Is a tablet or 2-in-1 laptop with a stylus useful for a student?

Matt's daughter already has a laptop for university, but will a lighter device with a smartpen be better for taking notes?

My daughter will be starting university and already has a more-than-adequate laptop for essay writing and Netflix. But rather than carry it to and from lectures all the time, we wondered if it would be worth investing in a tablet or smaller 2-in-1 laptop with a stylus for note taking. Or do you think it would be better to stick with a small screen laptop? Matt

There are two issues here that go well beyond product choice, and can only be decided by you and your daughter. The first is whether a change in circumstances - going to university - requires the adoption of a new technology, whether it be a tablet or stylus or both. I'm assuming that your daughter doesn't use either of these, or you would already know the answer.