pay for your school-issued iPad as a book expense? Lol
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They do pay for it, because the school just uses our school fees to buy them for us. And AFIT pays the fees...so sweet!! (just have to get the school to buy us computers now... 😉 )
 
Hey everyone,

I want to know how much we will need to bring our laptops to class. I am planning on attending a school that will provide ipads next year and so I don't know if it's worth spending money on getting a lighter laptop (like the mba) or getting a larger, heavier laptop to keep at my apartment since I imagine I will have the ipad with me at class? Also is it worth to bring paper notes or to simply use an note taking app?

FYI, I'm not very well-versed in these techy issues as I don't have a smartphone or any tablets.

(Sorry to derail the conversation.)
 
ValentineLissar said:
Hey everyone,

I want to know how much we will need to bring our laptops to class. I am planning on attending a school that will provide ipads next year and so I don't know if it's worth spending money on getting a lighter laptop (like the mba) or getting a larger, heavier laptop to keep at my apartment since I imagine I will have the ipad with me at class? Also is it worth to bring paper notes or to simply use an note taking app?

FYI, I'm not very well-versed in these techy issues as I don't have a smartphone or any tablets.

(Sorry to derail the conversation.)
Click to expand...

Your situation will vary depending on the school you attend. If the school provides printed notes, lectures slides or something similar then extra paper or note-taking apps may not be necessary. Some of my classmates bring their laptops to class, but these people may just learn differently and simply need to generate their own notes in their own words. Do what works best for you.

FWIW, I don't bring my laptop to class. I can't multitask with printed notes/lecture slides AND my computer to jot down extra notes.
 
NeuroLAX said:
Your situation will vary depending on the school you attend. If the school provides printed notes, lectures slides or something similar then extra paper or note-taking apps may not be necessary. Some of my classmates bring their laptops to class, but these people may just learn differently and simply need to generate their own notes in their own words. Do what works best for you.

FWIW, I don't bring my laptop to class. I can't multitask with printed notes/lecture slides AND my computer to jot down extra notes.
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I'm personally probably going to use paper slides and notes more than I'll use my laptop, although I'll still be bringing it since its required for many things. I guess I'm just an old fashioned tree-killer, but I never really got into taking notes on my computer.
 
ValentineLissar said:
Hey everyone,

I want to know how much we will need to bring our laptops to class. I am planning on attending a school that will provide ipads next year and so I don't know if it's worth spending money on getting a lighter laptop (like the mba) or getting a larger, heavier laptop to keep at my apartment since I imagine I will have the ipad with me at class? Also is it worth to bring paper notes or to simply use an note taking app?

FYI, I'm not very well-versed in these techy issues as I don't have a smartphone or any tablets.

(Sorry to derail the conversation.)
Click to expand...

Im pretty tech heavy, but I still takes notes on paper first usually, depending on the lecture. (then transfer to computer later)

But, my computer is my hub for storing notes, and accessing information, etc. I personally don't think a tablet can replace a computer for a lot of main uses and so I'll be bringing a computer to campus everyday, most likely.
 
HalfListic said:
Im pretty tech heavy, but I still takes notes on paper first usually, depending on the lecture. (then transfer to computer later)

But, my computer is my hub for storing notes, and accessing information, etc. I personally don't think a tablet can replace a computer for a lot of main uses and so I'll be bringing a computer to campus everyday, most likely.
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I used to be the same way, but the pace of medical school made me give that up the first day. Trying to keep up with the professor is difficult when handwriting notes. But of course, you'll find out what works best for you and then it won't matter what anyone else says.

That's why I love printed slides or note packets provided by the professor. I occasionally use my computer to make study guides with my lecture notes, but if I don't keep up with it as I'm going along then it is not happening lol.
 
NeuroLAX said:
I used to be the same way, but the pace of medical school made me give that up the first day. Trying to keep up with the professor is difficult when handwriting notes. But of course, you'll find out what works best for you and then it won't matter what anyone else says.

That's why I love printed slides or note packets provided by the professor. I occasionally use my computer to make study guides with my lecture notes, but if I don't keep up with it as I'm going along then it is not happening lol.
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Im sure you're right...

Though, by "taking notes" I usually mean marking up printed slides/packets as the prof prof's. Love when professors do this. Im sure its even more valued in med school!!
 
HalfListic said:
Im sure you're right...

Though, by "taking notes" I usually mean marking up printed slides/packets as the prof prof's. Love when professors do this. Im sure its even more valued in med school!!
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Ah, gotcha. Perhaps I also misinterpreted what Dude said. My bad. Yes printed lecture notes/slides are incredibly helpful! 😎
 
Thanks for all the feedback.

I guess since they're giving us ipads, they're probably not going to give us paper slides but the actual powerpoint slides in advance so that we can use to follow along. In that case, it would probably be easier to take notes on the powerpoint slides. Do you guys have any recommendations for note apps?

Thanks!
 
ValentineLissar said:
Thanks for all the feedback.

I guess since they're giving us ipads, they're probably not going to give us paper slides but the actual powerpoint slides in advance so that we can use to follow along. In that case, it would probably be easier to take notes on the powerpoint slides. Do you guys have any recommendations for note apps?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Wait, are you going to Nova too? If so... that iPad thing is still just an unofficial rumor. Don't believe anything until you hear official word or they hand you one.
 
NeuroLAX said:
Getting old, buddy. Never heard of craptops for the med students. Maybe it was DMU. I do remember something about DMU and laptops. Oh well, not a fan of Toshiba anyway.
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From my interview at DMU, all students received Toshiba laptops. Although a rumor was going around that the incoming first years will be getting iPads instead.
 
ValentineLissar said:
Thanks for all the feedback.

I guess since they're giving us ipads, they're probably not going to give us paper slides but the actual powerpoint slides in advance so that we can use to follow along. In that case, it would probably be easier to take notes on the powerpoint slides. Do you guys have any recommendations for note apps?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Notability seems to be the most recommended app. Penultimate is also another choice.
 
mnhockeyfan said:
From my interview at DMU, all students received Toshiba laptops. Although a rumor was going around that the incoming first years will be getting iPads instead.
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I thought it was DMU. iPads would be cool to implement into the curriculum and it makes sense to "give" everyone an iPad instead of a laptop. Very few people don't own some form of laptop/netbook/combo these days. I'd be a little ticked if tuition was increased to buy all of us laptops. I have no need for another laptop. Then again I also don't have a need for another iPad either.
 
NeuroLAX said:
I thought it was DMU. iPads would be cool to implement into the curriculum and it makes sense to "give" everyone an iPad instead of a laptop. Very few people don't own some form of laptop/netbook/combo these days. I'd be pissed at Nova if they used tuition money to buy all of us laptops. I have no need for another laptop. Then again I also don't have a need for another iPad either.
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Yeah, I would have hated getting a Toshiba because a) I don't really like Toshiba and b) I love OS X too much. I am planning on buying a new MacBook Pro (to replace my 5 year old Macbook) and an iPad to go along with it. I doubt the school I'm matriculating at is gonna buy us iPads.
 
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Actually, I'm going to attend KCUMB. I got an email a couple of days ago saying that they were getting the ipad 4 with 128GB for all students and reducing tuition costs by 1%. I think the trade-off was that we will no longer be getting free printing.

I think there a couple of schools now that are giving students ipads...Kirksville and now KCUMB. When I went and interviewed there back in December, one of my tour guides said that the ipads were a rumor that kept popping up and that we shouldn't get too excited. But, I guess, it turns out it was true.

With noteability, do you write notes on it like a piece of paper or do you type stuff upon by using the touch screen keyboard or do you need a supplementary keyboard to go with it?
 
ValentineLissar said:
Actually, I'm going to attend KCUMB. I got an email a couple of days ago saying that they were getting the ipad 4 with 128GB for all students and reducing tuition costs by 1%. I think the trade-off was that we will no longer be getting free printing.

I think there a couple of schools now that are giving students ipads...Kirksville and now KCUMB. When I went and interviewed there back in December, one of my tour guides said that the ipads were a rumor that kept popping up and that we shouldn't get too excited. But, I guess, it turns out it was true.

With noteability, do you write notes on it like a piece of paper or do you type stuff upon by using the touch screen keyboard or do you need a supplementary keyboard to go with it?
Click to expand...

Wow 128gb? That's new... I don't even need the 64gb that I have now! Sweet deal for you, though.

IMO, note taking on the iPad is a lot smoother and easier with a supplementary Bluetooth keyboard.
 
ValentineLissar said:
...
With noteability, do you write notes on it like a piece of paper or do you type stuff upon by using the touch screen keyboard or do you need a supplementary keyboard to go with it?
Click to expand...

You can import PDFs of lectures and write on them using the notability app. If you wanted to type on them, you can do that too (using the onscreen keyboard or using a Bluetooth keyboard).

Writing is probably the way to go and is done easiest with a stylus.
 
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I've had the longest internal battle with myself on whether or not to get the iPad mini. It's been driving me crazy. I want it so badly, but should I get it now or wait, constant stuggle i have with myself.
 
DolFAN said:
I've had the longest internal battle with myself on whether or not to get the iPad mini. It's been driving me crazy. I want it so badly, but should I get it now or wait, constant stuggle i have with myself.
Click to expand...


same here. I need to go to the store and check one out in person. If you have messed around with them in person or anyone else can chime in as well, do you think the size of the screen is big enough to effectively take notes on during lecture?

I think the portability would be awesome vs a regular iPad to have during rotations and with all the medical apps apple has available compared to a nexus 7 or the new samsung note 8 or whatever it is called
 
mnhockeyfan said:
You can import PDFs of lectures and write on them using the notability app. If you wanted to type on them, you can do that too (using the onscreen keyboard or using a Bluetooth keyboard).

Writing is probably the way to go and is done easiest with a stylus.
Click to expand...

What brand of stylus is the best to use for fast note-taking?
 
NeuroLAX said:
Hope this helps:

http://youtu.be/fAT738EtITY
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Thanks that was helpful, although, I would have been interested to see just how "thick" the lines are from the cosmonaut in the video. Since I usually study by means of a marker board I can agree with the logic of wanting the cosmonaut due to its similarity to writing with a marker... so I think i'm being easily sold on this one 👍
 
DolFAN said:
I've had the longest internal battle with myself on whether or not to get the iPad mini. It's been driving me crazy. I want it so badly, but should I get it now or wait, constant stuggle i have with myself.
Click to expand...

mchl8976 said:
same here. I need to go to the store and check one out in person. If you have messed around with them in person or anyone else can chime in as well, do you think the size of the screen is big enough to effectively take notes on during lecture?

I think the portability would be awesome vs a regular iPad to have during rotations and with all the medical apps apple has available compared to a nexus 7 or the new samsung note 8 or whatever it is called
Click to expand...

I have a mini, and I have owned an iPad since they came out. Used them a lot in undergrad and thought it was great.

But, I don't love taking notes on it personally...at least, not with a stylus, and in handwriting. I know some people do it, but get cramped pretty easily when you try to handwrite everything.

If you want to use it for note taking, I would suggest getting bluetooth keyboard and type the note. There are a bunch of apps that allow you to type, record audio, and draw while taking notes. So, you can type your thoughts and draw diagrams and things.


As far as size, the mini is great for holding and using while standing. Its a great screen size for just about everything. I think it would be perfect for clinical use. But, the iPad with retina display would probably be the best educational iPad, for notes, reading text, etc.

Either way, WWDC is in June and might have some new iPad announcements. Might just be notebook refresh, but might be worth waiting for the next gen iPads before you make your decision.
 
I'd imagine the mini iPad would get the retina display.

As for tech, if you don't have a USB 3.0 thumb drive, you're missing out.
 
EnergyDrink said:
I'd imagine the mini iPad would get the retina display.

As for tech, if you don't have a USB 3.0 thumb drive, you're missing out.
Click to expand...

I have 3 of them, but I don't really know how that benefits me since I do everything on the cloud.
 
EnergyDrink said:
I'd imagine the mini iPad would get the retina display.

As for tech, if you don't have a USB 3.0 thumb drive, you're missing out.
Click to expand...

they are pretty great. I have one now and got a thunderbolt external for my mac stuff. Pretty, pretty, pretty, good.

abolt18 said:
I have 3 of them, but I don't really know how that benefits me since I do everything on the cloud.
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Really?? how much do you pay for storage?

Can't get myself to pay for storage so the usb drives and external hdd's are my way to carry media around for transfers, etc.
 
I guess I just don't have enough of anything so I've never used up my free storage from dropbox and I don't store much YET. I just recently got my laptop and since I got it/before I got it all I have done is school stuff (papers/spreadsheets) so those don't take up a lot of room. Not sure what else. I'm sure I'll run out of storage soon enough but for now having it on the cloud and accessing it from any computer = awesome.
 
HalfListic said:
they are pretty great. I have one now and got a thunderbolt external for my mac stuff. Pretty, pretty, pretty, good.



Really?? how much do you pay for storage?

Can't get myself to pay for storage so the usb drives and external hdd's are my way to carry media around for transfers, etc.
Click to expand...

abolt18 said:
I guess I just don't have enough of anything so I've never used up my free storage from dropbox and I don't store much YET. I just recently got my laptop and since I got it/before I got it all I have done is school stuff (papers/spreadsheets) so those don't take up a lot of room. Not sure what else. I'm sure I'll run out of storage soon enough but for now having it on the cloud and accessing it from any computer = awesome.
Click to expand...

Have you guys heard of MyBookLive? I just bought the 2 TB model... I think I'm good for a long while 😎

wd-mybook-live.jpg
 
dudeliness said:
Til it craps out on you. Lol
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Haha! This is true. I have more traditional external storage devices, but now that I have the MyBookLive I have given myself more work when it comes to making sure I have backups of more important documents. I know all too well the pain and sorrow caused by HD corruption and crapping-out. 🙁 I'm just glad that something similar to the picture below did not happen to me. That's rough.

for-my-lost-laptop.jpg
 
NeuroLAX said:
Haha! This is true. I have more traditional external storage devices, but now that I have the MyBookLive I have given myself more work when it comes to making sure I have backups of more important documents. I know all too well the pain and sorrow caused by HD corruption and crapping-out. 🙁 I'm just glad that something similar to the picture below did not happen to me. That's rough.

for-my-lost-laptop.jpg
Click to expand...

:wow:
That sucks! I know the pain of not backing up because of my last iMac. Mostly full 1TB HDD full of movies, photos, music, and home videos. Hard drive failure along with other computer problems. Apple place said $200 for data recovery. Thankfully I was able to retrieve some on my own, but it was a harrowing experience.
 
NeuroLAX said:
Have you guys heard of MyBookLive? I just bought the 2 TB model... I think I'm good for a long while 😎

wd-mybook-live.jpg
Click to expand...

NeuroLAX said:
Haha! This is true. I have more traditional external storage devices, but now that I have the MyBookLive I have given myself more work when it comes to making sure I have backups of more important documents. I know all too well the pain and sorrow caused by HD corruption and crapping-out. 🙁 I'm just glad that something similar to the picture below did not happen to me. That's rough.

for-my-lost-laptop.jpg
Click to expand...

Yes, I do like the idea of a networked HDD...pretty cool.

But, I have an iMac at home that always on, that I can access anytime with back to mac (or splash desktop on my iOS devices). So, for my set up as it is now, the networked HDD would be redundant.



And I saw that sad sad stolen laptop story on Reddit...that would be the worst!!! But, DUDE...BACK UP YOUR THESIS!!!!

I definitely have a backup running constantly with time machine and a separate external to have another copy of photos and other important stuff.


(and to Dudeliness...$200 is actually a cheap data recovery job. They can easily be $500+!!! though $200 would be bad enough. So good to back up your stuff often)
 
dudeliness said:
:wow:
That sucks! I know the pain of not backing up because of my last iMac. Mostly full 1TB HDD full of movies, photos, music, and home videos. Hard drive failure along with other computer problems. Apple place said $200 for data recovery. Thankfully I was able to retrieve some on my own, but it was a harrowing experience.
Click to expand...

Dude that does suck, and thank God it was only $200. I would pay that in a heartbeat. I am not that tech savvy to navigate my way around recovering a substantial amount of my files should something as devastating as hard drive failure ever happen. Luckily I have tech friends and there's also YouTube 😀 If I don't know how to do something that's more-or-less DIY, I go straight to YouTube, or forums (clearly).

HalfListic said:
Yes, I do like the idea of a networked HDD...pretty cool.

But, I have an iMac at home that always on, that I can access anytime with back to mac (or splash desktop on my iOS devices). So, for my set up as it is now, the networked HDD would be redundant.



And I saw that sad sad stolen laptop story on Reddit...that would be the worst!!! But, DUDE...BACK UP YOUR THESIS!!!!

I definitely have a backup running constantly with time machine and a separate external to have another copy of photos and other important stuff.


(and to Dudeliness...$200 is actually a cheap data recovery job. They can easily be $500+!!! though $200 would be bad enough. So good to back up your stuff often)
Click to expand...

These days you can never be too safe when it comes to protecting files and keeping backups. Technology giveth, and technology taketh away. You have to cover your butt or you will inevitably fall victim to its wrath.
 
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NeuroLAX said:
These days you can never be too safe when it comes to protecting files and keeping backups. Technology giveth, and technology taketh away. You have to cover your butt or you will inevitably fall victim to its wrath.
Click to expand...


so true


As tech involved as I am, I still miss having things like my physical CD collection. I still have it, but its a relic now, just shut up in a box. Its tough to say what is more durable(physical vs digital), but having something physical in hand brings a sort of secure feeling.
 
I would say digital is more durable. Physical items can easily be broken but if you have a digital copy you can perpetuate its existence by transferring it to another device. But what do I know... I go to you guys for my technology woes.
 
NeuroLAX said:
I would say digital is more durable. Physical items can easily be broken but if you have a digital copy you can perpetuate its existence by transferring it to another device. But what do I know... I go to you guys for my technology woes.
Click to expand...

Well, to play devils advocate, anything digital needs something physical for it to function.

Also, physical CDs can be copied too! Files can become corrupted, and discs can be scratched.


But, if I had to choose, I'd say a digital copy is more secure on average too, since its usually in something that you really dont want to break (ie computer, HDD, iPod...)
 
I have crashplan. Unlimited cloud storage backup.

Sent from my Galaxy S2
 
Ravizzle said:
I have crashplan. Unlimited cloud storage backup.

Sent from my Galaxy S2
Click to expand...

Just looked that up...only $4/computer for unlimited storage backup(and $9 for family plan up to 10 computers)?!! Can you access your info at any time?

That's a decent deal for sure
 
NeuroLAX said:
I would say digital is more durable. Physical items can easily be broken but if you have a digital copy you can perpetuate its existence by transferring it to another device. But what do I know... I go to you guys for my technology woes.
Click to expand...

I'll bite.

Digital has its flaws as well, just as Halflistic said, you'll need something physical to make any use of the digital media, although that's kind of a non-argument since the same could be said of a CD or even cassette.

Copying digital files multiple times can perpetrate errors, eventually corrupting the file. At that point you'd have to have a hard copy of the original to restore from.
 
Ravizzle said:
I have crashplan. Unlimited cloud storage backup.

Sent from my Galaxy S2
Click to expand...

Is that a Canada thing? Here in the US there are security companies that run ads against your Alarm Force.
 
Ravizzle said:
????

Sent from my Galaxy S4
Click to expand...

Good question :laugh:. I have no idea. I probably just woke up out of a nightmare involving Canadians. You are Canadian aren't you?


Go Sharks?
 
NeuroLAX said:
Good question :laugh:. I have no idea. I probably just woke up out of a nightmare involving Canadians. You are Canadian aren't you?


Go Sharks?
Click to expand...

Yeah.

Go Canucks!

Sent from my Galaxy S4
 
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