The benefits of going digital have never been greater.

For the first time in history, it's a straight choice between old fashioned paper scoring and using a laptop or tablet to score. Both have advantages, but the clear winner is digital.

Let's be honest, if you have read this far, you are probably already nodding your head. The Luddites will be gone. But perhaps you need some convincing and guidance to get you off the paper trail and into the virtual scorebook.

Why digital scoring?

Years ago, computers were unreliable, heavy and difficult to use unless you knew your stuff. Old laptop scoring software worked well but the devices made it such a pain to use that most of us stuck to pen and paper.

Now it's different.

Everyone has a tiny trusted computer in their pocket thanks to the smart phone. Laptops and tablets are lightweight, long-lasting and trusted to be used by even the least technical people. They just work.

And that opens the door to some incredible advantages over paper.

My favourite is speed through simplicity.

Scoring, as we know, is surprisingly stressful to keep up if a lot happens. Even a standard run needs to be entered in triplicate with a paper system. Then a wicket falls and all hell breaks loose. That's before some character wanders up to ask you how close Simon is to his fifty and how many balls Amrit faced.

Digital scoring takes all that away. You tap a button for runs. You tap a couple of buttons for wickets. It happens in mere seconds and you are done.

If you are the type to get stressed out, using a computer to score is a zen experience.

If you are the type who wants to keep busy, you can use the extra time to make pitch maps and wagon wheels on the fly. The players and coach will be delighted and you are still keeping an accurate record of every ball.

Getting started

But lets get back to basics: How do you enter this brave new world?

It's very simple.

You'll need a laptop or tablet, and PV Match app to score.

Open it up and start scoring.

That's all there is to it!

Of course, there are some things that can help you along the way too.

You will need power. Most devices these days have amazing battery life but to be safe, make sure you are close to either a power outlet or a battery pack to recharge.

You need a backup. There is always the chance something will go wrong - although I have scored two seasons worth of games on a device with no issues -so cover your back. Some people use paper in addition to digital. Others rely on their scoring partner from the opposition like in the good old paper days. Whatever it is, know what to do if something goes wrong.

But the key point is this: Digital scoring is not just an option for determined geeks anymore. It's faster, more reliable and easier than pen and paper.

Get started and you will not regret it.