iPad or MacBook for University?

remarket Team · Published on 04.07.2026 · 5 min read

Contents The case for the iPad The case for the MacBook The rule of thumb by field of study The budget: save twice Conclusion

At the start of the semester, many students face the same question: an iPad with a stylus, or a MacBook after all? Both have their strengths, and you only notice the wrong choice in the third week of lectures. Here is the honest decision guide.

The case for the iPad

Handwritten notes are the iPad's signature discipline: with the Apple Pencil you write directly into lecture slides and PDFs, highlight, sketch diagrams, all in apps like GoodNotes or Notability. On top of that, it is lighter than any laptop, has longer battery life for long days on campus, and doubles as an e-reader and Netflix screen. For lectures, reading and flashcards it is unbeatable.

The case for the MacBook

As soon as it comes to producing work, the MacBook plays its strengths: term papers with footnotes and reference management, statistics software, programming, large spreadsheets, several windows side by side. The full-size keyboard, the precise trackpad and the desktop operating system make long writing sessions much more pleasant. You will find details on choosing a model in our MacBook buying guide.

The rule of thumb by field of study

Lots of handwriting, sketches, anatomy, formulas (medicine, natural sciences): iPad with Pencil first.
Lots of text, data, code (humanities, social sciences, economics, computer science): MacBook first.
Both intensively: The combination of a MacBook plus a basic iPad is often cheaper refurbished than a single new top-end model.

The budget: save twice

Studying is expensive enough. Buying refurbished saves you several hundred Swiss francs compared to buying new, with practically identical everyday performance, every device tested, with a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns. On top of that, remarket.ch offers a student discount, and if you like, you can pay in interest-free installments.

Conclusion

For taking notes and studying, the iPad; for writing and analysing, the MacBook. And if it has to be one device for everything: the MacBook is the safer all-rounder, because notes can be typed if need be, while laying out a term paper on an iPad is no fun at all. You will find both refurbished in the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Can an iPad completely replace a MacBook at university?

For notes, reading and presentations, yes. For long papers with footnotes, statistics tools or programming it hits its limits; there the MacBook is clearly stronger.

Which iPad is enough for university?

Usually the iPad Air: powerful enough for notes and multitasking, compatible with the Apple Pencil, and refurbished it is considerably cheaper than the Pro.

Does remarket.ch offer a student discount?

Yes, students get an additional discount on the already cheaper refurbished range. Details are on the student discount page.

How much do I save with refurbished as a student?

Depending on model and condition, typically 30 to 50 percent compared to new, with a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.