Hello.
I would like to know if it is possible... well it probably is, but is it possible to efficiently take notes in class with an ipad. I know you can get one of those bluetooth keyboards which might help, but I'm an engineering student. I have to deal with writing greek letters and other symbols plus drawing circuit symbols, graphs, etc. My instincts tell me this is just not gonna work; wishful thinking. But there's a whole world of techies on gdgt!
I hate paper because I can never keep myself organized with it and I hate carrying binders around because I travel long distances from home to school (plus binders have papers in them). Right now what I do is take notes in class and scan it into evernote which is a bit time consuming.
I know the HTC flyer is supposed to have some good note taking features but I haven't looked too much into it because I am scared, maybe even terrified of getting an Android tablet. This stems from my love/hate relationship with my Android phone. Should I be considering the HTC flyer or are my fears of an android tablet founded?
Please, throw some ideas out there. I have spent this entire semester trying to figure out if there is a way to abandon papers and binders but it just seems that the classroom is not able to embrace this digital world.
Discussion about
Is it possible to take notes in class with an ipad?
The short answer is that if you can, you can.
I think it's (i.e. iPad as note taking device) a preposterous idea from my personal perspective, especially given that after you add the paraphenalia on to be able to use it in a stunted manner as a notetaker you're already almost up to the weight of an ultraportable, and yet for the rest of the day you have what is essentially still a toy.
An iPad is however vastly superior as a pick it up and go device to anything else you can pick up for the same amount of money. However just because it is, doesn't mean it's the best device for the job. It does however invite the most creative solutions to getting around the device's inherent unsuitability for the role, because it feels like the future and people want to use it. Whether those solutions make it the best device for you is something that I couldn't tell you.
In terms of more involved notetaking with a practical hat on, OneNote is definitely the way to go at the moment in my opinion, but it is still rife with imperfections and limitations, especially if you consider the state of the hardware it runs on if you need touch + ink capability. The limitations for me are performance (most Windows nonconvertible tablets don't have the performance I personally believe I need to be able to use Windows effectively) and weight (so the machines which are decent, most of which are convertibles tend to hover at around the >4lb mark, which is at the very upper end of the weight I'll tolerate in an everyday notebook).
However this will improve - the current generation of Sandy Bridge already shows much promise in this regard. Still, last year's X201T works for me, and the current X220T will - with an SSD - represent iPad levels of pickupability in terms of response allied to much greater utility. Of course, the other limitation aspect for most is cost - although Lenovo's prices aren't too bad, an X220T with an SSD can now be had for $1300 - sure, it's a lot more than a $700 iPad, but you do get double the storage space and something which can also be your primary working environment. The weight issue is there though - the new X has not changed much in terms of weight - as is the half-assed touch aspect in Windows outside Onenote (but then it does have other pointing options).
If you want to stick to taking notes on paper but want an easier way to get it into Evernote, www.livescribe.com/en-us/ might be worth a try.
Android tablets? Personally I think with an Android tablet you get everything that's bad about those aforementioned compromised Windows tablets while getting nothing that the iPad is good for. But then there are others who will undoubtedly disagree.
I think it's (i.e. iPad as note taking device) a preposterous idea from my personal perspective, especially given that after you add the paraphenalia on to be able to use it in a stunted manner as a notetaker you're already almost up to the weight of an ultraportable, and yet for the rest of the day you have what is essentially still a toy.
An iPad is however vastly superior as a pick it up and go device to anything else you can pick up for the same amount of money. However just because it is, doesn't mean it's the best device for the job. It does however invite the most creative solutions to getting around the device's inherent unsuitability for the role, because it feels like the future and people want to use it. Whether those solutions make it the best device for you is something that I couldn't tell you.
In terms of more involved notetaking with a practical hat on, OneNote is definitely the way to go at the moment in my opinion, but it is still rife with imperfections and limitations, especially if you consider the state of the hardware it runs on if you need touch + ink capability. The limitations for me are performance (most Windows nonconvertible tablets don't have the performance I personally believe I need to be able to use Windows effectively) and weight (so the machines which are decent, most of which are convertibles tend to hover at around the >4lb mark, which is at the very upper end of the weight I'll tolerate in an everyday notebook).
However this will improve - the current generation of Sandy Bridge already shows much promise in this regard. Still, last year's X201T works for me, and the current X220T will - with an SSD - represent iPad levels of pickupability in terms of response allied to much greater utility. Of course, the other limitation aspect for most is cost - although Lenovo's prices aren't too bad, an X220T with an SSD can now be had for $1300 - sure, it's a lot more than a $700 iPad, but you do get double the storage space and something which can also be your primary working environment. The weight issue is there though - the new X has not changed much in terms of weight - as is the half-assed touch aspect in Windows outside Onenote (but then it does have other pointing options).
If you want to stick to taking notes on paper but want an easier way to get it into Evernote, www.livescribe.com/en-us/ might be worth a try.
Android tablets? Personally I think with an Android tablet you get everything that's bad about those aforementioned compromised Windows tablets while getting nothing that the iPad is good for. But then there are others who will undoubtedly disagree.
You can take notes with the iPad and using a bluetooth keyboard will make a lot more palatable. Instead of having to worry about a separate keyboard you can invest in a keyboard folio case that has the bluetooth keyboard built into the case. This helps save on space a little but it definitely adds weight to the overall device.
I've used that set up for notes but only for really short form note taking. If you're a detailed note taker I think I would steer away from using the ipad. While it's functional in doing so the keyboards in folio cases are tiny and will require you to adjust your typing a bit.
If you do go the route I would recommend using a service that allows you have cross platform availability of the notes, preferably something with a web interface access. The last thing you want is something that is tired entirely to the iPad and nothing else. Services like Evernote & Simplenote do provide that level of flexibility. You could also try accessing web services like Office365, Zoho or Google Docs from the iPad to see if they will work better for you than the native apps.
I've used that set up for notes but only for really short form note taking. If you're a detailed note taker I think I would steer away from using the ipad. While it's functional in doing so the keyboards in folio cases are tiny and will require you to adjust your typing a bit.
If you do go the route I would recommend using a service that allows you have cross platform availability of the notes, preferably something with a web interface access. The last thing you want is something that is tired entirely to the iPad and nothing else. Services like Evernote & Simplenote do provide that level of flexibility. You could also try accessing web services like Office365, Zoho or Google Docs from the iPad to see if they will work better for you than the native apps.
*this is supposed to be a reply to ArmpitOfDeath's response. Not sure why my reply ended up all the way down here.*
I'm not too sure if OneNote is for me. I'm already deeply attached and invested into Evernote. I even have Evernote Premium and for me it's amazing and really convenient having all my notes available offline and searchable on my Android phone (though I despise Android sometimes). I don't wanna take on a second service.
Portability is a HUGE factor for me. Believe it or not, but I travel minimum 2 hours and 15 minutes ONE way to school (I take public transit)! I know... I'm crazy. I don't even bring my laptop to school because it feels like carrying around a brick all day (my next laptop must almost certainly be a macbook air) which is why I figured an ipad may be ideal (or not ideal, as the case may be) for my situation.
The bus I take to school is a coach bus with comfy seats, which makes it good for reading on the way to school. Good for reading only if you are holding a notebook or something with the same form factor such as an ipad (which is really nice with evernote because then I have every note that I have ever taken in the palm of my hand and it's all searchable). It becomes very cumbersome if you try to do the same thing with a laptop or binder (which is why at the very least, I'm switching to notebooks rather than binders and papers next semester).
The only problem is getting notes into the ipad. When I take notes from a text book, I type it into evernote. For images, (graphs, circuits, diagrams, etc.) I take photos of them and upload them into evernote (easier than drawing). For formulas, I use the formula editor in microsoft word, clip the image and put it into evernote. The only thing that I haven't solved is taking notes in class. I currently scan the notes afterwards and put it into evernote, but scanning is a pain in the ***.
As for livescribe... as far as I know, you need to buy paper from them which I don't like. I really should consider livescribe more. If there is anyone out there who has used livescribe, I would appreciate you sharing your experience... assuming you have read through my entire rant and get to the bottom of this post. lol
I'm not too sure if OneNote is for me. I'm already deeply attached and invested into Evernote. I even have Evernote Premium and for me it's amazing and really convenient having all my notes available offline and searchable on my Android phone (though I despise Android sometimes). I don't wanna take on a second service.
Portability is a HUGE factor for me. Believe it or not, but I travel minimum 2 hours and 15 minutes ONE way to school (I take public transit)! I know... I'm crazy. I don't even bring my laptop to school because it feels like carrying around a brick all day (my next laptop must almost certainly be a macbook air) which is why I figured an ipad may be ideal (or not ideal, as the case may be) for my situation.
The bus I take to school is a coach bus with comfy seats, which makes it good for reading on the way to school. Good for reading only if you are holding a notebook or something with the same form factor such as an ipad (which is really nice with evernote because then I have every note that I have ever taken in the palm of my hand and it's all searchable). It becomes very cumbersome if you try to do the same thing with a laptop or binder (which is why at the very least, I'm switching to notebooks rather than binders and papers next semester).
The only problem is getting notes into the ipad. When I take notes from a text book, I type it into evernote. For images, (graphs, circuits, diagrams, etc.) I take photos of them and upload them into evernote (easier than drawing). For formulas, I use the formula editor in microsoft word, clip the image and put it into evernote. The only thing that I haven't solved is taking notes in class. I currently scan the notes afterwards and put it into evernote, but scanning is a pain in the ***.
As for livescribe... as far as I know, you need to buy paper from them which I don't like. I really should consider livescribe more. If there is anyone out there who has used livescribe, I would appreciate you sharing your experience... assuming you have read through my entire rant and get to the bottom of this post. lol
My wife has a Macbook Air 13" and loves it. She's a elementary teacher so the usability is very different, but she takes it back and forth to school everyday and it has the best battery life on the market. It only being 3lbs obviously helps too. My 4 year old laptop is about 7 pounds so using the macbook air from time to time has definitely got me eyeing one on my next laptop purchase.
You would still have to bring a power cord if you planned on staying on campus all day in your scenario, you know, just to be sure. However since the macbook air is so popular you could get away with "sharing" chargers with other people or just buy a second one if you're worried about the charger breaking from all the back and forth. $80 is a lot, but having a dead laptop could cost you in crunch time.
I think you can try it with an iPad, but you're bound to be disappointed. With a Macbook Air you're definitely paying more but it's going to be your 'everything' device outside of your smartphone. If you're laptop is old I think it's worth it. If you just bought a laptop in the last year or so, it becomes a much harder decision in my opinion.
PS Since you already missed the student discount sale you will have to pay about $60 total for the Mac equivalent of excel, powerpoint and word on your macbook air. Just an FYI.
You would still have to bring a power cord if you planned on staying on campus all day in your scenario, you know, just to be sure. However since the macbook air is so popular you could get away with "sharing" chargers with other people or just buy a second one if you're worried about the charger breaking from all the back and forth. $80 is a lot, but having a dead laptop could cost you in crunch time.
I think you can try it with an iPad, but you're bound to be disappointed. With a Macbook Air you're definitely paying more but it's going to be your 'everything' device outside of your smartphone. If you're laptop is old I think it's worth it. If you just bought a laptop in the last year or so, it becomes a much harder decision in my opinion.
PS Since you already missed the student discount sale you will have to pay about $60 total for the Mac equivalent of excel, powerpoint and word on your macbook air. Just an FYI.
I got Microsoft office 2011 for mac for $10.95 in February as a student discount. I had no purpose for it then but I figured I couldn't pass up the deal, especially since I'm not the type to steal software by using keygens.
I also picked up a copy of windows 7 professional and ultimate for $20 each. I built a custom pc and swapped out the old hard drive on my old laptop and put the new OS on there :)
I also picked up a copy of windows 7 professional and ultimate for $20 each. I built a custom pc and swapped out the old hard drive on my old laptop and put the new OS on there :)
I am a engineer who graduated in 2008. Recently I started a 5 year program to get my MBA and I have to say that so far I love typing notes instead of writing. I wish I had a laptop with a good battery that wasn't super heavy through undergrad. I'm a lefty so reading what I write is hard enough, but when engineering profs start scribbling on a chalkboard it can get really hard to understand even a couple weeks later. I def get you with the greek symbols, some are hard enough to pronounce, forget about writing them!
I'm not sure if an iPad is the best device for you, but understand why you suggest it with its popularity, portability and battery life. If you already have one, I would suggest getting a bluetooth keyboard to try it out. I don't have an iPad, but like I said, I can type sooo much faster than I write and don't really care if I make mistakes in spelling, because that's something you can already correct later if you are OCD about it. As far as the greek symbols, they shouldn't be that hard to create shortcuts with a laptop, and so an iPad likely has a similar functionality. If nothing else, just put definitions at the top of your page like ? = sigma; & = mew or whatever you have to do. Having a keyboard instead of using the touchscreen is also a must, typing "blindly" on a touchscreen is hard for me, not sure if you've mastered that yet.
One of the major things you're going to encounter is the snooty factor. You're going to look snooty with your iPad unless many other people in the class bring a laptop. Going into college I bought the Logitech IO, the first crack at a smartpen, and it was virtually worthless. My handwriting was so bad that it couldn't make out the titles of my documents so I wouldn't go the smartpen route unless you get a chance to test drive. I understand smartpens have likely come a long way, but certain people shouldn't rely on their handwriting for organization at all.
Besides the snooty factor, you are going to have to use a format that you can sync with your computer in case you break/lose/etc. your iPad. Also I would buy a backup portable battery charger for those times when you want to either do the problem set or work on the project right after class to you have notes with you. I would suggest still carrying a notebook and pen of some sort as well. There will be sometimes when you have to have a piece of paper for a pop quiz, draw up a free body diagram and many other quick things that you can share or turn in with a piece of paper that you simply can't do what's asked with electronics.
Before buying my smartpen I originally wanted to get a phone/palm pilot that I could type notes on, record lectures, check email, keep phone numbers, tasks lists, schedule, etc. Obviously in 2004 there was nothing that was popular, versatile or economical. I wasn't about to spend $500 back then and use a tiny keyboard that didn't sync well all the time. You're not the only one thinking about doing this! Currently I think using a cheap, portable laptop makes the most sense. Battery life is a major factor though. If you have an iPad I would give it a try, but know that it's much more common to carry a laptop around campus in your backpack than an iPad and there are reasons that I haven't mentioned here that will come up.
I'm not sure if an iPad is the best device for you, but understand why you suggest it with its popularity, portability and battery life. If you already have one, I would suggest getting a bluetooth keyboard to try it out. I don't have an iPad, but like I said, I can type sooo much faster than I write and don't really care if I make mistakes in spelling, because that's something you can already correct later if you are OCD about it. As far as the greek symbols, they shouldn't be that hard to create shortcuts with a laptop, and so an iPad likely has a similar functionality. If nothing else, just put definitions at the top of your page like ? = sigma; & = mew or whatever you have to do. Having a keyboard instead of using the touchscreen is also a must, typing "blindly" on a touchscreen is hard for me, not sure if you've mastered that yet.
One of the major things you're going to encounter is the snooty factor. You're going to look snooty with your iPad unless many other people in the class bring a laptop. Going into college I bought the Logitech IO, the first crack at a smartpen, and it was virtually worthless. My handwriting was so bad that it couldn't make out the titles of my documents so I wouldn't go the smartpen route unless you get a chance to test drive. I understand smartpens have likely come a long way, but certain people shouldn't rely on their handwriting for organization at all.
Besides the snooty factor, you are going to have to use a format that you can sync with your computer in case you break/lose/etc. your iPad. Also I would buy a backup portable battery charger for those times when you want to either do the problem set or work on the project right after class to you have notes with you. I would suggest still carrying a notebook and pen of some sort as well. There will be sometimes when you have to have a piece of paper for a pop quiz, draw up a free body diagram and many other quick things that you can share or turn in with a piece of paper that you simply can't do what's asked with electronics.
Before buying my smartpen I originally wanted to get a phone/palm pilot that I could type notes on, record lectures, check email, keep phone numbers, tasks lists, schedule, etc. Obviously in 2004 there was nothing that was popular, versatile or economical. I wasn't about to spend $500 back then and use a tiny keyboard that didn't sync well all the time. You're not the only one thinking about doing this! Currently I think using a cheap, portable laptop makes the most sense. Battery life is a major factor though. If you have an iPad I would give it a try, but know that it's much more common to carry a laptop around campus in your backpack than an iPad and there are reasons that I haven't mentioned here that will come up.
Yea, I've already thought about the snotty factor, but lots of people already bring laptops to school and I'm starting to see a few ipad users trickling in. So at least I wouldn't be the only snotty person. But I don't have an ipad right now and it really is a tough sell for me to get one. As ArmpitOfDeath mentioned, it's essentially a toy. The most useful app on there for me would be Evernote, especially since I have a premium subscription. Other than that, I'm not too sure what I would use it for.
As far as I can see this is a dead idea right now. The best idea I can think of is to bring a laptop to class, ideally I think a macbook air, and a good old fashion notebook. Pretty much what you were suggesting.
Although, I am really interested in hearing about experiences from livescribe pen users. Straight off the top, big problems I see with it is having to buy their dotted paper and ink refills. Plus the fact that one may lose the pen.
As far as I can see this is a dead idea right now. The best idea I can think of is to bring a laptop to class, ideally I think a macbook air, and a good old fashion notebook. Pretty much what you were suggesting.
Although, I am really interested in hearing about experiences from livescribe pen users. Straight off the top, big problems I see with it is having to buy their dotted paper and ink refills. Plus the fact that one may lose the pen.
Noterize is a good app for note taking / PDF annotation on the iPad. The problem is that I didn't find a good enough stylus yet See my separate thread here: gdgt.com/discuss/stylusapp-combo-for-pdf-annotatio...
It is possible to post your notes to a WordPress site via email. You can even create several categories, one for each course you are taking, so that you only have to use one WP site. Any device, iPad or smart Android phone, that can send email might be valid for note taking. Even if you don't have WIFI at the time, most email programs will let you create emails, and then send them the next time you are connected to the Internet. Your notes are listed chronologically, or you can use the "Search" function to find specific items. If the device has a camera, you can take a photo of notes, or the whiteboard & add them to your typed notes. You can make the site private and only allow specific users to access it, if you want. A WP site works well across most platforms and is automatically "mobile friendly."
If you can create mp3 audio files, you can record notes or class lectures & add those to the WP notes. *I need a full-sized keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard connects & works very well) to take notes quickly. I have tried SWYPE on my Android phone, and 40 wpm isn't quite fast enough for me to jot down my ideas. I've tried a stylus with my iPad, and haven't found a program that lets me write quickly (Adobe Ideas app).
As far as Greek letters & circuit symbols, you might want to carry an Etch A Sketch. There is a learning curve, but once you have it looking the way you want, just take a picture and add it to your notes. Turn upside down, shake, and you're ready for more note taking.
If you can create mp3 audio files, you can record notes or class lectures & add those to the WP notes. *I need a full-sized keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard connects & works very well) to take notes quickly. I have tried SWYPE on my Android phone, and 40 wpm isn't quite fast enough for me to jot down my ideas. I've tried a stylus with my iPad, and haven't found a program that lets me write quickly (Adobe Ideas app).
As far as Greek letters & circuit symbols, you might want to carry an Etch A Sketch. There is a learning curve, but once you have it looking the way you want, just take a picture and add it to your notes. Turn upside down, shake, and you're ready for more note taking.
