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Question

tablet for handwriting notes under $200?

Jan 10, 2015 1:09AM PST

I have purchased two 10.1" Digiland tablets from BestBuy ( tried them for a week and both went back). I went and got an Asus Transformer Tf103 and while it's ok, I'm realizing that 10.1 in is a bit annoying for me to hold / I'm not sure I want such a big screen ( I write fairly small and its annoying that I cannot shrink the notepad size in a lot of writing apps). I tried using my jot pro with it and it wasn't all that different from using a rubber tip stylus. I haven't tried a fiber mesh tip stylus yet.

Overall I was planning on returning the Asus tablet for a Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4" but I'm super disappointed that it doesn't have s-pen capabilities. I'm trying to make myself love the 8" note by Galaxy, but it just looks unappealing to me (physically). I'm strongly considering an iPad Mini, however I am just not sure if android / os apps will be sufficient for note taking (from everything I've read here it seems like they would work fine).

I'm a bit against getting a windows tablet primarily because I already have a 15" pc that is running Windows 8 (just ordered a new battery and ac adapter for the laptop, it's been dead for a little over a year and I've owned it since 2012).

I'm basically sick of buying tablets and returning / exchanging. I've been researching since a couple weeks before christmas and I've come to the conclusion that I need a bit of advice from you guys. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!!

Also if you use an android tablet, what app do you use? I'm in college and plan on using this in lieu of paper and pen.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Update
Jan 10, 2015 1:11AM PST

[EDIT] my max is $200, I'm willing to to look at refurbs or used. I don't really want anything older than a year though (something still supported with updates is ideal).

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Answer
After trying too many handwriting apps
Jan 10, 2015 2:19AM PST

I'm back to the keyboard on my tablets. At the office we have that Asus but the iPad Mini seems to be well liked with the usual note taking apps.
Bob

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Answer
you get what you paid for
Jan 12, 2015 5:45AM PST

if you are looking for a tablet where you can write you are going to get what you paid for. I would suggest the note series since it uses wacom active digitizer and it has the ability not to leave marks when you rest your hand on the screen while writing. there is an 8 inch version. Unfortunately it is above your budget but you can get them refurbished. I have tried hundreds of writing apps and the best one for my use is papyrus. You can shrink the page. you might want to check it out.

You may also want to check out the galaxy tab series because some of their models also have the wacom digitizer. The only real difference between them and the note is there is not a built in stylus holder.