How important is a tablet/ipad?

Hi, I'm currently a sem 3 foundation in engineering science student. Most to almost all of my foundation mates have a Tablet/Ipad for their lecture classes. It seems way more convenient to just write on the slides instead of writing EVERYTHING down on my paper notes. Not to mention they can pull out the materials anytime and also do their assignments anywhere. With pen and paper, that's a little more difficult. My question is, to those that started uni without an ipad or a tablet then finally getting one, is it worth it? Do I really need it? Does it really make my life easier? Also, what type of tablet should I get? I'm not an Ipad fan, AT ALL. Purely android suggestions please!