The Best Note-Taking Tablets of 2024: iPad Air Tops the List

In the ever-expanding world of tablets, note-taking has become one of their primary uses. These versatile devices offer students and professionals the convenience of jotting down important information while being portable and powerful enough to replace bulkier laptops. With a wide range of options available, it is crucial to consider other potential uses before selecting a tablet solely for note-taking purposes. Whether you are a student looking for a laptop alternative or a professional seeking a portable device for commuting, there are note-taking tablets on the market to suit your needs.

ZDNET recently conducted hands-on reviews of several tablets to determine the best note-taking tablet currently available. After careful evaluation, the iPad Air emerged as the top choice due to its lightweight design and compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil. However, other tablets from Boox, Amazon, and more were also included in the review.

The iPad Air, although not the latest version, offers many of the same features as the M2 iPad Air at a lower cost. It is compatible with the Apple Pencil (second generation), making it ideal for taking notes in classes or meetings and attending virtual seminars. Apple’s products are known for their customization options, and the iPad Air is no exception, with a choice of five colors and varying storage capacities. Additionally, users can opt for cellular data connectivity for uninterrupted online access while on the go.

ZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani praised the iPad Air’s 2-in-1 compatibility, thanks to the Apple Keyboard and Apple Pencil additions. He noted that it rivals the iPad Pro in terms of power but at a more affordable price. Best Buy customers who purchased the iPad Air gave it an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, with 98% recommending it to others.

The Boox Note Air 3 C stands out as a color e-ink tablet specifically designed for note-taking. Its lightweight build, coupled with a color 1240 x 930 resolution screen, makes it a compelling option. The tablet comes with a stylus that offers a pen-to-paper writing experience with minimal lag and 4,096 pressure levels. It also boasts numerous note-taking features and templates, including audio recording, color-coding, and text recognition. The Booxdrop feature allows for easy file sharing between the tablet and other devices. Verified customers have praised its impressive battery life and productivity-enhancing capabilities.

Amazon’s Kindle Scribe combines the functionalities of an e-reader and a tablet. With a 300 ppi glare-free screen, weeks of battery life, and compatibility with Amazon’s Basic or Premium Pen, it offers a seamless note-taking experience within books and other compatible documents. The Kindle Scribe also provides preset templates for creating notebooks, journals, and lists, along with the ability to create sticky notes in Microsoft Word and other compatible apps.

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9, part of the latest tablet series from the company, includes an S Pen for writing and drawing in various apps. The tablet features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 8GB or 12GB of memory, and expandable storage of up to 1TB. Reviewers have praised the tablet’s improved S Pen, waterproof rating, and compatibility with the Samsung Notes app.

For budget-conscious consumers, the Amazon Fire Max 11 offers an affordable option. With an 11-inch display, 4GB of memory, and 64GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB), it provides a cost-effective solution for work and play. The Fire Max 11 Productivity Bundle includes a keyboard with touchpad, case, and stylus with 4,096 pressure levels. Reviewers have commended its handwriting recognition and impressive battery life of up to 14 hours.

When selecting a note-taking tablet, factors to consider include display quality, stylus compatibility, size, and price. Tablets with HD resolutions and paper-like displays are preferable. Stylus compatibility is essential for a seamless note-taking experience, whether the stylus is included or available for purchase separately. Smaller tablets are more portable and suitable for note-taking purposes. Prices can vary significantly based on storage capacity, display quality, and other features.

The ZDNET team conducted real-world tests to evaluate the tablets’ performance, including display quality, responsiveness, battery life, camera capabilities, and audio quality. The iPad Air emerged as the top choice due to its lightweight design, compatibility with the Apple Pencil, and positive customer reviews. However, the Boox Note Air 3 C, Kindle Scribe, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, and Amazon Fire Max 11 also offer compelling features and functionalities.

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