The “best” iPad for medical students in 2024 depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are some popular options with their pros and cons to help you decide:
Top contenders:
-
iPad Pro:
- Pros: Most powerful performance,Liquid Retina XDR display (12.9″ model),LiDAR scanner for AR apps, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, Thunderbolt port for fast data transfer, up to 2TB storage for large files.
- Cons: Most expensive, heavier than other options, may not be necessary for all tasks.
-
iPad Air (5th generation):
- Pros: Powerful M1 chip, Liquid Retina display (10.9″ model), Apple Pencil 2 support, Magic Keyboard compatibility,lighter and more affordable than the Pro.
- Cons: Smaller screen than the Pro, no LiDAR scanner, no ProMotion refresh rate, less storage (up to 256GB).
Budget-friendly options:
-
iPad (9th generation):
- Pros: Most affordable iPad, A13 Bionic chip is still capable for most tasks,great for note-taking and basic studying.
- Cons: Smaller screen (10.2″ model),lower resolution display, only supports Apple Pencil 1 (less pressure sensitivity), older design.
-
iPad mini (6th generation):
- Pros: Compact and portable, powerful A15 Bionic chip, Liquid Retina display (8.3″ model), Apple Pencil 2 support.
- Cons: Smallest screen of all options,may not be ideal for extensive reading or multitasking, more expensive than the basic iPad.
Additional factors to consider:
- Storage: Medical textbooks and resources can be large, so consider getting at least 128GB of storage, especially if you plan to use your iPad for entertainment as well.
- Apple Pencil: Essential for note-taking and annotating documents. Apple Pencil 2 offers more features and better pressure sensitivity than the first generation.
- Keyboard: While not essential, a keyboard can be helpful for writing papers and longer texts. Magic Keyboard or compatible third-party options are available.
- Accessories: Consider cases, screen protectors, and stands for better ergonomic positioning.
Recommendations:
- For power users and those who want the best of the best: iPad Pro 12.9″ with M2 chip and Apple Pencil 2.
- For most medical students who want a balance of performance and affordability:iPad Air with M1 chip and Apple Pencil 2.
- For budget-conscious students: iPad or iPad mini with at least 128GB of storage and Apple Pencil 1.
Ultimately, the best iPad for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Do some research on the different models and consider which features are most important to you. You can also ask other medical students for their recommendations.
I hope this information helps you choose the perfect iPad for your medical studies!
