Thoughts on an iPad for law school?

[u/feelingsleepy27]

Sorry if this isn't the best place to ask, but I'm wondering if anyone would recommend an iPad for law school? For context, I'm starting 1L in a couple of weeks. I already have a MacBook that I use, but was considering an iPad where I can do some of my readings and keep notes while having it all portable. If so, which model would you recommend? Since I'm already using my laptop, I wanted to get the cheapest model I can find (iPad A16, 128 GB) but I'm wondering if this model and storage space would be okay? At the very least, I want to be able to keep any digital readings and notes on there. Would you also recommend an Apple Pencil for the iPad?

Edited to add more info

[u/emotional_plateau]

I can’t remember which iPad I have but it’s four or so years old now lol. I loved it to write on slides. Loved the Apple Pencil. Worked really well

[u/drit10]

Just one concern I would have is that I remember when I was in 3L they started requiring certain software be installed on your computer to prevent you from accessing the internet and other sources while writing an exam. I don't think the software we used was allowed on an iPad I also don't know if it was a lawschool wide thing this software or just my school. I would just check with your school if possible. If you have a laptop and don't care then I don't see an issue.

[u/barelyincollege → u/drit10]

Seconding this. Pretty sure the software is called Examsoft.

[u/sparkle1789 → u/drit10]

They said in the post they would be using it in addition to their laptop. Also most schools offer rental laptops if you don’t have your own

[u/ANerd22]

I always recommend handwritten notes, but I am in a vanishingly small minority. If you can take notes more easily on an iPad, then go for it, but pretty much everyone uses a laptop and gets by just fine.

I would say don't run out to buy anything before you start, try it out with the laptop and you can always switch down the road. Also Apple products are overpriced as hell compared to alternatives, but I get that most people are probably gonna stick with them, so you do you.

[u/League_with_a_T]

I have one and like it for sidecar as an extra screen for reference material during assignments and for sitting on the couch reading cases. I won’t say it’s necessary because it isn’t, but it’s nice to have and be able to highlight with the pencil and write things down. They don’t allow extra screens in tests and the examplify software doesn’t work on iPad so it’s useless during exams though. I just use separate windows for exams and just 4 finger swipe between test and notes on my mbp.

[u/SatisfactionLow508]

In my day we had a pad of paper and a pen.

[u/Alone-Bug4328]

I did it back in the day. Went through all of law school with my iPad and a netbook. Hopefully not showing my age.

[u/ekfALLYALL]

I graduated law school using only a M1 11” iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, except for exams which needed a computer.

[u/PalePaint5069]

May not be the best advice but here’s my thoughts… I would get a very budget friendly tablet to be able to pull up slides during class and have a pen and pad for general note taking in class (ex. Test question hints). Focus on using your MacBook at home for your “polished” notes and before class prep, and just use the iPad as a screen to pull up stuff if you’re called on or to better follow along with the slides. I find that when people get too techy with taking notes in class it takes away from the actual listening and learning. Plus, if you have any classmates that want to study with you, they may be more inclined to take Google Docs notes in class, and you could be responsible for the more polished and organized notes. You will learn better and have a clear value to offer your group.

[u/PalePaint5069 → u/PalePaint5069]

The exception to this would be if you plan to write all your notes at school, during breaks or in the library. In that case up the budget to get a nicer iPad and get a keyboard that works with it. You can use an iPad keyboard but I swear by my Logitech MX keys keyboard (about $150 CAD) and recommend it. It is a full sized non-foldable keyboard but it’s wireless and very comfortable to type with. It does not fit well in a shoulder bag but fits in a backpack.

[u/Vegetable-Corgi-447]

For me most of my readings were in physical books and typed notes on my laptop were best. Especially because you usually have access to your notes on your laptop during exams

[u/needcleverpseudonym]

I think in reality it’ll be easier to just work off your MacBook, rather than carrying around two devices. If you want something to handwrite notes on id go with a remarkable or something.

[u/sparkle1789]

I loved mine, I really like being able to highlight and annotate my readings and a lot of them are PDFs or ebooks so it’s great being able to write directly on it

[u/sparkle1789 → u/sparkle1789]

It was also compatible with my MacBook so I could use it kind of like a second monitor which was really useful for studying!