iPad I’ve a few questions.

[kshangaun]

My device: IPad Pro M2 11” 256GB

1. What’s the best note taking app? (I don’t mind paid ones)
2. I’m using a third party case for my iPad it has magnets on the front flip but it doesn’t have magnets on the back so I’ve to tuck my iPad into into it and it also has space for pencil… same with pencil, I’ve to tuck my pencil into it and while doing so the tip of the pencil scratches/ rubs against the case side boundary every time I take it out and put it in. Is it safe? Will it damage the pencil or the tip?
3. I will be using this iPad for reading, pdf annotations and taking handwriting for 99% of the times… so please let me know what are the must buy accessories and what’s the way to get most out of this device as a student? [Except the keyboard and mouse as I always have a MacBook]
4. This is my first time using iPad for hand-written notes so this kinda tricky for me and my handwriting sucks here on iPad. Any suggestions on how I could get used to writing on iPad quickly?

Other than the answers to this questions… any other tips/ suggestions are also welcomed. Thanks.

 

[RaphaZ]

I don't like handwritten notes on iPad.
I've seen some great sketches, tough.
The only thing I do like to use is the PDF annotation and highlighting. In that case, I use Microsoft 365 and One Drive, which allows the pencil to highlight in straight lines (instead of drawing). There are other apps which can do that.

Writing on paper is absolutely irreplaceable to me. I don't think any technology can do better.
Good luck, hope you enjoy your device!

 

[Isengardtom]

I would start with the stock apple notes app since it’s free and pretty decent

I have also used 3rd party app notability which I think is a good app too
Freeform is nice if you want to whiteboard

 

[BhaveshUK]

My device: IPad Pro M2 11” 256GB

1. What’s the best note taking app? (I don’t mind paid ones)
2. I’m using a third party case for my iPad it has magnets on the front flip but it doesn’t have magnets on the back so I’ve to tuck my iPad into into it and it also has space for pencil… same with pencil, I’ve to tuck my pencil into it and while doing so the tip of the pencil scratches/ rubs against the case side boundary every time I take it out and put it in. Is it safe? Will it damage the pencil or the tip?
3. I will be using this iPad for reading, pdf annotations and taking handwriting for 99% of the times… so please let me know what are the must buy accessories and what’s the way to get most out of this device as a student? [Except the keyboard and mouse as I always have a MacBook]
4. This is my first time using iPad for hand-written notes so this kinda tricky for me and my handwriting sucks here on iPad. Any suggestions on how I could get used to writing on iPad quickly?

Other than the answers to this questions… any other tips/ suggestions are also welcomed. Thanks.

1. GoodNotes is my favourite. Also see NoteShelf and Notability.
2. I can't give you a definitive yes or no on this.
3. Apple Pencil and consider the Smart Folio for a good writing angle and lightweight case.
4. I don't like the paper-feel matt screen protectors as they reduce the quality of the iPad screen, but many people swear by them. I use a glossy screen protector as my previous iPad Pro 10.5 developed a scratch using the Apple Pencil without the screen protector. Outside of that, practice and more practice.

 

[stanza.richi]

For pdf reading and highlighting, I use adobe reader. Quite comfortable also for annotation.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Apple notes is good actually. I use goodnotes too. Also drafts is amazing, but it depends on how you like to work. Screen wise I use paperlike.

 

[BB1970]

1. Notability for me by far. They seem to be on top of things as far as updates and new features. I was grandfathered in so I don’t pay since they went to a subscription model, but I would probably pay if I had to. Im used to it and use it daily.
2. I use an ESR case for the iPad and pencil. It’s not much and theres a secure flap for the pencil and it’s magnetized On the back so just plop it on the case and it’s on.
3. Some people have recommended applying things like a translucent screen for more of a natural feel. I suppose one can do that but the pencil tips will wear out sooner. Granted, replacement tips aren’t to expensive, but it’s still a thing. So my recommendation is…
4. Time. Your hand and brain need time to adjust to the slippery glass. For me, I too have bad handwriting on glass, but I changed my grip a bit on the pencil (closer to the nib) and trained myself to go a bit slower. I think we’re used to the natural friction of paper so we tend to write faster.. but without that resistance, it becomes too fast and we end up making an unreadable squiggle. You just need time to get used to it.

 

[floral]

My device: IPad Pro M2 11” 256GB

1. What’s the best note taking app? (I don’t mind paid ones)
2. I’m using a third party case for my iPad it has magnets on the front flip but it doesn’t have magnets on the back so I’ve to tuck my iPad into into it and it also has space for pencil… same with pencil, I’ve to tuck my pencil into it and while doing so the tip of the pencil scratches/ rubs against the case side boundary every time I take it out and put it in. Is it safe? Will it damage the pencil or the tip?
3. I will be using this iPad for reading, pdf annotations and taking handwriting for 99% of the times… so please let me know what are the must buy accessories and what’s the way to get most out of this device as a student? [Except the keyboard and mouse as I always have a MacBook]
4. This is my first time using iPad for hand-written notes so this kinda tricky for me and my handwriting sucks here on iPad. Any suggestions on how I could get used to writing on iPad quickly?

Other than the answers to this questions… any other tips/ suggestions are also welcomed. Thanks.

Oh oh! I can answer!

1. I don't take notes often, but for shopping lists and stuff, the basic Notes app works good.
2. Likely no, the pencil tip is fairly round, but you might want to get a better case if it has a flaw like that.
3. You might be interested in a Paperlike screen protector if you want a better notetaking feel, I've heard a lot of people think it's really good but can't verify myself since I don't use this for notes really.
4. Maybe try to pretend you're writing on a really expensive piece of paper - as in, try putting it in portrait and writing on it as if you're writing on a normal piece of paper.