Not all iPads are the same
iPads boast a variety of uses from laptop alternative to entertainment station. Apple’s revolutionary tablet line has changed the devices industry and their continued innovation has brought the size and portability of their tablets to new levels combining computing power with a sleek design.
Among the many uses of the iPad is note-taking. Through the App Store, iPad users are able to download a variety of apps that can help them take minutes in a meeting, record moments of creative inspiration or lecture notes and plan their next grocery trip.
Of the numerous iterations of the iPad, our choice for the best note-taking iPad is the 8th Generation iPad for its size and unique features. These make all the difference when it comes to ease of use and functionality.
Things to know before you buy an iPad for note-taking
With all the different options available, knowing what iPad best fits your needs is important as each iteration of Apple’s product is increasingly geared towards different uses.
Type of note-taking
There are two types of note-taking to consider before purchasing a note-taking device. The first is the conventional way, using a pen or stylus. Most versions of the iPad have a great companion stylus, called the Apple Pencil, that allows users to take notes quickly while using an app or the Notes app that comes installed on the device. The second form of note-taking requires a keyboard. While Apple has its own pencil, its keyboards usually come from a variety of manufacturers, allowing users to get one that caters to their specific needs and budget.
Note-taking apps
An important thing to consider when you have a note-taking iPad is what app to use. The App Store is filled with great options, each with a unique interface and toolset. Whether it is a small feature that sets an app apart or a work area that makes note-taking that much easier, every app available on the App Store can help you write and organize your notes so that you can have all the information available whenever you need it. Think about what storage capabilities come with your app as well. Some enable iCloud storage or backup while others will eat into the storage space on your device.
Portability
A good note-taking device needs to be portable. For this device to be a good substitute for a small notebook and a pen, you don’t want it to be too heavy or bulky. So larger iPad models might not make the most sense here. Size comes into play when holding the laptop for extended periods, or balancing it in your lap. A good note-taking device will be large enough to see as much information as possible on the screen without leading to wrist fatigue or shattered screens.
iPad Features
Battery
A good note-taking device needs to have good battery life. Without a reliable battery, you could lose the ability to take notes at the job site or on a long international flight. Battery life is also an important consideration for the student or meeting-goer who wants to lighten their load by not carrying their charger everywhere they go. Newer iPad models feature bigger batteries.
Apple Pencil
To take full control of the iPad, Apple created the Apple Pencil, a product that has been updated with each iteration of the iPad. While the tablet works great without it, when it comes to note-taking, the Apple Pencil truly elevates the experience of the iPad and is compatible with every note-taking app.
iOS
One of the biggest reasons for the iPad’s rise in popularity was the continuous improvements made to its operating system. Its iOS features far outclass any other operating system in tablets and have inspired the creation of numerous apps that are often big selling points for Apple’s products. This means more powerful note-taking apps for greater productivity.
iPad Cost
On average, the Apple iPad costs between $400-$700 with the price varying based on size and model. The cost of an Apple Pencil 1st generation is $99 while the newer generations are well over $100.
iPad FAQ
Is the Apple Pencil compatible with all iPads?
A. The Apple Pencil is compatible with every iPad that is currently selling.
Is the Apple Pencil included with the iPad?
A. No. The Apple Pencil is sold separately and costs around $99.
What apps can be used for note-taking?
A. There are many apps that are available on the App Store specifically for note-taking. Some of these include QuickNotes X, Microsoft OneNote, Evernote and Notability.
Which iPad should I get?
Best of the best iPad: iPad Air (4th generation)
Our take: Lighter and more powerful than previous generations, the iPad Air is the best portable device currently on the market.
What we like: The iPad Air 4 comes fully equipped with all the features of the previous-generation iPad as well as the features on the 8th generation iPad. This includes the new feature, Scribble, which allows the iPad to automatically convert handwritten text into typed text. This model is compatible with both the new Apple Pencil and the Apple keyboard.
What we dislike: The price. The 64 GB model is over $500 and for expandable storage, the price goes up substantially. When taking notes for multiple classes or projects, storage space is necessary and having to spend so much more money on the additional storage is unrealistic for many buyers.
Best bang for your buck iPad: iPad 8th generation
Our take: This is the most innovative iPad in terms of note-taking by introducing new apps and a new feature, Scribble.
What we like: The 8th generation iPad introduced Scribble that allowed users to handwrite in any text field with the Apple Pencil. This feature also allowed the device to convert handwritten texts into typed texts. The universal search feature also helped note-takers research as they sat through lectures or meetings.
What we dislike: The 8th generation iPad requires users to buy a new Apple Pencil since it is not compatible with the older second-generation pencil. There is also limited storage which makes it difficult to keep a lot of notes on the iPad itself.
Honorable mention: iPad Mini 5
Our take: The iPad Mini is the ultimate portable tablet housing a powerful processor along with the same features as the larger iPads. Released back in 2019, the Mini was compatible with the Apple pencil and is a great choice for college students.
What we like: The Mini 5 is the only new generation iPad that is compatible with any Bluetooth keyboard, not requiring users to buy expensive smart keyboards or the Apple keyboard. Furthermore, its size and low price point make it ideal for students and workers who need to take the device on the go for long periods of time.
What we dislike: The biggest drawback of the iPad Mini 5 is the fact that the new Apple Pencil 2 is not compatible with the device. On top of this, the Mini 5 also does not have a USB-C charging port, which makes it slower at charging.
Arjun Sheth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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