I would not be able to take notes on a tablet I have real problems trying to use the virtual keyboard, and especially if you are trying to hold it and type at the same time, it ends up being hunt and peck for me not typeing. You can get a case that has a built in keyboard for some tablets. I was always a heavy note taker back in my day so I probably would be taking notes on which ever I used. Now though I think a lot of professors put their lectures available online or for download, that would be something to find out.

You have to remember also that the processors in the netbooks and tablets are no where near as powerful as in a full laptop and even those are not usually as powerful as a desktop. Memory is also no where near the same. You are pretty much Dependant on what size memory card you can use for additional memory in most tablets.

you could watch movies on any of them that have the ability to play video, just put your video file on the unit and play. Just like you would on a pc.

I like my tablets they are really nice for sitting in my recliner or laying in bed to read or play games but I sure would not want to have one as my main source.

I would get the best netbook or laptop you can afford. I'd also get an external device for backup.

A high end laptop will be bigger and heavier to carry around. A netbook is lighter and easier to carry, but less powerful.

If you're planning to use it mostly for note taking, the netbook would suffice. If you want do do heavy work on it, a laptop would be a better choice.

I agree, you would probably be better off getting a small 13" notebook (laptop) with a good processor/Vid chip and decent memory than going with a very small 10" netbook..keyboards are very small and hard to type on netbooks

I would imagine that most students or at least those students looking to pass the course take notes during lectures. ;-) The question is what's the best way to accomplish that.

Laptops certainly can be useful but only for "text." If the class requires the instructor to, for example, draw graphs, charts, or equations, you're going to have a heck of a time keeping up with a computer.

I took some classes a while back and just used pen and paper. When I got home, I typed my notes for two reasons. My handwriting is atrocious and it was a good way to review the material; perhaps clarifying my notes or adding additional material. If I missed something or had questions, it was a good time to make a list for the next class too.

If you want to go the tablet route, there are accessory keyboards available for the iPad and the big name Android tablets. You might want to do a little investigation into any instructor requirements. If, for example, they want your homework in, say, a Word document, you'll need a device that can run Word.

My first thought would be to record the lectures and transcribe them later unless you're a speedy typist. :) I had a netbook (loved it for traveling!) but could never get used to the small keyboard. I spent more time doing corrections that actually typing. If the small one works for you, that would be a good choice. I finally had to upsize to a laptop.

I have a 14" laptop with a duel processor and 4GB of RAM. It is nice and light compared to the 15.6" and larger. It does have an optical drive that can be removed and replaced with a blank plastic "dummy" to lighten it even more. Its OS is Windows 7, 64 bit. It is faster and more powerful than my older desktop XP. I personally don't think I could ever type on a netbook, but the keyboard on this small laptop is very comfortable.

My kiddo has reported back to me that they are now told to download the PDF of the class notes before they go to class. They add some to the notes once they get there. They also can download podcasts of the lectures after they are done.

She has to take a "clicker" to some of the larger lectures to show that she attended.

She never takes her laptop to class - but does all her homework/tests on it in her dorm.

I am sure it is 100% unique at every institution.

I have a 10" Toshiba netbook. It has the chicklet style keys and does not feel cramped. I go between my netbook at home and a regular keyboard at work without even noticing the difference. Of course, this is a personal preference. You just have to go try them out.

I agree that taking notes on a tablet with a virtual keyboard probably won't work. A tablet with a detached keyboard might work.

I have 2 students in college. They both have laptops, and neither uses them for note-taking, as neither of them are touch-typists. They also don't want to lug it around to class. Either a laptop or a tablet will work for showing movies, but for a student, I would not go with a tablet. They are just too limited for what you might want to do / run. If you can afford the extra $$$, I'd also go with a Mac. Having had to deal with nothing but problems with the Wintel laptops we've had, my son has been running a Mac for 2 years with ZERO issues.

If I go with a netbook -- how do I get software on it (ie Word, Excel, etc...)? No CD rom drive right?

Most everything can be downloaded, or you can use a flash drive. I also have an external CD/DVD drive that I use very occasionally.

External DVD drives are generally pretty inexpensive. That's the route I went.

thanks -- I think I am going to wait and see what is most appropriate after I start.