iPad Pro iPad Writing Experience vs SuperNote

[brcarlso]

I purchased the first iPad when it came out excited about the opportunity to take notes in meetings and then sync with my MacBook. In doing so, I could create folders on my Macbook and be organized and find notes faster from previous meetings. The original problem was the stylus and the lag on the screen. Fast forward to the release of the first Apple Pencil and the redesign under the glass - what a huge improvement! Sadly, Apple has made no focus on the writing experience and IMO missing a large market group. A few months ago I purchased a SuperNote after weeks of research online (focus was on writing experience or I wouldn't use it) and absolutely love the writing experience with this device. The writing experience is everything I have always wished for with my iPad Pro - current model is the 2021 iPad Pro. I have searched online for a gel like screen cover for the iPad to compete against the SuperNote and the writing experience with obviously no luck. Two days ago I put on the Paperlike matte screen cover and am looking at different Pencil tips in attempts to "get somewhat close" to the SuperNote writing experience. With all that said - does Apple have ANY plans in actually creating a writing experience like the SuperNote? The iPad is portable, has a large number of note taking apps in iTunes, and one would think with the engineers, designers, and money that Apple would crush the competition in this area. I would really like to leverage the features of my iPad (and they are endless), but the writing experience is beyond terrible. Writing on glass is a far cry from the feeling of actually writing with pen and paper. I'm a big fan of Apple and one look around our house would show we own just about everything Apple has built and sold! I know many struggle to figure out where the iPad fits into their workflow or its use case. Is it a Macbook replacement? Is it a note taking device? Is it used solely to watch videos and check email? Still that guy hoping from the first iPad purchase to be able to use this device as I described above. Thoughts?

 

[ericwn]

I’ve hand written hundreds of notes on my iPad but am not familiar with this other device you mentioned. What exactly is the big deal? Simply a feeling thing? Have you tried adding a matte screen protector on the iPad? I believe some swear by it. For any note taking device in the 21st century in my workflow it needs to be able to send anything into Apple notes, but that’s probably just me.
I’m sure there are some eink devices out there who may have a better feel when writing but the lack of integration with Apple’s ecosystem would likely annoy me.

 

[Mackilroy]

I've written more than a thousand notes on my iPad since I got it, with and without a screen protector. If you're primarily looking for the exact experience of writing on paper, the iPad probably isn't for you, but for my own use, writing on the iPad is quick, easy, and I have access to all my notes on all my devices, should I need that. You haven't mentioned specifically what you like about the SuperNote: is it the feel of the stylus against the screen? The file system? OCR? The stylus itself?

 

[sracer]

I've been using the Apple Pencil 1 and 12.9" iPad Pro (now 9th gen iPad and iPad Mini) daily for years (since 2016) as digital notebooks/journals/planners, and they offer a much better user experience than those dedicated e-ink tablets.

I've spent some time with a Remarkable and a SuperNote. To me, they don't feel any more like actual pencil and paper than an iPad+matte screen protector. They DO feel different, but not any closer.

I'm one of those guys who saw the potential of the iPad during that pre-pre-order presentation. I preordered an iPad on the 1st day preorders were accepted (along with preordering a keyboard dock). I've been pushing the envelope on what iPads can do ever since.

But, I discovered that Apple wasn't interested in unleashing the full potential, so rather than be frustrated, I adjusted my expectations and workflows. The result... I have learned that even the base model iPad is capable of doing nearly all of the heavy lifting that I was doing on an iPad Pro.

The limitations of iPad OS prevent the iPad from being a true laptop replacement for me, but as a full-on ereader, digital notebook, and chromebook-like, netbook-like device, the iPad is terrific.

Some of the keys to a great experience for me has been using a matte screen protector, Apple Pencil, and Apple smart covers and smart keyboard covers. These are so important to me (the covers in particular) that I won't buy an iPad that doesn't support those things... which means that the Mini 5 and 9th gen will be the last iPads I own (unless Apple redesigns future iPads to support a new style smart cover).

 

[BATman.Berlin]

If an electronic version of a paper notebook is worth 600+ $ to you …. go for it. Otherwise slap a sheet of paper like screen protector on your iPad … OR use paper notebooks and digitize them later.

 

[Beards]

OR use paper notebooks and digitize them later.

Yep….. I do this often.
Sometimes it’s simpler to use a notepad and pen, then when you are finished and it’s a quiet moment take out your phone, launch the camera, look at the page, press the text button bottom right, select the text and either copy or share. You don‘t even need to actually take a photo.
Always works well for me.

 

[brcarlso]

I’ve hand written hundreds of notes on my iPad but am not familiar with this other device you mentioned. What exactly is the big deal? Simply a feeling thing? Have you tried adding a matte screen protector on the iPad? I believe some swear by it. For any note taking device in the 21st century in my workflow it needs to be able to send anything into Apple notes, but that’s probably just me.
I’m sure there are some eink devices out there who may have a better feel when writing but the lack of integration with Apple’s ecosystem would likely annoy me.

You are 100% correct! The writing experience on the Supernote is incredible, but the lack of integration with other apps hinders it. I have put on the Paperlike matte screen cover, ordered the Paperlike Pencil grips, and some different tips. Hoping it gets it "close" to the Supernote!

 

[brcarlso]

I've written more than a thousand notes on my iPad since I got it, with and without a screen protector. If you're primarily looking for the exact experience of writing on paper, the iPad probably isn't for you, but for my own use, writing on the iPad is quick, easy, and I have access to all my notes on all my devices, should I need that. You haven't mentioned specifically what you like about the SuperNote: is it the feel of the stylus against the screen? The file system? OCR? The stylus itself?

Correct - it is the gel like self healing cover that the Supernote uses and the graphite tip pen that makes for a great experience. You don't have to recharge the pen, they are much more professional looking versus the overpriced Apple Pencils, and those graphite tips never wear out and have to be replaced. It's a great writing experience, but the lack of integration with other Apple apps hinders it from a workflow perspective.

 

[brcarlso]

Yep….. I do this often.
Sometimes it’s simpler to use a notepad and pen, then when you are finished and it’s a quiet moment take out your phone, launch the camera, look at the page, press the text button bottom right, select the text and either copy or share. You don‘t even need to actually take a photo.
Always works well for me.

I will have to add this to my workflow. I was in tech for 21 years and recently acquired my Series 7, Series 66 and my life/health licenses -- trying to figure out my new workflow in regards to notes, client information, etc.

 

[Mackilroy]

Correct - it is the gel like self healing cover that the Supernote uses and the graphite tip pen that makes for a great experience. You don't have to recharge the pen, they are much more professional looking versus the overpriced Apple Pencils, and those graphite tips never wear out and have to be replaced. It's a great writing experience, but the lack of integration with other Apple apps hinders it from a workflow perspective.

Looking at the various pens available, they've got a rather boring industrial look, and don't appear more professional than a Pencil. So far as wearing out, I've got two Apple Pencils, and have never needed to replace the tips on either, whether writing on glass, or on a screen protector. I have Paperlikes on both of my iPads, though writing on glass never bothered me before I got them. The tactile experience is far outweighed by the ease, convenience, and flexibility. That being said, writing on the Paperlike feels nice.