laptops in-game?

[Twowolves]

I find them distracting, and detracts from the game. I don't use one, but one of my players started using one because he was the campaign note-taker. He's ok with one, because he keeps everyone's character sheet on it, keeps his spellbook on it, and keeps campaign notes, plus the SRD. He sits next to me and we share a side table. He's ok. Then another player started bringing his, and half his time is spent websurfing. Then the last session, 4 out of five players had one, and it was VERY distracting. Of course, one guy was being all ADD because it was the first time he's been out of the house and away from the wife and kids for ages, so he couldn't sit still no matter what, but during some parts of the game where I had to pay more specific attention to half the party, two others had MMORPGs up and running! Of course, this was right before a meal break, but it still contributed to the feeling that everyone was staring at their own screens and in their own little world.

It's been a couple of months since that session, and Mr No-Attention-span won't be at the next session, so we'll see if things are still bad. If so, I may have to do something about notebook PCs at the table, or at least non-D&D related stuff open on them when playing.

 

[Zendragon]

I use a laptop off to the side. It works great to pull up an NPC in a moments notice. Our current adventure has the same race, but different levels and classes. I just pop open a tab with all the different ones, and toggle to it when something comes up.
All the master character sheets are on the laptop. I print out copies at the end of each session. Anytime a character gets an item or gold, it's added right away. The only thing that really takes time is recalculating ammo. I started doing it in game, but found it too time consuming. I make the players make tick marks, then update it at the end of the session. Leveling is done with each person and notes can be added to the sheet. Like one person has all the feats picked, so I just put that in the notes section and confirm that he still wants that feat when he levels.
I haven't let players bring a laptop, but then again, no one has asked yet either.