I'm in school and I'm thinking about getting a Tablet PC. Since Tablet PC's cost more I was going to just get a regular laptop. Are Tablet PC worth the extra cost? What are the advantages? Also, I read where Tablet PC's can be used for stuff like takeing notes in class. Is there anyone that has actually used it for notes in class or is it a pain in the ass and better just to use the pen and paper?

Thanks,
-Dman

ive been using a laptop in class for a while and it kind of sucks to take notes with as you cant do diagrams, though i still use it as i can type way faster than i can write... however, if you arent taking anything technical, itd be great...

Hmm....What about programming? Is the laptop comfortable for programming? I have my computer on a stand and use it for a media center so it's a pain for programming and I'd rather use a laptop.

-Dman

depends upon if youre comfortable using keyboard shortcuts and touchpads... not too bad except the lack of a number pad on most...

Believe it or not, one of the advertised selling points of a tablet PC is simply aesthetics. They feel tablet PC's present a less obtrusive presence at meetings versus the laptop that needs to extend a vertical monitor.

The only advantage I could see a tablet PC is for inventory environments, where you need to walk and track inventory. As for writing notes, I dont see that as such a big deal. The transcribing software is still probably crap.

tablet would make diagrams and things easier at school, or presentations where you want to circle things, jot more notes down, etc. My computer science prof uses a tablet for that sole reason...

but if you want real multimedia capabilities, its very hard to find in a tablet as opposed to a regular laptop.

unless you really need the tablet functionality, i wouldnt suggest it.

as for programming or not, why does it matter? you can flip the screen up like a normal laptop, or have it down as a tablet...

Tablets are too compact imo. The keyboards are (if you want to type) too small. I got my hands on one for about a day and in the end, I was glad I had my laptop.

As stated above posts, it is good for things like inventory, signatures, and other non-stationary jobs. However, programming is much easier on a laptop.