Hey, future doctors! Today, let’s talk about study devices.
When I began my NEET preparation I saw a lot of students using iPads, laptops and other devices to study. Everyone around me was gushing about what device they got from their parents after their boards results and how they would use it for the prep.
I had gotten a mobile after 10th and frankly, I was a little confused and worried about this aspect. ‘Do I have to get an expensive device too?’ were my thoughts then.
If yes, I had the budget for only one device, so if I was getting a device what was it going to be a Laptop, Tablet, or iPad?
Let me take you through my experience and share the real insights from NEET preparation.
Let’s begin with exploring our options.
iPad:
It is a tablet produced by Apple. On an Ipad, you can make digital notes using the apple pencil, it has a very good interface and it does not take long to get used to writing on an iPad. You can also access youtube and other study platforms like PhysicsWallah, Unacademy etc.
PROS:
- It’s like a digital bookshelf where all your notes will be organized in one place. You can make separate notebooks for every unit of each subject.
- No worries about losing notes.
- It’s portable, so you always have access to your notes.
- Instead of carrying around a thousand books everywhere, you could just carry an iPad with all the PDFs in it. You do not have to even carry the NCERTs
- The writing interface is perfect.
- You can watch video lectures and also read books.
- You will most definitely need one in medical course, so you can buy it beforehand in 11th.
CONS:
- Continuous screen exposure if you are making notes on an iPad: This will lead to headaches and drying of eyes.
- It is expensive, especially if you are opting for a bigger storage capacity.
- There is a lot of hassle in transferring files from an Apple iPad to an Android mobile phone.
- Not compatible with memory cards
Tablet:
A tablet is a lot similar to a mobile, except it has a bigger screen. There are a lot of android tablets available on the market, you can get one from Samsung. Tablets might or might not allow you to take digital notes.
PROS:
- Tablets are also light, handy, and portable like an iPad.
- Cheaper than an iPad.
- Can read pdfs, make digital notes (in some tablets)
- Easier to transfer files too and fro.
- Can get memory cards for cheap.
CONS:
- Might not allow you to make digital notes.
- The ones that allow you to make notes might be very expensive
- Continuous screen exposure will lead to headaches.
Laptop:
A laptop is like a smaller and portable computer. It allows you to work like you would on a computer. It does not let you take digital notes.
PROS:
- Laptops are best if you want to study from multiple online sources. You often need to have many tabs open simultaneously that can be easily navigated.
- Largest screen size – reduces eye strain during prolonged online study sessions.
- Can read pdfs
- Can watch video lectures.
CONS:
- Not very portable.
- If you want to take notes, you’ll have to type on a keyboard, you should avoid typing.
- Might be expensive.
So, let’s get straight to the point.
Which one should you buy?
See, if you can afford them, buy them all and use them as per your convenience. But most of us have a budget. And no, no device holds the “secret formula” to ace NEET. You are not going to lose out on your seat just because you did not buy an expensive device.
Now, let’s be realistic.
If you can’t afford an expensive iPad or Laptop right now, I’d suggest a cheap tablet. It functions like a mobile but with a bigger screen and fewer distractions. Whenever you want to watch YouTube videos, read from a PDF, or browse apps, you’ll have a larger screen. You might even get an option of making digital notes on some tablets. You can use this once in a while.
You can easily get a tablet for 8000-15000, it will also be durable enough to last for 2-3 years.
If you have a decent budget, invest in an iPad. You’ll get all the benefits of a tablet plus some additional features. Most of us get an iPad in medical college, you can get it earlier and then use the same device in college too. iPads are very durable.
And of course, if the budget isn’t a constraint, go all out and get both an iPad and a laptop.
What I Used.
I had just a tablet, and that too only for the latter half of my preparation. And guess what? I still cracked NEET.
I used the tablet to watch lectures on YouTube, I made physical notes on books. I had separate books for each subject, I kept them organized. It was not difficult, I did not feel like I was missing out on anything. Attending online classes was possible too.
Honestly, it doesn’t really matter. Don’t be intimidated by the gadgets someone else has. See, if you are consistent and smart, none of these things matter.
Have faith in yourself and your preparation; everything else is pretty irrelevant. Stop obsessing over these things.
What Is Actually Important.
Making the best of what you have is what truly matters. See, you are in one place during NEET, you travel to your coaching classes and then come back. You really do not need an expensive portable device if it’s not possible to get one.
You have books, right? That’s more than enough. Just pick up your books and get to work. That’s all I have to say on this topic.
All the best, dear aspirant.
