Like all devices, the tablet has its pros and cons. So while the tablet is portable, easy to use, and versatile, it can also have a slow processor for some students. At the same time, tablets are an affordable option for students on a budget since they can almost perform the same functions as a laptop at a fraction of the price. So the question remains, are tablets good for college student?
In the case of tablets, it is a personal choice that a student needs to make. If on a budget, they can opt for a tablet allowing them to write papers and access presentations and graphics for their class.
Use Of Tablets In College
In the modern-day, college students have the easiest way of learning. Long gone are the analog ways of learning, while they have a myriad of technological options at hand. Just like phones and laptops, students are spoilt for choice when it comes to the tablet as well. However, these days, large smartphones will be able to replace tablets. But tablets are still a good option for many students as it offers a lot more ease of use to them. Therefore, while a laptop will be the first choice for students, a tablet can also suffice in many ways.
The following headings describe the pros and cons of tablets for college:
Pro 1 – Tablets Are Light And Portable
College students love to get their work done on the go. With them being on a time crunch to make hard deadlines, tablets offer them a lot of conveniences. So if they are on a long commute from college to home or vice versa, they can whip out their tablets and get to work. Similarly, college students also like to frequent cafes to get their work done. In a cramped coffee shop, it is next to impossible to whip out a laptop and set it up with a full-fledged charging station as well.
A tablet is a great option in these cases where students can do their work quickly and efficiently. At the same time, the average size of a tablet is 7 to 10 inches, so it can fit easily into a small backpack. Students won’t have to lug around a large and bulky bag everywhere they go.
Con 1 – No Keyboard And Mouse
These days, a tablet can easily be converted into a laptop. Almost all tablets are now compatible with accessories that can be bought. The most common tie-in accessory a student can now buy for their tablets is a keyboard and a mouse. So while the touchscreen and the keyboard will be a powerhouse combination offering a lot of ease, the price of the simple tablet will be bumped up considerably.
Therefore, if a student wants to buy a keyboard and a mouse for the tablet, the price of this new version of the tab and a laptop will get roughly equivalent. Thus, it might be a better choice for a student to opt for a laptop.
Pro 2 – Global Connectivity
One of the most embarrassing things a college student will ever have to do in their academic career will be related to hunting for free wifi. So, many times students will find themselves in a cafe with their phones and a laptop, ready to get their work done. But having to ask for the wifi password makes it awkward for everyone involved.
In some situations (when on the subway or a road trip), it is impossible to connect the laptop to the internet. A 5G compatible tablet can be connected to the internet in a matter of seconds, allowing the student to do their work on the go.
Con 2 – Slow Processor Speeds
Tablets are indeed great to make presentations, but they oftentimes lack the heavy-duty processor speeds that a laptop can offer. So, editing videos, carrying out excel functions, or editing images can prove to be very difficult on a tablet. These days, the Apple iPads, such as the iPad Pro and the iPad Mini have enviable chips that have fast speeds. But again, they are not a match for a laptop/desktop. This might be a drawback for students working in design or architecture majors in college.
Pro 3 – Lighting Fast Hardware
Sure, an old tablet might take longer to power up than a laptop. But when talking about modern tablets, they can power up in a matter of seconds, like a phone. While a laptop takes about 30 seconds to boot up and start, making you miss the first few important minutes of a lecture. At the same time, there is nothing more humbling than going to give a presentation, only to find that your laptop needs some time to start. It is not the end of the world, but those few seconds of weird and expectant silence before your presentation starts can make anyone nervous.
Con 3 – Hard To Multitask
When writing a research paper or conducting a survey, students need to switch between multiple tabs at the same time. This is very easy when they are working on a laptop, but things change when working on a tablet. Switching between tabs on a tablet is similar to a phone, making it hard for students to work on papers. Due to this fact, the tablet will have limited functions and ease when it comes to multitasking.
Conclusion
Tablets are a relatively modern invention. They can toe the fine line between being a phone and a laptop. But while the phone and the laptop are two very diverse (and essential) parts of a student’s arsenal, tablets have their special place in the academic ethos. Seeing all the listed pros and cons, it seems that the tablet is a much better option for students since they are affordable and have a lot of room for technological growth as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a tablet?
A tablet is a tech device that has a touch screen display, a large screen, and a connection to the internet by being 5G compatible.
2. Can I insert a micro SD card into an iPad?
No, you cannot insert a micro SD card into an iPad.