<p>We are considering the purchase of either an I pad or a PC for my D going to college as a MT major.</p>
<p>not sure what would be better. Any suggestions would be great.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Dad in Training</p>
<p>Here is a previous thread on this topic that may be of help:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1354828-mac-pc-ipad.html?highlight=pc[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1354828-mac-pc-ipad.html?highlight=pc</a></p>
<p>Regarding the specific comparision of tablet device (i.e., iPad) vs. a laptop (or desktop), a tablet is not a fully-featured computer, so it will be limited in terms of running applications like fully-featured word processors (Word), presentation software (Powerpoint), some types of music editing software, storing and managing files, etc. Tablets are good for surfing the internet, reading email, reading electronic textbooks, doing basic image manipulation, etc. but present limits for some more compute-intensive applications, which may or may not be important for a college student. At my son’s school, there are computers and printers everywhere, so students willing to work where there are computers may be able to get by with just a tablet (iPad), but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.</p>
<p>My son (who is not in MT) does a lot of work that requires a computer with the ability to run a wide variety of applications and manage lots of different types of files and interfaces. My MT d, not in college yet, already uses software for music composition and editing that requires a laptop.</p>
<p>Not even close. Ipad is a great fun accessory. You need a laptop. I suggest and I would get something on a good sale. Save the money, don’t need the expensive most current stuff. Dell has great sales. Need to click around a bit on their site.</p>
<p>Just FYI - my S1 was accepted into honors program at Pace and one of the perks was an honorarium for either a free PC or a deeply discounted MacBook Pro through the school. Was happy we held off in purchasing the “college machine” for him. Plus, school IT department handles all hardware/software issues. Not sure if other schools do similar and/or require purchase through the school, but something to ask about. :)</p>
<p>ps. I would go to a store to assess for proper screen size. My son not mt likes a pretty big screen. I would get an entry level model and try to spend 400 or so. Then you could always choose to go higher level in the future. You might want to ask a specific school or some upperclassmen at yourrefeered preferred school.</p>
<p>Check with the Theatre Department and find out if they want a PC or Mac platform based on software, music library etc. Some programs have specific requirements,. Also, which platform does the school’s IT department support for students. I agree that the IPad is not suitable. You need a full computer in college.</p>