<p>Here's the dilemma:</p>
<p>I'm really trying to get myself more organized for next year. I don't consider myself sloppy in the classic sense, (my bag isn't filled with random sheets of paper,everything is inthe right place, etc.), but I would still like more order to my notes. I am considering using a laptop for notes in class next year (I'll be a Soph.), in everything except for Math. The benefits I see are: 1) sheer size. I don't have to carry everything along with me. 2) accessability. I'll have class notes from all year, and a simple apple-find can get me the relevant info. 3) no more deciphering of handwriting. 4) much more organization in terms of dates, and basic depth of notes.</p>
<p>I'm not really sure about it though. For one, there is teh security issue. My school is pretty low-key in terms of theft and stuff, but I wouldn't be able to leave it in my backpack outside during lunch or anything. Secondly, there are logistics to deal with: battery, noise from typing, etc.(frankly, I'm not even sure if all my teachers would allow a laptop into class). Lastly, there is the social issue. No one in my school uses a laptop, and while I'm not one of those freaks who is constantly concerned about popularity and the such, I really don't want to be made into some sort of outcast. </p>
<p>Does anyone in your school use a laptop for notes? Every single college kid does, and I figured it makes more sense than carrying around hundreds of sheets of paper in arcane binders. </p>
<p>Who knows, it become a trend and I could gain points from it for starting the use of laptops. Or I could be ridiculed. hm.</p>
<p>thoughts? I think it's an interesting question, and I have all summer to think about it.</p>
<p>hey, lots of kids in my class had laptops this past year (my senior year in high school). I don't think the social thing should be an issue for you. If a laptop would make your life easier I would definitely get one if I were you. I had a really easy year this past year and I didn't need my laptop all the time. But it did make starting papers and things at school much easier and organization was also easier. In the end, it really is up to you.</p>
<p>I think it depends on your school. see..I live in this rural area where people aren't that much into academics, and if they are, they don't try to show it. A laptop in my school probably wouldn't be allowed as cell phones are hardly allowed, and if it was, you would look really awkard cuz you'd have to carry it around and people may bother you and ask if they can use it to play games or music or whatever. But I think it's a great idea, I wish I could do that, in fact I wish all standardized test essays were allowed to be typed on a portable laptop or something and printed right then and there because I'm a much faster typer and my hand hurts after too much writing.</p>
<p>Well there was this one girl in my history class who used a laptop for her notes and it was just bizarre. It wasn't the money issue, because no one cares/talks about that, it was just really annoying and unnecassary. Do you really need it? You don't want to end up like that kid TJ on the old TV show "Smart Guy" - read: pariah.</p>
<p>I don't take notes. But even if I did, I wouldn't bring a laptop to class. Just pay attention in class and read your textbook; there's no need to create more work for yourself.</p>
<p>You make the comment that "every single college kid does" and this is simply NOT true. You'll find that few kids bring their laptops to class in college. Typing is annoying to the other kids and some professors actually won't allow it. Writing is just as effective in most situations and in some classes more effective. </p>
<p>Also, I got through high school without a laptop and I NEVER carried more than ONE notebook for an entire day of AP classes. Each class had a binder at home which is where I organized all my notes... I never referenced notes in class so why should I carry them around? </p>
<p>Personally, I'd not bring a laptop to class.</p>
<p>It's good that you want to archive all your notes, but it's completely unnecessary for you to have that archive at your finger tips on a daily basis while at school.</p>
<p>At my high school, we usually went through one chapter then had a test. Usually I would only carry with me the notes for that chapter. In one of my history classes, my teacher would do a notebook quiz to reward those who took notes and he would allow us to use our notebooks on the quiz which spanned chapters from several weeks ago. In that case, I kept a spiral for that class. </p>
<p>If you anticipate taking LOTS of notes, college-rulled spirals are the way to go.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with what everyone said about a laptop being awkward and unncessary to take notes with in high school.</p>
<p>hm...</p>
<p>I'm giving it more thought, and the replies were helpful.</p>