Database Users

SGN10.1 vs Microsoft Surface Pens

The upcoming release of the Microsoft Surface will offer a digitized pen. Both the RT and Pro versions can use the pen; however, Microsoft warns that only the Pro version has palm rejection and highly accurate pen input (similar in quality to our s-pen). I am guessing that the RT version will work with the pen just not very well. For those who have tried writing without palm rejection you know what a frustating experience it can be.
It is estimated that the Pro version will price around $900+ or competitive with ultrabooks.
So if pen input is high on your list of must-haves, the Surface will offer it but it will cost you if you seek an experience on par with the SGN10.1.
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Additionally it looks as is the Surface RT will have a comparable resolution to our SGN10.1. NO full HD. Also the Surface will be significantly heavier than our device.
There seems to be quite a debate about the price of the RT. As low as $200 (which I doubt) up to the $400 to $500 range.
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One advantage Surface has is that every app made for RT will be a tablet app....unlike android where most apps are phone apps.
Who knows, by the time Surface comes out it'll probably have more tablet apps compared to android.

yumms said:
One advantage Surface has is that every app made for RT will be a tablet app....unlike android where most apps are phone apps.
Who knows, by the time Surface comes out it'll probably have more tablet apps compared to android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously doubt it. Android has more tablet apps than you think. It will take a while for them to build up the numbers android has.even then, more and more will be created for android.
I do want a MS Surface also though

Looks like the Pro is the only one worth having and it will be heavy (over 2 lbs) and expensive. The Pro is basically a touch screen ultrabook with a really small screen.
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yumms said:
One advantage Surface has is that every app made for RT will be a tablet app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And there in lies the problem with RT. It won't be able to run native Windows apps so the only content will be what app developers adapt for ARM. With the jury still out on the ARM version of Surface's success, I wouldn't expect to see a slew of adapted and original apps for it when it releases. If you think about it, WebOS on the HP TP was really cool, easy to use, and very intuitive for the non-technical. It failed because of lack of content. MS can (and I expect will) port their apps over to work on RT but does anyone want to rely on Windows Media Player and WMA and WMV files (again)?
This is from a MS SEC filing. There's a great deal of risk in both the launch of Surface and competing with their h/w partners at the same time.
We also offer vertically-integrated hardware and software products and services; however, our competitors have been in the market longer and in some cases have established significantly large user bases. Efforts to compete with the vertically integrated model will increase our cost of revenue and reduce our operating margins.
We derive substantial revenue from licenses of Windows operating systems on personal computers. The proliferation of alternative devices and form factors, in particular mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, creates challenges from competing software platforms. These devices compete on multiple bases including price and the perceived utility of the device and its platform.
Even if many users view these devices as complementary to a personal computer, the prevalence of these devices may make it more difficult to attract applications developers to our platforms. In addition, our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform.​

To me it seems like RT will be too little and Pro will be too much. I mean why drop $1000 on a 10 inch screen with a crappy keyboard when you can buy a nice laptop for that? I dunno but can you imagine trying to use MS ACCESS on a 10 inch HD screen? You would go blind.
Right now im feeling pretty good about my SGN10.1
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mitchellvii said:
To me it seems like RT will be too little and Pro will be too much. I mean why drop $1000 on a 10 inch screen with a crappy keyboard when you can buy a nice laptop for that? I dunno but can you imagine trying to use MS ACCESS on a 10 inch HD screen? You would go blind.
Right now im feeling pretty good about my SGN10.1
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think MS Access on a 10 inch screen would make my head spin. I also think the 10" form factor is best suited to light to moderate productivity tasks along with consumption of media, communications, and presentation. Tasks like note-taking, email, basic document manipulation and that sort of thing seem to be the most well-suited for conversion from a full PC to something like a tablet -- information management stuff, really. For $1000, I'd buy an ultrabook and use my regular wacom drawing tablet with it if needed, rather than the Surface and it's almost-full-windows OS.
I just don't envision doing a lot of real work on a 10" tablet, no matter who makes it. I'm a web developer (and designer) among other things, and while I certainly have the tools at my disposal to write source code on my tablet, I think I'd go insane with a project of any real size. Screen real estate is the major factor, IMO: my PC is a dual monitor setup and I use every bit of both monitors when I work. The Note has gone a long way in the short time I've owned it to changing how much and what tasks I use my tablet for. I find myself reaching for it far more often than I ever reached for my OG Transformer (and the TF had a keyboard dock!)
The Note 10.1 lets me sketch out ideas, create rough designs, and take notes on a decent size screen (the Note 5.3 is just too small for my liking for this) -- basically every bit of the prep work that I do (and sometimes just notes to myself while I'm mid-project). It's part of my tool set now, but definitely not the end-all for productivity. I have absolutely zero interest in a windows tablet, even with a true MS Office on it. Windows tablets have long been (and sounds like they still will be, even with the surface) too expensive for what they do (or, in the case of the lower priced Surface tablet, doesn't do enough for the $$). $500 was perfect for me -- I get my media consumption device (I already have enough $$ invested in android apps and content) plus a work tool all rolled into one and for a price I'm completely happy with.

My only hesitation when buying my Note 10.1 was knowing the MS was coming out with pen enabled tablet in two months. I have always felt tablets from the start should have built in support for inking abilities, after all, what is the tablet replacing first and foremost - a note pad. I have been frustrated up until now about the options - using a large, hot running, full of vents for cooling, expensive windows tablet with short battery life (but very good inking with active digitized layer on the screen) or skip the inking altogether and use keyboard (Transformer Tablet). I decided to go the Transformer route with a purchase of a TF101 when they first came out, loved it (still do) but still wanted to be able to write on the tablet like a pad of paper (capactive stylus never have worked like a real wacom one). Now the Note is out and I did wind up buying it, love it a lot but just wish I could have the best of both worlds on this tablet - long battery life, light, real inking ability is all there but its missing some type of real MS office type of app including OneNote that takes advantage of inking.
If I knew MS Windows 8 RT would have the same capabilities as my Note 10.1 (Speed, batt life, real inking) along with fully implements MS office then I could see me wanting to get one. A bonus is also the keyboard, I know some scoff at their keyboard but I'm wishing we had something like that on our Note!

But thats just the point. Pen performance on the RT will be sketchy at best. No palm rejection? Fogetaboutit. You want pen with an HD screen on Surface? Youll pay ultrabook prices for a tiny 10 inch screen.
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Out of curiosity, where have you read that RT will have pen support? Every thing I've read so far is that it won't.
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freedomispopular said:
Out of curiosity, where have you read that RT will have pen support? Every thing I've read so far is that it won't.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read in a review that it will but that it will basically suck. No palm rejection and not very accurate input. Probably no better than a rubber tipped stylus. But people can start to see why the SGN10.1 doesn't have an HD screen. It wouldn't work with the pen without a much more powerful CPU.
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mitchellvii said:
I read in a review that it will but that it will basically suck. No palm rejection and not very accurate input. Probably no better than a rubber tipped stylus. But people can start to see why the SGN10.1 doesn't have an HD screen. It wouldn't work with the pen without a much more powerful CPU.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely if it has a pen at all it'll be passive, not active. It wouldn't make sense to build in a digitizer and then not bundle a pen. Which means it won't be any better than using your finger really.
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I Will wait until the Samsung Series 5 Hybrid Pc comes out. HD screen with keyboard and Wacom Pen input, and it also works as an Ultrabook... So much!
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iZan23 said:
I Will wait until the Samsung Series 5 Hybrid Pc comes out. HD screen with keyboard and Wacom Pen input, and it also works as an Ultrabook... So much!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be my choice - the best of all types of inputs, you decide how you want to use it, keyboard, touch or digital ink. I did notice in this article http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-to-introduce-hybrid-windows-8-tablet-at-ifa-2012-7000003235/
They say the full version of windows 8 tablets will sell for "several hundred dollars" I was under the impression only the RT ARM version was "rumored" to be starting at $200 and the full on X86 tablets were start at over $500 - $600 at least, with higher end tablets expected to be much higher. Is this still the case?

rpmbnsf said:
This would be my choice - the best of all types of inputs, you decide how you want to use it, keyboard, touch or digital ink. I did notice in this article http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-to-introduce-hybrid-windows-8-tablet-at-ifa-2012-7000003235/
They say the full version of windows 8 tablets will sell for "several hundred dollars" I was under the impression only the RT ARM version was "rumored" to be starting at $200 and the full on X86 tablets were start at over $500 - $600 at least, with higher end tablets expected to be much higher. Is this still the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read that the Surface Pro will price comparable to an ultrabook since that is basically what it is with touch and a very small screen. My guess is around $900.
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iZan23 said:
I Will wait until the Samsung Series 5 Hybrid Pc comes out. HD screen with keyboard and Wacom Pen input, and it also works as an Ultrabook... So much!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty upset that this will be shown right after they release the Note 10.1. Hopefully it will be a while away, or not run as smooth. increased price shouldnt really be a problem, though the 11 inch does seem a bit wide...

nymviper1126 said:
I am pretty upset that this will be shown right after they release the Note 10.1. Hopefully it will be a while away, or not run as smooth. increased price shouldnt really be a problem, though the 11 inch does seem a bit wide...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be heavy and probably twice the price.

mitchellvii said:
But thats just the point. Pen performance on the RT will be sketchy at best. No palm rejection? Fogetaboutit. You want pen with an HD screen on Surface? Youll pay ultrabook prices for a tiny 10 inch screen.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The RT does not have a digitizer. Pen performance will be just like any other tablet with no digitizer (e.g. iPad, Transformer, etc..)
And a "tiny 10 inch screen"?? It will still be 1/2 inch BIGGER than the Galaxy Note 10.1 screen... (same for both RT and Pro).
---------- Post added at 02:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:52 PM ----------
mitchellvii said:
Looks like the Pro is the only one worth having and it will be heavy (over 2 lbs) and expensive. The Pro is basically a touch screen ultrabook with a really small screen.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a link to support your claim about the weight? And is that weight with the keyboard attached? Okay, and how much does the Note 10.1 weigh with a keyboard?
If you want to compare weights, please keep the comparison apples to apples. The Surface Pro does not require a keyboard. It's a tablet with a digitizing stylus - just like the Note 10.1.
As a matter of fact, MS specs for the Surface Pro are 903g. The GN 10.1 is 594g. Or 1.99 pounds for the SP and 1.31 for the GN 10.1. So the SP is 0.68 pounds or 309g heavier.
http://www.microsoft.com/global/surface/en/us/renderingassets/surfacespecsheet.pdf
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/GT-N8013EAVXAR-specs
And how do you figure that a 10.6" tablet with a digitizing stylus is "a touch screen ultrabook with a really small screen".
What do you have against the Surface Pro anyway? You seem to be going out of your way to trash it based on stuff you "heard" and stuff you "read" (but haven't provided links to).
If the Pro does come in at $900, you'll still be getting 64GB storage (which you can't even get on a GN 10.1, and with the option for 128GB), full 1080p resolution, and a 1/2 inch bigger screen. Just the bigger screen has to add some to the weight. And you can run ANY Windows app. That means WAY MORE apps than you can run on the GN 10.1. And all that hoopla about "multi-tasking" on the Note? Well, you can actually do that FOR REAL on the Pro - with any app, not just the 6 that Samsung gave you.
$900 doesn't sound that bad compared to $550, when you're talking about double the onboard storage, way higher resolution graphics and, according to you, a much more powerful processor. And the option to add on a really thin keyboard cover that attaches magnetically, turns the screen off when you close it, and looks like it works pretty darn well when you're using it. Heck, how much are you going to spend just to have something to prop your Note up for watching movies? The Surfaces have something for that built in. Oh, and did I forget to mention the Pro has USB 3.0, built-in DisplayPort output, and a 2x2 MIMO WiFi antenna?
The Surface Pro is (slightly) bigger, better, faster, and more capable. For a small amount of extra weight and a bit of extra money.
At the end of the day, if you have a legitimate need for what the Galaxy Note 10.1 offers - i.e. it's more to you than just a neat thing to play around with and let you feel superior to your friends with Transformers and iPads - then I suspect the Surface Pro will more than justify its extra cost to you for all the extras that it will provide.
I really, really like my GN 10.1. I think it is the best tablet on the market right now and I have a legitimate business use for the note-taking capabilities. But, I don't have delusions of grandeur about it. It is what it is and I expect the SPro to be Note++.
Again, what do you have against the Surface tablets?

Stuart calm down.
I have nothing against the Surface Pro. My point is that if you can afford the Surface Pro you should get it but do not feel bad that your $500 SGN10.0 doesn't have an HD screen like a device costing almost twice as much.
What makes you such a Surface evangelist?
P.S. How do you figure almost twice the price is a "bit more money". That hyperbole my friend. It will be the Note ++ and the Price ++.
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Do you think this is the best tablet for a college student?

Like for taking notes, etc.
I believe it is, but maybe the microsoft surface is good too. I haven't looked into it.

Hahahalalala said:
Like for taking notes, etc.
I believe it is, but maybe the microsoft surface is good too. I haven't looked into it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is a great device, but if form factor is important then the Note 8 might be a better fit.
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For right now, I'd say yes. Once new windows 8 tablets with Haswell processors and the newer lower end atom processors start coming out, i think windows tablets will be better for school.
And I assume you mean the surface pro. For one class under 4 hours (summer school classes are long) I'd say it works. But if you have a couple classes on the same day with a break in between and might have the trouble finding an outlet, your battery won't last all that long. The new haswells are supposed to have almost double battery life
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I agree. This was the reason why I didn't switch to a surface pro/ ativ pc pro / win8 tablets in general
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i think this one is better than windows 8 tablet, windows 8 is not really touch-friendly, many apps don't support touch (like chrome, firefox,... you can't pinch and zoom so you have to use IE). using a touch screen windows 8 device is like you have to use the keyboard and mouse as if it doesn't have a touch screen lol.
but the note 10.1 is too big, i think the note 8 is better for school

thats interesting how most say note 8 is a better size.
How so?
I mean, I feel it may be too small to write on and I don't like the way it looks.

Hahahalalala said:
thats interesting how most say note 8 is a better size.
How so?
I mean, I feel it may be too small to write on and I don't like the way it looks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When taking notes you hold the device in your recessive hand while writing with your dominant hand, or at least a lot of students do it that way. The Note 10.1 is heavy enough that after 15 to 20 minutes the weaker hand gets tired and will not hold the device in a manner stable enough that is conducive to pen input.
Also, if you don't like how it looks the device isn't for you, but the topic here isn't whether it is the best device for you, it is which is the best tablet for a college student, hence a generic representative of that collective not a specific individual. Besides, every college student don't have the same needs in a tablet and rest assured that they have very different aesthetics in regard to said devices.
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Kumabjorn said:
When taking notes you hold the device in your recessive hand while writing with your dominant hand, or at least a lot of students do it that way. The Note 10.1 is heavy enough that after 15 to 20 minutes the weaker hand gets tired and will not hold the device in a manner stable enough that is conducive to pen input.
Also, if you don't like how it looks the device isn't for you, but the topic here isn't whether it is the best device for you, it is which is the best tablet for a college student, hence a generic representative of that collective not a specific individual. Besides, every college student don't have the same needs in a tablet and rest assured that they have very different aesthetics in regard to said devices.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I already have the note 10.1!
I was just wondering for others.
For me, I put it on the edge, table or the side of the table, so my hand doesn't feel heavy.

It's pretty tiring to hold in one hand on its back. Especially with a case on.
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work iqprivi
This is good device, not the best.

I really enjoy my note 10.1 for school, majoring in manufacturing engineering. I use lecture notes for all my notes and it is perfect, way better than pen and paper with the whole shape drawing and color options and stuff. The pen is great with books as pdf's, being able to snip out the parts I need and toss them in my notes.

Its too good man to have it!! just digg in to it!
thanks!

Its good for just about anything, but mainly excels at taking notes and drawing

I have a long winded reply about how I use it here, where someone else asked something similar: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45281102

Note 10.1 vs Win8 tablets with pen for studying

I'm looking for a tablet to assist me in my mechanical engineering studies. I have a laptop and a Galaxy Tab 7.7. The laptop is too big and I havent found any good apps to edit pdfs on linux and the 7.7 is too small.
We get all scripts as pdf and some of them have gaps that we fill in the lecture. Atm I print the scripts on paper. I'm thinking of getting a tablet to organize the huge influx of information and reduce the amount of stuff I have to print out and keep in "real" folders.
So there are a few options:
Note 2014, LectureNotes for organizing, ezpdf/repligo for editing of pdfs
Windows 8 Tablets like surface pro, lenovo tablet 2 or sony tap 11. I'm not familiar with the metro app ecosystem and don't know if there are great apps like LectureNotes or ezpdf. The most expensive option.
Continue to print on paper. Cheapest, but not editable, searchable or reusable etc.
I have seen a few students with Note 10.1's and only one with a microsoft surface. The Note owners seemed to be happy with their way of doing things. Though I haven't spoken to the guy with the surface, it seemed like he only used it for viewing pdfs.
I'm particularly interested in the comparison between windows tablets and the galaxy note for note taking, pdf notes and general usefulness for studying.

I admit I haven't put a lot of time into the Win8 devices, but my general impression is that they are very slick, well made, but massively overpriced and terribly lacking on the software side.
Rather than giving a direct comparison, what you could see is if there is anything that the 10.1 can't do that you'd need. By my counting, there isn't. Annotating and marking up PDFs? No problem. All the cloud syncing and printing you could ask for? Got it. Fantastic organization by way of LectureNotes? Mmhm. The screen is sharp, the pen works just dandy, and there's scads of apps for you to create, edit, organize, and make use of all of your PDFs.
I can't say with certainty how good a win8 tab would be, but I can say that the the 10.1 2014 would do everything you could possibly ask of it.

{Diemex} said:
I'm looking for a tablet to assist me in my mechanical engineering studies. I have a laptop and a Galaxy Tab 7.7. The laptop is too big and I havent found any good apps to edit pdfs on linux and the 7.7 is too small.
We get all scripts as pdf and some of them have gaps that we fill in the lecture. Atm I print the scripts on paper. I'm thinking of getting a tablet to organize the huge influx of information and reduce the amount of stuff I have to print out and keep in "real" folders.
So there are a few options:
Note 2014, LectureNotes for organizing, ezpdf/repligo for editing of pdfs
Windows 8 Tablets like surface pro, lenovo tablet 2 or sony tap 11. I'm not familiar with the metro app ecosystem and don't know if there are great apps like LectureNotes or ezpdf. The most expensive option.
Continue to print on paper. Cheapest, but not editable, searchable or reusable etc.
I have seen a few students with Note 10.1's and only one with a microsoft surface. The Note owners seemed to be happy with their way of doing things. Though I haven't spoken to the guy with the surface, it seemed like he only used it for viewing pdfs.
I'm particularly interested in the comparison between windows tablets and the galaxy note for note taking, pdf notes and general usefulness for studying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have either but I've used a Windows 7 tablet and last year's Note 10.1 and the big difference for me was that while both had Wacom, Android is just way more usable via touch than Windows. Windows 8 is more touch friendly to be sure but the software ecosystem just isn't there yet (in terms of touch friendly apps). Like the above poster said, there really isn't much you can't do on a Note 10.1. The one wildcard is Onenote, it's seriously the best thing Microsoft has ever made and there really isn't anything equivalent on Android, but I can live without it really. It would be cool if android note taking apps had the functionality of Onenote but in terms of just using it like an advanced paper notebook they're totally usable. It'd be cool to be able to search through notes and stuff (some app may allow this, but I haven't found one yet) but it's still much easier to find things in a digital notebook than a physical one.

{Diemex} said:
I'm looking for a tablet to assist me in my mechanical engineering studies. I have a laptop and a Galaxy Tab 7.7. The laptop is too big and I havent found any good apps to edit pdfs on linux and the 7.7 is too small.
We get all scripts as pdf and some of them have gaps that we fill in the lecture. Atm I print the scripts on paper. I'm thinking of getting a tablet to organize the huge influx of information and reduce the amount of stuff I have to print out and keep in "real" folders.
So there are a few options:
Note 2014, LectureNotes for organizing, ezpdf/repligo for editing of pdfs
Windows 8 Tablets like surface pro, lenovo tablet 2 or sony tap 11. I'm not familiar with the metro app ecosystem and don't know if there are great apps like LectureNotes or ezpdf. The most expensive option.
Continue to print on paper. Cheapest, but not editable, searchable or reusable etc.
I have seen a few students with Note 10.1's and only one with a microsoft surface. The Note owners seemed to be happy with their way of doing things. Though I haven't spoken to the guy with the surface, it seemed like he only used it for viewing pdfs.
I'm particularly interested in the comparison between windows tablets and the galaxy note for note taking, pdf notes and general usefulness for studying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a fellow mechanical engieer working and going to grad school, this is how it has been working for me.
I use ezPDF and see note. You can take snapshots of pdfs with ezpdf and paste them into s note.
Good luck.
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{Diemex} said:
I'm looking for a tablet to assist me in my mechanical engineering studies. I have a laptop and a Galaxy Tab 7.7. The laptop is too big and I havent found any good apps to edit pdfs on linux and the 7.7 is too small.
We get all scripts as pdf and some of them have gaps that we fill in the lecture. Atm I print the scripts on paper. I'm thinking of getting a tablet to organize the huge influx of information and reduce the amount of stuff I have to print out and keep in "real" folders.
So there are a few options:
Note 2014, LectureNotes for organizing, ezpdf/repligo for editing of pdfs
Windows 8 Tablets like surface pro, lenovo tablet 2 or sony tap 11. I'm not familiar with the metro app ecosystem and don't know if there are great apps like LectureNotes or ezpdf. The most expensive option.
Continue to print on paper. Cheapest, but not editable, searchable or reusable etc.
I have seen a few students with Note 10.1's and only one with a microsoft surface. The Note owners seemed to be happy with their way of doing things. Though I haven't spoken to the guy with the surface, it seemed like he only used it for viewing pdfs.
I'm particularly interested in the comparison between windows tablets and the galaxy note for note taking, pdf notes and general usefulness for studying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently/was wondering the same thing. I'm an engineering student and I want to use a tablet for note taking and reading/annotating papers. I considered a Surface pro or a lenovo win tablet with a pen. Mostly because of OneNote. While I haven't used it, I'm sure it is the most mature note taking app there is. I don't know how touch friendly it is (i.e. I don't know if OneNote has a Metro-mode), but if it's like the other office apps, I wouldn't want to use it without a mouse.
The biggest problem with Windows tablets, like it has already been said, is the lack of apps. My brother just bought a Windows tablet (the HP Envy x2 or something), which has full windows, a keyboard dock and no pen. He has a metro app to look at pdfs and hilight them (I think it's almost literally the only pdf app in the app store that supports some level of editing) but he can't write on them (with the keyboard).
You can always say you'll use the full-windows apps, not metro, of which there are plenty, but I just can't imagine that being fun to use with your fingers.
Besides note taking, I also want to use my tablet recreationally. Some browsing, RSS reading, gaming etc. For that, android is just better, hands down.
In terms of sycing, I thought maybe a win tablet might be easier to mangage, but as it turns out, android is probably easier. I can sync files with my Windows laptop via SugarSync and stuff like RSS feeds, podcasts and all that is easier to sync accross android devices.
I have now ordered the Note and am awaiting it anxiously. (it's not available yet where I live)
I hope that helps your decision process along, let me know to what conclusion you come.

In this excellent review (see link below) of the Note 10.1 the reviewer mentions "better going for the 2014 Note 10.1" for people who make notes. Professional artists are better of on a Windows device because of the much larger software base. She reviewed both the 2014 Note 10.1 and the popular Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 (linked in article).
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tablets/2014-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-10.htm

The_Maverick said:
I am currently/was wondering the same thing. I'm an engineering student and I want to use a tablet for note taking and reading/annotating papers. I considered a Surface pro or a lenovo win tablet with a pen. Mostly because of OneNote. While I haven't used it, I'm sure it is the most mature note taking app there is. I don't know how touch friendly it is (i.e. I don't know if OneNote has a Metro-mode), but if it's like the other office apps, I wouldn't want to use it without a mouse.
The biggest problem with Windows tablets, like it has already been said, is the lack of apps. My brother just bought a Windows tablet (the HP Envy x2 or something), which has full windows, a keyboard dock and no pen. He has a metro app to look at pdfs and hilight them (I think it's almost literally the only pdf app in the app store that supports some level of editing) but he can't write on them (with the keyboard).
You can always say you'll use the full-windows apps, not metro, of which there are plenty, but I just can't imagine that being fun to use with your fingers.
Besides note taking, I also want to use my tablet recreationally. Some browsing, RSS reading, gaming etc. For that, android is just better, hands down.
In terms of sycing, I thought maybe a win tablet might be easier to mangage, but as it turns out, android is probably easier. I can sync files with my Windows laptop via SugarSync and stuff like RSS feeds, podcasts and all that is easier to sync accross android devices.
I have now ordered the Note and am awaiting it anxiously. (it's not available yet where I live)
I hope that helps your decision process along, let me know to what conclusion you come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used it personally but OneNote is available for Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.onenote

The_Maverick said:
I am currently/was wondering the same thing. I'm an engineering student and I want to use a tablet for note taking and reading/annotating papers. I considered a Surface pro or a lenovo win tablet with a pen. Mostly because of OneNote. While I haven't used it, I'm sure it is the most mature note taking app there is. I don't know how touch friendly it is (i.e. I don't know if OneNote has a Metro-mode), but if it's like the other office apps, I wouldn't want to use it without a mouse.
The biggest problem with Windows tablets, like it has already been said, is the lack of apps. My brother just bought a Windows tablet (the HP Envy x2 or something), which has full windows, a keyboard dock and no pen. He has a metro app to look at pdfs and hilight them (I think it's almost literally the only pdf app in the app store that supports some level of editing) but he can't write on them (with the keyboard).
You can always say you'll use the full-windows apps, not metro, of which there are plenty, but I just can't imagine that being fun to use with your fingers.
Besides note taking, I also want to use my tablet recreationally. Some browsing, RSS reading, gaming etc. For that, android is just better, hands down.
In terms of sycing, I thought maybe a win tablet might be easier to mangage, but as it turns out, android is probably easier. I can sync files with my Windows laptop via SugarSync and stuff like RSS feeds, podcasts and all that is easier to sync accross android devices.
I have now ordered the Note and am awaiting it anxiously. (it's not available yet where I live)
I hope that helps your decision process along, let me know to what conclusion you come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, if you guys can afford or get over dropping 1K on a tablet than the surface pro is the way to go.
Don't get you mind set on "apps." as an engineer, being able to run and execute programs relevant to your fields is more important.
For me, I won't be able to run Catia V5, Solid works, MATLAB, C++, EES, etc on a android tablet. If I didn't drop 1K earlier on my laptop I probably would have got a surface pro 2 so that I wouldn't have to carry so much.
But the note 10.1 has served me well. I got it because I already had a laptop that was cad ready, the note also charges over USB and was at a good price.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

My main requirement for a tablet is the ability to highlight PDF’s and add sticky notes/annotations for studying; the ability to write notes and have it be as close to a paper/pen experience as possible; and the ability to watch movies and shows in HD while on flights, etc.
If I was sure that the Surface Pro 2 could do all of those things better than the Note 10.1, I’d spend the money. But I’m not sure it can. After struggling for years using a fat stylus on the iPad, the S-Pen on the Note 10.1 seems perfect.
Is the Surface Pro 2 better at these things than the Note 10.1?

Han Solo 1 said:
My main requirement for a tablet is the ability to highlight PDF’s and add sticky notes/annotations for studying; the ability to write notes and have it be as close to a paper/pen experience as possible; and the ability to watch movies and shows in HD while on flights, etc.
If I was sure that the Surface Pro 2 could do all of those things better than the Note 10.1, I’d spend the money. But I’m not sure it can. After struggling for years using a fat stylus on the iPad, the S-Pen on the Note 10.1 seems perfect.
Is the Surface Pro 2 better at these things than the Note 10.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the Surface Pro 2, but those things you mention (movie playback and taking notes, with LectureNotes) are precisely 2 strongpoints of the 2014 Note 10.1. Furthermore it will be a lot lighter in weight, cost far less and drain far less battery. I would recommend it in a heartbeat for those items you mention.
Edit: I highly doubt the Surface Pro giving you a better movie watching experience. I would put money on it...

As someone that owned last years Note 10.1 and owns both the current 10.1 and Surface Pro - I would much rather ink on the Note 10.1.
I really like One Note. Unfortunately, it seems to me like Microsoft doesn't feel the same. I feel like they could/should take One Note and turn it into an Evernote competitor. I see a lot of potential in the software, but no love.
For work, a couple months back, I was trying to take notes on the go while working with a 3rd party vendor using my Surface Pro. I am probably in the minority of people that actually like Windows 8. For me though, on the go, holding the Note 10.1 in one hand and trying to ink vs the Surface Pro is night and day. The Surface Pro is just far too heavy. But it fills that void when I need something extremely portable that will run full blown Photoshop, Quark, etc.

stinger108 said:
I have never used it personally but OneNote is available for Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.onenote
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never used it myself either. I might check it out once I get my Note. But the fact that it hasn't been mentioned in all the LectureNotes conversations on here tells me that it might not actually be comparable. Does any one know whether OneNote on Android supports the SPen?
SlimJ87D said:
Honestly, if you guys can afford or get over dropping 1K on a tablet than the surface pro is the way to go.
Don't get you mind set on "apps." as an engineer, being able to run and execute programs relevant to your fields is more important.
For me, I won't be able to run Catia V5, Solid works, MATLAB, C++, EES, etc on a android tablet. If I didn't drop 1K earlier on my laptop I probably would have got a surface pro 2 so that I wouldn't have to carry so much.
But the note 10.1 has served me well. I got it because I already had a laptop that was cad ready, the note also charges over USB and was at a good price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The price is also prohipive, you're right, I didn't even consider that.
I was in the same situation as you were. I bought a X1 Carbon a year ago, which I use for MATLAB and the like. Had good options been available then, I might have gone with a hybrid. Although for that I'd go with one that has a transformer like dock, such as the Lenovo ThinPad Tablet 2. But I like that my laptop is 14". Only 10" or 11" would be too small for me.

Ettepetje said:
In this excellent review (see link below) of the Note 10.1 the reviewer mentions "better going for the 2014 Note 10.1" for people who make notes. Professional artists are better of on a Windows device because of the much larger software base. She reviewed both the 2014 Note 10.1 and the popular Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 (linked in article).
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tablets/2014-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-10.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well "a much larger software base" means Pro and not RT and the Pro tablets are certainly a bit bulkier and heavier than the Note due to the hardware and battery to keep the thing running. I am also not sure how battery life compares between say the Surface Pro vs the new Note.

wingdo said:
Well "a much larger software base" means Pro and not RT and the Pro tablets are certainly a bit bulkier and heavier than the Note due to the hardware and battery to keep the thing running. I am also not sure how battery life compares between say the Surface Pro vs the new Note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verge tested both tablets and rated battery life the same. They rated performance of the Note much lower, which for movie watching and drawing / taking notes it most certainly isn't. The 2014 Note 10.1 can playback 2 full-HD movies (of 5+GB) simultaneously without hickup of any kind. I used MX Player Pro for that, with NeoN-driver, together with the built-in video player of the Note in pop-up mode. The beautiful screen together with the decent stereo speakers is managing to keep me away from gearing up my high-end home theater system for 2 major movie titles in a row (Monster University and Despicable Me 2).
To return to the matter of speed, the Note is the fastest ARM based tablet currently available, but will in all likelihood be slower than the processor in the Surface Pro 2. Reading about fans kicking in during heavy use though has me running away from any such option.

{Diemex} said:
I'm looking for a tablet to assist me in my mechanical engineering studies. I have a laptop and a Galaxy Tab 7.7. The laptop is too big and I havent found any good apps to edit pdfs on linux and the 7.7 is too small.
We get all scripts as pdf and some of them have gaps that we fill in the lecture. Atm I print the scripts on paper. I'm thinking of getting a tablet to organize the huge influx of information and reduce the amount of stuff I have to print out and keep in "real" folders.
So there are a few options:
Note 2014, LectureNotes for organizing, ezpdf/repligo for editing of pdfs
Windows 8 Tablets like surface pro, lenovo tablet 2 or sony tap 11. I'm not familiar with the metro app ecosystem and don't know if there are great apps like LectureNotes or ezpdf. The most expensive option.
Continue to print on paper. Cheapest, but not editable, searchable or reusable etc.
I have seen a few students with Note 10.1's and only one with a microsoft surface. The Note owners seemed to be happy with their way of doing things. Though I haven't spoken to the guy with the surface, it seemed like he only used it for viewing pdfs.
I'm particularly interested in the comparison between windows tablets and the galaxy note for note taking, pdf notes and general usefulness for studying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here again I will share with the op my notes I just took.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

One thing i did on my note was take screenshots in excel (kingsoft office) then put them into my s notes and annotate on top of it. Its not as good as annotating directly in excel but it works ok.

I went to my local computer store and spend about 45 mins writing on the Note 2014 and also had a look at the surface pro 2. My handwriting looked comparable to the screenshots posted, not as nice as on paper with a pencil, but far better than anticipated.
A lecturer actually uses OneNote on a lenovo laptop with a stylus. It works really well and I like that you can easily add blank space in between lines if you run out of space. Sadly the surface in the store didn't have internet so I couldn't have a look at the metro apps store and there wasn't much apps to play around with. The surface feels a bit like a laptop with a small touchscreen and a detachable keyboard to me.
The surface has optional pen input but still is not focused on making the most out of the pen. Samsung's app package on the Note on the other hand is designed to maximize on the stylus. I need a tablet mainly for reading and taking notes and for anything more demanding I have a powerful laptop.
So I will most likely get the Note. Still pondering if I should spend 500€ on wifi only or 650€ on the lte version, which I think doubt I will really make use of on a 10 inch tablet.

{Diemex} said:
So I will most likely get the Note. Still pondering if I should spend 500€ on wifi only or 650€ on the lte version, which I think doubt I will really make use of on a 10 inch tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are able to tether using your phone's data, save your money and get the wifi model. That's what I did. All I have to do is hit a button on my phone and I have fast internet access on my Note 10.1.

Han Solo 1 said:
If you are able to tether using your phone's data, save your money and get the wifi model. That's what I did. All I have to do is hit a button on my phone and I have fast internet access on my Note 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1

The_Maverick said:
I am currently/was wondering the same thing. I'm an engineering student and I want to use a tablet for note taking and reading/annotating papers. I considered a Surface pro or a lenovo win tablet with a pen. Mostly because of OneNote. While I haven't used it, I'm sure it is the most mature note taking app there is. I don't know how touch friendly it is (i.e. I don't know if OneNote has a Metro-mode), but if it's like the other office apps, I wouldn't want to use it without a mouse.
The biggest problem with Windows tablets, like it has already been said, is the lack of apps. My brother just bought a Windows tablet (the HP Envy x2 or something), which has full windows, a keyboard dock and no pen. He has a metro app to look at pdfs and hilight them (I think it's almost literally the only pdf app in the app store that supports some level of editing) but he can't write on them (with the keyboard).
You can always say you'll use the full-windows apps, not metro, of which there are plenty, but I just can't imagine that being fun to use with your fingers.
Besides note taking, I also want to use my tablet recreationally. Some browsing, RSS reading, gaming etc. For that, android is just better, hands down.
In terms of sycing, I thought maybe a win tablet might be easier to mangage, but as it turns out, android is probably easier. I can sync files with my Windows laptop via SugarSync and stuff like RSS feeds, podcasts and all that is easier to sync accross android devices.
I have now ordered the Note and am awaiting it anxiously. (it's not available yet where I live)
I hope that helps your decision process along, let me know to what conclusion you come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a metro onenote but not as good as the full office version, which as a student the op should get for decent price.
Have been using tablet pc s of various makes since 1997 and in the op case would say either the note 10.1 2014 or a s/hand x220t lenovo, last one with the great keyboard, either should be similiar money the x220t maybe a bit more.
Or why not consider the first note 10.1 maybe afford both that way?
Sent from my GT-N5100 using xda app-developers app

Need help to decide what to buy

Hello, because of my job, I need to use my 15" MacBook Pro daily. However, I also want to buy a tablet so that I can read/annotate pdf files while on public transportation and on the bus stop. In my current city, I spend about an hour each day on the bus and 30-50 minutes waiting at the bus stop. On the evening and perhaps sometimes on the weekend, I prefer to bring a lighter tablet with me.
Every 2-3 months, I stay in another city for a week or so. In that city, I spend about 2 hours on public transportation daily. During the summer, I stay in another country for about 2 months.
At the beginning, I was considering to buy the Note PRO 12.2. However, after trying the wifi version two times (no LTE version in my city yet), I don't find it attractive. For example, a bit heavier, without rooting can't have several windows stacking on top of each other likes Windows OS, not all apps can be multi-tasked, large screen but same resolution as the 10.1 2014, virtual keyboard taking half the screen, etc. Also, if I get a Note PRO 12.2, I have to carry it with my 15" laptop when I am traveling.
So, it seems that my choice is 10.1 2014 or Note PRO 8.4" when available. Is this the right way to think? I hope to make the purchase in about 2 months as I have delayed the purchase since last December.
Although being able to view two pdf files side by side is good, I cannot test it because only one local store has the device. They don't allow connection to the internet. I can't test the device by downloading some pdf files.

I have my note pro in a bag that I carry with me for college and when I am on the bus. Only difference between the note pro and the note 10.1 2014 other than the screen size is the multi window, the note 10.1 can only do 2 windows while the note pro can do up to 4. If you use pen window, you can cheat it and possibly go to 6-7. You can also do that on the note 10.1 as well. If you are looking for a pen tablet, I'd go with the note 10.1 2014 or the note pro, if you plan on wanting portability, then you can go for the tab pro 8.4 . I believe all pro series does come with Hancom office, which is like Microsoft Office. That's what sold me to get the note pro. Prices for all of them went down on amazon.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium HD app

Thanks. I do need the pen. Too bad Samsung has not made the Note Pro 8.4".

I dunno man, I am not the type of person who is motivated to convince others to buy something I did just to feel better about my own purchase decisions. That said I would suggest considering a surface pro 2 for a few reasons:
You mention window stacking as opposed to side by side. Text and interface item scaling in multi-window can behave oddly in some apps that you force to do it once rooted.
You mention comparing pdf documents of the same type at the same time; out of the box you can do this with windows but you'll have to force android to do it and I personally haven't tried it so I'm not sure how well apps behave when you do.
You want to do heavy PDF annotation. I've spent a lot on pdf applications and can never find one that works well for this. The best that I have found FOR ME is Easy PDF. I do engineering plan reviews and the plan sets I open for review can have hundreds of sheets (300 sheets that are 24"x36" are not uncommon). All of the apps that I have tried work slowly and are clunky with my large files.
The thing is, aside from size none of the other complaints you have about the note pro will go away when you switch to a smaller note tablet.
At least with the surface pro you are getting a full fledged OS that out of the box will do much of the things that you want. Virtual keyboards though are by nature par for the course with tablets (and the tab pro has size options on the keyboard just like other Android devices have) although with the surface there are some elegant keyboard case options. It's all subjective of course, I don't like large keyboard cases that increase the size of the tablet so much that they look like netbooks.
All that said I do enjoy my note pro and I am satisfied with my sacrifices on the productivity side (plan review) which are outweighed by the entertainment value of the device. I simply love android and customizing my android devices.
Edit:
Just want to add that I fully realize that just because I can't do everything that I want to do with regards to productivity applications doesn't mean others can't do what they want to do. A lot of threads end up getting filled with debates over what works well and what doesn't but at the end of the day while there may be some basic commonality among workflows everyone has different needs so the only way to truly know is to try to use the device yourself. Retailers with flexible return policies are a great way to do that.

Let me try to give you some quick conclusion for the 3 tablets that you would choose from :
based on what you gave above and the common usage of your tablet it will be for reading mostly and a slight pdf editing if that happens so with that its better to go minimal and handy and get the tab pro 8.4 as it will be your best choice for reading and the slight editing etc
( all pro versions come with hancom office so you will get all the goodies with whatever tablets you choose) .
most of our usage for a tablet is multimedia consumption and that likes to be on a big screen for better entertaining experience and in your case if you wish to have the reading and multimedia both in a pretty portable size then go for the note 10.1 2014 edition or the tab pro 10.1 ( if you don't need the s-pen ( you got to keep in mind that the three tablets note 10.1/tab pro 10.1 / tab pro 8.4 have a pretty slight price difference and the choice will be up to you etc) .
*** transportation where you stay will also be important : if its not overcrowded and every time you will be able to have a seat and not so tight in crowd or standing then any of all the tablets will be very fine for you as after all if you are sitting you will find a nice way to hold your tablet somehow comfortably .
12.2 : after you finish your day and resting at home it will be time for media or nice relaxing reading and that size is the best when it comes to the in-house usage as you will always find a comfy way to do whatever you need with your tablet weather if you put it on your lab or a table or on a stand or on a pillow in bed and so on .
so here is my advice to you : think of your tablet needs in-house and out-house usage before you make a decision . Good luck with your pick.
Hope i helped you make your choice.

Depends on what kind of pdf you read. If they are novels or similar format, 8" will be fine and can be held in one hand comfortably. If it's double column or technical stuffs, 12.2" is almost like a full size hard copy. It is a high price for this single purpose however, even though it does well. I have not tried the 10" so can't comment. Personally, I bought the 12.2 mainly for pdf but only because there is no alternative at the moment. Couldn't care less about all the gimmicks that comes with it. Maybe I should get the Tab Pro and save $100.

hajime_android said:
Hello, because of my job, I need to use my 15" MacBook Pro daily. However, I also want to buy a tablet so that I can read/annotate pdf files while on public transportation and on the bus stop. In my current city, I spend about an hour each day on the bus and 30-50 minutes waiting at the bus stop. On the evening and perhaps sometimes on the weekend, I prefer to bring a lighter tablet with me.
Every 2-3 months, I stay in another city for a week or so. In that city, I spend about 2 hours on public transportation daily. During the summer, I stay in another country for about 2 months.
At the beginning, I was considering to buy the Note PRO 12.2. However, after trying the wifi version two times (no LTE version in my city yet), I don't find it attractive. For example, a bit heavier, without rooting can't have several windows stacking on top of each other likes Windows OS, not all apps can be multi-tasked, large screen but same resolution as the 10.1 2014, virtual keyboard taking half the screen, etc. Also, if I get a Note PRO 12.2, I have to carry it with my 15" laptop when I am traveling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I believe I am in a very similar position to you. As a student, I have a MBPr 15" for most functions and a Note 10.1 2014 for PDF annotation. The normal workflow on my note 10.1 2014 is to take notes on it or annotate PDF's on it and then have that sync to dropbox and then viewable on my phone or MBPr later on to supplement studying. The Note 10.1 2014 is a good device but I haven't rooted it so I haven't been able to use my old Note 10.1 1st Gen Workflow of having Lecture Notes open next to EZPDF. It was always cramped when I used it this way too so I'm hoping the Note 12.2 Pro fits my needs. It comes in today so I'll be able to update you later this week.
Yoshi1221 said:
Only difference between the note pro and the note 10.1 2014 other than the screen size is the multi window ...
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well ... there's is the screen which is 44% bigger ...
muzzy996 said:
I dunno man, I am not the type of person who is motivated to convince others to buy something I did just to feel better about my own purchase decisions. That said I would suggest considering a surface pro 2 for a few reasons:
You mention window stacking as opposed to side by side. Text and interface item scaling in multi-window can behave oddly in some apps that you force to do it once rooted.
You mention comparing pdf documents of the same type at the same time; out of the box you can do this with windows but you'll have to force android to do it and I personally haven't tried it so I'm not sure how well apps behave when you do.
You want to do heavy PDF annotation. I've spent a lot on pdf applications and can never find one that works well for this. The best that I have found FOR ME is Easy PDF. I do engineering plan reviews and the plan sets I open for review can have hundreds of sheets (300 sheets that are 24"x36" are not uncommon). All of the apps that I have tried work slowly and are clunky with my large files.
The thing is, aside from size none of the other complaints you have about the note pro will go away when you switch to a smaller note tablet.
At least with the surface pro you are getting a full fledged OS that out of the box will do much of the things that you want. Virtual keyboards though are by nature par for the course with tablets (and the tab pro has size options on the keyboard just like other Android devices have) although with the surface there are some elegant keyboard case options. It's all subjective of course, I don't like large keyboard cases that increase the size of the tablet so much that they look like netbooks.
All that said I do enjoy my note pro and I am satisfied with my sacrifices on the productivity side (plan review) which are outweighed by the entertainment value of the device. I simply love android and customizing my android devices.
Edit:
Just want to add that I fully realize that just because I can't do everything that I want to do with regards to productivity applications doesn't mean others can't do what they want to do. A lot of threads end up getting filled with debates over what works well and what doesn't but at the end of the day while there may be some basic commonality among workflows everyone has different needs so the only way to truly know is to try to use the device yourself. Retailers with flexible return policies are a great way to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are all good points. My main use is pdf annotation and lecture notes and pdf annotation is really clunky. But the problem with surface pro is bad battery life and having to use windows 8 (which I hate for most other things). I got the note 10.1 2014 because it was half th eprice but the pro 12.2 is almost as expensive. Samsung is just milking early consumers though as they already lowered the price by $50 and given the bill of materials is probably only like 250 for this thing (given it uses all of the same components as a note 10.1 2014 except for the screen), I'd say they have plenty of room to pricecut versus an Intel-based device.
wlachan said:
Depends on what kind of pdf you read. If they are novels or similar format, 8" will be fine and can be held in one hand comfortably. If it's double column or technical stuffs, 12.2" is almost like a full size hard copy. It is a high price for this single purpose however, even though it does well. I have not tried the 10" so can't comment. Personally, I bought the 12.2 mainly for pdf but only because there is no alternative at the moment. Couldn't care less about all the gimmicks that comes with it. Maybe I should get the Tab Pro and save $100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are intel-based alternatives such as the ultrabooks and laptops that have digitizers as well as the surface-pro. The Sony Flip 14 is about the same price but much bulkier. You're right, nothing does come close in terms of lightness and mobility in terms of battery life but it's an expensive price Samsung is charging right now. Mine is coming in the mail and if it doesn't live up to expectations, I expect to stick to my note 10.1 2014 or maybe even go to a Sony Flip 13.
I really wish Samsung would pay for the guys behind iannotate to make a good version of their program for Android. It's probably the number one use of everyone I've met with the device to read and markup pdf's. Ezpdf is ok but lacking the ease-of-use for a flagship program.

Thanks. Please do update your experience with the PRO 12.2 We are indeed in a similar situation. I plan to use the tablet mostly for reading academic research papers. I would be good if I could have two papers shown side by side. However, as the screen resolution is fixed, doing so just require me scrolling and adjusting the windows size. I too use ezpdf. It seems that we cannot open two pdf using ezpdf. When we swipe across the screen, the page on which window is going to change? I once considered Surface Pro 2 but it is quite heavy especially if I carry both my 15" MBP and the tablet.

Not all apps support multiple instance and as far as I can tell EzPDF is no exception. So what one would do is just force it and another PDF reading application to be multiwindow enabled using something like pen window manager and then use two different PDF viewers to get the side by side action going. Then its just a matter of doing your gestures on one side or the other.
As a test I just did two documents side by side in EzPDF and Adobe Reader. Works like a charm.
You know if your annotation is going to be light then the note pro may very well suit your purposes provided you're not akin to rooting it (and living with the consequences thereof).

hajime_android said:
Thanks. Please do update your experience with the PRO 12.2 We are indeed in a similar situation. I plan to use the tablet mostly for reading academic research papers. I would be good if I could have two papers shown side by side. However, as the screen resolution is fixed, doing so just require me scrolling and adjusting the windows size. I too use ezpdf. It seems that we cannot open two pdf using ezpdf. When we swipe across the screen, the page on which window is going to change? I once considered Surface Pro 2 but it is quite heavy especially if I carry both my 15" MBP and the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to give you a little insight of my experience...i ordered the note pro LTE p905 and had it delivered...i actually bought the wifi model first but was unhappy with the performance of the exynos processor and wanted the snapdragon 800​...i have a mac book pro I bought a few months ago as well but much prefer a tablet. ..i already owned the note 8.0 and 10.1 2012 and was waiting the the pro and I have to say the experience is unlike anything else...the screen size and clarity offer a laptop size and feel, with similar functionality all packed into a 12.2 inch galaxy note 3. I find I use the s pen 50x more than I ever did on my 8 or 10 inch note tables, the new s pen and improvements to the digizer hardware helps as well. I'm a college student in my senior year of my biochemical degree and the pro has already completely replace my MacBook pro, mini windows 8.1 laptop and smaller note tablets. The size, speed, new on screen keyboard, s pen, and insane battery life make the note pro LTE by far the best device I've ever owned and I currently own and develop roms for several of these below
Galaxy note 1 i717
Galaxy note 2 i317
Galaxy note 3 n900a
Galaxy mega 6.3 i9205 white
Galaxy mega 6.3 i9205 black
Galaxy note 8.0
Galaxy note 10.1 2012
Galaxy note pro LTE
Mega

megalomanic14 said:
I just wanted to give you a little insight of my experience...i ordered the note pro LTE p905 and had it delivered...i actually bought the wifi model first but was unhappy with the performance of the exynos processor and wanted the snapdragon 800​...i have a mac book pro I bought a few months ago as well but much prefer a tablet. ..i already owned the note 8.0 and 10.1 2012 and was waiting the the pro and I have to say the experience is unlike anything else...the screen size and clarity offer a laptop size and feel, with similar functionality all packed into a 12.2 inch galaxy note 3. I find I use the s pen 50x more than I ever did on my 8 or 10 inch note tables, the new s pen and improvements to the digizer hardware helps as well. I'm a college student in my senior year of my biochemical degree and the pro has already completely replace my MacBook pro, mini windows 8.1 laptop and smaller note tablets. The size, speed, new on screen keyboard, s pen, and insane battery life make the note pro LTE by far the best device I've ever owned and I currently own and develop roms for several of these below
Galaxy note 1 i717
Galaxy note 2 i317
Galaxy note 3 n900a
Galaxy mega 6.3 i9205 white
Galaxy mega 6.3 i9205 black
Galaxy note 8.0
Galaxy note 10.1 2012
Galaxy note pro LTE
Mega
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the experience. Could you please let me know what improvements are there?
"the new s pen and improvements to the digizer hardware helps as well."

The Surface Pro 2 is over a third of a pound heavier than the Note Pro with a much smaller screen. As a size to weight ratio consideration, the Note Pro blows away Surface Pro 2.

The purchase decision is getting more difficult after Office for iPAD is announced. I want to be able to read both pdf and PowerPoint presentation files. Annotation on pdf files is required but would be nice if I can do the same thing on PowerPoint. Some PowerPoint files include animations. So far, I only found an app called "Presentations" by SoftMaker that can run the animations. Didn't have a chance to test all the features before the expiration of the trial period. Too bad the Air has no stylus. Are the 3rd party ones not as good as the S-pen?

The inclusion of pressure sensitivity to active stylus devices definitely improves the control one has over handwriting with the result looking more natural. Since the tip of active stylus pens is fine they really are better suited for note taking that requires packing more information in a given amount of space. I would liken it to being able to write comfortably well on narrow ruled paper vs wide ruled. You can do note taking and annotation well with capacitive stylus though.

hajime_android said:
The purchase decision is getting more difficult after Office for iPAD is announced. I want to be able to read both pdf and PowerPoint presentation files. Annotation on pdf files is required but would be nice if I can do the same thing on PowerPoint. Some PowerPoint files include animations. So far, I only found an app called "Presentations" by SoftMaker that can run the animations. Didn't have a chance to test all the features before the expiration of the trial period. Too bad the Air has no stylus. Are the 3rd party ones not as good as the S-pen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are getting the iPad air then go with this stylus as its the one of the best in the market http://www.lynktec.com/TruGlide-Apex-Fine-Point-Active-Stylus-p/lttg-0011.htm . i was getting the air first but i wanted the bigger size anyway but i was going to get that stylus for the iPad air after very long search and here is a video showing you a demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS9YlgvKrjE
and here is a full unboxing and review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3v3sTqqWTg

muzzy996 said:
The inclusion of pressure sensitivity to active stylus devices definitely improves the control one has over handwriting with the result looking more natural. Since the tip of active stylus pens is fine they really are better suited for note taking that requires packing more information in a given amount of space. I would liken it to being able to write comfortably well on narrow ruled paper vs wide ruled. You can do note taking and annotation well with capacitive stylus though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How bad is writing using capacitive stylus compared with the S-pen? Seems similar to me.
For those who have used the Note 10.1 2014, PRO 12.2, Air, how do they compare in terms of annotations? I do know that on IOS devices, you can write a phone number on the screen and have it stored in the phone directory. This is just a minor feature.

I agree that the 12.2 exceeds any tablet ever. It's a piece of art in a way. I sold my macbook air and replaced it with the 12.2. I also have the note 10.1 2014 edition and the note 8. Hancom office is great in the 12.2. I use h word and it's totally compatible with word for the mac on my mac desktop. Btw, if anyone needs a case for the big guy, I got the moko from amazon for about $10 and it's perfect. For writing I'll use it with a bluetooth keyboard and bluetooth mouse. I'll probable get a case - keyboard -- the logitech pro -- if I need to travel AND work, but mostly I see using it at home where I work.

Hello, considering to get the PRO 12.2 or 10.1 2014 this week. I have a few questions:
1. Under the split keyboard, is it more difficult to type on the PRO 12.2 than on the 10.1 2014?
2. Have you guys found out the advantages of having a USB 3.0 on the PRO 12.2?
3. Besides the DPI and weight, are there things that the 10.1 2014 is better than the PRO 12.2?
4. How is the battery life if watching the same videos for hours on both devices?
5. How is the charging rate of both devices from 0% to 100% while being used or unused? Is the LTE version better?
6. Some people said that the 12.2 has a larger real estate. It has the same resolution as the 10.1 2014. So, it does not has a larger real estate I think. Right?
7. For multi-windows, if we open 2 windows, the amount of things that we can see is less on each window. If we open 4 windows, the amount of things that are displaced is even smaller in each window. Can anything be done on this?
8. Can the PRO 12.2 and 10.1 2014 be connect to a projector?
9. Besides a bigger screen, what is the point of buying the PRO 12.2 compared with the 10.1 2014?
Diogenes5: how is your experience? I am considering to buy either the Note PRO 12.2 or 10.1 2014.
Thanks

Just because resolution is the same doesn't mean you cant comfortably fit more information on screen. On the contrary, if pixel density is such that that things can be zoomed out on multiple windows then the additional screen size of the 12.2 can be an advantage over the 10.1, even without the advantage of rooting and adjusting lcd density settings.
Screen size positives go beyond just fitting information on the screen though, such as having larger areas to write on when taking notes or having a more comfortable viewing distance, or having a more natural sized landscape keyboard.
On the flip side the larger screen means more weight which goes beyond just the weight in your bag but also stress on your wrists during extended use handheld.

I just got the Note Pro from work in addition to my Note 10.1. If I had to choose just one I'd go for the 10.1 because the weight makes it a better all purpose tablet. Gaming is better because the weight of the 12.2 is more fatiguing and the size makes some on screen controls awkward.
The full size keyboard on the Pro makes typing a breeze - it's the first on screen keyboard that allows me to type with two hands just like a physical keyboard. The larger screen makes it much easier to take handwritten notes. Video is impressive and more immersive, and it is the best comic book and magazine reader ever made - nothing ever seems cramped or requires zooming.
If you can handle the extra 8 ounces, the Pro is a no brainer. But after using both, the size and weight of the 10.1 is perfect.
Or you can get both!

Still worth buying in late 2017 ?

I'm looking for a new tablet and the yoga book still looks like a good unit.
I can't see any sign of a new version coming out (new colours have been announced but same internals).
My question is - is this still a worthy piece of kit in September 2017 ? Ideally I was looking at the windows unit but the "screen off notetaking" in the android version looks useful and I'm android/Google in most other aspects of my life.
I won't be a heavy user - mostly web browsing etc. Certainly no PC gaming expectations.
Opinions appreciated

wilbur-force said:
I'm looking for a new tablet and the yoga book still looks like a good unit.
I can't see any sign of a new version coming out (new colours have been announced but same internals).
My question is - is this still a worthy piece of kit in September 2017 ? Ideally I was looking at the windows unit but the "screen off notetaking" in the android version looks useful and I'm android/Google in most other aspects of my life.
I won't be a heavy user - mostly web browsing etc. Certainly no PC gaming expectations.
Opinions appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your use-case, it seems like it will still be a great device, depending on the price.
I'm still using mine as an office device for some light tasks like Word and Powerpoint presentations (I'm using an Android version, by the way ), emails and spreadsheet reports in a pinch. I work out in the field, and I have come to rely on it a bit more than my laptop as it's easier to carry around and the battery lasts longer..

boofman said:
In your use-case, it seems like it will still be a great device, depending on the price.
I'm still using mine as an office device for some light tasks like Word and Powerpoint presentations (I'm using an Android version, by the way ), emails and spreadsheet reports in a pinch. I work out in the field, and I have come to rely on it a bit more than my laptop as it's easier to carry around and the battery lasts longer..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
The windows version can be found for £450, the Android version for £350
I was really looking for a windows unit but the price makes the android version look very appealing......

wilbur-force said:
Thanks,
The windows version can be found for £450, the Android version for £350
I was really looking for a windows unit but the price makes the android version look very appealing......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the time, if it's productivity you're after, Windows wins. In this case, however, the Android version seems like a better choice as it has a lot more App support for native touchscreen functionality, and the environment, as it is still a tablet IMO, an Android version is a lot better than a Windows one.
Add to that the price point, and you've got a winner!
Be aware, though, that there isn't much of an Android development path coming from the community. Also, Lenovo seems to have neglected the development of this device internally, so it seems we won't get updates anymore. If those things are going to factors, then stay away from this device. lol

boofman said:
Also, Lenovo seems to have neglected the development of this device internally, so it seems we won't get updates anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does this info come from? Are they not on track for the October release on Nougat as listed in the upgrade matrix?
Lenovo Upgrade Matrix

Mechey said:
Where does this info come from? Are they not on track for the October release on Nougat as listed in the upgrade matrix?
Lenovo Upgrade Matrix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but..
I haven't got OTA updates even for security, but it could be just an isolated case.
But in the case of the OP, since he's just getting his tablet, the support he'll be getting will not be as long as the support we've had who bought earlier than him.

boofman said:
I haven't got OTA updates even for security
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am hopeful that they haven't been bothering to release security updates because they have been hard at work on Nougat! Who knows...
@wilbur-force , I would recommend waiting a month and seeing if the Nougat update comes out.
Even without the update, I think this is a pretty great tablet if you plan on using the note taking capabilities. I use mine every day for note taking in lectures and working on assignments while on campus. It is a feather compared to my laptop and I find that I can leave my laptop at home 90% of the time. However, it could definitely benefit from some of the enhancements of Nougat; namely better split screen capabilities.
If you mostly just plan on surfing the web (ie, extensive keyboard use and minimal stylus use) I would recommend getting something with an actual keyboard. While the Halo keyboard is certainly better than an on screen keyboard, it is an order of magnitude less effective than a physical keyboard. I actually purchased a small bluetooth keyboard, both so that I wouldn't have to use the Halo, but also so that I can seamlessly go from taking notes with the stylus (great for equations and figures) to typing.
When paired with a bluetooth keyboard, this tablet is a perfect for anyone who plans to get a lot of use out of a stylus. However, I wouldn't want to compose more than a few short sentences with the Halo keyboard.

wilbur-force said:
Thanks,
The windows version can be found for £450, the Android version for £350
I was really looking for a windows unit but the price makes the android version look very appealing......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just returned my Windows version as a fully patched Win 10 with the latest Lenovo supplied drivers breaks keyboard functionality as well as sleep when you close the lid. Horrid...I may get the Android version though if I can root/jailbreak it.

DigiAngel69 said:
I just returned my Windows version as a fully patched Win 10 with the latest Lenovo supplied drivers breaks keyboard functionality as well as sleep when you close the lid. Horrid...I may get the Android version though if I can root/jailbreak it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of my devices are rooted or jailbroken..except for my YB Android, as it works perfectly fine without it.

DigiAngel69 said:
I just returned my Windows version as a fully patched Win 10 with the latest Lenovo supplied drivers breaks keyboard functionality as well as sleep when you close the lid. Horrid...I may get the Android version though if I can root/jailbreak it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you apparently made something wrong as mine works more than perfectly...
I would never buy an Android Tablet in this price range as it is more than common through all Manufacturers they stop developing/support after a while... The Yoga Book has a too specific Hardware to expect any Custom Roms... Windows wins here clearly through permanent updates...
And the possibilities on Windows are simply endless ampler... You can even use BlueStacks with decent speed to use that very specific Android App...

jamespmi said:
Well you apparently made something wrong as mine works more than perfectly...
I would never buy an Android Tablet in this price range as it is more than common through all Manufacturers they stop developing/support after a while... The Yoga Book has a too specific Hardware to expect any Custom Roms... Windows wins here clearly through permanent updates...
And the possibilities on Windows are simply endless ampler... You can even use BlueStacks with decent speed to use that very specific Android App...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on the use case. I still consider it a tablet more than anything, and an Android tablet is better than a Windows one in terms of tab-specific apps (functionality, ease of use / ux and the graphics are scaled correctly)

I bought and Android yogabook 6 weeks ago and am very happy with it. I have just installed the OTA Nougat update. I had issues that required me to reformat my SD card otherwise it got stuck in a boot loop, but all is OK now

I just bought the Android version on sale a week ago. I must say that I'm very impressed because of it's versatility and portability. I think the must have apps for this tablet are from myscript. They are the myscript stylus input method and the myscript nebo preview (which must be sideloaded via an apk).
What makes myscript stylus better than, say, google handwriting input is that Stylus allows you to use the digitizer. With google's version, you can only use the screen and the digitizer does not respond to input. What's the benefit of this app? Well, if you are in pen mode in the Artrage app doing a drawing, and you switch to any other app which requires the keyboard, you don't have to put the pen down and start typing. It will stay in pen mode and instead of the popup keyboard, it will popup a text line for you to write in. It will recognize handwriting, printing, and gestures. So basically, if you're comfortable with writing on a pen more than typing on the keyboard, or you don't want to switch modes when you switch apps, then this app is a must. I usually have the yogabook in 30/70 splitscreen laptop mode. One side a messaging app, the other side a notetaking app. I can switch between the two and do all my inputs with the pen on the exact same surface (the digitizer).
Myscript nebo is a great notetaking app simply because it allows you to convert your handwriting into text as if you typed it using a keyboard. It also converts your hand drawn flowcharts into Visio like flowcharts with connectors that stick. Hand drawn math equations also get converted and calculated (depending on complexity).
These two apps alone make the yogabook much more useful for me since I like using the pen vs the keyboard.

Just got the yoga book yesterday, mainly because it's just pretty unique and the 'writing notes on the keyboard' thing just pulled on me. Had tablets in the past, and now also a hp x360 (so with touchscreen) but writing on the display always had it's quirks. This solution by yoga just works pretty great, loving it so far.
It's also still very sleek and has a nice design, so no regrets so far. But I think that if you want 'just a tablet' or somethin with a keyboard, you might want to look further as this is really pointed towards the note taking and writing imo.

Hi all, I am also considering getting a Yoga Book even though we are in 2018 already. Lenovo doesn't appear to be coming out with a follow-up device, and I can see some pretty interesting prices for it.
I have a question about the stylus use though, and I have not seen or tried an actual device yet, so I will ask here. I assume you can takes notes with the stylus either on the "slab" where the keyboard is, but also directly on the screen, as in a notepad, if you swivel the slab to make it a true tablet mode. Is that correct?
To take notes with the stylus I would assume that it feels more natural to write directly on the screen and see the "ink" drawn directly where the stylus is.
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). It's 4 years old but I still absolutely love it, and I use it extensively to take notes, and it has replaced my paper notebook completely. It is however showing signs of age and the screen is starting to have defective spots where the stylus doesn't work. So, I need to replace it, and the Yoga Book looks like an interesting step up, even considering its age. Would it be a god choice?
I think the My Galaxy Note still has a better screen and split windows support than the Yoga Book, but at the prices I have seen the Yoga Book, it might be a good deal. I am not overly concerned about Android level upgrades, as my Galaxy Note is still at Android 5.1.1 and it works great.
Thanks!

Electrocutus said:
Hi all, I am also considering getting a Yoga Book even though we are in 2018 already. Lenovo doesn't appear to be coming out with a follow-up device, and I can see some pretty interesting prices for it.
I have a question about the stylus use though, and I have not seen or tried an actual device yet, so I will ask here. I assume you can takes notes with the stylus either on the "slab" where the keyboard is, but also directly on the screen, as in a notepad, if you swivel the slab to make it a true tablet mode. Is that correct?
To take notes with the stylus I would assume that it feels more natural to write directly on the screen and see the "ink" drawn directly where the stylus is.
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). It's 4 years old but I still absolutely love it, and I use it extensively to take notes, and it has replaced my paper notebook completely. It is however showing signs of age and the screen is starting to have defective spots where the stylus doesn't work. So, I need to replace it, and the Yoga Book looks like an interesting step up, even considering its age. Would it be a god choice?
I think the My Galaxy Note still has a better screen and split windows support than the Yoga Book, but at the prices I have seen the Yoga Book, it might be a good deal. I am not overly concerned about Android level upgrades, as my Galaxy Note is still at Android 5.1.1 and it works great.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can technically write on the screen but the tracking and lag are awful. I'd only use the pen on the screen for underlining and even then you would probably still be better off using the wacom pad

I've just got one myself and I think it's great tool for students, highly portable, easy to take notes on.
I'm not sure whenever it's worth the risk of updating to nougat, but even on Android 6 I like it's functionality.
There is some delicate lag with pen when using in OneNote though.

Electrocutus said:
Hi all, I am also considering getting a Yoga Book even though we are in 2018 already. Lenovo doesn't appear to be coming out with a follow-up device, and I can see some pretty interesting prices for it.
I have a question about the stylus use though, and I have not seen or tried an actual device yet, so I will ask here. I assume you can takes notes with the stylus either on the "slab" where the keyboard is, but also directly on the screen, as in a notepad, if you swivel the slab to make it a true tablet mode. Is that correct?
To take notes with the stylus I would assume that it feels more natural to write directly on the screen and see the "ink" drawn directly where the stylus is.
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). It's 4 years old but I still absolutely love it, and I use it extensively to take notes, and it has replaced my paper notebook completely. It is however showing signs of age and the screen is starting to have defective spots where the stylus doesn't work. So, I need to replace it, and the Yoga Book looks like an interesting step up, even considering its age. Would it be a god choice?
I think the My Galaxy Note still has a better screen and split windows support than the Yoga Book, but at the prices I have seen the Yoga Book, it might be a good deal. I am not overly concerned about Android level upgrades, as my Galaxy Note is still at Android 5.1.1 and it works great.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My note had some internal malfunction, like force-closing apps and i was unable to fix it. I got the YB last week and it kinda feels like the SMP-601 was a more powerful tablet, the art rage app seems a bit laggy compared with the drawing app in the note 2014, i may be wrong and require more testing also the pen that comes with it is not what i would call suitable for the screen as the note 2014 was(that pen was awesome) and on top of that you do not have a native app to take notes in content that is on the screen, like when you are reading a text and wanna save a little paragraph for latter like the air commander app. The battery life seems worse too, the note 2014 could be left alone in a table for about a week and still have some juice left on the battery. There's a new Samsung tab S3 seems a worthy replacement (Even with Samsung awful software updates), but it is jesus christ expensive and thus it kinda can't compete with YB price range and cost benefit.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I kind of get the same feeling and I'm not sure the Yoga Book is a suitable replacement. Even though my Note 2014 is 4 years old, it is still my workhorse.
I like the Tab S3 but I am upset that they didn't keep the S pen small and in a slot in the unit, just so they could make it thinner.
I have to be able to use it as a true notebook replacement and take notes on screen. I use OneNote extensively because I can also sync and work with them on my desktop later.

Electrocutus said:
Thanks for sharing your experience. I kind of get the same feeling and I'm not sure the Yoga Book is a suitable replacement. Even though my Note 2014 is 4 years old, it is still my workhorse.
I like the Tab S3 but I am upset that they didn't keep the S pen small and in a slot in the unit, just so they could make it thinner.
I have to be able to use it as a true notebook replacement and take notes on screen. I use OneNote extensively because I can also sync and work with them on my desktop later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can kinda use it like a Hybrid Between Tablet and a Netbook. I'm having my first experience using it in classes this week and it kinda works well. I rooted and removed all bloat, by doing that you can get an very lightweight 7.1 android experience which comes with an Microsoft office suite apps including the OneNote app. Typing in the halokeyboard is not bad as some people say it is. I think battery life might be manageable if you can put some GovTuner or something in it. Installing windows 10 is also an option. But if you have the money i would take a look on some reviews on the S3 or even an Ipad Pro. As the android tablet market shares apps with the smartphone market we are on a state that we are kinda lacking optimizations for tablets, i mean it makes the android tablets look exactly like a smartphone with a bigger screen, while on the IOS side we have apps that are really suited for tablet use.:fingers-crossed: