How do tablets work for a pc and note taking. Does my tablet have to be hooked up to a compute or a notebook?

Question

I want to find an easier way of taking notes. I do not have a labtop and I can not type as fast as the teacher talks but I can write as fast as she does. I want something I can take notes down and later convert to the computer without having to retype it is that what a tablet does and if not does anyone know of anything that does that.

Answer 1

There are graphics tablets and tablet PCs. A graphics tablet has to be plugged into a PC and a tablet PC is a PC (laptop). Either way you need a PC.

There are also palmtops on which you can write with a stylus and have it converted to text.

Teaching all of these things your personal style of handwriting is somewhat frustrating.

The art of taking notes is not to write down word for word what someone says but to jot down the essentials only. Note taking is actually primarily an aide-memoire - it helps your brain concentrate and understand what is being said. What you have written is actually a secondary thing that you can refer to in order to recall the full information.

Answer 2

A tablet is NOT a laptop. It's similar to a laptop -- especially if it's a hybrid/convertible style. But, some Tablet PCs -- like mine -- are slate style, and don't come with a keyboard. All Tablet PCs have a screen that permits input using a stylus, notebooks don't have that screen technology.

If I were still in school, I'd swear by a slate-style Tablet PC. As it is, I work on the Internet full time, and even with that I swear by my Tablet.

The reason? It's portable. It's easy to jot down notes in OneNote, on my "sticky notes" or in an email (I use Outlook 2007 Beta 2, which has Inking technology built in).

I type faster than I write, so I also have a Bluetooth keyboard, a mouse, an external 600 gig drive and an external monitor for when I'm in the office. This means that my tablet PC is one "screen" and my external is a secondary screen. Having the extra visual "real estate" is great when I multi-task.

Considering my history of high-powered desktop and desktop-replacement machines over the years, I've been thrilled with the Tablet thusfar. It's been my main machine for several months.

The best part is when I need to run, I can unhook my tablet, flip over the carrier and sling it over my shoulder and GO. It's lightweight, it's battery life is phenomenal -- especially compared to older notebooks. It recharges quickly (I keep an iGo brand charger in my purse that works for my Tablet in the car, on airplanes and has a standard "house" plug too).

Organizing your school notes on a Tablet PC would be a breeze in OneNote. I use it to keep meeting notes and session notes on all my clients. (Also, there's a free template download for the Cornell Note Taking method for OneNote here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC011454831033.aspx) and as a writer and note enthusiast, I can assure you this method is one of the best for class, and for life.

On your question about handwriting recognition... that is a tricky one. My Tablet has done a pretty good job of recognizing most of my handwriting and it does improve as you "teach" it though corrections. It's pretty impressive. But... if you want to write quickly and keep your notes Cornell-style, why convert them to type? Your own handwriting will probably work for most applications and you can hook up a BT keyboard to type papers based on your notes from class and your research.

Ink technology is MADE for people who write faster than they type, so using a stylus rather than a keyboard as your primary input method is probably a great option for you!

BTW, the hybrid Tablet PCs add alot of weight to what you have to carry, so unless you need a keyboard everywhere you go, skip it. I carry a small portable BT (also fits in my purse) when I'm going to be traveling for awhile and I think I may want a keyboard. I highly recommend the Outside BT model -- it runs about $150, but is worth every penny (I've tried several other models and brands).

Sorry for the extra long answer, but I hope it helps you make your decision. Best of luck!

Answer 3

A tablet pc is a laptop. The screen flips around and lays down so it is like a clipboard. Using Microsoft OneNote, you can write with the pen thing (I can't think of what its called) on the screen. OneNote allows you to save these hand written notes.