Hi everyone. I’m currently in my senior year of high school and planning to study mechanical-electrical engineering at university. My parents mentioned that I would likely need a laptop for various class tasks, but I already built a strong PC at home.
I’m considering getting an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil for taking notes. However, if I need to run specific software for my courses, that won’t work. My home PC can handle pretty much everything, but I won’t be able to use it during class.
What do you think? Any suggestions on what I should buy? I would appreciate any help.
Beatrix2 said:
Don’t you think you’ll need CAD programs for your courses?
Go for the laptop. If you like writing on a pad, get a touchscreen laptop that flips into tablet mode, like a Surface or Yoga Book.
Thanks for the suggestion! After reading the other comments, I’m leaning towards finding a nice touchscreen laptop or one that supports a stylus. Appreciate the help!
Make sure to check what the college or department suggests. Many universities post their tech recommendations online, which could help with your choice. I’ve noticed even law and business schools have specific tech requirements.
A MacBook might not be the best unless you get a high-end model that can run both Windows and macOS. Some software used in classes may only be available on Windows or Linux. Windows is generally safer, especially in STEM, while macOS may not be reliable for those fields.
iPads aren’t suitable for STEM. Universities often have software agreements that let students get software for free or at a discount. An iPad can be useful for some tasks, but you’ll eventually need a laptop to fully participate and won’t want to fall behind.
And don’t get me started on Chromebooks. They’re mostly not worth it.
Many colleges have specific computer requirements, so maybe wait until you get accepted and know which college you’ll attend. These requirements can vary by major.
Olivia said:
Many colleges have specific computer requirements, so maybe wait until you get accepted and know which college you’ll attend. These requirements can vary by major.
That’s a great point! I’ll hold off for now but continue saving up to buy something better. I’m leaning more towards a laptop due to all the other comments, plus I like the multiple uses. I can take notes in class and use it for gaming at home.
Why not bring your PC and use it for homework in your dorm? You probably don’t want to carry it to class anyway. Personally, I have both a laptop and an iPad for my master’s program. No one says you have to choose just one. You can use the laptop for classwork and the iPad for notes. But if I had to choose, I’d definitely go with the laptop.
@Brighton
I plan to bring my PC if I can. I considered getting both but I can’t really afford that right now since I’m a high school student earning minimum wage (15 something in New Brunswick Canada) and I also have to cover my car insurance and phone bill, which takes up a lot of my income.
Edit: Thanks to all the comments, I’m really leaning towards a laptop now. Now I just need to figure out which one… so many choices…
Do you have any suggestions for a laptop that would be good for taking notes? I have a USB drawing tablet for my PC that I can plug into any device, but I’d prefer a built-in stylus if possible. (Sorry if I’m asking too many questions; I’m more of a desktop guy haha)
@KarenHarris
I’d say just get the laptop. If you want to use the writing function of an iPad, there are some nice laptops that also have touchscreens and can convert to tablet form.
Brighton said: @KarenHarris
I’d say just get the laptop. If you want to use the writing function of an iPad, there are some nice laptops that also have touchscreens and can convert to tablet form.
Thanks again for your input, fellow internet user!
Brighton said: @KarenHarris
Also check if your university will provide you with a laptop or an iPad. Mine did, and we got to choose one or the other.
Oh, I didn’t even think about that! Since I’m just starting grade twelve, I don’t have a school picked out yet, but I’ll definitely ask about this when I do! Did they require you to return it, or was it included in your tuition?
@KarenHarris
I think it varies by school. Check with yours. At mine, they are university property but free for four years. I’m in a two-year master’s program, so I’ll have to pay $500 at the end. Not sure where the funding for those comes from.
Some universities that provide laptops/iPads may include the cost in tuition. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
For electrical engineering, a gaming laptop is best for the power needed to run programs. An iPad is mainly for note-taking. It won’t cut it, especially for writing papers and doing research. Sure, it’s great for taking notes, but so is a paper notebook.