Which tablet would you recommend for school (to use with e-books, note taking, etc.)?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:39:58 -0500

Just got the book list for grad school and we have more than a dozen required books (and many more "optional" ones) so I'm thinking about going the e-book route. I think a tablet with "write on" capability might be a good for taking notes as well. I also want something that I can attach a keyboard to. So far people have recommended a Surface Pro or iPad Pro. Anyone else have any recommendations?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2016 6:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:46:12 -0500

I would consider a speech to text application for your phone and simply record any lectures as long as the Professor didn't object. As for reading ebooks, almost anything will do in that regard. I use my Kindle most of the time when I'm mobile and pull up the books on my desktop at home.

http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/freshman-year/best-way-take-notes-class-isnt-your-laptop-research-finds-n416831

Best Way to Take Notes In Class Isn't On Your Laptop, Research Finds

The research is clear: Typing out your notes results in decreased comprehension of lecture material.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2016 7:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:31:05 -0500

I have a small Amazon Fire. I can get a ton of apps and I like it a lot. It is very easy to download books as well.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 12 at 2016 7:33 PM

SN Greg Wright — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:33:55 -0500

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. Gorgeous screen, fast processor, good storage.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Dec 12 at 2016 8:04 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:04:46 -0500

My kindle is great for books, research, watching movies, audiobooks and can go about anywhere. It even shuts off if I don't turn a page. With that said, my iPad has been my primary means to connect with the world. It's bigger, portable, and can do about everything I want with it. It does not have a separate keyboard but it does have speak to words options. Haven't figured out how to print or fill out some types of forms, I must go to the library for that. It can tune into webinars at various universities to keep up with continuing education requirements for my licensure. FaceTime gives you immediate interaction and other apps allow group conferences.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 12 at 2016 10:43 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 22:43:06 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Please research your proposal. I want to recall that students who take handwritten notes recall more of the class discussion. Attempting to copy notes on an electronic device diverts attention from the lecture! Scrawling notes does not.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Dec 13 at 2016 10:01 AM

LTC Joseph Gross — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 10:01:11 -0500

More schools are going the "google" route and we're providing Chrome books to students. I like the functionality of these and recommend getting used to using Google apps and the Chrome. Good luck!