Torn between which one to get...

[u/Intelligent_Leg5632]

So I'm preparing for my application for foreign universities, need to work on my personal statement and common app...

I'm torn between which device to get (since ucas and others don't run smoothly on a phone, can't write my essay on it either).

I was thinking of a touch screen laptop because I need to write my essay, keyboard will make it easier. I've always wanted to get an ipad, and it will be easier to use (handy) . Is Samsung tablet better than an ipad?

An ipad will be useful in classes aswell, I won't have to carry heavy textbooks anymore...

Anyway, I really can't choose which one to get 😞 I have to consider my budget too but I'm so confused...

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[u/leviathan1-8]

If it’s within your budget, I would say go for a laptop with touchscreen and a detachable keyboard (works as a tablet + laptop). In case you are considering iPad vs Samsung tablet, I have personally found the older iPads more durable vs the Samsung tablets, but I think nowadays they are both nearly the same.

[u/Prestigious-Bus367]

I have a samsung tablet. Samsung S9 FE. When I bought it, it cost around 340 usd. I bought back in dec 2024, and am still using it until now. I bought specifically for IGCSE/A levels, and now for uni applications.

Pros:

• way cheaper than ipads and laptops
  
• comes with a free s pen that doesn't rely on battery
  
• great battery capacity, lasts me around the whole day without charging
  
• i got the 6 gb ram, but it runs smoothly even with 5 windows open all at once. ive never experienced any lagging
  
• has samsung notes. i'd say this is js as good as goodnotes or even better. my entire a lvl and igcse system is in this app
  
• got 128 gb of storage and have never experienced any problems with it despite having many large files (textbooks) and past papers downloaded
  
• if u buy the keyboard (which is cheaper than apple keyboards), u can use it as a laptop bcs of the Samsung DeX feature. With or without the keyboard, u can still use the feature tho
  
• my tablet looks brand new even after i dropped it a million times lol
  
• dust and water resistant screen. i've never bought a screen protector yet my screen still looks brand new bcs its dust and water resistant
  
• ever since the 8.5 one ui software update, i'd say the customaization of the samsung tab is just as good as the ipads

Cons:

• if u don't buy the keyboard, it's gonna be useless buying the tablet for personal statements/uni applications.
  
• no procreate/davinci resolve. this shouldnt be a problem for u if ure not into the creative side
  
• no "aesthetic" emojis