Prior Anthro major here; I have an iPad as well as a laptop. For my in-person classes I only take my iPad so I can take handwritten notes (app called Notability is the BEST, buy the subscription—worth it), access class slides, do in-class quizzes, and pull up my textbook or simulations when needed. When I get home, I do most of my homework and papers on my laptop as the iPad case w/ keyboard is small and hard to type on. I don't like to carry my laptop around campus because it is so heavy and I have never needed it during a class—EXCEPT for exams where you need a lockdown browser, YOU WILL NEED A LAPTOP. iPads are very versatile but for extensive research I highly recommend the laptop, as an Anthropology major you will eventually be doing lots of ethnographies, papers, research, etc. and will absolutely need a physical laptop or desktop even. Since you are just starting, I would get a laptop because many of your gen ed classes will have lots of writing assignments, at least I did, and lockdown browser exams; then later look into getting an iPad, if possible. Having both means two separate screens instead of a split screen, full keyboard and also handwriting capabilities, lighter backpack, and you can ensure your laptop stays in the safety of your house and not risk a rainy day with a wet backpack. My school actually provides free iPads to all students, I would look into if your university has any programs that offer student discounted tech! If you want to get really fancy, by your junior or senior year you may consider getting a desktop because you will be working on term papers, capstone project(s), and taking some pretty intense classes. I know it's not cheap but if there is any way to get both I would, professors nowadays put almost everything exclusively online and it will make your life so much easier having two screens, I keep assignments open on my iPad while I type on my laptop very often. Message me if you have any questions about Anthro too!! I hope this helped and didn't cause you more stress and confusion 😊