Need advice on what tablet (Ipad/android etc..) to use for taking notes

[sugarmouse]

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Hi
I am interested in purchasing a tablet. But I would like to use it for taking notes throughout med school (after I get eventually accepted...).
I found some good HTC, iPad, Samsung, and Acer tablets and not sure which one to buy. I would be using the tablet for
1) reading books - for leisure
2) PDF files
3) If possible, textbooks
4) take notes
5) calendar

What do you recommend?

 

[Ambitionista]

iPad + Notability app + Dropbox App + Fabric Mesh Tip Stylus.

 

[SCX1]

Samsung galaxy note 10.1

I have it and it is great for this task.

 

[deleted303591]

iPad + Notability app + Dropbox App + Fabric Mesh Tip Stylus.

Pogo Connect Stylus

 

[deleted303591]

Writing with an iPad can be a challenge, for some people. There is no place to rest your wrist, so writing can be awkward. I have a case with a huge bezel (that I can rest my wrist on) so writing is not challenging and or awkward. It is called the Lifepoof nuud case. It is expensive, but worth it. You can get it at Best Buy, test it out, and if for some reason it doesn't work out, you can return it.

For a stylus, I use to Pogo Connect pen. I like it, although there may be a better stylus out there than when I purchased it in December 2012. It is similar to writing on a dry erase board.

I use an app that allows me to zoom in and out, write, and record the lecture simultaneously. It also syncs with Dropbox and other cloud storage (currently the Notability app).

You have to practice writing on an iPad before ever taking notes in class. You cannot just break out your iPad and stylus for the first time in class and expect to take notes proficiently, no matter how ideal your setup is.

_______________________

I also have a multifunction printer with a scanner (Canon MX892). Since I am an undergrad and not all of my books are in digitalized text, I sometimes have to scan my books. I do it about a week before the semester starts.

I get the books cheaply from wherever. Once they come in the mail, I go to Kinko's to get the spines cut off the books for like $1 each.

I have my scanner set on a desk and I just watch movies while scanning the book, page by page, on the platen. I scan in 600 DPI (in color, if the book is in color) and directly in to PDF (my scanner offers this) on to a flash drive. I scan about 10 pages at a time per file and then combine them later using Adobe Acrobat Pro on a computer. I only use Adobe to combine the files, because the scans turn out so well.

Scanning the first 100 pages can be arduous, but after that, you get used to it.

I do not use the automatic document feeder because the pages can end up skewed or the pages can get jammed in the feeder. Also, the quality is much higher when scanned on the platen. You can use a document scanner if you do not have the patience. However, they are expensive. Be prepared to shell out $600 for a decent scanner with the proper specs.

Get the ink cheaply off of ebay.
________________

Anyways, I hate paper and bulk. Although I take virtually all of my notes on my iPad, I always carry a notebook with me. I also do my (engineering) homeworks on paper, for now.

You may think I am crazy for scanning my books, but I really hate bulk. The less I have to carry, the better.

 

[t5Nitro]

iPad + Notability app + Dropbox App + Fabric Mesh Tip Stylus.

I use exactly this but with a wacom stylus. Definitely agree that you need to practice with it before classes begin.

 

[physguy]

I have my scanner set on a desk and I just watch movies while scanning the book, page by page, on the platen. I scan in 600 DPI (in color, if the book is in color) and directly in to PDF (my scanner offers this) on to a flash drive. I scan about 10 pages at a time per file and then combine them later using Adobe Acrobat Pro on a computer. I only use Adobe to combine the files, because the scans turn out so well.

Scanning the first 100 pages can be arduous, but after that, you get used to it.

I do not use the automatic document feeder because the pages can end up skewed or the pages can get jammed in the feeder. Also, the quality is much higher when scanned on the platen. You can use a document scanner if you do not have the patience. However, they are expensive. Be prepared to shell out $600 for a decent scanner with the proper specs.
.

You may be able to find a good scanner/copy machine at your school. I scanned hundreds of pages of practice MCAT by hand until I found a document scanner in a building that does them in lightning with really good results then emails them to you in pdf automatically.

To OP, I have a kindle fire and while its small and good for reading books/having battery life, its junk for note taking.

 

[deleted303591]

You may be able to find a good scanner/copy machine at your school. I scanned hundreds of pages of practice MCAT by hand until I found a document scanner in a building that does them in lightning with really good results then emails them to you in pdf automatically.

Thanks, but my school does not have this for students, although the school is huge.

In the engineering computer lab, there is a document scanner, but it is too cheap to be any good. The library does not have document scanners, although there is a KIC machine.

There are plenty of sites on DIY book scanners. This was a primative form and is my favorite. http://www.geocities.jp/takascience/lego/fabs_en.html

 

[deleted436726]

Microsoft Surface Pro + OneNote. The SP has a built-in Wacom digitizer and is reasonably priced (<$1000) considering it's a full PC.

 

[preallofello]

Microsoft Surface Pro + OneNote. The SP has a built-in Wacom digitizer and is reasonably priced (<$1000) considering it's a full PC.

x1000 DO NOT GET AN IPAD FOR TAKING NOTES IT IS NOT MADE FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Functionality-wise, there is nothing better for what you are looking for than the surface pro. It is not perfect, and could be improved in a few ways... but it is hands down the best thing out there for graduate school, taking notes, and organizing notes.

Drawbacks:
battery life (just plug the thing in during lectures)
scarce app development (if you are desperate buy an old ipad off craiglslist for app usage)

Great things:
Screen resolution is incredible
Full functioning computer (no mobile platform BS if you do not want it)
i5 processor is fast
Can run full fledged Microsoft Office, not Mac versions
Active stylus for writing is damn near like paper (as opposed to the marker-like precision of capacitive-touch-only tablets such as the ipad). The surface recognizes when you are using the pen as a pen and will allow you to rest you palm on the screen with no problems. No stupid palm "section" in the app, etc.

USB port (can even have a ethernet adapter hooked up through this when wifi isn't good)
MicroSD port for extra memory


I know a few med students that bought a surface pro for this year and they are completely satisfied with their decision. Some of them got theirs used for a very reasonable price so keep an eye out. The next generation will probably be much much better since this was their first generation so keep that in mind.

Note, this is coming from a MAC fan. Have/love their phones and laptops, but when it comes to the tablet market (especially for school) there is simply no comparison.

 

[mehc012]

Microsoft Surface Pro + OneNote. The SP has a built-in Wacom digitizer and is reasonably priced (<$1000) considering it's a full PC.

This is what I'll be getting as a present for myself when I make it into med...I currently own an iPad and it is TERRIBLE for taking notes. Absolutely horrid, even with an awesome stylus.

If you don't wanna go the Surface route, I would vote Galaxy tablet...it may not be a full fledged computer like the surface, but it does have a pretty versatile split-screen function so you can write notes and read your textbook/lecture slides/watch YouTube during boring lectures so you fool yourself into thinking you were productive that morning because you 'went to class' . Also, go to the store and try it out for yourself...it's FAR better to write on than the iPad.

 

[Soulstice]

It's also important to note that in terms of clinical-focused applications and digital interactive textbooks - the types of things you'll often need as a medical student or resident - the App Store is pretty far ahead of its competitors. This is something to consider, because many clinicians don't use their iPads as much to "take notes" as they might for viewing EMRs, coordinating patient care, or reviewing databases. And the applications that can do those tasks best are often being designed for the iOS operating system.

I'll try to respond back here later with the citation for this, but it's been my personal experience and one I've found validated on several websites focused on the medical mobile applications space.

 

[mehc012]

It's also important to note that in terms of clinical-focused applications and digital interactive textbooks - the types of things you'll often need as a medical student or resident - the App Store is pretty far ahead of its competitors. This is something to consider, because many clinicians don't use their iPads as much to "take notes" as they might for viewing EMRs, coordinating patient care, or reviewing databases. And the applications that can do those tasks best are often being designed for the iOS operating system.

I'll try to respond back here later with the citation for this, but it's been my personal experience and one I've found validated on several websites focused on the medical mobile applications space.

Don't need a web app on a Surface...it's a computer that LOOKS like a tablet!

But yes, that is a good point. My advice though, is ditch the digital textbooks. LEGAL digital textbooks are almost always terrible. Normal .pdfs are great, however, and I prefer them over hard copy!

 

[Soulstice]

Don't need a web app on a Surface...it's a computer that LOOKS like a tablet!

But yes, that is a good point. My advice though, is ditch the digital textbooks. LEGAL digital textbooks are almost always terrible. Normal .pdfs are great, however, and I prefer them over hard copy!

The way I see it, the best-case scenario is probably to wait till after your application cycle and buy right before you are ready to matriculate. That way you can get in touch with the school's IT staff and see what courses will require what kind of technology & programs/applications. No use in buying something if you'll need something else soon after.

I say this in part because I know a local medical school that suggests students use an iOS-based anatomy app.. Which would be an inconvenience if you jumped the gun beforehand and bought an Android tablet (or vice versa).

 

[deleted303591]

Don't need a web app on a Surface...it's a computer that LOOKS like a tablet!

But yes, that is a good point. My advice though, is ditch the digital textbooks. LEGAL digital textbooks are almost always terrible. Normal .pdfs are great, however, and I prefer them over hard copy!

You mean the interactive textbooks are not great. I do not like anything in the EPUB formats or the MOBI formats or anything similar to that.

I have no problems with PDF textbooks, regardless of whether it was scanned or completely digital--although I prefer 100% digitized documents. I have a print disability (an autoimmune form of dysautonomia that messes with my eyes) so I need digitized text. Therefore I scan a lot.

I have the iPad configured in such a way that I can take notes. Some of my EE friends take notes on the iPad too and it is not a big deal. However, you do need to have the device configured properly with the right accessories. The Notability App is the closest thing to OneNote, in my opinion. Figuring all of this out may take too much time and frustration so you may be better off with a Surface Pro.

 

[deleted303591]

x1000 DO NOT GET AN IPAD FOR TAKING NOTES IT IS NOT MADE FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Functionality-wise, there is nothing better for what you are looking for than the surface pro. It is not perfect, and could be improved in a few ways... but it is hands down the best thing out there for graduate school, taking notes, and organizing notes.

Drawbacks:
battery life (just plug the thing in during lectures)
scarce app development (if you are desperate buy an old ipad off craiglslist for app usage)

Great things:
Screen resolution is incredible
Full functioning computer (no mobile platform BS if you do not want it)
i5 processor is fast
Can run full fledged Microsoft Office, not Mac versions
Active stylus for writing is damn near like paper (as opposed to the marker-like precision of capacitive-touch-only tablets such as the ipad). The surface recognizes when you are using the pen as a pen and will allow you to rest you palm on the screen with no problems. No stupid palm "section" in the app, etc.

USB port (can even have a ethernet adapter hooked up through this when wifi isn't good)
MicroSD port for extra memory


I know a few med students that bought a surface pro for this year and they are completely satisfied with their decision. Some of them got theirs used for a very reasonable price so keep an eye out. The next generation will probably be much much better since this was their first generation so keep that in mind.

Note, this is coming from a MAC fan. Have/love their phones and laptops, but when it comes to the tablet market (especially for school) there is simply no comparison.

I agree with the above.

I do not have a problem writing notes or using a "marker" for taking notes. I have really bad handwriting and I don't mind writing on an iPad.

I would make sure all of your "notes" and "books" are on the cloud (i.e. Dropbox) so that you can access your notes on the fly via your phone or a desktop workstation.

I would personally get an accidental protection plan on the Surface. I actually put a hairline crack on the screen of my iPad when it hit the edge of a tile table due to me not being careful while handling it in a floppy case.

I am a former computer repair technician who had to service these sorts of things.

 

[jdfamily]

Why not just use your laptop to take notes and a tablet to read textbooks, use apps, etc.
I personally have always taken notes on pen and paper in undergrad, but think it is more efficient to use a laptop and will try taking notes on a laptop my last year. It just makes sense to me to use a laptop to take notes.

 

[deleted303591]

Why not just use your laptop to take notes and a tablet to read textbooks, use apps, etc.
I personally have always taken notes on pen and paper in undergrad, but think it is more efficient to use a laptop and will try taking notes on a laptop my last year. It just makes sense to me to use a laptop to take notes.

Sometimes you need to draw pictures, arrows, etc. Conforming to a such format can be difficult.

That is why I rely on digital notes on my iPad, uploaded to the cloud.

The hardware used and needed is different for everybody.

 

[t5Nitro]

Why not just use your laptop to take notes and a tablet to read textbooks, use apps, etc.
I personally have always taken notes on pen and paper in undergrad, but think it is more efficient to use a laptop and will try taking notes on a laptop my last year. It just makes sense to me to use a laptop to take notes.

After 2.5 semesters of using the iPad exclusively in-class, I may revert back to my laptop for classes that do not require much drawing. I use notability with a bluetooth keyboard/cover and stylus. That way I can draw directly on the slides or create blank documents and type in an outline format.

With that said, I'm contemplating reverting back to using the laptop for classes outside of my last chemistry course. For some reason I really like the preview mac app and its ability to place those pop-up notes anywhere around the slides. I thought goodreader had this feature for the iPad, and when transferred to the computer via Dropbox or some other means, preview will be able to open the pop-up notes just fine. I may have to look into this.

The iPad's small size is really great, but I do like annotating with those notes in preview much better than typing an outline in a blank document in an app like notability.

 

[deleted550985]

I have really bad handwriting and I don't mind writing on an iPad.

I also have absolutely terrible handwriting (and I'm slow at it as well), and this has made notetaking really difficult for me. In classes where I can just type I do, but I just couldn't take notes in classes like calc because I can't handwrite legibly quickly enough.

It sounds like you may have a similar issue, how would you say writing on the iPad is different from writing on paper? It sounds to me like the thing to do would be to use iPad/Notability/Dropbox/Stylus/Bluetooth Keyboard to take notes and annotate reading using both typing and occasional drawing... does that sound like it would work?

 

[Strudel19]

I have to be honest with you, I tried to incorporate an iPad into my studying and it really didn't help much. I thought it was unnecessary and sold it. Maybe it would be more useful for med school though.

 

[deleted303591]

I also have absolutely terrible handwriting (and I'm slow at it as well), and this has made notetaking really difficult for me. In classes where I can just type I do, but I just couldn't take notes in classes like calc because I can't handwrite legibly quickly enough.

It sounds like you may have a similar issue, how would you say writing on the iPad is different from writing on paper? It sounds to me like the thing to do would be to use iPad/Notability/Dropbox/Stylus/Bluetooth Keyboard to take notes and annotate reading using both typing and occasional drawing... does that sound like it would work?

I think that having the wider stylus (Pogo Connect) makes it easier to write. It is like writing with a marker and I can write better with markers.

I only use the iPad/Notability/Dropbox/Stylus/Lifeproof Nuud case--(has a large bezel/ "frame" to rest your palm on which makes writing less awkward) because I am in engineering courses. I do not do much typing on my iPad at all.

I scan virtually all of my textbooks and I write notes directly on the document. If you need to split the book in to smaller "chapters", use PDFCreator. Afterwards, you upload it to Dropbox.

I always keep a notebook with 100 sheets perforated or so on it, so if I need to use paper (i.e. for homework), I can scan the paper in the computer lab before turning in the homework.

I am a very patient person, and perhaps this is why the iPad setup I use works for me. I am also an Apple fangirl.

I do not know if the Microsoft Surface Pro is a better option (there are probably more versatile styli available to speck out), but this seems more suitable for writing, in all honesty.

I will look up some information for you and follow up.

I forgot to mention, if you cannot keep up with writing down notes, just take a photo of the board of whatever is being written down/displayed on your phone or other mobile device and make a note in your notes!

 

[deleted303591]

Another, cheaper option, if you have the iPad and a Mac laptop is to use the Touchpad app, with a stylus such as the Pogo Connect (and possibly the Lifeproof nuud case).

You can use the iPad as an input device and even use Windows through VMWare Fusion, with Microsoft OneNote. You would retain full use of the keyboard.

There is also a software called InftyEditor, which does handwriting recognition for math entries.

Take a look at these thread. A Wacom digitizer is certainly better than a Microsoft Surface RT (or even an iPad for that matter)

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=13718632

This website is really good and covers iPads, too.
http://toolbox.llab.dtu.dk/tool/61/

Wacom Digitizers

The Wacom Digitizer is extremely usable as a digital board that captures analogue input such as drawing and handwriting. It's very intuitive to use (since you see what you draw immediately under the pen) and very likely to deliver the highest quality "digital drawing" you can get in a classroom / lecture hall.
The Digitizer is a tablet for any computer (PC/Mac/Linux) with 3rd party support. It's basically an external screen (VGA/DVI) with a special pen which moves the cursor on the computer, hence acts as a mouse.

Use Scenarios:

Digital alternative to whiteboards / blackboards

A Wacom Digitizer is in our opinion one of the best candidates for delivering an intuitive, real alternative to analog boards. It has a high precision, intuitive operation, fast response and by being sensitive to only the touch of a stylus pen (and not fingers) it comes closest to using pens, chalk and markers. Opposite to a real SMART Board which also requires a connected computer and shows the writing on a screen, the Wacom Digitizer allows the user to face the audience all the time. This is generally considered an advantage by the users we know. On the other side the user becomes more statically positioned in front of the digitizer.


Annotation of slides

The Wacom Digitizer is perfect for creating screencasts, video-pencasts and video lectures where analog input in the form of precision handwriting and drawing is required.


Annotation of digitalized hand-ins (homework)

It is likely that a Wacom Pad could be a very useful tool in correcting digital homework (PDF-files) from students. It would then serve as an intuitive input device for making remarks on the "digital paper" (PDF file).

Wacom Digitizers on YouTube

 

[t5Nitro]

The video I watched of a surface pro with OneNote looks to me that it is very similar of an iPad with notability.

One thing that's really great is that the recording feature in notability has time recognition, and you can press on any text to hear the audio from that word. That feature alone has me rethinking whether or not I want to go back to using my laptop.

Text boxes in notability is really stupid. You have to press and hold in a location for a time until the box appears. At that point you can move it around to where you want it on the slide. This is really time consuming, and so when I want to type I will open a blank document and use the outlining features (numbers/bullets).

I have not tried many other apps, and I'm not too sure what OneNote is all capable of. It would be great to hear some input from somebody who has used both an iPad and a surface pro. I guess the cool thing is that it is a full computer outside of being a tablet, right?

 

[mehc012]

I think that having the wider stylus (Pogo Connect) makes it easier to write. It is like writing with a marker and I can write better with markers.

I only use the iPad/Notability/Dropbox/Stylus/Lifeproof Nuud case--(has a large bezel/ "frame" to rest your palm on which makes writing less awkward) because I am in engineering courses. I do not do much typing on my iPad at all.

I scan virtually all of my textbooks and I write notes directly on the document. If you need to split the book in to smaller "chapters", use PDFCreator. Afterwards, you upload it to Dropbox.

I always keep a notebook with 100 sheets perforated or so on it, so if I need to use paper (i.e. for homework), I can scan the paper in the computer lab before turning in the homework.

I am a very patient person, and perhaps this is why the iPad setup I use works for me. I am also an Apple fangirl.

I do not know if the Microsoft Surface Pro is a better option (there are probably more versatile styli available to speck out), but this seems more suitable for writing, in all honesty.

I will look up some information for you and follow up.

I forgot to mention, if you cannot keep up with writing down notes, just take a photo of the board of whatever is being written down/displayed on your phone or other mobile device and make a note in your notes!

Having written with both Surface and iPad, I can say that the built-in capabilities of the Surface are astoundingly good for writing...and I find the iPad terrible. You say you like writing with marker, so maybe that's the difference, but personally, I find it less like 'writing with a marker' and more like 'writing with a dying marker that will never do fine detail but will sometimes spill a puddle of ink into the page.'

 

[Ambitionista]

Regarding writing on the iPad, I agree with the few posters above that it is absolutely terrible with the rubber tip style stylus on the market. There is a lot of drag and I find that I am forced to write slower because of it.

HOWEVER, I just want to reiterate to the OP that with a more appropriate stylus, and I SWEAR by the fabric mesh tip style (my stylus was only $8), those issues are no longer there. There is no drag, the precision is amazing, and the writing is really smooth which actually make it easier on my hands than writing with a pen or pencil on actual paper. Before I found this stylus I never used my iPad for taking notes and would only use it for general browsing on the Internet, Netflix, and games. After finding a stylus that worked, efficient apps (Notability is the best hands down for note taking and GoodNotes is the best for annotating books in PDF format), and a case with accompanying bluetooth keyboard (I recommend Logitech's line) I have used it literally for every single class from math to science to humanities. I feel like I am using my iPad to its full capabilities and am now more satisfied with the purchase. For the other users on this thread, especially if you already own an iPad, check out other styles of styli before giving your iPad the boot.

In general, I can't speak for other tablets, but the iPad is lightweight (I have the 2), is reliable (other PC tablets I have used crashed often), is great to use on the go for other things like reading, Netflix-ing (a personal favorite of mine), and browsing the web etc, AND can be an efficient way for taking notes if you use the right accessories and apps.

 

[MadRadLad]

I haven't tried this, but why don't you try an iPad + bluetooth keyboard? Lets you type out notes at a quick speed and then if you need to draw anything, you can pull out a stylus and add it.

 

[preallofello]

My last piece of advice would be:

Before you buy anything please try out the surface pro, sony vaio 11, sony vaio 13 and other equivalents like the samsung ativ and lenovo hybrids. Getting an ipad for the things you are listing would be a mistake and I think going and trying these tablets out will show you that. People make the ipad work, but it is just a terrible machine for note taking. People can defend it all they want but there is simply no comparison between ipads and PC hybrid machines. Honestly, capacitive-only screen and exclusively mobile operating systems (like iOS) are only good for basic media and information consumption and not production (using office programs).

Watching netflix? Browsing the internet? Reading the news? Playing with apps?
Ipad is the winner

Using the thing as a graduate student like taking hand written notes? Making excel or powerpoint files? multitasking? Having ports? Need a good ole fashion file/folder structure?
Hybrid PC-tablet with office/OneNote is the gold standard right now. End of story.

Try them out and look at it as an investment if you are serious about converting to fully digital.

 

[mehc012]

Regarding writing on the iPad, I agree with the few posters above that it is absolutely terrible with the rubber tip style stylus on the market. There is a lot of drag and I find that I am forced to write slower because of it.

HOWEVER, I just want to reiterate to the OP that with a more appropriate stylus, and I SWEAR by the fabric mesh tip style (my stylus was only $8), those issues are no longer there. There is no drag, the precision is amazing, and the writing is really smooth which actually make it easier on my hands than writing with a pen or pencil on actual paper. Before I found this stylus I never used my iPad for taking notes and would only use it for general browsing on the Internet, Netflix, and games. After finding a stylus that worked, efficient apps (Notability is the best hands down for note taking and GoodNotes is the best for annotating books in PDF format), and a case with accompanying bluetooth keyboard (I recommend Logitech's line) I have used it literally for every single class from math to science to humanities. I feel like I am using my iPad to its full capabilities and am now more satisfied with the purchase. For the other users on this thread, especially if you already own an iPad, check out other styles of styli before giving your iPad the boot.

In general, I can't speak for other tablets, but the iPad is lightweight (I have the 2), is reliable (other PC tablets I have used crashed often), is great to use on the go for other things like reading, Netflix-ing (a personal favorite of mine), and browsing the web etc, AND can be an efficient way for taking notes if you use the right accessories and apps.

I tried out MANY iPad styluses, of varying styles, and ended up with one I think is about as good as it gets...and it's still incredibly clunky and terrible. I tried to force myself to write on the iPad and I just couldn't do it. It's not the stylus, it's the iPad.

On the other hand, I tried the Surface out in the store, with the stock stylus, and I started drooling. It felt just like writing on paper, only a bit smoother. Most Android tabs feel somewhere in the middle...far better than iPad, not as dreamy as Surface.


I agree with the poster above me...iPad is great for games, apps, Netflixing, but if you want to get stuff done, it's pretty limited. I'd choose literally any other tablet for handwriting, Galaxy for screen splitting, and Surface if I actually wanted to be productive.

 

[deleted303591]

I agree that there are better options than the iPad for tablet use for pre-meds/med students. OP, you will be a lot happier getting a device besides the iPad. I would get something with a Wacom digitizer and a very long battery life, if I was in your situation.

Yes, you can use an iPad and get a similar level of functionality with a lot more work and effort. Personally I do not mind using the iPad for notetaking and schoolwork. I do not need Microsoft Office. I have a lot of patience and experience with computers and electronics.

 

[t5Nitro]

The sony vaio duo 13 looks pretty sweet. Haswell processor giving it ~10 hours usage. Comes with a nice price tag too, though.

 

[deleted550985]

On the other hand, I tried the Surface out in the store, with the stock stylus, and I started drooling. It felt just like writing on paper, only a bit smoother.

Went to the store to test the Surface Pro, and they apparently didn't send out a stylus with the display unit. 👎

I feel like I might just settle for the iPad. Even though the writing isn't as good (supposedly), I don't take written notes unless absolutely necessary (for diagrams, math eqs, etc), so I think I can get by.

Anyone have any advice about iPad Retina vs iPad 2 vs iPad mini?

 

[t5Nitro]

Anyone have any advice about iPad Retina vs iPad 2 vs iPad mini?

Though probably not necessary, I would opt for the retina. I have the retina MBP and the screens are outstanding. The battery life of my iPad 2 is pretty exceptional. I haven't ever really timed it since I never actually let it burn out, but it works for me, all day.

The surface pro and sony vaio duo 13 look appealing to me just because the stylus looks cool; but it's not worth the price tag just to have that stylus and OneNote.

I think if you pick up something like the logitech ultra-thin keyboard/cover you will be satisfied coupled with an app like notability. If you're looking to type outlines it has bullets/numbering built in if you need it. When I had a professor last semester that did not give us his powerpoints I would type outlines in a blank document and then draw out to the side if I wanted to add anything that way. It worked for me.

Again, I would go for the retina. Reading seems to be even more appealing on the retina screens too, but that's only my observation.

I'll add this: our school gives us our books so that we don't have to purchase them, but at the end of the semester we have to return them. Only for anatomy/physiology did I purchase a book that was being used. A company called inkling is working with Pearson and McGraw Hill (and likely others by now) publishers to create amazing interactive e-books. They have an app for the iPad, and it changes the way textbooks are forever. I do believe they have web access now though so people with both apple and PC products can access it. Just wanted to add this note in case you need to purchase your books. They're pretty limited right now in what is available, but the medical section is really expanding at a pretty rapid rate.

 

[mehc012]

Though probably not necessary, I would opt for the retina. I have the retina MBP and the screens are outstanding. The battery life of my iPad 2 is pretty exceptional. I haven't ever really timed it since I never actually let it burn out, but it works for me, all day.

The surface pro and sony vaio duo 13 look appealing to me just because the stylus looks cool; but it's not worth the price tag just to have that stylus and OneNote.

I think if you pick up something like the logitech ultra-thin keyboard/cover you will be satisfied coupled with an app like notability. If you're looking to type outlines it has bullets/numbering built in if you need it. When I had a professor last semester that did not give us his powerpoints I would type outlines in a blank document and then draw out to the side if I wanted to add anything that way. It worked for me.

Again, I would go for the retina. Reading seems to be even more appealing on the retina screens too, but that's only my observation.

I'll add this: our school gives us our books so that we don't have to purchase them, but at the end of the semester we have to return them. Only for anatomy/physiology did I purchase a book that was being used. A company called inkling is working with Pearson and McGraw Hill (and likely others by now) publishers to create amazing interactive e-books. They have an app for the iPad, and it changes the way textbooks are forever. I do believe they have web access now though so people with both apple and PC products can access it. Just wanted to add this note in case you need to purchase your books. They're pretty limited right now in what is available, but the medical section is really expanding at a pretty rapid rate.

Web access texts are pretty terrible. Always glitching out and needing internet and just generally having a ****fit. Get the text legally and then just download a .pdf from somewhere for actual usefulness.

 

[t5Nitro]

Are you referring to inkling's interactive texts? It's far superior to anything I've used so far. Not once has it glitched and it does not require internet access (the app, at least). And legally? I legally paid over $100 for the text I did purchase.

 

[Mel Belle]

I have an iPad and use the notability app (which is EXCELLENT!), but I also have a bluetooth Logitech keyboard stand. That will be immensely helpful for typing. If you wanna take notes on an iPad definitely get a keyboard. No question. I really don't like how small and awkward a tiny keyboard like that is, though. So I made sure that I bought a Macbook Pro when I went to buy a new laptop (lighter weight than my previous 8 lb laptop) which I plan to use instead.

On a related note, though... Don't rely solely on whatever tablet you get to take notes. Make sure you have a notepad on hand to draw diagrams, write equations, or whatever else you simply can't type quick enough during a lecture.

Edit: I just noticed most of you seem to be talking about handwriting notes on a tablet. So sorry if that's not what you were looking for. But a girl I know who is in medical school told me she would not be able to survive certain classes without typing notes because there's just so much information.