iPad or Laptop?

[PeterH]

Is an IPAD suitable for Phase 1 Eng Cadet, or is a laptop better?

[GuinnessMan]

Is an IPAD suitable for Phase 1 Eng Cadet, or is a laptop better?

Laptop would be better...

[Lewisscott22]

Is an IPAD suitable for Phase 1 Eng Cadet, or is a laptop better?

I would recommend a laptop. Easier for coursework - word documents and such. Media too, chances are there will be portable hard drives to pass about with hundreds of films on them.

[bridgemonkey]

I use both a Laptop and a Tablet. Tend to find the tablet is good for casual internet research during lectures (i.e. looking up a concept) while the laptop is used for work.

[Lewis]

i'm a fan of netbooks ideal compromise between a laptop and tablet

[YoungMariner]

It's a tough one, because the iPad is so usable and easy to take anywhere, but I think you'll need a laptop to do the coursework and reports when onboard ship to be honest.

[Chiefy]

Lapt top / netbook.....like it or not Microsoft software is the default setting for most institutions, and the machines are easier to plug into printers etc etc....(yes yes mac fanboi's your gear can connect to most stuff too) but Tablets tend to have less connection options and interoperability is hard work.

As some else said, lappy for college stuff, tablet for tv, films etc....a bit more kit but also maybe help keep private and business use seperate...no accidental deletion of course work when the nasty virus from that interesting adult site ravages you machine

[Lewis]

The lack of storage puts me off tablets. If I could get a tablet with 500gb hard drive i'd ditch the netbook.

[bridgemonkey]

The lack of storage puts me off tablets. If I could get a tablet with 500gb hard drive i'd ditch the netbook.

What about one of those Transformers megatron super laptop/tablet hybrid mutant machines? Not entirely sold on them myself. Think i'd probably break it within 2 minutes of using it.

[size4riggerboots]

I based my computer buying on weight, and now have a Samsung Series 9 laptop , it's the same size as a mac air thingy and is going strong after a year of hard use! (3 yr warranty so it bloddy well better be!)

[Chiefy]

Some one mentioned the transformers...I use the Asus TF300 at sea, it is good and strong, but is Android, I happen to like the Green Fella but it is limiting on occasions and word processing etc can be done BUT not necessarily to Microsofts .doc .xls or .docx .xlsx standards which may or may not be a plus point

It's isnt that flimsy and the option of a proper keyboard for.........web fora is handy also when needing skype tippy tappy chatty rather than voice.

Also they take memory card and the Transformer range can use external HDD's so it's pretty versatile little machie