What is a better computer choice for a high school or college student– an iPad or a low-end laptop?

I wouldn't recommend an ipad over a laptop as an only option for college mainly because of the limited options for input - i.e. Lack of keyboard. Typing would be too difficult for most when you consider how fast and how much you would need to type for all the notes and papers.

Another issue might be compatibility - many college professors use MS Office exclusively, and if you weren't able to send them files or open files with 100% fidelity, it might lead to problems. Finally, some majors use very specialized software that wouldn't be available on the ipad - mathlab, AutoCAD, Adobe CS, various statistics software, etc. While an iPad might enhance the college experience by using it as a portable e-reader, tablet for email, organization, and entertainment, it's not quite ready to totally replace your PC while at college.

I don't feel that the iPad is a replacement for a laptop, at least not yet. It is lacking so many features and capabilities that a laptop or desktop computer has. I look at the iPad as more of a supplemental device.

Laptops are compatible with flash, so owners will have to install a program called Frash to my understanding. I am not sure how well this works. I just now discovered it and going to ask more details about it.It's also a hassle to save documents and software that might be required is not going to work.

The iPad doesn't USB ports without buying extra stuff. When it stores pictures, they are not as high of quality. Here is a big one, there is no disc drive and printing is a hassle as well!

The iPad would be better than nothing, but without installing a bunch of programs, applications and buying accessories, it's no substitute by any means. By the time all of this stuff is purchase, one could have gotten a nice laptop.

You are right, @mrcal! Like you, I still see that a laptop is a better choice for a high school or college student. First of all, most high school and college students often need to print their school projects like term papers, theses and what not and knowing that the iPad has printing issues then it really is the first disadvantage to it.

Desktops and laptops have been out for longer time and most people know how to use it already or it is just that easy to use well I think so. As what @cosmopinkice has mentioned in her answer, the iPad lacks the necessary features and capabilities which are present in the laptop so it’s another reason why laptop is better than the iPad. I could only agree with the iPad if Apple would add the most important feature to it which is the USB port.It is where we can connect flash drives (which is very necessary for students), external optical or hard drives/web camera, printer cables, etc.

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