Confused if an iPad Air is the right device for college? You’re not the only one! So many choices can make decision-making hard. This article will help you figure out if an iPad Air is the right fit. We’ll look at the pros and cons of iPads. Thus, you can decide if it’s right for your college needs.
Quick facts: Are Ipad Airs Good For College
- ✅ The iPad Air 2 is the lightest full-size tablet available, weighing in at only one pound. (Source: PC Magazine)
- ✅ Apple’s iPad Air devices are compatible with more than 1.5 million apps, making them ideal for college students. (Source: Apple)
- ✅ The iPad Air 2 has an average battery life of up to 10 hours. (Source: Apple)
- ✅ The iPad Air is capable of multitasking with the split-screen feature. (Source: Lifewire)
- ✅ 81% of college students prefer to use tablets for educational purposes than laptops. (Source: eLearning Industry)
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Overview
Is an iPad Air good enough for college? Students ask this a lot before they go to university. It really depends on the person. Consider performance, design, and cost.
The iPad Air is very powerful. It has the A14 Bionic processor which is smooth and has great battery life. Plus, it looks nice and is comfy to use for long periods. And, it’s cheaper than other tablets, great for budget-minded students.
But, don’t expect it to work like a laptop or desktop computer. It can only run mobile apps and a few desktop programs. Also, the lack of expandable storage could be a problem for big files like videos or presentations. Think about these issues before getting an iPad Air for college.
Advantages of iPads
The iPad has a few advantages over traditional laptops and desktops. It is lightweight and portable, great for travel! Plus, it has better battery life than other electronics. Touch screens make it simpler to use than laptop trackpads or computer mice.
iPads have much smaller screens than laptops, making them more comfortable for the eyes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about physical issues from heavy use of desktop or laptop computers. Finally, using an iPad instead of a laptop or desktop can reduce your risk of electromagnetic radiation exposure.
Disadvantages of iPads
iPads can be helpful for students who need to get their work done quickly. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Cost-wise, base models of iPads are similar to laptops; but add-ons like keyboards and cases can push the price up.
Furthermore, iPads have limited software and storage. Schools may have iPad-specific apps, but most still use programs that run on Windows or MacOS. iPads come with just 64GB of storage, which can be filled up quickly when adding large files like videos or images.
Features
The iPad Air is the perfect tablet for college students due to its strength, portability and affordability. This device has a lot of features in a slim package.
- The A11 Bionic processor ensures quick performance while saving energy. It supports iOS 12, providing access to the latest apps and games. Also, it supports Apple Pencil for taking notes or drawing sketches.
- The 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone technology offers a crisp, vivid picture with exact colors that adapt to the environment. The battery lasts up to 10 hours between charges, so no need to search for outlets during long lectures or studying sessions.
- Moreover, the iPad Air is remarkably lightweight at 1 pound and 6.1mm thin. It also has beneficial features like wireless charging and Face ID authentication to make your life easier while studying or traveling.
Battery life
When choosing an iPad Air for college, battery life is key. Generally, battery life is good, lasting around 10 hours. If lectures and studying need to be done on your iPad, make sure to get one with a longer battery life.
Turning off apps and settings that take up a lot of power, like background app refresh, can help maximize battery performance. Updating your device’s software regularly can also help improve battery performance. For school tasks that take a few hours a day, an iPad Air should have enough battery life for the whole day.
Processor
The processor of an iPad Air matters when deciding if it’s suitable for college. It has a powerful 64-bit Apple A7 processor. This enables everyday activities like web browsing, emailing and multitasking. Meaning students can manage different tasks without a significant dip in performance.
The A7 processor is the same as the one in the iPhone 5s. So, the iPad Air is fast, like the iPhone. Some users even say that it’s faster and has better battery life than their iPhones. Making it great for students needing something lightweight, yet dependable, for their studies.
Memory
When selecting an iPad Air for college, the amount of memory is a major factor. There are two types: RAM and internal storage. RAM is quick memory used by apps and OS. Internal storage is where docs, photos, music, etc. are stored.
Models range from 32GB to 512GB of storage. RAM can go up to 8GB, enough for basic tasks like web surfing and writing. If you plan to do gaming or video editing, then more RAM is recommended. If you need more space, select a higher capacity model.
Apps
iPads have great app selection. The iPad Air comes with Apple’s own apps, and is compatible with the App Store. Millions of apps are available, from entertainment to education. The A7 processor on the Air can handle multiple apps at once.
But, it is important to check if your school has specific software requirements. Make sure there are no compatibility issues before you buy!
Productivity apps
The iPad Pro is a great tool for college students! It has Apple Pencil compatibility and a bigger, more colorful Liquid Retina display than other iPads. This device helps students finish assignments quickly. They can make documents with Pages or Keynote, draw sketches with Procreate Pocket and Adobe Sketch, take notes with GoodNotes 5 or Notability, and edit photos and videos with iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush.
Furthermore, the iPad Pro syncs up with iCloud Drive, letting you access all your documents no matter where you are. Definitely, the iPad Pro is a big help for students!
Digital textbooks
An iPad Pro is great for college students. It has a bigger display and more power than an iPad Air. This makes reading and researching easier. Plus, you can use Adobe Photoshop! The larger screen also helps. You can see more on one page and split view mode lets you see two apps at once. You can compare notes, read digital textbooks and take notes all together, making studying more efficient.
Learning apps
An iPad Air is great for college! Get some apps to make it even better. They have organization and note-taking features, plus digital textbooks.
Notability is a top note-taking app. It has handwritten/typed notes, PDF annotations, and audio recordings. Plus, you can get your notes from anywhere with an internet connection. Goodnotes and Noteshelf 2 are other note-taking apps.
Colleges may use digital textbooks and materials through apps like iBooks or Kindle. These come with helpful tools like highlighting and search functions. Check out the reading platforms your professor uses before classes start.
Cost
Shopping for college? The iPad Air is a great cost-effective option. Starting at only $499 for the 10.5-inch model, it’s much cheaper than the 11-inch or 12.9-inch models which start at $799. Plus, with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage space, you won’t have to worry about running out of room. And, you can count on your iPad Air staying up to date with the latest technology for many years.
Upfront cost
Are you a college student considering an iPad Air? It’s important to think about the upfront cost, which can be from around $400 to $900, depending on the model and size. The iPad Air is usually cheaper than a laptop, but it’s still quite a large sum. Thus, decide if you’ll use it enough to justify the expense.
- Think if you’ll use it for taking notes, watching movies, gaming, or web browsing.
- Include accessories, apps, and an external keyboard in your budget.
- Lastly, research different payment plans and promotions. These might make the cost more affordable.
Accessories
Weighing up if an iPad Air is right for college? Accessories can help! Get the best of both worlds with a keyboard and stylus. An Apple Pencil is great for taking notes and drawing. And get a case to protect it from bumps and drops.
Think about portability and accessorizing when deciding which device is right for your studies.
Long-term costs
When buying an iPad Air for college, consider the long-term costs. iPads may look pricey upfront, but they’re often cheaper in the long run than laptops and desktops. Laptops and desktops need new parts to keep their performance up, while iPads just need updates. Plus, colleges and universities may offer deals on iPad purchases.
Because iPads cost less to own over multiple years, they’re easier for students to afford. This makes them a great choice for students who don’t need heavy computer use, but still need access to online resources. So if you need a reliable device that won’t break the bank, an iPad Air may be perfect.
Alternatives
Weighing up if an iPad Air is the right device for college? There’re lots of other choices. Such as laptops, Chromebooks, and other tablets. Each has its advantages, but may be better than an iPad Air for your needs.
- Laptop computers have multiple features and are adaptable. But, they’re heavier and less portable than a tablet.
- Chromebooks offer portability and functionality without breaking the bank – great for students!
- Lastly, other tablets work best for leisure activities like streaming and gaming; they don’t come with the same features as an iPad Air, but they’re cheaper.
Laptops
Laptops are essential for college students. They offer portability that larger desktops can’t. Many brands provide laptops at affordable prices, from Dell and HP to Apple and Microsoft. Most laptops come with mid-range to high memory, ports for connecting to external displays, and optional graphics cards. They also have built-in webcams, mics, speakers, and access to services like Office365 and Google Drive.
It’s important to choose the right laptop to make the most of college.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are a cost-effective way to compute for students. They are lightweight and compact. Plus, they are easy to set up and maintain. You can share Chromebooks between multiple students, making them great for classrooms and labs.
However, there are limits with the type of software and applications that a Chromebook can use. If you need more than what Chromebooks offer, consider getting an iPad Air.
Tablets
Tablets have come a long way! iPad Air or other brands, these devices are powerful enough for college students. Taking notes in class, researching online, collaborating with peers – there are many reasons tablets are becoming more popular.
Tablets offer students lots of benefits. Lightweight and portable, they don’t take up much space. The interactive touchscreen makes them easier to use than laptops. Long battery life means no need to recharge often – great for late night studying.
Overall, tablets are great for college students. An iPad Air is an affordable, reliable option to help get through school successfully.
FAQs about: Are Ipad Airs Good For College
Q1: Are iPad Airs good for college?
A1: Yes, iPad Airs are great for college. They are lightweight, have a long battery life, and come with a variety of helpful apps that make staying organized and taking notes easier. Additionally, they are compatible with a variety of apps and programs, making them attractive to students.
Q2: What features make iPad Airs good for college?
A2: iPad Airs have a long battery life and are lightweight, making them easy to carry around campus. They also come with a variety of helpful apps and are compatible with many programs and apps that students may need for their classes. Additionally, the iPad Air has a great Retina display, allowing for improved visuals when studying.
Q3: Are iPad Airs expensive?
A3: The iPad Air does have a higher price tag than some other tablets, but it is still reasonably priced. The iPad Air also has great features and a long battery life, making it a great investment for college students.