Well Mid-terms are over and I must admit my Entourage eDGe has performed beautifully so far this semester. I still use it constantly in all of my classes and with the exception of some loose leaf paper that I bring in for in class assignments, I really don’t bring anything else to class. As I look back at what I have done so far this semester, I amazed at the additions I made to the table of contents (TOC) with my various types of notes (post-it, handwritten, highlight, and links) in my books and PDFs. With the naming conventions that I have come up with it’s been pretty easy to find various people, subjects and concepts in the TOC. It’s a benefit that I have really enjoyed especially during class discussions; I noticed that it’s easier for me to bring up topics, views, or support my arguments in class. Since I take the time to add Post-It notes (I can bring up the note and quickly remind myself of questions I want to ask for clarification and information I want to convey), highlights and I label things effectively, I have the information pretty much on demand. One of my fellow students has made the purchase and there are a few more seriously considering taking the plunge.

Since I’ve started using the eDGe this semester, I notice that my desk is less cluttered and I don’t confine myself to my desk as often when I study. I also discovered that I have found more occasions to study. Normally, I only study at home (I don’t like lugging my books and papers around), but since everything is located in my eDGe and it’s almost continuously with me, I tend to study more and review my notes more.

One addition I have made, I finally purchased an external keyboard. Originally I was only using Doc2Go to review documents. Now I actually take the time to type up outlines for my papers and even the initial rough draft. When I get to a certain point, I transfer the paper I am working on to my USB drive and finalize it on my laptop. I purchased the “Solidtek KB-P3100SU (ASK-3100U) Super Mini Keyboard. It took a little time to get used to, but after a little practice, I can comfortably type on it. Along with the keyboard I purchased a sleeve and case for the eDGe. The sleeve has a main compartment for the eDGe and two side pockets for my keyboard , extra pen, and USB drive. I use the sleeve when I am using my main messenger bag. I also purchased a case that is like a mini messenger bag( designed for netbooks). When I attend class or have to go to the library, I use the case for the eDGe, keyboard, pen, and there is also enough room for some papers and my wallet. It’s a snug fit, but it’s very light and portable especially if I want to carry only the essentials and leave my messenger bag at home.

Now that I am using the keyboard with my eDGe, I’ve been using the StudyDroid flashcard app. I can create the cards directly on the eDGe; while the material is open on the ereader side, I can create my flash cards directly on the tablet side. The application could be better (the random function does not work very well), but if I just review the cards in order (that works well), it’s useful in reviewing materials.

I just wanted to take the time to express a few more thoughts.