jim123

In my case i am more comfortable with my HP laptop and it's only cost $650 that is cheaper than $1000. i have to stick with this for 15 to 16 hr. per day and this make my laptop so busy at all time. Working with iPad for 1 or 2 hr. is ok but if you have to make it for 5 to 10 hr. then you need to have a laptop.

romanigypsyeyes

I bought a netbook for $200 and it works better than my roommate's ipad for school stuff. Our school's system for accessing class information, called ANGEL- it's like Blackboard, simply doesn't work well with ipads.

A grand is way more than enough to buy a good, highly portable laptop or laptop. I don't know anyone who bought a ipad that didn't later have to buy a laptop.

NightShadeQueen

For the sake of useful windows-only programs (mathlab/mathematica/maple, etc), get the laptop.

You will need to install something for a class eventually. Don't be the person who tries to run an emulator, esp. an emulator on an ipad.

ClarkU2016

Actually, matlab and other such programs are on the iPad. And I have a browser app that allows me to view flash online, so that won't be a problem if I ever need it.

Also, my school's online system is CICADA (run by moodle) and it is completely iPad accessible.

I would really appreciate answers other than "you can't survive without a laptop because... that's just the standard/I can't do it/I don't know anyone who's done it." If anyone has real experience/legitimate reasons why it is possible or impossible to use only an iPad that would be much appreciated.

csfmap

OP - since you seem pretty convinced that an iPad will work for you, maybe you could put off any purchase until after your first semester. Try college with your current iPad and if it works out for you, you can buy the new iPad after first semester. If it doesn't work, you can buy a laptop. Some issues are campus specific (ease of getting computer access in libraries and labs, software required etc.) and you'll be able to see how your campus and individual needs can be met with an iPad only. A lot of purchases can wait until after a few weeks or months in school. Then you'll know more about what you really need.