Is an IPad beneficial at USMA?

Perspective

USMA 2022
Joined
Jul 10, 2017
Messages
51
Hello,

I noticed that in the device preference (tablet) form on my accepted USMA portal, it mentions that IPads are allowed but not required at USMA.

I do not currently own an IPad, but I can buy one if it would be useful to have.

My question is as follows: Given that you are issued a laptop, how useful is it to have an IPad? Is there a certain feature-set of an IPad which makes it very useful, moreso than the functionality of the issued laptop?

Thank you!
 
Hi.

My DS will be in the class of 2022, so I can’t speak from experience, but from what I’ve read is they used to be a required purchase and nobody used them. We are headed there for his overnight visit so I’ll have him ask around and let you know what he finds out.

I’ll be in touch. :)
 
They are useful for watching Netflix. :) I have no idea if my cadet uses his for schoolwork, but I know he loves it for Netflix. There isn't much to do at WP on the weekends (Highland Falls offers little in the way of entertainment for cadets, so for a cadet who can't get off post, being able to watch videos is a big deal. It's also handy for video chatting and snapchat.

You don't know in advance if any of your classes will use the iPad. Some do and some don't. My vote - get the iPad.
 
Biggest use of the iPad: face timing home. It's the best way to communicate with your peeps. In the past two years this is how we talk to my son. 1-3 times a week, in the evening when he has a few minutes he gives us a call on the ipad. The WiFi at West point isn't very good, but it works well enough to FaceTime. He has his guitar with him and I have mine at home so we have even played them together on FaceTime. My son uses his computer to watch Netflix or live TV.
 
In lieu of an Ipad, am i allowed to bring my current MacBook to use for leisure? I know that would constitute as two laptops since West Point will be giving us one, but I would prefer a Mac to an IPad.
 
@anon2021 - you need to ask WP directly as the rules on these kinds of thing change. What was allowed one year may not be allowed in another year.
 
WP actually takes the iPad (if you bring a new iPad with you) and modifies it with security stuff so it can be used with the WP wifi. Don't think you can do that with other devices.
 
Hi.

My DS will be in the class of 2022, so I can’t speak from experience, but from what I’ve read is they used to be a required purchase and nobody used them. We are headed there for his overnight visit so I’ll have him ask around and let you know what he finds out.

I’ll be in touch. :)

Thank you! Let me know what you find out.
 
I see. I was wondering if I could just use the MacBook for my own usage.
My son is there for an overnight so I was at a parent meeting today and they said you cannot bring any personal laptop and use it on their network.
So, is the WP Network different than the WiFi options the Cadets have to pay for? If so, personal laptops should be able to be used on WiFi. DD did an official visit last year and many cadets had their own laptops for movies, Netflix, etc...
 
You can bring your own laptop once the academic year starts but it cannot connect to the DOD network. They have been advertising a personal network for a few years but I do not think it is working yet.
 
FWIW, the iPad my DS purchased last year is primarily used for Facetime/Skype and Netflix, when time allows. It is connected to the personal WIFI option he purchased, and though spotty and unreliable, he says he wouldn't change his mind about paying for it.


Also, strictly from my perspective, if it is only ever used to give them a periodic break from the stress of the workload and the eventual monotony of rarely leaving post as a Plebe, it is well worth having both the iPad and WIFI.
 
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To give you an idea, my 2021 DD forgot her iPad login back in October. In spite of my suggestions has not brought it home so we can fix that. :rolleyes:
 
We are planning on bring one to A-Day for our DS. His current one too old to meet the specs, so we have to buy a new one. Does it have to be in new packaging (unopened) when it is turned over to WP officials so that they can load their security stuff? Or can we buy it early and let him set it up before Beast, then deliver it "pre-used"? Anyone know?
 
The message referencing the iPads does not specify that it must be new or in original packaging, but it does state that if you already have one that meets the requirements you are allowed to bring it, but not prior to A Day. Must be an: Ipad Mini 4, Ipad 9.7, or Ipad Pro.
 
Hello,

I noticed that in the device preference (tablet) form on my accepted USMA portal, it mentions that IPads are allowed but not required at USMA.

I do not currently own an IPad, but I can buy one if it would be useful to have.

My question is as follows: Given that you are issued a laptop, how useful is it to have an IPad? Is there a certain feature-set of an IPad which makes it very useful, moreso than the functionality of the issued laptop?

Thank you![/QUOTE
Hi.

My DS will be in the class of 2022, so I can’t speak from experience, but from what I’ve read is they used to be a required purchase and nobody used them. We are headed there for his overnight visit so I’ll have him ask around and let you know what he finds out.

I’ll be in touch. :)

Thank you! Let me know what you find out.
Hi.

My DS will be in the class of 2022, so I can’t speak from experience, but from what I’ve read is they used to be a required purchase and nobody used them. We are headed there for his overnight visit so I’ll have him ask around and let you know what he finds out.

I’ll be in touch. :)

Thank you! Let me know what you find out.
Well the only thing I can confidently tell you is that my DS asked around and all the cadets he spoke with said yes to the Ipad. Beyond that, I have no idea how the rest of it works. :)
 
The message referencing the iPads does not specify that it must be new or in original packaging, but it does state that if you already have one that meets the requirements you are allowed to bring it, but not prior to A Day. Must be an: Ipad Mini 4, Ipad 9.7, or Ipad Pro.
That may be the rule now. Two years ago, when my son reported for Beast, you could bring a new iPad, but must have been brand new, and still in original packaging. Then they got left with the tech people and returned to the cadet, with the proper software and modifications, on A-day.
 
Can't speak from personal experience but after asking some current cadets, they said the Ipad isn't a necessity but they definitely recommended purchasing one as its great for entertainment/communication
 
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