I used to write out class notes and papers on my Newton MessagePad (an MP-100), so one can definitely use even the older HWR (FWIW, the connected HWR from Newton is available as the ``Calligrapher'' engine in PenOffice) --- for comparison you can see a sample of my handwriting here:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/fo...mm-italic-nib/
Currently I'm writing out a book on my Fujitsu Stylistic ST-4121 Tablet PC --- debating on moving it over to a ThinkPad x61 Tablet.