Do university students need an iPad? Can it replace notebooks? Recommended iPad models and purchasing methods.
"Do I need an iPad?"
"Isn't a paper notebook enough?"
"I hear STEM students need iPads, but do humanities students not need them?"
Many university students have these concerns.
Some say they hesitate to buy an iPad because of its high price.
This article thoroughly explains everything from why an iPad is necessary to opinions from those who don't think it's needed. We'll also introduce recommended purchase methods to fit your budget!
This is a must-read for both new university students and those already enrolled but still undecided!
【Conclusion】
An iPad is essential for university students, regardless of their major.
It can be widely used for lecture notes, document management, and report writing, making it overwhelmingly convenient for both humanities and STEM students.
However, since iPads are expensive, we recommend purchasing a "cost-effective used item" or using a "student discount" to match your budget.
【What you'll learn in this article】
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Reasons why university students need an iPad
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Reasons why university students didn't need an iPad
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Recommended ways to buy an iPad
If you're considering buying an iPad but can't make up your mind, please read to the end.
Why university students need an iPad
The iPad is useful in many aspects of university life. Here are four reasons why university students need an iPad:
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Can be used as a notebook
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Convenient for managing textbooks, papers, and PDFs
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Can write reports like a PC by connecting a keyboard
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Also useful for hobbies like video viewing, social media, and reading
With an iPad, university students, regardless of their major, can enjoy a more comfortable university life.
Can be used as a notebook
University lectures contain more information than high school, and taking notes can be challenging. However, this can be resolved by utilizing an iPad with an Apple Pencil and note-taking apps like "GoodNotes" or "Notability."
With the Apple Pencil, you can double-tap its side to instantly switch to the eraser tool.
When used with note-taking apps, you can switch to different colored pens or highlighters with a single tap. Furthermore, you can easily insert diagrams and tables, allowing you to create neat notes even for classes with many formulas or charts.
Another advantage of using an iPad as a notebook is that you don't need to change notebooks for each class, and you can review materials quickly.
If you are concerned about the pen tip being too slippery to write with, we recommend choosing a paper-like screen protector film.
This will create a slight resistance on the pen tip, significantly reducing the uncomfortable slipperiness.
Convenient for managing textbooks, papers, and PDFs
Universities deal with a vast amount of textbooks, reference materials, and papers.
Managing them on an iPad is convenient as it eliminates the need for filing or switching them out for each class.
【Benefits of managing with an iPad】
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Directly write on lecture materials saved as PDFs
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No need to carry textbooks around
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Add highlights and notes to papers
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Find necessary information quickly using the search function
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Transfer information to other devices (like your iPhone) using AirDrop
This allows for efficient learning.
Since 2022 (during the pandemic), universities have improved their online systems. The number of professors who do not distribute paper materials has increased, so the necessity of viewing and managing PDFs on an iPad is growing every year.
Can be used like a PC by connecting a keyboard
By connecting a Bluetooth keyboard or a dedicated keyboard to your iPad, you can type like on a computer. If you use Word or Google Docs, you can even write simple reports.
Additionally, you can take notes and conduct research simultaneously during class, which improves learning efficiency. You can also create reports that include charts and diagrams, and for basic document creation, it is more than sufficient. Moreover, you can work in a lightweight environment on the go, allowing you to effectively utilize travel time.
An iPad with a keyboard is enough for basic reports, making it especially recommended for humanities students.
You can also connect a mouse, which is good to know if you want a more PC-like experience.
Also useful for hobbies like video viewing, social media, and reading
An iPad is useful not only for studying but also for personal life.
You can read e-books during your commute or enjoy watching videos in your dorm room or apartment. If you have hobbies like illustration or photo editing, an iPad can help you enrich them.
Playing games and browsing social media are also comfortable on the large screen, making it indispensable for relaxation time.
Thus, with one iPad, you can manage textbooks and lecture notes, as well as enrich your hobbies.
Reasons why university students don't need an iPad
On the other hand, there are cases where an iPad may not be so necessary. Consider the following disadvantages before making a purchase.
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It's difficult to digitize all reference books and materials.
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Adding a keyboard doesn't make it a computer.
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Insufficient storage or additional accessories will incur costs.
It's difficult to digitize all reference books and materials.
Even with the increasing number of e-books, not all specialized books and reference materials are available in digital format. Especially highly specialized books or old documents often only exist in print.
While there is a method to cut physical books and convert them to PDFs, it is not easy due to the time and cost involved.
Also, if you don't have a backup, there is a risk of losing all your data if your iPad breaks. This is an important consideration.
Adding a keyboard doesn't make it a computer.
Even when a keyboard is connected to an iPad, it does not fully replace a computer.
It is not suitable for some tasks such as programming, complex data processing, or using specialized software.
An iPad cannot operate multiple windows as smoothly as a computer. Also, many specialized software programs do not run on an iPad, making it unsuitable for specialized work.
Typing for extended periods can be tiring, and it may not be suitable for writing long reports.
For specialized reports and graduation theses, a computer is often necessary.
Insufficient storage or additional accessories will incur costs.
To fully utilize an iPad, various accessories may be needed, which can result in unexpectedly high costs.
【Potential additional costs】
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Apple Pencil: Approximately 15,000 yen to 22,000 yen
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Genuine protective case: Approximately 8,000 yen to 10,000 yen
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Genuine screen protector film: Approximately 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen
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Storage upgrade: 150 yen/month to 9,000 yen/month (50GB to 12TB)
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Paid apps (like GoodNotes): Approximately 1,000 yen
As you can see, purchasing accessories to utilize an iPad will result in high initial costs.
To counter this, you can "use non-genuine accessories" or "buy the iPad itself at a lower price."
iPads have high basic performance, so even if you buy a used one cheaply, you can still use it without problems.
By buying a used iPad at a good price and using the saved money to enhance it with accessories like an Apple Pencil or a cover, you can make your iPad even more useful.
If you're curious about the price of used iPads, check out the official online store for used smartphones and tablets, "PRODIG"!
Recommended iPad purchase methods for university students
Here are three recommended ways for university students to purchase an iPad:
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Buy a new iPad
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Utilize student discounts
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Buy a used iPad
Buy a new iPad
When purchasing an iPad, the first thing you'll likely consider is buying it new.
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Pros |
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Cons |
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If you buy the latest iPad model new, you can use its cutting-edge features. However, the downside is its high price, typically ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 yen.
A new iPad is recommended for those who plan to use it diligently for four years, those who want to utilize the latest features, or those who prioritize battery life above all else.
Utilize student discounts
University students can purchase an iPad approximately 10% cheaper than the regular price by using Apple's student discount.
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Pros |
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Cons |
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The disadvantages of student discounts are not an issue for most students.
University students who want to buy a new iPad should take advantage of student discounts.
Buy a used iPad
Compared to new iPads, used iPads allow you to significantly reduce the cost.
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Pros |
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Cons |
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The popular model, iPad Air 4 (Wi-Fi 256GB), which is a target in the used market, has a list price of 87,800 yen, but can be purchased used for 74,800 yen, which is over 10,000 yen (about 15% off) cheaper.
The latest iPad Air (M3 11-inch Wi-Fi 256GB) with the same capacity has a list price of 114,800 yen, so you can save 30,000 yen.
With 30,000 yen in spare funds, you can do many things!
- ・10 gacha pulls at 3,000 yen each
- ・10 all-you-can-drink sessions at 3,000 yen each
- ・Buy AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (list price 29,800 yen)
*Prices are as of April 22, 2025.
You can address concerns about battery degradation and cosmetic wear by carefully choosing your place of purchase.
By purchasing from a vendor that provides detailed information about battery and cosmetic condition, as well as warranty, you can minimize potential regrets.
If you want to "save money," "don't care about the latest model," or "primarily use it for basic university tasks," a used iPad is recommended.
Recommended iPad models for note-taking
We recommend models that support the "Apple Pencil (2nd generation)."
The 2nd generation can be charged by magnetically attaching it to the iPad, and if you have a compatible case, the Apple Pencil will charge just by keeping it inside the case, which has the advantage of preventing battery drain when you need it most.
While the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are relatively inexpensive, they have some quirks in their handling, such as requiring a wired connection for charging and pairing.
If keeping costs down is your top priority, choosing a model that doesn't support the 2nd generation is an option. However, since most people don't frequently replace their iPads, we recommend choosing a 2nd generation compatible model if possible.
【Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Compatible Models】
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iPad mini (6th generation)
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iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th generation)
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iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th generation)
Quote: Apple Pencil Compatibility
If you only plan to use it as a notebook, 64GB of storage is usually sufficient.
On the other hand, if you plan to store many photos and videos, or play games, 64GB might not be enough.
You should consider 128GB or 256GB models as needed.
▼PRODIG SALE items here! (First-come, first-served! Many iPads!)
▼Used iPad product list here
▼For more details on how to choose an iPad, check out this article!
Summary: iPad is essential for university students to study efficiently
An iPad is essential for university students to study efficiently. It's convenient for taking notes, writing reports, and managing vast amounts of materials and textbooks.
However, there are downsides such as it not being a complete PC replacement and the initial cost involved.
University life involves various expenses like tuition, textbooks, and club activities. Therefore, it's important to make the best choice for your iPad purchase within your budget.
For students with limited budgets or those who want to keep initial costs down for future endeavors, we recommend considering a used iPad.
When purchasing a used iPad, buying from a reputable retailer ensures peace of mind regarding quality and warranty. PRODIG, an official online store for used smartphones and tablets, sells many used iPads under strict quality control.
Consider purchasing a used iPad to improve your learning efficiency within your budget.
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