Are you considering a pen tablet for digital note taking? Anyone who has spent any extended time taking notes with a mouse and keyboard will find that often, it's just not the best experience.
A graphics tablet (a.k.a pen tablet or drawing tablet), just like a mouse, is an input device that allows the user to interact with a computer using a stylus.
Basically, they simply behave like the classic “pen on paper” which allows for incredibly natural motions that are much more accurate and comfortable for a user than using a mouse, keyboard or trackpad.
The digital pen is highly pressure-sensitive, putting control right in the user's hands. Anyone using the pen is afforded control and fluidity to work out their thoughts quickly and creatively.
Most pen tablets has programmable shortcut buttons which enable you to speed up your workflow in any software you choose to use with it.
There can also be ergonomic benefits, especially for individuals who already have carpal tunnel syndrome, for example.
That's why so many users switch to a pen tablet for photo editing, drawing, sketching, handwriting, online teaching, playing OSU game, taking notes, annotating pdfs, and Signing Documents.
However, since there are so many different types, models, and brands out there, finding the right drawing tablet for you can be confusing and overwhelming.
No matter what level of experience and features you need, We have listed the best budget drawing tablets for note taking in 2023.
What is the best note taking app using a graphics tablet?
There are several great apps on the market that are ideal for taking notes. Here are some of the best options:
OneNote, Notion, Evernote, Obsidian, Joplin, Google Keep, SimpleNote, Standard Notes, Zoho Notebook, Bear, Notability, GoodNotes, Roam Research, Squid, Logseq, Workflowy, Dynalist, Ulysses, Apple Notes, Dropbox Paper, and etc.
Not all note taking apps support pen input. If you want to take lots of handwritten notes with a stylus, OneNote, Evernote, Google Keep, Notability, Goodnotes, Xournal++, and Squid are best note-taking app for that.
What Types of Pen Tablet are Available for note taking?
1. Regular Drawing Tablet Without Screen
These are the simplest, lacking a screen, they connect with your computer (windows, mac, linux, and chrome OS) over USB or wireless (2.4GHz wifi or bluetooth), cheapest (most below $100), making them quite versatile.
To draw on them, you look at your monitor, then move your pen across the tablet's surface.
At the beginning, you really need to prepare yourself for quite a few hours of "writing practice" before you can jot down readable notes with the precision you are accustomed to from pen and paper.
2. Drawing Tablet with Screen
Some pen tablets integrate a monitor into the tablet, showing you a full view of what you're drawing on.
It's definitely nice to be able to draw directly on the screen, but it requires the USB-C or HDMI cable to connect to your computer, which makes it less portable.
There's a ton of variety, with models available in a range of screen sizes (from 10.1-inch to 32-inch) and price points (from $200 to $4000).
Smaller, budget-focused versions (around 13 inches diagonal) can serve as a great secondary display for note taking.
3. Standalone Drawing Tablet
The final category is a computer+pen tablet hybrid, which have a mobile operating system built-in: Windows, iOS or Android.
The Apple iPad, microsoft surface, and samsung galaxy tab are the most obvious instances. There are also some offerings from pen tablet manufacturers Wacom and Huion.
One advantage of the standalone drawing tablet is portability. By integrating the computer, you can bring these pen tablets along just like any laptop or consumer tablet.
Which pen tablet is best for note taking?
If you're already using a good laptop or desktop, a pen tablet without computer may be the better choice.
If you're not doing anything art-related and just taking notes, you don't need some expensive and professional tablets. Something simple, compact, and affordable options like the "one by wacom" screenless tablet might fit your needs well.
Screen drawing tablets are not a preferred answer, it's a bit cumbersome since you have to have a laptop and the tablet. And then there's also the cabling to think of which doesn't make it a very elegant.
If you have a budget and need the highest level of portability, Get a standalone pen tablet like ipad. more portable, more note taking functionality and more convenient in general than a wacom one would be for a on the go situation.
What size of drawing tablet should I buy for note taking?
Pen tablets can come in a wide range of sizes. Bigger isn't always better, however. A larger tablet, while it offers more precise, can be much less portable.
If you're looking for a screenless pen tablet to works with your laptop for note taking, Small A6 or medium A5 is a good size.
If the tablet is a secondary screen or standalone type, the 10-inch, 12-inch and 13-inch models can be a great choice.
10 Best Pen Tablets for note taking in 2023
After a deep analysis and research, we've gathered the best tablets for note taking; keep reading to find which is the best for you!
1. iPad (9th gen)
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
3. Lenovo Tab P11 (2nd Gen)
4. Microsoft Surface Go 3
5. One by Wacom
6. XP-Pen Deco Fun
7. Huion Inspiroy H640P
8. Gaomon S620
9. Ugee S640W Wireless
10. XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen)
11. Huion Kamvas 13
12. Wacom One
Conclusion
Now that we have reviewed the best digital pen tablets for note taking in 2023, it is easy for you to choose the best one.
As all users are unique, the needs of each person will vary. You should make a list of your needs so you can check that each tablet covers your needs.
A graphics tablet may not be necessary for every note taker, writer, teacher or student, but it does offer many benefits when used correctly.
Whether writing, sharing graphics or working out complex equations, A pen tablet can handle it all.
Take your time to decide and be sure to look at multiple reviews of the products you are considering.
Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-drawing-tablets-for-note-taking