Do medical students need an iPad?
Medical students don’t really “need” an iPad to start their MBBS journey in a medical college.
However, it can be a great tool for digital note-taking and studying. Being slim, lightweight, and powerful, it’s the perfect gadget to carry around in your backpack.
From the convenience of not having to carry massive textbooks around, to being able to utilise the full potential of a large touch screen, an iPad should essentially be considered as a good investment for medical students.
Here, I’ll be listing down a few solid reasons why you should get an iPad if you’ve just started as a medical student. And then, I will be comparing the current iPad models and helping you decide what’s best for you!
I’ve also listed a few of my favourite apps so stay tuned till the end.
You can also bookmark this page for a quicker revisit.
How do medical students use an iPad?
Note Taking
I was very skeptical about converting to a digital method of note-taking and honestly, I felt I wouldn’t get used to it. But, things changed when I bought my first iPad a few years ago.
Note-taking is the most important reason why a medical student chooses to purchase an iPad and an Apple Pencil.
You’re probably wondering what it’s like and what are the benefits.
With an Apple Pencil, writing definitely feels very different but once you get used to it, there’s no going back.
You will get used to it pretty quickly as the Apple Pencil works brilliantly, it feels like you’re actually writing things down on paper and you get the benefit of having the same information retention as of handwriting.
You’re also saving paper!
Also, the Split Screen feature allows me to watch videos and make notes at the same time.
Another great feature of the Apple Pencil is Searchable Handwriting – which allows you to search what you’ve handwritten.
How does it even identity my scribbles?!
This has allowed me to keep a track of all my notes.
With amazing note-taking apps on the Apple Store, there’s plenty of built-in functionalities to try out and the possibilities are endless.
Reading Textbooks (eBooks)
With an iPad, one can now access all the downloaded PDFs on the go. Convenient and user-oriented features like highlighting and text search are just a cherry on the top.
I love the fact that I no longer have to carry those huge and hefty textbooks around.
No more worrying about whether I brought the right notebook with me or not – it’s all right here.
Also, lots of textbooks are available to download for free on the internet, so you will also be saving a lot of money by not having to purchase a hard copy.
Moreover, you no longer have to worry about losing your textbook or notes, as they can be stored on the cloud.
This handy device gives me access to everything I need.
Watching Videos
YouTube is a life-saver. There are videos on literally anything and everything you ask for!
Be it YouTube or any other platform like Marrow or PrepLadder (for NEET PG preparation), watching videos has always helped one understand and correlate with the topics better.
It’s true that one can watch videos on their phones as well. But, the thing is, a larger screen on a tablet helps you to appreciate finer details.
Also, phones can get really distracting by bombarding you with notifications every now and then.
Best iPad for Medical Students in India
Now, let’s discuss what’s best for you.
It doesn’t matter which version of iPad you’re going to purchase, there’s no compromise on quality in any one of them. If it fits your needs and budget, go for it!
I won’t be going into the technical specifications, you can check it out on the official Apple website.
1. Apple iPad Pro
Apple iPad Pro is the best and most powerful iPad available for Indian medical students in 2023. With its powerful M2 processor and plenty of storage, it offers a wide range of features and apps that can assist students in their studies. It’s the ultimate productivity machine!
If budget is not an issue for you, I’d definitely recommend the iPad Pro. It’s top of the line. In my opinion, a larger screen is better to have because you will have more room for note-taking. You can make the best use of the Split Screen feature as well.
It comes in two variants (depending on the display size), 11-inch version and 12.9-inch version. Prices vary depending on the screen size and storage capacity.
Variants available currently:
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (6th generation) [2022]
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) [2022]
It is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
PROS
CONS
Doesn’t fit into your budget? That’s okay! Two more are waiting in line!
2. Apple iPad Air
Apple iPad Air 5 is a mid-range and budget-friendly iPad. It’s the perfect iPad for an indian medical student, because it provides premium features at a affordable price. The 10.9-inch screen gives plenty of space for note-taking and media consumption, and the new M1 chip provides enough power for anything you need to do during your MBBS course. For medical students in India, it’s the most ideal pick as it packs in Pro-level features at a modest price.
It comes in a single 10.9-inch variant.
Variants available currently:
- iPad Air (5th generation) [2022]
It is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
PROS
CONS
3. Apple iPad (9th Generation)
Apple iPad 9th Generation is the most affordable iPad you can buy right now. At such a good price, it’s a great entry level tablet that covers all your basic needs. Even though it comes last in the list, that doesn’t change the fact that it is an excellent tablet for those that want a reliable device at a lower price.
It comes in just one variant, a 10.2-inch version.
Variants available currently:
- iPad (10th generation) [2022]
- iPad (9th generation) [2021]
While iPad Pro and iPad Air get all the hype, many people are unaware of the iPad, which is the only iPad that still supports the Apple Pencil 1st generation.
PROS
CONS
Apple Pencil
With a lot of information to be kept, memorised and updated, medical students can never get enough of pen and paper. However, with the advancement of technology, the advent of digital note-taking has made life easier. A student can now note down anything and everything on a digital platform.
Digital note-taking apps like GoodNotes 5, Notability and Microsoft OneNote streamline and organize all of your information in a way that is not only user-friendly but also easy to find. Also, you won’t have to worry about losing your notes since they will be stored in the cloud.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is a great tool for digital handwriting. It makes it easy to take notes and sketch naturally. It’s pressure-sensitive and has tilt detection that gives you the same natural feeling as writing with a real pen or pencil.
Favourite Apps
- GoodNotes
- Microsoft OneNote
- Notability
- YouTube
- Anki
- Medscape
- WebMD
- Brainscape
- Prognosis
- Human Anatomy Atlas
- Forest
- Epocrates
Final Thoughts
In short, the iPad is a valuable device with great potential to make our lives easier and productive.
This purchase is going to aid you throughout the long course of MBBS so choose it wisely!
Good luck Medicoholics! Until next time.
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