subject: Should You Buy College Books On The iPad? [print this page] Should You Buy College Books On The iPad?
The iPad is a one and one half pound device which allows to owner to carry hundreds of books in one small device. This feature makes it ideal for heavy college text books. Purchasing college textbooks on the iPad offers several advantages over purchasing traditional college textbooks.
The iPad offers features such as electronic highlighting of text and recording lecture notes. A search feature allows students to find important text passages quickly.
College textbook publishers are already offering electronic versions of many of their books. Electronic versions are currently more available for the Kindle, but as the iPad use becomes more widespread, it is expected that there will be more text books available for use on the later device. Many students complain that there is little price break when purchasing electronic books, but at least one website offers free downloads of any book stocked with a one time membership price. Books for classes that require the first edition may not be available on such sites.
Electronic books are certainly easier to carry across campus than are several traditional books. The paper copies can be very heavy and many students graduate with their Bachelor's degree and a backache. The iPad can store all the books for the entire college career without ever weighing any more.
Before you decide to purchase your books in electronic form, make sure that your schools policies allow the use of electronic devices in classes. It is always a good idea to speak with the professor to see if he has any special requirements before purchasing any books. For certain classes, you may decide to purchase the hard copy of the book.
While college textbooks on the iPad have numerous advantages, there may also be a few drawbacks. At very least, the iPad makes a better way to transport your books from one building to another.
You can learn more about getting college books on the ipad here.
