What level of technology WON'T you go beyond with your tabletop gaming?

[jdrakeh]

It depends.

If I'm playing face to face, on an actual table-top, I'll use a laptop or PDA to play music or sound effects, reference multiple documents (search functions and bookmarks kick ass), and occassionally to roll dice (it's a live saver for games like Bones that rely on customized dice). Otherwise, I prefer printed books for character generation and core rules reference, printed character sheets, and old-fashioned plastic dice for rolling.

If I'm playing online, all bets are off — I'll use all electronic resources at my disposal, including forums, VOIP, dice-rolling programs, electronic character sheets, virtual table-tops, etc.

 

[Rechan]

I can't see laptops/kindles, but I also think that they're more distraction and problematic than useful. Cords you can trip over, something really dangerous to spill drinks on (vs. a book, which just gets soggy). Takes up a lot of room on the game table too (especially if you have more than one player wiht it).

However, I regularly game online (Maptools/VOIP), so that's not a problem. But when it comes to face to face gaming? Generally I like low tech.

However, cellphone cameras are GREAT for taking pictures of mini locations if you have to stop the game mid-combat.

 

[NewJeffCT]

We had a woman that took copious notes on her laptop - I think she's a secretary outside of gaming? But, it really slowed the game down because I would have to (as DM) stop & spell out every single name & place for her. So, I banned it because it was all or nothing with her note taking (I had asked if she could just do an outline/summary, but she can't)

Other than that, I stick to paper, pencils, pens and manila folders. I use Heroforge & monsterforge during the week to print out NPCs and monsters, but never at the table.

 

[Nymrohd]

Tons for prep, almost nothing during. My laptop is nearby so we can check something on DDI if needed but since we always game at my place and I have all the books it is a non-issue. Plus we use very descriptive character sheets so the players have practically everything there.

 

[Hereticus]

I'm all about technology.

Work for a tech company, first to buy all the gadgets, etc.

But when it comes to playing, I'm old school. I'm making my own character sheets (ok, I use Illustrator for this), and a pencil. I have a laptop, but for me, it's about dice, a pencil and your character sheet on paper.

As far as running a game, it's the same. I have a notebook. I take notes in it, and plan games with it - no computer needed - I feel much more creative with a pencil and paper in hand.

The best character sheet is a blank piece of paper.

But I do like Word for creating detailed character diaries.

 

[jdrakeh]

I can't see laptops/kindles, but I also think that they're more distraction and problematic than useful. Cords you can trip over, something really dangerous to spill drinks on (vs. a book, which just gets soggy). Takes up a lot of room on the game table too (especially if you have more than one player wiht it).

I may have recently found a good solution to all of the problems that you mention, actually. You can pick up old-ish Fujitsu tablet PC models (e.g., Stylistic 1200s, Point 510, etc) new in the box on eBay for around $100 and the old folding stands (that allow the tablet to stand upright off the table's surface) for around $20-$30.

The Stylistic 1200 has a battery life of around 5 hours when operated in a contant "on" state — more, I'm told, if battery conservation is implemented and you're using one with the 64 shade monochrome display (a display which, incidentally, outperforms most modern ebook readers). If you grab a pair of passive PC speakers, this might effect battery life (but I have no idea how much).

So, assuming that you don't mind watching eBay for a bit, for less than $200, you can eliminate cords, spill worries, and space issues. I plan on formatting an old HDD and loading Win98 on it to upgrade my 1200 tablet for use as a gaming aid. If you like, I'll let you know how that works out.

[Edit: Also, the old tablets don't come with modern integrated wireless, so the issue of being distracted by web surfing is a non-issue.]

 

[Hereticus]

I think the real answer is that I like gaming because it's a social, we're all "here" playing a game together type of thing. Anything that detracts from that wouldn't feel "right."

I second that sentiment.

Someone once suggested to me that I get together with a bunch of friends, and we all play video games on laptops.

To me, that defeats the purpose of meeting with friends.

 

[Piratecat]

I try to discourage laptops at the game table. I've seen too many people at other games using them to web surf instead of focus on what's happening.

It's unfortunate; I actually own a LCD projector, but I haven't been motivated to mount it as a map projector yet.

 

[Agamon]

First person holographic technology is where I draw the line. Brainwave manipulation is just to impersonal and antisocial.

 

[Agamon]

I second that sentiment.

Someone once suggested to me that I get together with a bunch of friends, and we all play video games on laptops.

To me, that defeats the purpose of meeting with friends.

Everyone using a laptop at the table makes it no less social. Instead of everyone looking down a sheets, books and minis, they look down at a screen. Their friends are still sitting beside them.