Which tablet? Ipad? Surfact Pro 3?

[z.dog]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi all,

Wondering what type of tablet people recommend for DPT programs? I have an old macbook pro, and an iphone 5. I have been seeing that the Surface Pro 3 is awesome (and it is tempting since my laptop could die at any time, and then I would just use the tablet for everything). However, I know that there are so many PT apps specifically for the ipad and apple products. Anyone using a non-ipad tablet for DPT programs? Is the lack of apps frustrating? Thanks!

 

[tortugasninjas]

.

 

[PT2Bee]

i have never used an app for anything related to school and have done just fine without them. Some people like them, but I prefer textbooks and lectures from class. There's nothing that an app will give you that your class textbook can't in more detail. I have the samsung galaxy note 10.1 2014 edition and love it. The surface line is pretty damn expensive, but if you are going to replace your laptop I guess that justifies the cost.

 

[tweaze]

Does pretty much everyone in DPT school take notes electronically? In school in the past I have preferred taking notes by hand, but I know most clinics/hospitals are electronic. I'm wondering if I should start getting used to working on a computer like thing now.

 

[DPTstudent4444]

I have a surface pro 3 and love it so far. Very easy to type or write notes using pen on PowerPoints or PDFs. They also have a Notepad app which works well. You can also swipe different apps into split screen easily like having word and Google chrome on the same screen. Also, it's a computer which is nice. If your going to buy one I'm pretty sure the Microsoft store still offers 10% student discount too.

 

[PT2Bee]

Does pretty much everyone in DPT school take notes electronically? In school in the past I have preferred taking notes by hand, but I know most clinics/hospitals are electronic. I'm wondering if I should start getting used to working on a computer like thing now.

several of my classmates take notes by hand on the powerpoints that our professors hand out. Each clinic likely has their own documentation system, so using a computer to take notes won't really benefit you...you just take the time to learn their system when you come across it.

 

[ktachiba]

I think that tablets would come in handy for taking pictures for anatomy class and such. When I was taking zoology and anatomy for pre-reqs, I used to take pictures with my i-phone and that was passable, but I bet a tablet would be 100x better for taking pictures during PT school.

Also, it's good for recording video lectures... I did that a few times during my physiology course and it helped out.

With that being said, I prefer to write my notes on paper or on a printed power-point. 😛

 

[ptlover]

I have the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 2014 also and its great you can screenshot things and write on them with a pen it comes with. You can also use certain apps and convert documents on the tablet to Microsoft word, powerpoint, and excel. I love it! I have not used it for school just yet but I do imagine it will come in handy....

 

[ktachiba]

While we are on this subject, what items do you guys believe are beneficial for physical therapy school? (other than the obvious like notebooks, pens, etc...)

 

[PT2Bee]

I think that tablets would come in handy for taking pictures for anatomy class and such

Be advised that taking pictures of the cadavers in anatomy is highly against the rules lol...at least at my school. If our phones were out, we were kicked out.

 

[MCWills]

I used to only take notes by hand, but found that I can type faster so I have switched to taking notes on my Lenovo Yoga (which I love btw because it acts as both a tablet and a laptop) and then when I go back through my notes I will take/re-write notes by hand since that's the best way for me to learn. Some classmates still only take notes by hand, but I'm finding more and more switching over to typing their notes on laptops. Almost everything is handed out to us electronically and then if students want hard copies we have to print them ourselves, labs included. As for apps, I haven't found any that give me anything more or better than what is provided in lectures, textbooks, or the wonderful world wide web so unless you feel like you're someone who is very attached to apps I wouldn't factor that into your decision making process. I do know that several of my classmates use their phones to voice record the lectures so having a good app and sufficient memory, etc would be good for that. Also, if you think you might want to get some of your books as ebooks then you'll want something that is convenient to read from.

Also, on a side note; photos in cadaver lab isn't only against the rules it is a federal offense that could/would land you in jail so just don't even worry about that one. They are very strict about the policies/rules for cadaver labs. You'll find thousands of cadaver photos online though so don't worry about it.

I hope that helps!

 

[ktachiba]

Oops yeah I meant like the anatomy models not human bodies, as well as pictures drawn on the board... We didn't even have bodies at the community college I took anatomy at 😀

 

[DesertPT]

This is actually a decision I need to make soon too, thanks everyone for your input so far. I think that even if apps were an issue, Android has long since surpassed iOS in popularity, so producers are going to be cranking out more apps for that from now on. Not sure about the Microsoft smartphones/tablets though.

It sounds like the surface pro is well-liked. What is everyone's opinion on laptop/tablet convertibles? I saw one positive for the Lenovo Yoga. Any others? That option seems preferable to me than just a straight tablet for all-around school work. But maybe not?

 

[Archline]

Without any reservation, I must recommend the Surface Pro 3. I've been using one for a year, and having all my notes digital is amazing. I will never lose them, I can access them from any online device (computer, tablet, phone...) and I am much more productive on it. Not only that, but if I need to find anything in my notes, I can Search for it and pull it up immediately. Using the pen, in combination with keyboard, will change the way you take notes in the best of ways. It's the cutting edge for school, and I recommend everyone take a serious look into it. Don't discount the Pen, it's necessary for note taking! Any questions, just reply to this.

 

[jdaniels360]

ipad and notability.... without question.

 

[Azimuthal]

ipad and notability.... without question.

This is what I used throughout PT school. The hard part was finding a stylus I liked because I handwrite my notes on the imported slide notes. Con: you have to transfer out your notes to google drive or Dropbox or whatever cloud you use if you want to print them on a shared printing server as systems like Pharos, etc, does not support mobile print at most schools. Well, they do, but school IT guys are usually pretty lame and have not implemented it or do not have the know how.

I hear the SP3 has better stylus capabilities due to screen type, so I wouldn't rule it out. I like them.

The only thing I'd advise against is the newly introduced MacBook. No thank you. Pros: better trackpad, battery (debatable), screen resolution. Con: only 1 USB-C port for charging, display port, ANY peripheral attachment. No more MagSafe charging port to protect your notebook from flying off the table should anyone trip over your cord. Those of you who are Mac users prob know this... I've seen it too many times. You have to purchase a $79 dongle. How lame. I'd stick with a SP3, XPS or new MacBook Pro or Air.

Just IMO.

 

[Archline]

This is what I used throughout PT school. The hard part was finding a stylus I liked because I handwrite my notes on the imported slide notes. Con: you have to transfer out your notes to google drive or Dropbox or whatever cloud you use if you want to print them on a shared printing server as systems like Pharos, etc, does not support mobile print at most schools. Well, they do, but school IT guys are usually pretty lame and have not implemented it or do not have the know how.

I hear the SP3 has better stylus capabilities due to screen type, so I wouldn't rule it out. I like them.

The only thing I'd advise against is the newly introduced MacBook. No thank you. Pros: better trackpad, battery (debatable), screen resolution. Con: only 1 USB-C port for charging, display port, ANY peripheral attachment. No more MagSafe charging port to protect your notebook from flying off the table should anyone trip over your cord. Those of you who are Mac users prob know this... I've seen it too many times. You have to purchase a $79 dongle. How lame. I'd stick with a SP3, XPS or new MacBook Pro or Air.

Just IMO.

Comparing the iPad stylus to a SP3 is the difference between finger painting and using a pen. SP3 uses a digitizer made for a precision pen, while iPad just uses a touch screen made for chubby fingers. If you can get by with the iPad stylus, more power to you, but try them out in store first to see the difference. Night and day for hand written notes. Also, OneNote is amazing!

 

[Archline]

Whoops, ignore this post.

 

[DesertPT]

What I'm reading about the SP3 is that it is in kind of an awkward position of being more than a tablet but less than a real laptop for when you really need to work. Thoughts? Any other pros and cons of the SP3?

Thanks everyone, this thread is really helpful. 🙂

 

[Azimuthal]

Comparing the iPad stylus to a SP3 is the difference between finger painting and using a pen. SP3 uses a digitizer made for a precision pen, while iPad just uses a touch screen made for chubby fingers. If you can get by with the iPad stylus, more power to you, but try them out in store first to see the difference. Night and day for hand written notes. Also, OneNote is amazing!

I don't fanboy so all I do is recommend. And yes, the stylus works fine for iPad. In fact, all I had were compliments of the writing quality. Its def not for precision art, but if you can't write on an iPad, an OT app for fine motor skills may be in order.

 

[Archline]

Give them both a try, that's the best advice. Different strokes for different folks. They both have merit.

 

[montevik]

How's the microsoft app store compared to the others?

 

[TheRookieYear]

Just as a note, some PT schools may require a specific tablet. I know that my school required that we all get iPads, which are necessary to complete certain assignments and projects. I contact someone from the school you intend on going to to check in on their technology requirements.

 

[bluesareblack]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread...lots of good info. I'll most likely be taking notes with my mac or writing on slides if provided (99% certain I wouldn't be taking notes on a tablet, but maybe drawing some pictures that relate to the notes....cause that's how I roll) . I'm more interested in an ipad for: reading pdf files, ebooks, having and electronic media/info/etc portable, recording certain lectures, and the many apps that can be very useful (IFTTT and Evernote are some great apps if you're an organization freak or like some things auto-piloted). I've always been an android guy with phones but I love my macbook, so using an ipad wouldn't bother me (also, for whatever reason, I can't stand the new Windows software....we don't see eye-to-eye). I think for what I would be using it for, the ipad mini 2 seems very appealing. First, from what I've read, it seems like there's not much of a point in buying the mini 3 unless you're looking for extra storage space. Apparently, they basically have the same exact hardware other than the 3's having more storage available for some models. Anyway, the smaller size doesn't bother me and the PRICE is very appealing. I think I could get a 16GB for $300, and a 32GB for $350.

...I've never owned an ipad though, but from what I've read (here and elsewhere) it would suit my particular needs. I'm interested to know if there are any other apps that you all know of, both PT related and for general organization.... or maybe just something you found really useful for whatever reason. I know there are lots of great 3D based anatomy apps out there. Any other info or experience with the ipad would be greatly appreciated.

...Anyways, I'm rambling. Consider this a "bump".

 

[Kuhdaytee]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread...lots of good info. I'll most likely be taking notes with my mac or writing on slides if provided (99% certain I wouldn't be taking notes on a tablet, but maybe drawing some pictures that relate to the notes....cause that's how I roll) . I'm more interested in an ipad for: reading pdf files, ebooks, having and electronic media/info/etc portable, recording certain lectures, and the many apps that can be very useful (IFTTT and Evernote are some great apps if you're an organization freak or like some things auto-piloted). I've always been an android guy with phones but I love my macbook, so using an ipad wouldn't bother me (also, for whatever reason, I can't stand the new Windows software....we don't see eye-to-eye). I think for what I would be using it for, the ipad mini 2 seems very appealing. First, from what I've read, it seems like there's not much of a point in buying the mini 3 unless you're looking for extra storage space. Apparently, they basically have the same exact hardware other than the 3's having more storage available for some models. Anyway, the smaller size doesn't bother me and the PRICE is very appealing. I think I could get a 16GB for $300, and a 32GB for $350.

...I've never owned an ipad though, but from what I've read (here and elsewhere) it would suit my particular needs. I'm interested to know if there are any other apps that you all know of, both PT related and for general organization.... or maybe just something you found really useful for whatever reason. I know there are lots of great 3D based anatomy apps out there. Any other info or experience with the ipad would be greatly appreciated.

...Anyways, I'm rambling. Consider this a "bump".

I'm also going to get an iPad for similar reasons. Probably won't use it during lecture much, but I'll really want it for drawing and apps. If you search the forums, like all the forums (including pre-med and such), you'll get a ton of different app suggestions that are helpful for studying. I haven't checked any of them out, but pre-meds talk about iPads more than the PT forum.

 

[DjT3kN]

I checked out the Surface Pro 3 while browsing through Best Buy a few weeks ago... I may pick one up the Surface Pro 4 when it comes out in the summer. I have an Alienware 15 because I'm a big gamer and what not. So initially, I was browsing Fry's and Best Buy to see what they had in stock. Then I stumbled upon the SP3. Since I won't have time for gaming in PT school, the SP3 seems to fit all my needs. I do like how efficient and accurate the stylus pen was for writing. I feel that being able to write notes on PowerPoint slides would be very useful. It's light and portable... the battery is ehh ok. The other con is that the keyboard is a separate purchase. However, from the reviews I've read and seen... most people enjoy the SP3. If Pacific University doesn't require a specific tablet for use, I'm pretty sure I'm going to purchase the SP4 in the summer.

 

[calnat03]

Do anyone have any experience with the new Dell XPS 13.3 Ultrabook with touch screen?

 

[ktachiba]

I just got the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 for $499 at Best Buy...great discount price since it's a year old...I was gonna get the 12.2 version but it felt too big for a tablet, just like the surface pro

 

[FitnessPTJunky]

This might be a dumb question that's probably not meant for this type of forum, but does anybody know the differences between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 edition and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The only noticeable difference I could find were that the Note has a faster processor and comes with the S-Pen.

 

[ptlover]

This might be a dumb question that's probably not meant for this type of forum, but does anybody know the differences between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 edition and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The only noticeable difference I could find were that the Note has a faster processor and comes with the S-Pen.

Well the Note had the pen and was recommended to me because ita great for students. You can screenshot stuff write all over it. You can also write on PDFs using SNote. It is awesome I love it

 

[FitnessPTJunky]

Well the Note had the pen and was recommended to me because ita great for students. You can screenshot stuff write all over it. You can also write on PDFs using SNote. It is awesome I love it

Oh ok, well thanks for answering my question!