I bought my Ipad a month ago.
The cheapest Ipad is rm1549, WiFi oni. Plus a screen protector and carrying case -> rm1800.
If u need to do assignments, typing on the Ipad = no no. A Zaggmate case with keyboard sets u back at another rm300, so its almost rm2000. Yes the new iOS allows u to multi-task but it's cumbersome and i would say its as good as none if compared to a laptop. Document management, file handling, iTunes and stuff, it's all a learning curve if u've never used iOS / Mac before. Plus u need to dig up certain apps from App store for those extra functions, if u have a credit card in the first place.

If i'm a student and $ is an issue, i would vote for a rm999 netbook anyday