Discussions

Wondering what the best type of laptop tablet device is the best for a First year University student.I am assuming she will want to be able to take it to class with her to take notes etc. Any suggestions or experiences would be appreciated!

Don't get a tablet, they won't be as useful for taking notes and writing essays.

MacBook Air

you have no software to install maybe check out a chromebook touch screen.  
chromebook is very light and no windows pc and fast boot up, built in security, virus protection  
 
Edited by 1 chance, 2016-06-05 18:04:34

I agree with the others saying Mac. that's all I have ever had, & wouldn't have anything but another once this one crashes. I've also used it for university, with no issues. The only program I was not able to get on Mac was Microsoft access, however I used the Windows converter for that course & was able to get access. I have a MacBook Pro that is 6 years old, and still fast & works fantastic!

Tablets - I find I can't effectively type on the screen with them, and that if you're going to buy a keyboard with it - just get a proper laptop. Been using my current one for the past 6 years without any trouble!  
 
Call me old fashioned, I still took down notes hand-written, found things easier that way for me - and had my laptop to research and write papers.  
 
Buy a good quality Mac and it will treat you right! Make sure it has office with it (Powerpoint for presentations, excel for spreadsheets, and word for word processing). Another consideration - check on the available peripherals that may be required for presentations (either can be transferred to a memory stick or have some other kind of output). Easy to file share that way.

Chromebook is lightweight, easy to use. You have access to all the Google Apps, spreadsheets, word processors, pictures, google drive and what is even better they will work as a tablet in just a few months as well. Google play will be opened and available for the Chromebook. The same as a laptop, but much quicker and easier. Very affordable. On sale about $200 if you are looking for a touchscreen, probably a bit more. Highly recommend. My son is in high school and they use the Google classroom, so it links up so easy. He prefers his chromebook over the tablet or smartphone. If I didn't need Windows software, I would switch in a minute.

have a touch screen chromebook and love it and some mouse is compatible with it

For instance in my degree we used many CAD programs as well as FEA modellers. Yea yea everyone was still ranting and raving about their Mac. See look I just run Windows virtual desktop and in like 10 years I'll have the program open like you.  
 
Taking arts, Mac is the way to go. Practical science degree then you want a PC (priced the same as MacBook). Forget about tablets.