I think the reason for this is as simple as when you see someone with pen and paper you don't have to wonder if they are actually browsing social media, talking

I think the reason for this is as simple as when you see someone with pen and paper you don't have to wonder if they are actually browsing social media, talking on IM or doing anything else more interesting. I pick between laptop and notepad based on what meeting I'm in / how I think they'd react. Close colleagues/friends I'll nearly always prefer a laptop. Clients I hardly know, never a laptop - even if I need a laptop out to show them a presentation or whatever, I'll still stick to notepad for notes.