I am a touch-typist and have a laptop myself, but I would never use it in a meeting because I am not that quick. Yes it is portable (and therfore easily nicked) but be careful not to waste money on an item that will only be used in the same way as a static machine, which could also be loaned to the student on a term by term basis. Sorry not to be more positive ed barker anglia polytechnic university %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%