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Tablet for college? Good or bad choice?

Laloutre -  
Laloutre0 Posted messages 4 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -
Hello,

In September, I’m starting university to study Sciences. I see that everyone is buying a laptop for taking notes, and I was wondering if it's necessary...
Actually, I have a desktop computer that's good for office work and works for me... But carrying a desktop around at university... :') So I’d have to buy a new one.

However, buying a laptop bothers me for three reasons:

- The fact that I already have a desktop (two computers, I don't really see the point)
- The price
- Typing formulas in math and physics, in my opinion, I think I'd do better writing by hand...

So I was thinking about possibly leaning towards a tablet... If some tool like that is important.
Is it a good idea? Or not at all?
And if yes, which tablet would be suitable? There are so many on the market that it’s hard to get a clear idea on my own.

Has anyone faced this problem here? What do you think?

Thanks in advance :)

1 answer

  1.
    Pierr10 Posted messages 13836 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   5 843
     
    Hello,

    I left university a long time ago, but I don't think I'm mistaken in saying that taking notes on a computer is inconceivable.
    As you wrote, there will be formulas and equations to write, and it's impossible to capture those on the fly on a computer.
    Moreover, the courses go quickly, much faster than in high school, even though students are given an adjustment period. You would need to be a keyboard virtuoso to keep up with the professor.
    Another point to keep in mind: there will likely be photocopied or online courses.

    So it's better to take notes by hand, trying to follow the professor as best as possible and understand what he is explaining, rather than focusing your attention on the computer.

    Forget the tablet. It's much cheaper than a computer, but totally unsuitable for office work. You would at least need to add a keyboard to it, and even then...

    The best option remains the laptop. It's practically essential, but not for taking notes! So expect to spend around €600 to get a decent machine.

    You ask if anyone has faced this problem. Not me, as I mentioned. My children and nephews went through this: taking notes by hand (in engineering school and university) and a laptop.

    Now it might be better to wait until the start of the school year. You might be given some advice on what type of device to have and how it can be used.

    Have a good evening.
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    1. Laloutre0 Posted messages 4 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
       
      Hello, thank you for the response.

      As for the speed of the courses, I noticed it by attending several lectures at university. I haven't attended many classes in high school, but the teachers are not very fast, that's for sure.

      Then, regarding note-taking, of course, you shouldn't write everything down, otherwise, it gets confusing. And on this point, the observation will be the same, whether on a computer or by hand. Although typing on a computer is faster... But I understand the idea behind the message, especially concerning formulas and focusing on the PC. And you certainly memorize better by writing by hand.

      But then what would a laptop be for? To supplement the course? To use EXCEL and software for phylogenetic trees, etc.? Because 600 euros might be beyond my means, and for a desktop computer, I think you can find good quality for less, can't you?

      Thank you.
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    2. Asdupoker Posted messages 219 Status Member 43
       
      Hello,
      I don't know anything about college, but as a principle, I would say that if you're not comfortable and you have to check what you're writing, then you should write rather than type. Otherwise, for just office work, there are cheaper options than 600 euros; you can find really nice prices, especially for refurbished items.
      The link: https://www.backmarket.fr/notebook-ultra-portable-dell-reconditionne.html?shopping=gmc&gclid=CjwKCAjw1_PqBRBIEiwA71rmtdEHM0By4GKaxXZ_gELXTWhcE7_XmndDvINurn5AxXSZz5vdPCLGtBoCuZEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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    3. Laloutre0 Posted messages 4 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   > Asdupoker Posted messages 219 Status Member
       
      Yes, I'm very comfortable with computers; it's more about the formulas... If we take a moment to write a formula properly, it's lost time, and we miss everything the teacher continues to say ;)
      Yes, I've seen quite a few refurbished products, but I'm not really sure what they're worth... Are they reliable?
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    4. Asdupoker Posted messages 219 Status Member 43
       
      Yes, I see that for the formulas, it's true that it's not very practical.
      I have never tested the refurbished ones, so I can't give you my opinion, but otherwise, there are often reviews online. However, as a precaution, I would suggest using a good site with a good warranty.
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    5. Pierr10 Posted messages 13836 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   5 843 > Laloutre0 Posted messages 4 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
       
      >> After, when taking notes, obviously you shouldn't write everything down, otherwise you won't keep track.. <<

      Totally wrong: in a math class, you absolutely have to write everything down; nothing is useless or superfluous.
      That's why it's very difficult to have neat handwritten notes. That's why we distribute (or sell) handouts.
      I repeat: it is impossible to take a course in scientific subjects on a computer: diagrams and figures, writing vectors, mathematical symbols: all of this takes time.
      You will be struggling to type the first line while the teacher is 10 lines ahead!
      So when there are entire pages of calculations...!
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