One of Apple’s latest new things has attracted attention from the world of academics. Many people have found great ways to use it in education, college in particular. Here are some of the ways you can put the iPad to work for your college education.

Use it as an ultraportable laptop. You may have a desktop or laptop ready to go for college, and you should, but the iPad can be a great supplement to that. Instead of lugging around a heavy complete computer system, take your lightweight iPad to class and get work done with ease. It has several hours of battery life that are likely to last you the entire school day.

Carry your books in one handy package. Your books are probably heavy, expensive, and cumbersome to lug around. Although the iPad is still expensive, it is certainly more handy than stuffing and hauling around a backpack full of books. You can download textbooks, literature, magazines, journals, and more, and keep them all in one easily accessible place. Some of the downloads you need may even be free, which is a definite plus over hitting the campus bookstore.

Keep all of your papers together and easily searchable. Instead of printing out course materials, keep whatever you can on your iPad. Your professor may offer lecture notes, journal readings, study guides, and more, which can all bulk up your notebook and be difficult to manage. With this information on the iPad, you can be sure that it’s all in one place, and that you have the electronic advantage of being able to search these documents to find what you want quickly.

Get better focus. With a laptop or desktop computer, the lure of the Internet and entertainment is always a temptation. But one of the iPad’s criticisms may be a positive feature for students. With the single-tasking iPad, you’ll have to completely back out of what you’re doing to email, IM, or check game scores. If you’re using it in class, you’ll have to leave open your note taking app, and because it may be difficult to get back into it in time to write down relevant information, you’ll be less likely to switch out to distractions.

The iPad is a great accessory for college students. These are just a few of the ways you can put it to work for you. Take a look at the iPad and the applications it offers to consider how you can find an advantage in this useful device.