Need a mobile device solution for taking notes in class!?

Question

Hi,

I am currently in college and I need an easier, more organized way to take notes. I am kind of tired of hauling around my laptop, and it distracts me in class anyway. I also use Microsoft Outlook to organize everything, from calendars to tasks to email.

However, I understand that some Palm devices can be hooked up to a foldable keyboard and you can simply take notes that way. Then later, you can upload the notes on your computer. Palm devices can also synchronize with Outlook.

So my question is this... What Palm device (or any other device) should I get simply for taking notes in class and using Outlook featues? Is it keyboard compatible?

Oh yeah, I use Windows Vista too. Thanks guys!

Answer 1

The use of the pda with the keyboard caught my attention when I was on a committee and the person (one of the directors) was taking using the pda with a wireless keyboard. She was able to quickly set it up (it was wireless). She began typing and did not appear to miss a beat. I assume she sync the information to her computer and she had all the notes from the meeting on her laptop (w/ out having to carry the laptop around). I thought that was a unique situation that would make life a lot simplier and increase your flexibility as opposed to a notebook computer. Less expensive than a mini notebook or tablet. But, you have all of the flexibility and ability to upload / sync to a laptop.

Palm has a wireless keyboard that is compatible with the following:

COMPATIBLE WITH:

    * TX

    * Tungsten E2

    * Tungsten T3

    * Tungsten T5

    * Tungsten E

    * Tungsten C

    * Zire 21

    * Zire 31

    * Zire 71

    * Zire 72

    * Treo 600

    * Treo 650

    * Treo 700w

    * Treo 700wx

    * Treo 700p

    * LifeDrive

It also has a Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard that is compatible with the following:

    * Tungsten E2

    * T|X

    * Treo 650

    * Treo 680

    * Treo 700

    * Treo 750

Then there is another one they have that is think outside bluetooth wireless:

    * LifeDrive

    * Tungsten E2

    * Zire 72

    * Tungsten T

    * Treo 700w

    * Treo 650

    * TX

    * Tungsten T5

    * Tungsten T3

    * Tungsten T2

Answer 2

Yes, I've done keyboards and have taken my share of notes, however, this is so YESTERDAY.

Since it seems you are already bringing your laptop to class, why don't you spring for a mic and try Dragon Naturally Speaking.

Both Version 10 and 9 are excellent in voice recognition off the shelf without any training.

The prof's lectures go right to a Word doc and you can manipulate it to your heart's content........you can even $ell them to your classmates if you get good......

David Pogue, tech reviewer for NY Times has reviewed both Ver. 9 & 10 and have given the "thumbs up" on both.....check here:

http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/

Good luck.

Boy do I wish I was in college NOW with all these hi tech gadgets.....

Answer 3

Hey I'm in College too and I know what you mean like I'm going for my Master's and I'm tired too of carrying my laptop around especially when i forget 2 charge it.  If you get any of the Blackberry's and the USP port adapter you will be able to sync everything to your laptop and the USP port adapter will be able to be plugged in a portable light keyboard.  Hope this helps!!!