When one thinks of taking notes, a pen and notebook come to mind. However, in today’s world, there are many note-taking devices, such as laptops, tablets, and iPads, around us. This is a massive sign that digitization has impacted our writing and learning. If you are reading this article, you are undoubtedly interested in knowing which is better for note taking.
In this article, we will discover the advantages and disadvantages of both methods to help you figure out the most productive method for you.
iPad vs Notebook: iPad Advantages
The iPad is one of the most innovative gadgets released to the market in this digital era. It is extremely versatile, and when combined with the Apple Pencil, it provides a great handwriting experience. Since its inception, it has become one of the best note taking solutions. With that in mind, it’s time to highlight the advantages of taking notes on an iPad.
The iPad, across various models, weighs an average of 1.5 pounds. Since it is so lightweight, it is portable, slim, and can seamlessly fit anywhere a typical notebook does. Furthermore, just one iPad can house various note taking apps such as Apple Notes.
You can seamlessly edit your handwriting using note taking apps such as EverNote, Microsoft OneNote, and Apple Notes. You can also add various pictures and components. With features such as cut, copy, redo, undo, and resize, you can create notes quicker and easier.
With an Apple iPad Pro or tablet, backing up and sharing your handwriting is much easier than with a notebook. The processing power on an iPad lets you seamlessly share your writing with just about anyone while storing them on the cloud—iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive.
The iPad lets you attach voice recordings, images, and other media to your note taking app. One of the best apps for this is Noteshelf which lets you automate PDFs and attach images and voice recordings while taking notes. It also lets you bookmark any topic for easy access later.
iPad vs Notebook: Notebook Advantages
It can be difficult to beat the trusty paper notebook when taking notes. Since the inception of paper, notebooks have become a part of our lives, from elementary school, where children have to record their writing and learning habits, to the corporate world, where documents still need to be signed on paper.
Taking notes in a notebook creates a natural writing experience since you can use different pencils and paper textures. All of this means that you can have a different experience every time. With that in mind, here are a few advantages and disadvantages of taking notes with a notebook.
Nothing truly beats taking notes in a notebook. The feeling of a pen or pencil on paper is unique, and while technology can try to match, it still fails at this. Furthermore, the writing experience on a notebook is much better than on a Surface Pro or Apple iPad Pro.
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Furthermore, a notebook is handy and easily accessible. You can pick up a random notebook and begin taking notes on your ideas or thoughts. It also helps that writing in a notebook is cost-effective.
Unlike an iPad, which requires a significant financial outlay, you don’t have to check your budget or think hard about purchasing a notebook. Moreso, notebooks are extremely cost-effective as well as easily available.
Some people are concerned about the amount of screen time they get. Using an iPad for taking notes and having a smartphone and laptop can tip them over the edge. Fortunately, this isn’t the case for notebooks, as they cannot harm your eyes. This makes them a much healthier option, especially for those with weak eyes.
iPad vs Notebook: iPad Disadvantages
iPads aren’t as cost-effective as notebooks since they can be expensive. While this one-time investment can increase your productivity, it comes at a cost, as the iPad is one of the most expensive tablets.
Unlike a notebook, an iPad requires charging. You cannot simply pick it up and begin taking notes. The last thing you want is for your iPad to run out of juice while taking notes. To avoid this, you need to ensure proper charging. Fortunately, iPads from the iPad Air to the iPad Pro come with at least 10 hours of battery life usage once fully charged.
Another disadvantage of taking notes on an iPad is the lack of a natural feel. Compared to writing in a notebook, you are writing on a glass, and it can take some time to get used to. This is especially true for those new to the Apple Pencil. Thankfully, there are a few ways around this. Some note taking apps enable you to customize the experience to make writing on a tablet feel more natural.
Taking notes on an iPad can be distractive. Compared to having a notebook which only has a singular function, an iPad comes with various notifications and popups that can make single-tasking difficult. Nevertheless, features such as Focus Mode lets you turn off notifications for a certain period.
iPad vs Notebook: Notebook Disadvantages
One major disadvantage of taking notes with a notebook is the permanence. Unlike using a note taking app on an iPad, you cannot easily edit your text. You cant delete, copy, or cut your text. This permanence also filters down to the lack of backup and sharing features. You cannot share your notes as easily as you would—a tap—on an iPad. Furthermore, you risk losing the only copy of your notes should you lose your notebook.
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If you require different guidelines and templates, you will need multiple notebooks, whereas with an iPad, you only need one note-taking app. Furthermore, a notebook doesn’t have the best accessibility.
For instance, if the notebook is filled, you will have to flip through its entirety to find what you are looking for. This isn’t the case when taking notes with an iPad Pro as you can seamlessly check the bookmarks and index.
iPad vs Notebook: Which Is Better For Note Taking?
It isn’t easy to decide which of the two is better for note taking. Fortunately, you have to understand your preferences. Do you want something that lets you seamlessly store and edit your notes? If so, using a note taking app on the iPad is the choice for you.
