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There are so many note-taking devices on the market that it can be hard to pick the right one for your college or university education. To get the best results, you should not only look for something that works for now, but also buy something that fits your budget, helps you reach your long-term goals, and will last for years. Being familiar with the range of academic tools means I know how important it is to be ready. Getting your device early gives you plenty of time to get used to its features, making sure it fits in perfectly with your schoolwork before the term starts.
But what else should you think about before making this important choice? Besides the obvious ones, like screen size and quality, which are very important for making sure that you can read and be comfortable while taking long notes, storage space becomes another important thing to think about. As someone who has taken several classes at once, I know how important it is to have enough storage space to keep class materials, lecture notes, research papers, and other academic tools in order. A device with enough storage space can not only hold all of these different types of files, but it can also be adjusted to meet the changing needs of your schoolwork.
Also, it’s impossible to say enough about how useful the note-taking gadget is. It should be easy to connect to your favorite note-taking apps, so you can easily share your files across devices and work together with others. As someone who likes to get things done quickly and efficiently, I’ve found that being able to use popular note-taking software makes everything run more smoothly, letting me switch between digital and analogue learning settings without any problems.
Best Note-taking Tablets Comparison Table
It’s best to use your handwriting on a good note-taking tablet, but if you need to use a keyboard, some of our choices come with add-ons that can give you a set of keys and different viewing angles. A good tablet for taking notes is easy to use and always on hand for when you have a thought. We still believe that the reMarkable 2 is the best tablet for taking notes because it is the best for writing, but the whole list is worth reading so that you can see all of the great options for taking digital notes.
Feature | Apple iPad Mini | Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 | reMarkable 2 | Amazon Kindle Scribe | Microsoft Surface Go 3 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display size | 8.3 inches | 11.5 inches | 10.3 inches | 10.2 inches | 10.5 inches |
Display type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | OLED | E Ink | E Ink | PixelSense touchscreen |
Operating system | iPadOS | Android 12 | Custom | Custom | Windows 11 |
Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB | 32GB, 64GB | 16GB, 32GB | 64GB, 128GB |
Processor | A15 Bionic chip | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | 1.5 GHz ePaper processor | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y |
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Best Note-taking Tablets
Pills today are smarter and better than ever, and they have many advantages that are hard to ignore. The days of messy desks, endless stacks of paper, and bulky bags are over. It can be hard to find the best computer for taking notes, though, because there are so many to choose from. Luckily, we’ve already found the best tablets for taking notes quickly, easily, and cheaply.
Apple iPad Mini

Feature | Apple iPad Mini |
---|---|
Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display |
Processor | A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine |
Storage | Up to 256GB |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours of battery life |
Operating System | iPadOS 15 |
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Apple’s iPad Mini, a little yet powerful tablet, redefines digital ease and versatility. This stylish tablet combines cutting-edge technology with portability, with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and the speedy A15 Bionic chip. The iPad Mini excels at everything, from precise sketching with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) to seamless multitasking.
Users can easily save their digital world with 64GB to 512GB storage. In Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, the iPad Mini meets different connectivity needs and allows internet access from anywhere. The iPad Mini, priced at $499 for the Wi-Fi model and $649 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, is the ultimate portable device for productivity and entertainment.
The Good
- Compact size, perfect for on-the-go use
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip for smooth performance
- Supports Apple Pencil 2nd generation for precision drawing and note-taking
The Bad
- Higher price compared to other similar-sized tablets
- Accessories like Apple Pencil sold separately
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2

Feature | Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 |
---|---|
Display | 11.5-inch OLED display |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
Storage | Up to 512GB |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C |
Battery Life | Up to 15 hours of battery life |
Operating System | Android 12 |
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With its 11.2-inch OLED display and immersive multimedia experiences, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is a competitive Android tablet competitor. This powerhouse’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor and up to 8GB of RAM enable smooth multitasking and performance for even the most demanding activities.
The Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 prioritises productivity and privacy with Lenovo Precision Pen 3 compatibility and a fingerprint sensor. The Wi-Fi model costs $499 and the Wi-Fi + Cellular model $699, making it a premium alternative for portable computing users who want high performance and versatility.
The Good
- Stunning OLED display for vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Ample storage options for storing large files and apps
- Long battery life ensures all-day productivity
The Bad
- Slightly heavier compared to other tablets in its class
- Limited availability of accessories compared to more popular brands
reMarkable 2

Feature | reMarkable 2 |
---|---|
Display | 10.3-inch E Ink display |
Processor | Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 |
Storage | 8GB |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB-C |
Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks on a single charge |
Operating System | Custom firmware |
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Designed for note-taking and eBook reading, the reMarkable 2 revolutionizes e-readers. This device’s 10.3-inch e-ink display and reMarkable Marker compatibility provide an intuitive and immersive paper-like writing experience. The reMarkable 2 offers a unique digital note-taking experience for jotting down ideas, annotating papers, or reading an engaging eBook.
The Good
- Paper-like writing experience for natural note-taking
- Extremely long battery life for extended usage without recharging
- Simplistic design focused on productivity and distraction-free reading
The Bad
- Limited functionality compared to full-fledged tablets
- Higher price point for the specialized features offered
Amazon Kindle Scribe

Feature | Amazon Kindle Scribe |
---|---|
Display | 7.8-inch E Ink display |
Processor | N/A |
Storage | 32GB |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Battery Life | Up to 6 weeks on a single charge |
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With its 10.2-inch Paperwhite screen and ability to work with the Kindle Pen, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is great for both avid readers and people who like to take notes. This e-reader makes it easy to get lost in your favourite books by giving you a clear, sharp reading experience.
It also has handy tools for making notes and adding your own thoughts. The Kindle Scribe is a great deal for people who want to improve their reading experience by adding the ability to take notes. It starts at $339.
The Good
- Large E Ink display for comfortable reading experience
- Ample storage for thousands of e-books
- Long battery life ensures uninterrupted reading for weeks
The Bad
- Lack of color display may limit reading experience for some users
- Limited functionality compared to multifunctional tablets
Microsoft Surface Go 3

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Performance | Powered by Intel Core processors for improved performance |
Connectivity | USB-C and Surface Connect for versatile connectivity |
Windows OS | Runs on Windows 11 for a full desktop experience |
Design | Lightweight and versatile design with a kickstand |
Touchscreen | 10-point multi-touch PixelSense display |
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With its small size and powerful performance, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 changes the way you work and carry things around. This small but powerful laptop runs Windows 11 and has a 10.5-inch PixelSense display, an Intel Pentium Gold processor, and up to 8GB of RAM. This makes it easy to switch between tasks and enjoy work and play.
The Surface Go 3 starts at $399 for the Wi-Fi model and $549 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. It’s a cheap and powerful option for people who want a flexible computer that can keep up with their busy lives. When you need to do work on the go or relax with your favourite shows or movies, the Surface Go 3 is the right combination of performance, portability, and price.
The Good
- Versatile and portable design with a kickstand
- Runs on Windows 11 for a full desktop experience
- Powerful performance with Intel Core processors
- USB-C and Surface Connect for versatile connectivity
- Touchscreen with 10-point multi-touch support
The Bad
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
- Keyboard and accessories sold separately
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Note-taking Tablet
When choosing a note-taking tablet, there are several factors to consider to ensure that it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Display Size and Quality: The size and quality of the display are crucial for a note-taking tablet. A larger display provides more space for writing and sketching, while a higher resolution and better color accuracy offer a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Consider factors such as display size, resolution, brightness, and color accuracy when choosing a tablet.
- Stylus Support and Performance: The stylus is a critical component of a note-taking tablet, as it directly affects the writing and drawing experience. Look for tablets that support an active stylus or digital pen with pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and low latency for a more natural and responsive writing experience. Consider whether the stylus is included or sold separately and if it offers additional features such as customizable buttons or eraser functionality.
- Note-taking Software and Apps: Consider the availability and quality of note-taking software and apps compatible with the tablet. Look for tablets that offer a robust selection of note-taking apps with features such as handwriting recognition, text conversion, organization tools, cloud synchronization, and compatibility with popular platforms like Evernote, OneNote, or Google Keep.
- Performance and Battery Life: Ensure that the tablet offers sufficient performance and battery life to handle your note-taking needs. Look for tablets with powerful processors, ample RAM, and sufficient storage capacity to run note-taking apps smoothly and store your notes, documents, and media files. Consider factors such as battery life, fast charging capabilities, and power-saving features to ensure that the tablet can last through extended note-taking sessions without needing frequent recharging.
- Portability and Design: Consider the portability and design of the tablet, especially if you plan to carry it around for note-taking on the go. Look for tablets that are lightweight, slim, and easy to hold for extended periods. Consider factors such as build quality, ergonomics, and durability to ensure that the tablet can withstand daily use and travel without compromising performance or comfort.
- Connectivity and Accessories: Consider the connectivity options and accessories available for the tablet. Look for tablets with features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, microSD card slots, and headphone jacks for connectivity and expansion options. Consider whether the tablet supports accessories such as keyboard attachments, protective cases, or stylus holders to enhance productivity and convenience.
- Price and Value: Finally, consider the price and overall value of the tablet compared to its features, performance, and brand reputation. Set a budget based on your needs and priorities, and compare tablets based on their specifications, reviews, and user feedback to find the best value for your money.
Questions and Answers
With its 11-inch high-resolution, 120Hz AMOLED display and taller-than-usual 16:10 configuration, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, which is the smallest of the group, is often considered to be the best premium option for taking notes.
Students who enjoy taking a large number of handwritten notes will find that the ReMarkable 2 is the tablet with the best E-ink capabilities. The fact that it weighs only 0.88 pounds and has a thickness of about 0.19 inches makes it lightweight and simple to transport in your backpack.A monochrome digital display features a resolution of 226 dots per inch (DPI) on this tablet that measures 10.3 inches.