Computers/Laptops at the gaming table?

[IronWolf]

I use a laptop when I DM. I tried to only use pen and paper, but it turns out I do almost all of my game prep on the computer so by nature of that all of the information I need ends up on the laptop. Coupled with the SRD, NPC generators, etc I find it a useful tool. I still keep all of my books with me and make a fair amount of use of index cards for init and even some monster stats that I prep before the game.

None of the players use one, though one of the limiting factors there may be the small table we play around.

 

[shilsen]

You don't have an option for me. In one of my groups, there's one player who uses a laptop at the table and in the other group there are two, but in neither case does the DM (which is me, in the first group) use a laptop.

 

[diaglo]

i'm with shilsen.

just recently had a player bring a laptop. never had one at the table before then.

and as referee i don't have one at the table either. i do it all by notes. and if i have to add it to our group site later for the players.

 

[Aethelstan]

As DM, I've had players bring laptops to the gaming table and in general I think it detracts from the game. Anytime there is a pause in the action, players tend to start web surfing (host's house is rigged for WiFi) or playing minesweeper and the like. One recent session, one player started browsing softcore porn and another downloading Moby tracts while I was having a brief chat with the party's wizard about a new magic item. I had to shout out a fake "roll initiative!"
just to get them focused back into the game. I'm tempted to ban laptops all together but I'm sure that would annoy the technophiles in my group.

 

[TracerBullet42]

I could see multiple laptops being a nuisance at the table, but in our group, I bring my laptop for note-taking. I think it is greatly appreciated by all. I try to take pretty detailed notes throughout the adventure. I can type much faster than I can write, and it's nice and easy to shoot the notes out to the group in an email after the session is over.

I think it works out very nicely.

And the DM has uses a computer a bit too...but it's not up at the table, but nearby.

 

[Psychic Warrior]

WHile I have wanted a laptop for quite some time I just haven't been able to afford one. All I would want it for is my Word documents and pdfs. Of course getting pdfs of some of the stuff i own in book form is pretty hard.

 

[Darkness]

I use a laptop, my players don't.

I suppose they could use my other computer if they wanted but they aren't likely to.

 

[Greylock]

Everyone in my gaming group is quite computer addicted, except when it comes to playing DnD. We are playing PnP for pete's sake. The DM and half the players still skritch and scribble out their char sheets. The only time a computer is used during play is when our most illustrious DM wants to share one of the really impressive visuals he's always finding. So I think (know) he is bugged by the 56k hookup when we game at my place. ;p

 

[pdkoning]

I don't like laptops at the gaming table. The 'true' pen and paper feeling is something I like.

 

[Psion]

I run from the laptop. Beats sifting through a stack of books and papers, and quick generation of NPCs, monsters, and treasures is also a boon.