Laptops at the table - Do you use them?

[strawhat]

I hate laptops at the table, in my last session, as I was describing a battlefield situation, one of the players just turned on music. I mean its great for keeping notes and making grids and other things, but the players get distracted too easily when they're around.

 

[Shoe]

I actually have a "No laptops at the table while RPG-ing" rule. I find that in almost all cases it detracts from the game. Between other distractions like AIM and web games or even news articles. I have alot of 3.X pdf files and i never have my laptop at the table during a game, i print off the pages I need. laptops also create a "wall" (the screen) between you and the rest of the table and decrease player interaction. I often have my computer near by if i need to check something, but always away from the table. I dont get to RPG often, so when i/we do i like it to ACTUALL be a social environment, not a bunch of people i know hanging around a table playing web games and reading articles. One of my players is a programmer and I have "caught" him coding during a session isntead of playing and it wasnt even for work. People are easily distracted by computer access and it can kill off games fast!

-Shoe

 

[Ktulu]

I bought an 11 inch netbook to put behind my DM screen for running encounters. Using the 4eD&DCM tracker, I can handle much more complex encounters than I previously could. Also, thanks to the Adventure tools and Character builder, I have access to everyone's characters and all the monsters neede for a quick combat, if I need to put something together.

I no longer bring any books with me. There's a PH on hand if needed, but I can usually look up whatever we need on the compendium faster than flipping through the book.

I used to be against laptop GMing, but it's really benefitted me so much that I'll never run a game without it.


On the flip side, I'm not keen on players using laptops, mostly due to space allowance and distractions when their not involved.

 

[Woas]

I hate laptops. In general actually, so yeah no laptops while RPGing. Go surf for porn some other time yeah know?! Sheesh