Yeah.. I've never found my laptop distracting. I'm always too busy taking down what the prof is saying, and if not, my laptop sleeps from inactivity. It's really your self-control, so if you think you can handle it, go for it.

Originally Posted by Kanishka

what if one is slow at typing too?

I am a very slow typer so I hardly ever took my laptop to class last year. I took all of my notes by hand and did pretty well. It is not mandatory to take notes with your laptop. Its always better to do what feels comfortable. Unless you are very good with typing and using computers, it would probably be better just to take notes by hand (or practise using a laptop during the summer).

At the same time, I would recommend buying a laptop over a PC. When you get to school, you might not like studying in your dorm room. Its always good to have the option of moving around.

but i think for engineering students a laptop would be required to use the software solidedge in the class, right? or maybe someother software? could anyone clear this up for me?

Originally Posted by rrtt

I am a very slow typer so I hardly ever took my laptop to class last year. I took all of my notes by hand and did pretty well. It is not mandatory to take notes with your laptop. Its always better to do what feels comfortable. Unless you are very good with typing and using computers, it would probably be better just to take notes by hand (or practise using a laptop during the summer).

At the same time, I would recommend buying a laptop over a PC. When you get to school, you might not like studying in your dorm room. Its always good to have the option of moving around.

when u don't use ur laptop to take down notes then why would u need ur laptop to study otherwise?

i mean if u don't study in ur room then u wud carry around ur notebooks right?why laptop?

Originally Posted by Kanishka

but i think for engineering students a laptop would be required to use the software solidedge in the class, right? or maybe someother software? could anyone clear this up for me?

For Eng 1C03, you'll be using the computers in the labs, you only need it on your own computer for practice and for the final project.

so for the final project do we have to carry our laptop to class or not even then?

Originally Posted by Kanishka

when u don't use ur laptop to take down notes then why would u need ur laptop to study otherwise?

Originally Posted by Kanishka

i mean if u don't study in ur room then u wud carry around ur notebooks right?why laptop?

You'll have notes from your teachers online, recommended problems online, as well as a bunch of other material that is provided for you by the teacher. You may also need to do some research in order to fully understand the material. Some people need supplementary work to help them do their best.

You might also want to discuss things with your peers. Remember, you don't have to do everything on your own. You can get help from other people whether it's your professor during their office hours, help centres or your friends online.

Originally Posted by Kanishka

so for the final project do we have to carry our laptop to class or not even then?

In the labs, you'll only be using their computers. The final project is done on your own time, so in this case it doesn't really matter whether you have a desktop or a laptop. I'd still go for the laptop for the convenience.

Originally Posted by Kanishka

when u don't use ur laptop to take down notes then why would u need ur laptop to study otherwise?

Sometimes you will need to refer to your online lecture notes. If you dont understand a small detail in your lecture notes, google can also be a very useful ressource. Although a textbook can also be used, it is much faster to simply type something into google.

Some professors also post previous test papers online. Instead of printing out five test papers (that are 30 pages each), I would just carry my laptop around with me. So instead of printing out the test papers, I would just open my laptop and do a test. Saved me a lot of ink and paper.

Ok so in general, I find it so much better to take notes by pen and paper, even though I'm not slow typer. it just seems easier that way, and you can always add in points in the margins or anywhere. If you really don't like handwritten notes, you can always re-type them just to have a neat collection all together- but that's just a suggestion of course. and for diagrams for example.. it would take FOREVER to do it on a laptop during the lecture, and to draw it in your notes and add it to the rest later.. would just make your notes all over the place.
As for the advantages of a laptop, like others mentionned, it's better than a desktop computer simply because it's portable. You can take it to the library and work on any assigment or project by yourself or with a group whenever you want, but then again, one of your group members might have a laptop, and the libraries of course have computers.
Another point to consider however, is what if rez gets too loud for example, or you just want a change of setting, it's SO convenient to just pack your laptop and head to the library or a study room, as opposed to a desktop computer.
Personal preference- I would go with a laptop, but that's just my opinion

I am a fast-key person but from previous experience I recommend NOT having a laptop. There are recent studies that suggest that using a laptop to write notes can undermined critical thinking during lecture. There are profs that discourages laptop-use *cough*Biology profs*coughs*. And there are others that encourage it like multimedia. This really depends on the type of person and the course you're taking notes from.

Originally Posted by mumbojumbo

I am a fast-key person but from previous experience I recommend NOT having a laptop. There are recent studies that suggest that using a laptop to write notes can undermined critical thinking during lecture. There are profs that discourages laptop-use *cough*Biology profs*coughs*. And there are others that encourage it like multimedia. This really depends on the type of person and the course you're taking notes from.

Do you mean not having it.. as in NOT owning one.. or just not bringing it to lectures for taking notes?

i guess he means to not bring at lectures..

Ooh I found an article about it too!
-> http://www.macinsiders.com/showthread.php?t=1714 1
Hope it helps!