The ipad 2, the macbook air is too much for 32gb.
This is going to be hard, because the Macbook is better at surfing the web, skype, typing and researching for school and editing movies, music. But, the iPad is better for listening to music and playing games, and not to mention the iPad is cheaper. I think you should get the Macbook, because the iPad has alot of limitations and you will struggle with alot of stuff.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.