for college and taking notes, get something with a GOOD keyboard. Tablets are terrible for typing out long sets of notes or papers on. There are some tablets now that have keyboards that you can clip a keyboard onto..but test those out typing for a while.
Also..the laptop will generally have a dvd drive..and...usb ports that will be HUGE need, as opposed to many tablets that do NOT have USB ports. Also, a laptop will ahve the ability to plug in a cat-5 cable..or...cable directly to the modem for faster internet connection when he has the ability to plug in (instead of always using wi-fi). The laptop can of course go wi-fi as well.
Personally... for college work, papers, and taking notes, I absolutely would recommend a laptop. For my lifestyle, the tablets are much more handy.
(the previous comment was not directed at any particular individual and was not intended to slander,disrespect or offend any reader of said statement)