Over the last few years I have been amazed as at how many people prefer to take notes on a laptop versus using a pen and paper. More and more University graduates prefer taking notes on a laptop during classroom lectures. Read the personal blog of a student who did his own research and came to the conclusion that both method’s have pro’s and con’s but using the laptop saved time and even possibly helped them achieve higher grades.

http://www.jackcola.org/blog/86-report-which-method-of-taking-notes-enhance-a-students-grades-laptop-vs-pen-and-paper

The problem I see with a laptop is that I simply cannot type fast enough and in my opinion I can retain more information when I write it down.

That is all great in a classroom environment but what about in a group office meeting? Does a laptop save time or is the advantage more to do with being able to keep neat notes that can be turned into documents for distribution to the team. I don’t know the answer but maybe you do!

As far as I am concerned, a meeting is a great opportunity for you to be heard. With taking notes on a notepad with a pen I feel that I am able to keep eye contact with the person who is speaking and show them that I value what they have to share. From a personal experience I was at a meeting with a major client and another vendor. The group consisted of 6 people from the client side, 2 from my team and 2 from the other vendor. For the most of the meeting the 2 from the other vendor had their heads buried into their laptops taking notes. Nothing to share to the meeting conversation- just listen and take notes. I was able to take a leadership role and control the outcome of that meeting. From the client perspective – what value did they provide!

In conclusion, there is a time and place for both. Experiment for yourself and see what works best for you in the present situation. You might think differently. Please share your opinion. 

A few more great reads on this subject matter:
THOSE IN FAVOUR OF THE NOTEBOOK AND PEN

http://www.ventureblog.com/2009/09/pen-and-paper-are-mightier-than-the-laptop.html

THOSE IN FAVOUR OF THE COMPUTER

http://brooksreview.net/2011/01/ipad-meeting-nirvana/