For your last question, I took notes in class by using the Google Docs app. Super useful. To type, I hooked up your run of the mill USB keyboard to this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MI79HO/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's cheap and it works if you have the deskspace in class. I'd often sit with the tablet on the desk and the keyboard in my lap. Worked pretty nicely!