When conducting a web usability test can I make notes on my laptop?

Question

Is it too distracting if I take notes on a laptop as someone is working through tasks during a web usability test vs. writing down notes?

Answer 1

My opinion would be, try to reproduce the person's normal computer-using environment as closely as possible, and if that doesn't include someone standing nearby taking notes, then don't do it.

(If the person you're watching, thinks s/he's being watched at all, her/his behavior will of course be influenced...How accurate, a test, do you want?)

Perhaps, at best, a notebook that lets you write on the surface, more quietly than tapping keys?