Do you take it? lots of notes? Whether it's a daily to-do list, taking notes in class, or just jotting down the various thoughts in our heads, it's nice to have somewhere to write things down. Sure, you just open it note taking applicationBut Write down something to help you remember and learn more. It also feels good to stop typing for a minute and write down the thoughts in your head. If you're worried about losing those notes if they're not digitized, good news: We've got the best digital notebooks and more for you.
There are E Ink tablets, smart pens, and notebooks designed to store digital files of your handwritten notes or drawings. You can save files as PDFs, images, and Word documents, or transcribe them as text files in Google Docs to make all your notes searchable. Some of these devices can also record audio, making them great for lectures and interviews. If your notes need an upgrade, we recommend you give it a try. If you're looking for real paper options, don't miss out Paper planner guide and if you're getting ready to go back to school, catch up with us Best laptop backpacks And Best Totes Storage instructions for the items below and your other school supplies.
Updated December 2024: We've added notes on the second-generation Amazon Kindle Scribe and why we still prefer Kobo's digital notebook over it. Iskn Repaper tablets have also been moved to Honorable Mentions due to availability.
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Do you need a digital note-taking device?
The short answer is no. These devices are expensive, often costing several hundred dollars when a simple notebook and pen cost a few dollars. But if you prefer handwriting to typing but need a digital copy, they're worth considering.
Advantage:
- The digital notebook is thin and light yet holds hundreds of notes.
- You can copy your notes into text files, making them easier to read and work with.
- Depending on the device, you can export files as PDF files, Google Docs files, Evernote, etc
- Instantly digitize your artwork.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive.
- Need to be charged.
- There is a learning curve.
- Most smart pens need to be paired with an accompanying notebook. Upcoming Nuwa Pen promises smart notes on any paper. We will try it as soon as it is available. As of this writing, it is expected to start shipping in January 2025.