[sacredtheory]

I think my laptop is about to die soon, so I’m potentially in the market for either a new laptop or a tablet or e-Reader (Kindle, etc). I’ve relied on my laptop, as a majority of my studying is done at the local college library. I connect to their wi-fi and I’m good to go (Wiley test bank).

I’m curious if any of you out there use either a tablet or e-reader for studying, and if so, what are the pro’s and con’s? It would most likely be cheaper to buy one of those as opposed to a new laptop, but of course they both have their limitations when compared to a laptop.

The Kindle is cheaper, but is more limited than a tablet such as the I-Pad. But I’m wondering if that would be enough to suffice for studying? The Kindle uses an “Amazon Silk” browser…I’m wondering if that would work with Wiley’s website. I’m assuming the Kindles don’t support any type of office application, such as Word or Excel. What about tablets?

BEC: Passed
AUD: Passed
REG: Passed
FAR: Passed

Jared

[mla1169]

twice now Ive had a laptop die just prior to final exams (once was 4 years ago, once was this November). I got a gateway laptop (yes, gateway is still around, I had NO idea!) for $279 at Best Buy after being in a similar position to you. I couldn't find a lot of good stuff on the Kindle for CPA review although I will concede I am no Kindle expert and someone else may have had better luck.

That said I do kind of like my gateway!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

@mla1169- Not sure why your laptops keeps dying. My family and I have been using Dell laptops and computers for years and they never died. We just throw them out when they eventually get old so we can upgrade to something better.

[Anonymous]

@cpaman what'd were the top 3 things you did differently to jump from 52-89 in FAR and 47-87 in AUD?

[sacredtheory]

Don't hijack my thread!

Actually, that's a good question. I'd like to know too.

BEC: Passed
AUD: Passed
REG: Passed
FAR: Passed

Jared

[Anonymous]

I think it was just luck. Till this day, I'm still trying to figure out how to bring that 64 on REG to an 85+.

[Anonymous]

c'mon ..give us some useful tips. there's no way it could've been just luck to almost have doubled your score

[Anonymous]

If its either a tablet or a laptop, I would go with a laptop for sure. Way more functionality and usefulness.

Now, if you already have a functioning desktop computer at home, then getting an Ipad or other tablet might be a good option for the go.

In a perfect world you could have both 😉

[Anonymous]

Also, when deciding on computer, it is usually a better idea to get a mid-tier computer ($500-$700), rather than a really cheap computer. The bottom of the barrel computers usually have older technology and become obsolete much sooner (they are also lower quality – more prone to problems/failure). A Dell/HP/Toshiba/Etc. with an Intel core processor and plenty of Ram will get the job done.

[Anonymous]

I'd like to know which review programs are functional with just a tablet. I know Gleim could not do SIMS if you had to enter an answer. What about the others?

[msquared17]

I use my iPad sometimes for mcq. I tried a skills practice yesterday and the field was too small to enter a number. Ironically I didn’t have any issues with using it for sims other than having to scroll. I also use Becker. I could not use it as a primary device. The laptop is much better.

[jenpen]

My primary method of studying was hammering MCQs this last round, so I utilized my iPad more than anything. I would jump on a laptop if I had to look more in depth at something, but typically I just used my iPad for Ninja's test bank and book.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Skynet]

With tablets you are limited to mcq's only.

You won't be able to do sims. I had that situation when i was using Gleim. Their sims required Java.

[Author]

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