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

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.
 

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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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.]
 
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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.
 

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.
 

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

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.
 

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