I'm a doctoral student and an instructor. For courses on data analysis, it was crucial to draw diagrams and take notes on handouts. Pen and paper have their place. For courses on history and theory, however, pen and paper are not adequate to the task.

I cannot read my own handwriting. I do not have the time or patience or discipline to transcribe my notes. I've learned to compensate with technology. I still make many typos, but you would never know it, because I constantly use Microsoft Word's AutoCorrect function. I have created my own shorthand and add new shortcuts and typos every day. I can take notes in class verbatim without looking at the keyboard.

I know I will misspell "Bronfenbrenner" during a dsicussion, so I just type bfb and the full name appears automatically.

I make mistakes as I type, of course, then I review my notes after class. Using the Spelling and Grammar check function, I AutoCorrect each typo if the computer can correctly guess the correct word (it usually can); if it can't, make the AutoCorrection manually. When I enter an unrecognized work on the fly, I control-click on the word (or on a MacBook Pro, I can two finger tap on the word) and choose "Add word" or AutoCorrect from the menu. I have also added the AutoCorrect function to my toolbar, so I can easily make additions while composing a document.

My notes have been a crucial resource when it comes to exams and writing papers. I can easily share a comprehensive document of the conversation with colleagues. No file conversion is necessary since everyone already uses .doc format.

So far, Microsoft Office is the only suite I know of that automatically transfers every correction I make in Word into Entourage for email and contacts (notes). I would love to switch to an Apple suite (iWork Pro), but Apple has not make it yet. Currently every Auto-Correction I add in Keynote has to be reentered manually in Pages. It's just too inefficient.

I love the suggestion about online, live group editing. I've never used it. Any reports from the field? I am not quite sure how this would work.

There is enormous potential for a better integrated suite of products. Since Apple is not taking the lead, it seems it will be up to Google to design amphibious applications that are as comfortable living online as off.