Personal Laptop

[USMAcandidate2028AR]

I’m thinking about getting a laptop for graduation, but I know that West Point issues Plebes a laptop. Is it helpful to get your own laptop or something like an IPad? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[JuiceBox]

I’m thinking about getting a laptop for graduation, but I know that West Point issues Plebes a laptop. Is it helpful to get your own laptop or something like an IPad? Any advice is appreciated.

I wouldn't say a personal laptop is useful. Everything you will need will be on your issued laptop, including a built in ID scanner. Some cadets do use iPads to take notes on, though. If you already take notes on an iPad, then stick to it. If you don't, then it's really up to you.

 

[hoisthooah]

I would recommend getting an ipad. Especially if you are already spending funds on something, an iPad will be worth your time. It is helpful when signing cover sheets, writing on PDF's for problem sets, etc. Additionally, you can use it in your free time to watch Netflix, play games, etc. It's also more mobile than your laptop so you can have your OneDrive and Microsoft products on it for work on the go.

 

[usmausmausmausma]

I’m thinking about getting a laptop for graduation, but I know that West Point issues Plebes a laptop. Is it helpful to get your own laptop or something like an IPad? Any advice is appreciated.

I have a Macbook for school and am planning on getting an iPad for USMA. Since most things will be on the issued laptop, I don’t think my Macbook will be of much use. The iPad will be good for organizing notes since I used to always take notes on paper.

 

[ALF648]

I’m thinking about getting a laptop for graduation, but I know that West Point issues Plebes a laptop. Is it helpful to get your own laptop or something like an IPad? Any advice is appreciated.

Our Cow found an iPad very valuable for his Chinese language studies

 

[USMAZoo98]

My son uses an iPad quite a bit for note taking. As for computers, he started with the issued equipment when he was a plebe. This year - he is a Cow - he built his own PC to better power some of the programs in his major (and for gaming). I would not buy your own laptop as you will get pretty good equipment issued.

 

[vipercrew]

My 27 DS uses his iPad for nearly every class. When we visited for Family weekend, and PPW, we went to a class with him (which I highly recommend doing to see what UMSA classes are like) and both times, he pulled it out for notes, classwork, etc. Over the Christmas break, my DS and I build him a small PC (called a mini-ITX) for doing things that are just out of the laptops reach like CAD (he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering) and a bit of entertainment. The reason for being small, it has to be packed away for the summer.

 

[BubbaCool12]

What model and storage (and other specs/accessories) of ipad is recommended for WP? There’s a lot of models and the higher end models get very expensive so I want to make the right decision.

 

[vipercrew]

What model and storage (and other specs/accessories) of ipad is recommended for WP? There’s a lot of models and the higher end models get very expensive so I want to make the right decision.

When my DS purchased his, the Apple Store Sales Rep did not recommend the Pro model because of the cost. He basically said unless you are doing a bunch of video and picture editing, it is not needed. I was shocked that he would down sell it. My DS got one level below the Pro's, bt did get a keyboard/case and a pencil. He uses the pencil all the time. Also, bring your acceptance letter in, Apple give a discount for College or Military.