Incoming College Freshman Get to Choose: MacBook or iPad?

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When incoming first year students enroll at George Fox University, they’ll have to make a choice about which computing device they would prefer: an Apple MacBook or iPad.

That’s a big choice for students to make, and an even bolder decision by the University’s administration. The MacBook is a proven general-purpose mobile computing platform while the iPad is…not. At least not yet.

But Greg Smith, George Fox University’s Chief Information Officer, recognizes this.

“The trend in higher education computing is this concept of mobility, and this fits right in with that trend,” Smith said. “At the same time, we realize there are a number of uncertainties. Will students struggle with a virtual keyboard? Can the iPad do everything students need it to do when it comes to their college education? These are the kinds of questions we really won’t know the answer to until we get started.”

With this in mind, Smith goes on to stress the importance of giving the student’s a choice.

“It would be reckless to make a switch and only offer the iPad,” he said. “We honestly don’t know everything about it. But by doing this, we’re opening the door to innovation. What we learn can influence the future of technology as it pertains to higher education.”

Many colleges, including George Fox, offer computers to their students which are included as part of their tuition. Upon graduation, it’s their’s to keep.

I’ve always been conflicted by these programs. While it’s nice not to have to worry about having a machine during your time at school, four years is a long time to hold on to any hardware these days. I’m already looking at new MacBook Pro after using my current MacBook for only around 18 months. However, in the University scenario I’d be more concerned about “buyers remorse” than hardware longevity.

What happens if a new student decides that an iPad just doesn’t suit all their needs? Can they swap it for a MacBook or must they purchase their own MacBook and keep the iPad as a secondary device? Surely there are worse problems to have but I was once a poor college student myself, having paid my way through school while also working the equivalent of a full-time job (and having entrepreneurial ventures on the side). I’m sure I would have been upset if I had discovered that I would suddenly need to spend $1,000 on a computer, especially since I chose the Red Pill instead of the Blue Pill.

At least incoming students will have time to fondle an iPad at their local Apple Store (or other retailers, hopefully) before having to make their decision. iPad models with WiFi will be available in March and classes at George Fox don’t start until August.

[George Fox University]

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