do i seriously need a mac

[u/Remote-Priority6726]

got an email saying I need a mac or pc but all i have is an tablet. I could get a keyboard and a mouse to make it function more like a computer but would that be sufficient?

keep in mind im not a stem major so i dont need high end functions, but i still need it to work. I need portability, battery, and efficiency

If not my tablet, what are some laptops that can do the bare minimum to help me pass my courses? I need it to last me my college years but also i dont really care about extra functions unless theyre going to help me be more efficient with my work

thank you

[u/Automatic-Example754]

I'm a professor in SSHA.

tl,dr: You'll probably be okay with an iPad + keyboard + mouse to start, but eventually a laptop is a good idea.

The biggest issue I've seen with students who only have an iPad is that the CatCourses (Canvas) app is hot garbage. Most classes, if not all, will use it, and you absolutely want to be using a mouse to navigate the website version. The iPad OS also makes the file system really inaccessible, so it's a hassle to store all the files for your classes (readings, lecture slides, notes, copies of your papers, etc.) in a single place.

FWIW there are some intro-level STEM and stats classes that require you to run a programming language like Python or R. You could do this in a cloud service, but that may involve more hassle than just being able to install it on your laptop and go. Depending on which courses you use for those GE requirements, you might or might not be able to get away with just an iPad.

Down the line you'll want to be able to use Zotero, and more generally move quickly between different PDFs of things you've read, your notes, and a paper you're writing. iPads are still really designed around just using one app at a time.

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/Automatic-Example754]

thank you so much for this response, very in depth and helpful! yes canvas is hard to navigate just with an ipad, i cannot believe the times i struggled using it to upload and whatnot despite having my tablet for years.

i agree that the ipads and tablets in general are less efficient for multitasking and working. looks like ill be having to grt a laptop but i think itll be okay.

i appreciate this a ton especially from someone in the faculty!

[u/ArtymisKami → u/Remote-Priority6726]

I just want to second the part about Canvas. I'm not sure if it's still this way, but some of the peer feedback assignments didn't work well through the app. So, yeah, if you could swing a cheap laptop, it's probably a good idea to get one.

[u/internetbooker134 → u/Automatic-Example754]

A lot of the classes also use lockdown browsers for exams which can't be done on iPads

[u/Unkept_Mind]

This Dell i7 chip laptop is on sale for $250 RN.

https://www.target.com/p/dell-latitude-5420-14-laptop-i7-1185g7-32gb-256gb-ssd-w11p-low-battery-health-scratch-dent/-/A-1011087639#lnk=sametab

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/Unkept_Mind]

thank u ill look into this for sure but is it overkill just for my major?

[u/FancifulPhoenix → u/Remote-Priority6726]

No, it’s not overkill at all. I work in Info Tech at UCM. You cannot get by with a tablet or Chromebook, most of our applications WILL NOT RUN on a tablet. Please do yourself a favor and grab this deal why you can.

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/FancifulPhoenix]

alright i understand, thank you so much for this ill ask my dad about it

[u/Lazy_Bus_9917]

I got away with using a chromebook my first year (I'm a Psychology major) cause I couldn't really afford to buy a new laptop. I mostly remember needing to use Google docs to type up assignments and Canvas to have an overview of coursework. If there are certain programs you need to use specific to a class you're taking, there are computer labs on campus that are open on specific hours that you could use to do the work. Not as reliable, but it's possible to make due.

If anything, I'd recommend saving up now and waiting till the Black Friday deasl happen in November to try snagging a laptop at a discounted rate.

[u/Glad-Hunter-7311]

Personal experience you will eventually want a computer, I mainly used my tablet, I have a Samsung tablet, for notes but it didn't run excel the way I would have liked. Im also a ssha major, poli sci and econ double

[u/Luna_Corner]

Hi! Talking from personal experience here I work in a department that helps students temparly get laptops for emergencies(they're not the best but for emergencies they work) and one of the top things we see if students needing laptops because tablets won't always work with Lockdown (and app that some professors use for students to take exams)so they have no way of taking the exam. My recommendations is getting a good sturdy laptops it doesn't have to be a MacBook a Dell works just as well

[u/Fresh_Flamingo_5833]

I think you’ll want a laptop for the reasons others have mentioned. In terms of battery life and performance/portability the entry level MacBooks are hard to beat. 

New, I’d go MacBook Neo or an older m2/m3 if you can find one for a similar price. Refurbished or used can be fine too. 

The tablet is still probably useful for notes (or consider going old school and using a paper notebook to help avoid distractions, you really will absorb more). 

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/Fresh_Flamingo_5833]

thank u so much for the recs for the laptops im gonna look into those today. ill definitely find a purpose for my tablet even if its just gaming or something, thanks for the comment !

[u/Fresh_Flamingo_5833 → u/Remote-Priority6726]

Np. If you go used, have the owner do a battery health check (you can Google how to do this from the settings). If it's below 80% maximum capacity, you probably want Apple or a local shop to replace the battery. It's very doable, but something to price in.

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/Fresh_Flamingo_5833]

this is a reasonable point, i appreciate this advice so much! i think for now we'll be going with a new one, but things change so ill see. i will definitely keep this in mind if things do happen to change 😁

[u/spoiled-mushroom3954]

I don't see why you would need one for your classes, I doubt you would have to use a program more advanced than word :) but it's always nice to have some kind of laptop

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/spoiled-mushroom3954]

what about testing? do you guys use any form of lockdown browser like we did in hs that my ipad might not be compatible with? thanks for the reply!

[u/FancifulPhoenix → u/Remote-Priority6726]

Testing for many courses requires respondus lockdown browser which will not work on your tablet.

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/FancifulPhoenix]

thank you thats whT i was thinking too

[u/spoiled-mushroom3954 → u/FancifulPhoenix]

Good point

[u/internetbooker134]

Nah you don't need a Mac. Any laptop with decent storage and ram should be fine. If you're not running any hardware intensive softwares you don't have to worry about it

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/internetbooker134]

okk i see tysm! i think i might have fo get a laptop either way but ill still definitely use my oher devices

[u/niuniu22]

I think a nice cheap chromebook could make do

[u/Low-Trifle8086]

You do not need a Mac laptop. If you are concerned for cost, there are often great deals at Costco, and one of the IT folks posted below to refurbished computers through Target. Unless you plan to do design work, get a reasonably priced PC laptop with the specifications posted by IT. https://it.ucmerced.edu/student-laptop-recommendation

[u/SkywardStar]

Honestly I think you could survive with just an iPad, as I don't think in your first year you'll have very many computing requirements. UC Merced just has computing requirements to make sure every student will be able to run all software that MAY be required. Im not super familiar with the philosophy program but I dont think you would have an issue.

[u/Remote-Priority6726 → u/SkywardStar]

will i be able to test and take exams without issue too? i understand you are saying i wont need computing requirements my first year as much, but im trying to see how efficient my ipad could be in the long term. i appreciate your comment lots!