iPads: Are They Worth It? Or Should We Ditch Them?

iPads. It’s either you love them or you hate them, there’s no real in-between. A lot of college students (myself included) get them because we swear they’re just for note-taking. The next thing you know, you’re in your bed at 2 am with its battery on 10% watching The Big Bang Theory. If you’re a freshman debating on grabbing one, or an upperclassman looking for something to blow your money on (but still being able to tell yourself it’s useful) this article is for you. 

Worth It: 

1. Note taking on an iPad is good, but it depends on which app you use.

Yes. It is cute to type your notes and also be able to scribble on them as well. You press one button and you can have any color you want. Beware, however, of picking the right app to take them on. OneNote is great and so is Goodnotes, but it’s all based on preference. 

2. Saving the planet, one (less!) piece of paper at a time.

Less. Paper. Need I say more?

3. Having all of your notes digitally makes it easier to find them.

By having your notes all on one type of device, it’s easier to folder them and section them off. Plus, you have unlimited storage online and on your files app, whereas you have to buy a notebook whenever it gets filled up or you’re starting a new subject. 

4. One iPad vs. 5 heavy notebooks.

This one isn’t a contest. Your back will be thanking you after making the transition. 

Ditch It:

1. $$$

I mean the company is Apple, we don’t think of affordable when we think of Apple. Although you can always shop for them in August since that’s back-to-school season when they have their promotions. Plus, you’d have to also get an Apple Pencil which can be an additional 60+ dollars. Still, you will most likely be giving them a heck ton of money when a few notebooks and binders cost way less.

2. Science literally says it’s better to do it on paper…seriously. 

One paper from the University of Toronto goes into depth on the neurological benefits of using paper rather than a tablet. This study showed that writing notes out on a physical piece of paper can lead to “ more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later.” Can’t argue with science. 

3. Writing on paper is like second nature.

Writing on an iPad is writing on glass. Although the Apple Pencil helps, it still can feel unnatural to a person who isn’t used to it. You can also buy a screen protector with a paper feel, but will it truly ever be the same? 

4. Distractions, Distractions, Distractions…

You’re on your iPad, then you get a notification that a new episode of your favorite show just got uploaded, so you check that out, then BuzzFeed tells you to take a quiz to tell you what color your aura is, then the News app sends you the latest hot gossip from Hollywood. The next thing you know it’s nighttime and you wasted all of your time online. 

This is merely a guideline on the pros and cons of having an iPad for school. Look it over and see if there are some things you can live with and without and do whatever is best for you! 

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