Hi there. I used to use a netbook, which was helpful, but once the iPads came out...I snagged one of those and have been loving it. I use VitalSource Bookshelf as my online bookstore to order and download almost all of the books I've needed for school (many printed by Evolve/Elsevier). I can make notes or highlight on a computer, and it will sync to the iPad. I found that I save time, and my load that I carry is many, many times lighter. Also, if you happen to have an Iphone, all your books and notes can be synced to that as well.