[Q] First Tablet: To Note or not to Note (researcher life doubt)

[Q] First Tablet: To Note or not to Note (researcher life doubt) - Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) General

Dear all great experts, hope you may take a few minutes in helping a tablet newbie,
I'm about to have my first ever tablet, going from a Samsung S2 were i was cleverly reading pdf's and making notes (...better if i was living in Lilliput, I know). Well, my every day life is that: reading pdf's, making notes, writing, browsing the internet, making presentations, travelling with the technology for work reasons, occasional gaming (mostly my son) and I'm doing it all with a laptop and the Samsung S2.
:cyclops:What I look for in the tablet: great battery life, great and quick response of the system, compatibility for office programs like word, excel, power point (btw: is the Office suite 7 +PDF&HD of great value for me if I need to go back and forward android/windows/android?)
Now my doubts taking into account my needs: should I get the a) Samsung Note 10.1 2014 edition, b) Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2, c) an windows based tablet, d) an hybrid...
All answers all welcome and thank in advance:good:

monicaereis said:
Well, my every day life is that: reading pdf's, making notes, writing, browsing the internet, making presentations, travelling with the technology for work reasons, occasional gaming. . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have experienced with all 4 options you mentioned: Note 10.1, 12.2, Surface PRO 3 (Windows tablet), Sony Multi-flip 15" (Windows touch screen tablet). They all have active digitizers for hand-writing function. I'll try to give you my overall impression on these.
1. Windows vs. Android
Let's talk about the OS first. Assuming you are a Windows PC user, it is nice to have a Windows tablet as it can potentially replace your laptop. It may allow you to have/do everything on one device. The hardware of a Windows device is just more convenient for everyday task: a powerful processor, USB port(s), HDMI output of presentations, a physical keyboard (as a type cover for the Surface). When it comes to software, it is full Windows 8 and you can use it to run any Windows compatible software.
Android on the other hand, shines in making your tablet a better MOBILE device, due to the thousands of apps in Google Play, all designed for mobile devices (messenger/VOIP apps, media player, games). Not only you get a much greater selection, these apps are better in quality, and built to run more efficiently on slower hardware. Windows 8 apps just cannot compare. For example, you won't find one app that can play a 1080p mkv movie. You have to use the desktop version of VLC. More importantly, very few Windows app can take advantage of your stylus pen. Microsoft Onenote is the only good one in my opinion. I am yet able to find a good pdf annotator that effectively allows hand writing, although regular mark-up with type font using keyboard works fine. In contrast, Android have many option of note-taking apps that take advantage of the s-pen (Papyrus, My Script Smart note, Samsung S-note). For PDF annotation, even the Adobe Reader on Android works really well, allowing drawing/marking with pen.
Bottom line: If you want one device that does it all, Windows tablet is better. But be prepared to be limited in app availability. You often find yourself doing what you wanted to do in some inefficient ways, especially when it relates to the use of the pen.
2. It's all about portability
This point is obvious for tablets vs. touch screen pc (hybrids). A less obvious point is the ac adapter. The more powerful hardware of any windows devices require a more powerful charger (e.g., 12V, 19V). Android chargers tend to be 5V, and thus are much more compact. You phone changers may even work, though slowly.
Finally, a point about Note 10.1 vs 12.2. Bigger generally is better when viewing the screen, but is less portable. Some people like the 12.2"; others find it too big to carry around. For me, I found the 12.2" Pro heavy and awkward to use when I am not in front of a desk. One thing to keep in mind is both devices have the same resolution of 2560 x 1600; i.e., same amount of content, just enlarged on the 12.2" screen compared to the 10.1" screen. However, if you root the tablet, you can change the resolution of the Note Pro to fit more content of the larger screen.

Great advices!
ikeny said:
I have experienced with all 4 options you mentioned: Note 10.1, 12.2, Surface PRO 3 (Windows tablet), Sony Multi-flip 15" (Windows touch screen tablet). They all have active digitizers for hand-writing function. I'll try to give you my overall impression on these.
1. Windows vs. Android
(...)When it comes to software, it is full Windows 8 and you can use it to run any Windows compatible software.
Android on the other hand, shines in making your tablet a better MOBILE device, due to the thousands of apps in Google Play, all designed for mobile devices (messenger/VOIP apps, media player, games). (...) More importantly, very few Windows app can take advantage of your stylus pen. (...)
Bottom line: If you want one device that does it all, Windows tablet is better. But be prepared to be limited in app availability. You often find yourself doing what in what to do in some inefficient ways, especially when it relates to the use of the pen.
2. It's all about portability
(...)Finally, a point about Note 10.1 vs 12.2. Bigger generally is better when viewing the screen, but is less portable. Some people like the 12.2"; others find it too big to carry. One thing to keep in mind is both devices have the same resolution of 2560 x 1600. (...).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with what you say... at only one answer from my question I'm almost ready to decide to android and to note 10.1. Have you had or seen a review of that android app Office suite 7 +PDF&HD? Because if I'm going android, this one look capable of helping me with my office documents. Any other app you might know?

monicaereis said:
I agree with what you say... at only one answer from my question I'm almost ready to decide to android and to note 10.1. Have you had or seen a review of that android app Office suite 7 +PDF&HD? Because if I'm going android, this one look capable of helping me with my office documents. Any other app you might know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my post above to include a comment on PDF annotation with Android tablets. Generally, most PDF reader apps work well as a reader, with the exception for very large files; e.g., a 200-page thesis with lots of HD figures. The slow processing power of your Android tablet will choke on these. When it comes to annotation, the common choices are iAnnotate, ezPDF reader, and Adobe Reader. My favourite is Adobe Reader. It is relatively fast, and allows all my basic needs of underlining, highlighting, adding text box, and hand-drawn objects. Most importantly to me, all annotations show up when I open the edited file on a desktop pc (Windows and Mac).
As for office apps (Word, Powerpoint and Excel equivalence), there are many choices in Google Play store. Many offer free versions to try. As far as I know, most if not all, won't take advantage of the s-pen. So you can just refer to general reviews of these apps (not specific to tablets with s-pen). Kingsoft Mobile Office is my favourite as a completely free app. One important thing to point out is, your Note 10.1 and Pro will come with a copy of Hancom Office suite. For the 10.1, you need to do a search in Samsung App store to see them. The Hancom Office received very good feedbacks as a Microsoft Office alternative (Google for review). Speaking of Microsoft, they do offer an Office app for phones, which will work on tablets if you sideload it. The apps work quite well on tablets, even as a phone version. But I dislike the fact that you can only save files to the Microsoft cloud (not locally); and is optimized for those with a 365-Office subscription. Microsoft is rumoured to be working on a tablet version of Office, and already released a beta version to selected test users. It is safe to say that for Office needs on the Android platform, it will only go from very good to even better with time.
To answer your question, you should be able to find one of the many Office apps that will satisfy general Office needs. On the other hand, if you want advanced functions; e.g., PowerPoint presentation with the latest animations, you'll have to experiment it with the various apps out there. Your safe bet is always going back to a full Windows OS.

You might want to reconsider Note 10.1 vs Note Pro 12.2.
The only reason for me to not get the 12.2 would be price, if you are on a budget then maybe take the 10.1.
I own and use both the Note 10.1 and Note Pro 12.2. The 12.2 is an all around better device, the screen is more comfortable to write on and batterylife is better.
Regarding pdf annotation on windows: One of my professors uses pdfannotator in class, it seems to work pretty well for him. I haven't tried it myself.

RE: Office compatible apps on Android
Hancom Office is actually pretty slick, and it's available for free on the Note 2014/Note PRO.

ikeny said:
To answer your question, you should be able to find one of the many Office apps that will satisfy general Office needs. On the other hand, if you want advanced functions; e.g., PowerPoint presentation with the latest animations, you'll have to experiment it with the various apps out there. Your safe bet is always going back to a full Windows OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
by the end, I see that most of my questions are for inexperience, but gladly, android is a world for it self and solves every little problem

I've decided
My decision is made. I'm going for the 12.2 Galaxy Note Pro (wifi+4G), mostly because I'm grabbing and awesome promotion here (602€). But for the future, the 10.1 (wifi+4G) was also a good call (508€) given the similar characteristics, but my mind and wallet were already prepared for the regular price of a 10.1 which would be 640€.
I've attached a pdf of a comparison between both if someone might be interested (some Portuguese language in there but perfectly understandable).
And Thank YOU for the great advices: @blindmanpb, @diemex, @ikeny!

monicaereis said:
Dear all great experts, hope you may take a few minutes in helping a tablet newbie,
I'm about to have my first ever tablet, going from a Samsung S2 were i was cleverly reading pdf's and making notes (...better if i was living in Lilliput, I know). Well, my every day life is that: reading pdf's, making notes, writing, browsing the internet, making presentations, travelling with the technology for work reasons, occasional gaming (mostly my son) and I'm doing it all with a laptop and the Samsung S2.
:cyclops:What I look for in the tablet: great battery life, great and quick response of the system, compatibility for office programs like word, excel, power point (btw: is the Office suite 7 +PDF&HD of great value for me if I need to go back and forward android/windows/android?)
Now my doubts taking into account my needs: should I get the a) Samsung Note 10.1 2014 edition, b) Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2, c) an windows based tablet, d) an hybrid...
All answers all welcome and thank in advance:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my office apps and I wrote this using with stylus handwriting recognition which is kinda flawless now.
I forgot to install hamcom office. I reflashed the rom as i do a lot of experimenting and that's the only reason i dont have hancom. Hancom is one of the best.
Buy the Note Tablet and you will not regret it. Buy an apple or windows and you will cry for many coming months.

Ups I forgot to attach the screen shot.

monicaereis said:
Dear all great experts, hope you may take a few minutes in helping a tablet newbie,
I'm about to have my first ever tablet, going from a Samsung S2 were i was cleverly reading pdf's and making notes (...better if i was living in Lilliput, I know). Well, my every day life is that: reading pdf's, making notes, writing, browsing the internet, making presentations, travelling with the technology for work reasons, occasional gaming (mostly my son) and I'm doing it all with a laptop and the Samsung S2.
:cyclops:What I look for in the tablet: great battery life, great and quick response of the system, compatibility for office programs like word, excel, power point (btw: is the Office suite 7 +PDF&HD of great value for me if I need to go back and forward android/windows/android?)
Now my doubts taking into account my needs: should I get the a) Samsung Note 10.1 2014 edition, b) Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2, c) an windows based tablet, d) an hybrid...
All answers all welcome and thank in advance:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any Note would be great for notes, so one of these tablets would definitely meet those needs and both are great tablets!
Whether to get the 10.1 or 12.2, depends on your preference of screen size really. The two basically have the same hardware and screen resolution. The 10.1 will be slightly more portable and maybe easier to hold though. The 10.1 also has little accessories support from large companies like Logitech. You can still find accessories for the 10.1, but they're basically Chinese unbranded stuff and there's nothing super high quality.
A Windows tablet will be more expensive and more Windows laptop-like, especially if you get something like a Surface with a full version of Windows on it. In fact, with a Windows tablet, you may not even need a laptop depending on the tablet you get. My friend has a Surface 1 and it acts as his laptop now.
On an Android tablet, you can use Hancom Office to do your MS Office stuff. It works great, but occasionally, it can be a little trickier to do stuff than on an actual computer and using MS Office. On a Windows tablet, you CAN use the actual MS Office.
Personally, I prefer Android only because they are cheaper and because I use my tablet more for recreational purposes. If I needed a work laptop though, I'd probably sell my Android tablet and upgrade to the Surface 3 or something similar. It'd be more compatible with the workplace. You can use MS Office and any other software you might need.

I voted Note 10.1 because it is a very good consumption device and a great size to carry and hold. Depending on your mix, the Surface 3 could be a better fit - especially if you do a lot of content creation. I am considering picking up a bluetooth keyboard for the note.

Note FTW
I would recommend the Note 10.1 for portability, but then I prefer my old Note 8 for size and weight and if it had a better screen I would not have bothered with the Note 10.1
If they made a Note Version of the Tab S 8.4, I would snap it up!
That said, I have TWO Note 10.1, I got sick of my missus using mine so had to buy a second one.
AS for Office suites, I measure them by their spreadsheet ability because thats what I use most.
Not many office apps have spreadsheets that can edit conditional formatting. Hancom office does it along with pivot tables. WPS office (formerly known as Kingsoft Office) also does it, all the others do not.
No office suite on iOS does both conditional formatting and pivot tables, not even MS Office for iOS.
To me that puts Hancom and WPS a class above the rest. If you are used to the menus interface in MS Office, Hancom Office comes pretty close to that and works best with the s-pen. WPS office more designed for finger operation rather than stylus.
as for windows tablets, I have 2 surfaces (RT1 and Pro1) and while they are great in their own ways, I most often grab my Lenovo Thinkpad 8 tablet when I need windows. It is just a great size and fits in jacket pockets and the screen is even sharper than the Pro. Best thing of all, it charges using Micro USB so I can carry 1 charger for both phone and tablet(s). I also have a Samsung Ativ 700T i5 tablet, but it gets no love and only comes out when I need i5 power and a big drive (I've swapped a 500gb msata SSD into it).
If you use MS Onenote, they have updated the Android version and it now supports inking and works really well with s-pen.
All that said, I grab my Note 10.1 most of the time as it is the weapon of choice for a road warrior.

Related

Will Microsoft surface pro kill this tablet and all Android tablets?

just wondering if the release of Microsoft surface Windows 8 pro will render all the Android tablets outdated...
what would be the fate of g note 10.1, when the surface hits the shelf Feb 9th? Will you dish your note?
let's talk about its pro and cons

Will it be the finished article is the usual MS new release question .
jje

First of all, windows 8 sucks.
Ring out, Galaxy Note 10.1 is still the winner. Dont see anything useful in the surface pro and win8. too complicated for me as a win7 user, and the surface pro is too expensive. I still dont regret that I have bought the note 10.1
There's nothing to discuss about.

I don't like Windows 8 at all. This is the first Windows OS that I haven't updated my home systems to as soon as they are available. And it's not a matter of cost since I have access to 10 licenses at no cost. I installed it on my laptop and tried to use it for a few weeks and went back to 7.
While I think it's an OS that's more suitable for a tablet or phone than a desktop, I still think it's awful. I just think MS made a huge mistake with this thing.
IOW, my Note isn't going anywhere in the near future. And when it goes, it won't be for a Surface anything.

Yes. The gnote wasn't that good of a tablet anyways and the only thing appealing about it was the wacom digitizer, in which case the Surface Pro has it outclassed because you can run full fledged applications such as photoshop on it. ARM tablets are toys compared to x86 tablets but it in the future you'll still see low cost tablets from the Nexus series being popular.
Really even atom tablets today does tremendously more than what $500 android tablets are capable off and they often cost only $50 to a $100 more. And with incoming Haswell it'll address any negatives such as battery life. But with that being said atom tablets are already well within 10 to 11 hours of battery life while i5 variants are ranging around 5 to 7. Unless manufactures see this as a method of profit and start to include smaller and smaller batteries, (or razor thin ones) x86 tablets in the future will be comparable if not better in battery life while offering substantially more power.

simple answer.
NO.

Lol
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app

In before stupid gNote zealots attack and flame any attempt to have a honest conversation about the Pros & Cons of the gNote.
Just like before http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869148
Because the gNote has no Cons and does no wrongs.

BBlax said:
Yes. The gnote wasn't that good of a tablet anyways and the only thing appealing about it was the wacom digitizer, in which case the Surface Pro has it outclassed because you can run full fledged applications such as photoshop on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely using a stylus on ps touch, is 10x better than using your finger on a surface pro. Outclassed :laugh:

BBlax said:
... But with that being said atom tablets are already well within 10 to 11 hours of battery life while i5 variants are ranging around 5 to 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which i5 tablets get 5 - 7 of actual use? As a previous owner of one who just ditched it for the note I am very curious. My biggest problem was by far sub par battery life.
I think surface pro is the future of the Windows branch of "PC" for the masses....even though it will take a couple of years before they are palatable. But unfortunately I also think that the market is much larger for casual users (those who initially only want web and email). IPad, Asus, Samsung tablets are going to become even more prevalent. 20 years ago only ultrageeks used computers, today grandma has a Facebook acct. There are so many people that mobile computing is being used by now.
People who want to run Photoshop and other real warez will be fulfilled by the new surface pro types that I think eventually will become laptop and desktop replacements as well. At the same time the Apple and Android apps are slowly closing the gap. There is much more complex software available for mobile platforms than there was just a few years ago. This is where many new developers have emerged and it is a market where traditional softwares are dying to get into.
Microsoft is wayyyyy to late to the game, and they will never capture the casual users. I think they will hold a smaller market of business and previous PC users who haven't yet completely jumped ship. Apple and Android are here to stay as the majority, and Microsoft unfortunately as the minority.
That being said I still use my custom built Intel Z77/i5 3570K-based PC with 32GB RAM and Samsung 830 SSDs for RAW photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, using MATLAB, Visual Studio, Mathematica, Sony Vegas, Handbrake, Acrobat, etc, etc, as well as an occasional game of BF3. I use my phone and tablet for everything else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I love my note 10.1 I look at all info on tablets cause of curiosity but so far I want for nothing my note does all I want it to be able to do
Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk HD

I think my desktop is enough for windows . I dont need windows tablet . My note 10.1 enough for me outside my house

just like others have said a big NO, i'm sure you have heard recently android is growing fast in terms of market share, microsoft dropped everything and tried to catch up with windows 8, too little, too late, microsoft are not only alienating thier pc gamer userbase with such a horrofic UI in windows 8 but most gaming card drivers don't work on 8 so why should they upgrade and loose features?
lets see if anyone will take something like that outside to work and be a laughing stock, the app store is nothing compared to ios and android, microsoft will never compare to either of them, not even a child can use windows 8 properly check out youtube and see for yourself, windows 8 is overcomplicated sqeezing tablet features into a desktop is the dumbest idea i have heard in my life, what the were they thinking?

Been Waiting on Microsoft Surface Pro for Work
Well, I own a Galaxy Nexus and N7 and have owned an iPad4. I am anxiously awaiting the MS SPro because I am hoping that the stylus integration will truly eliminate the use of pen/pad of my note taking. I also look forward to the integrate of the stylus with One Note.
The MS SPro stopped me from buying a Google Nexus 10 (no pen); Galaxy Note 10.1 (pen but less than ideal integration with Google Drive - i.e., no editing of slide presentations in the Drive).
If the writing experience is good; if I can access my PowerPoint presentations within the SkyDrive and edit them with the stylus, or touch screen, or keyboard and if the integration with One Note is good, particularly using the pen .... the MS SPro may become the preferred business tablet ...
with Google Tablets occupying the purely consumption space.

VERY Good point about annotating Power Points.
So far it's been basically impossible to do on Android.
No one wants to have to convert to PDF all the time.
Until SoftMaker remakes their Office Suite to the same level of functionality as their Windows Mobile 6 version (which basically WAS MS Office) Android can never be a serious productivity tool.
So far lots of Office Suites miss a majority of functions and even LOSE document data you originally had put in the document from the official MS Office, if you save.

With the gazillions MS spent on advertising Surface RT and even opening pop-up stores in malls to sell it they sold fewer than 1MM over the holidays. Samsung canceled plans to bring to bring the Ativ RT to the U.S. because of lack of consumer interest. Surface Pro is nothing more than Surface RT with the ability to run legacy Windows apps. The devices are twice as thick, twice as heavy, and battery life is unknown. The real change in personal computing is the addition of touch screen interaction and you'll see most new ultrabooks and notebooks including it. When that happens it's really just a choice of picking the Windows device that best suits people's needs - a small light ultrabook with a touchscreen with better battery life or a heavy Surface Pro with limitations and a removable display. Legacy Windows with all of its viruses and maintenance chores really isn't a competitor to consumption devices like iPad and Android tablets. And unless something changes Surface RT is already a fail. Samsung canceling the Ativ RT and releasing updated G-Tab's next month is a pretty good that Android will be around for awhile.

well, February 9th is just around the corner.... let's wait and see if Microsoft will surprise us.

I actually have a surface rt as well. It's inferior to the Note in almost all ways, but it definitely has two advantages.
1 the type keyboard is extremely nice to use and convenient
2 native ms office support is great when you need to work with word, ppt docs, and etc
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

padesy said:
well, February 9th is just around the corner.... let's wait and see if Microsoft will surprise us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no surprise, here's the specs from their site. In the 64GB version, because the OS and installed apps are huge, there's only 23GB left for the user. And it's already confirmed to get half the battery life of Surface RT.
http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/surface-with-windows-8-pro/specifications
So...
$999 - 128GB Surface Pro (23GB is way too little available storage)
$250 - Office 2013 license (it's not included in Surface Pro)
$130 - "Type" cover (the "touch" cover included would drive productivity users nuts)
$1,379
I don't see people lining up for it.
Here's an interesting article comparing the RT to Pro...
http://www.zdnet.com/why-im-not-trading-my-surface-rt-for-a-surface-pro-7000010132/

dhd1802 said:
Surely using a stylus on ps touch, is 10x better than using your finger on a surface pro. Outclassed :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except the Surface Pro has a full sized pen power by a Wacom digitizer.
Full HD too. No 800p crap.
299792458 said:
Which i5 tablets get 5 - 7 of actual use? As a previous owner of one who just ditched it for the note I am very curious. My biggest problem was by far sub par battery life.
I think surface pro is the future of the Windows branch of "PC" for the masses....even though it will take a couple of years before they are palatable. But unfortunately I also think that the market is much larger for casual users (those who initially only want web and email). IPad, Asus, Samsung tablets are going to become even more prevalent. 20 years ago only ultrageeks used computers, today grandma has a Facebook acct. There are so many people that mobile computing is being used by now.
People who want to run Photoshop and other real warez will be fulfilled by the new surface pro types that I think eventually will become laptop and desktop replacements as well. At the same time the Apple and Android apps are slowly closing the gap. There is much more complex software available for mobile platforms than there was just a few years ago. This is where many new developers have emerged and it is a market where traditional softwares are dying to get into.
Microsoft is wayyyyy to late to the game, and they will never capture the casual users. I think they will hold a smaller market of business and previous PC users who haven't yet completely jumped ship. Apple and Android are here to stay as the majority, and Microsoft unfortunately as the minority.
That being said I still use my custom built Intel Z77/i5 3570K-based PC with 32GB RAM and Samsung 830 SSDs for RAW photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, using MATLAB, Visual Studio, Mathematica, Sony Vegas, Handbrake, Acrobat, etc, etc, as well as an occasional game of BF3. I use my phone and tablet for everything else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer W700. It has a 1000mah larger battery than the Surface Pro.

1st Post Introduction. (1 month GN 10.1 user)

Hello everyone!
･ Relatively long time member, first time poster.... Just wanna introduce myself as a 1st month Note 10.1 user. I am an entertainment lawyer. As such, does a lot (& i mean lots) of freedom notes in meetings & such. Just retired my 7 year old HP TC1100 once I started using the Note. I'm a digital inker & live on LectureNotes & SNotes all the time. Am also a long-time Palm user, as such Graffiti for Android is my full time HWR 'keyboard'. I fly on Graffiti.
･ Lastly, for annotation on digital ink, Adobe Reader on Android & PDF Annotator on Windows are my friends.
･ Just sharing how I utilizes this excellent device. I believe if you write/ink freehand, Wacom & active digitizer cannot be beat & the Galaxy Note 10.1 is an excellent platform if this your workflow.
･ Comments are always welcome. Cheers everyone.

Me my self a new note 10.1 user after i sold my note 1, i cant tell how pleased i,m with all the new features and stability of note 10.1!!
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda premium

I can't even begins to express how delighted I am with the 10.1. Been looking for years for a modern device to replace my trusty Palm TX & Tablet PC. This is it. For pure digital inking noteslate, Note 10.1 fits my requirements perfectly.
Tried going the E-Ink route with Wacom on the Entourage Edge. Loved the concept, but so slooow!
Anyone else on this board using the Note solely for a pen & paper replacement? Like an A4/Legal notepad? Would love to hear your thoughts on going paperless & digital inking usage scenarios. I've been paperless for the last decade.

Um, my main purpose for the Note is a pen & paper replacement, but I do use it for browsing Reddit while pooping quite frequently. I also will use it to watch Netflix (since my desktop uses Linux and Netflix won't work on it without too much hassle). I mostly use it for taking notes in class (grad student) and it works great for that. I used to kind of just fling my notebooks around so I'd have a bunch of notes that I'd never really read over, but since I have synced my notes online, I can always access them to read at any time. It's pretty awesome.

I work in IT and my Note 10.1 has become liek a 3dd arm. All it needs is an ethernet port and it would be perfect. I use my for remote sessions, nowte taking during meetings, and so on. It gets used for hours every day.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app

I went paperless quite a few years ago and was using a Dell Latitude XT with OneNote. Had been looking for some time on a better solution. Purchased a Latitude XT3 just 6 months before the note launched. Now it is Note 10.1 and LectureNotes. It was hard to leave OneNote, but I have felt better about it lately. Can always export to pdf for import into OneNote if I ever need to go back. As an account executive, I take notes all day long and need to go back and refrrence them often in the future. Paper notebooks were just a waste for me. Carry my note everywhere now.
Couldn't be happier with this unit and I just bought a MacBook Air recently to do some of the heavier stuff, but this is still my favorite device.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app

AndroidAble said:
I went paperless quite a few years ago and was using a Dell Latitude XT with OneNote. Had been looking for some time on a better solution. Purchased a Latitude XT3 just 6 months before the note launched. Now it is Note 10.1 and LectureNotes. It was hard to leave OneNote, but I have felt better about it lately. Can always export to pdf for import into OneNote if I ever need to go back. As an account executive, I take notes all day long and need to go back and refrrence them often in the future. Paper notebooks were just a waste for me. Carry my note everywhere now.
Couldn't be happier with this unit and I just bought a MacBook Air recently to do some of the heavier stuff, but this is still my favorite device.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You & I, fella. Replaced your Mac with a Lenovo U150 in my place. OneNote 'insert' function is a lifesaver. Thanks for sharing your workflow.

djasli said:
Hello everyone!
･ Relatively long time member, first time poster.... Just wanna introduce myself as a 1st month Note 10.1 user. I am an entertainment lawyer. As such, does a lot (& i mean lots) of freedom notes in meetings & such. Just retired my 7 year old HP TC1100 once I started using the Note. I'm a digital inker & live on LectureNotes & SNotes all the time. Am also a long-time Palm user, as such Graffiti for Android is my full time HWR 'keyboard'. I fly on Graffiti.
･ Lastly, for annotation on digital ink, Adobe Reader on Android & PDF Annotator on Windows are my friends.
･ Just sharing how I utilizes this excellent device. I believe if you write/ink freehand, Wacom & active digitizer cannot be beat & the Galaxy Note 10.1 is an excellent platform if this your workflow.
･ Comments are always welcome. Cheers everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, I also still have my HP TC100 running win 7. Got it on ebay about 3 years ago. HP was way ahead of its time with this.
I am interested in finding the best pdf view editor and PowerPoint presenter. I have reported on the latter on the forum and trying to work with companies to make the software more useful. Not much movement so far.
For PDF I am experimenting with Adobe, RepliGo Reader, exPDF, OfficeSuite, Polaris and QuickOffice ProHd.
I do not have a report yet but two issues for me are fast rendering of each page (including large files) and inking. For inking, Adobe, RepliGo Reader, exPDF, and QuickOffice ProHd work ok. Adobe is the most basic and the others have choices such as width of line and insert of arrows etc.
dave

dtl said:
Ha, I also still have my HP TC100 running win 7. Got it on ebay about 3 years ago. HP was way ahead of its time with this.
I am interested in finding the best pdf view editor and PowerPoint presenter. I have reported on the latter on the forum and trying to work with companies to make the software more useful. Not much movement so far.
For PDF I am experimenting with Adobe, RepliGo Reader, exPDF, OfficeSuite, Polaris and QuickOffice ProHd.
I do not have a report yet but two issues for me are fast rendering of each page (including large files) and inking. For inking, Adobe, RepliGo Reader, exPDF, and QuickOffice ProHd work ok. Adobe is the most basic and the others have choices such as width of line and insert of arrows etc.
dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dave,
The TC1100 is/was way ahead of its time. I agree. It is/was a joy to use though mine is still running on stock HP XP Pro SP3.
On the Note, Adore Reader is good enough for me: inking, strikethru, underlined etc. Polaris supports AllShare Cast for PowerPoint, so I bring along the Cast dongle to conference rooms as needed. It is small enough to stash in my briefcase. Having said that, I do missed presenting with full-on TPC with full Office suit like I did on the TC1100.
I find the Note snappy enough for my usage, even on huge PDFs. No issues so far. I load my own PDF templates for notetaking, whiteboarding etc.
One thing that tonk the TC1100 is the Note's battery life. Thin, light, all-day battery life & instant on is why I go for the Note. Of course, Wacom is Note's great advantage over other Android tablets. I can't stress that enough for users like us.

I absolutely agree, i'm on IT and always looking for a good solution to keep my life paperless because meetings note taking and archiving is really important for me. I've tried windows solutions like HP Slate 500 but it's lack of power and awful n-trig digitizer made me to look for android alternatives. I've using note 10.1 for 6 months and is absolutely amazing..
I'm really missing One Note but LectureNotes and using svn repositories for notes sync (OASVN pro client) it's a good and private alternative. I'm using ezPDF and OfficeSuite pro for standard format documents editing.
I would really like to combine my laptop (Sony Z2 for development activities) and note taking device in a single device but still doesn't exists in the market. Sony Vaio Duo 11 is a first approach but still missing important features for my laptop replacement.

cugel said:
I absolutely agree, i'm on IT and always looking for a good solution to keep my life paperless because meetings note taking and archiving is really important for me. I've tried windows solutions like HP Slate 500 but it's lack of power and awful n-trig digitizer made me to look for android alternatives. I've using note 10.1 for 6 months and is absolutely amazing..
I'm really missing One Note but LectureNotes and using svn repositories for notes sync (OASVN pro client) it's a good and private alternative. I'm using ezPDF and OfficeSuite pro for standard format documents editing.
I would really like to combine my laptop (Sony Z2 for development activities) and note taking device in a single device but still doesn't exists in the market. Sony Vaio Duo 11 is a first approach but still missing important features for my laptop replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the android side of things, there are some pretty good alternatives (especially if your company is on Google Apps) for note taking and archiving. There's Drive + Docs + Quickoffice for times when you need more complex documents, or evernote for times when you need plain text and files and everything attached in one place. You can also set up some pretty neat automations with a service called ifttt.com which will connect to lots of different accounts and shoot things around according to your instructions (for example: If I'm tagged on facebook, the picture is downloaded to a folder in my Drive account).
-Keri

I agree with this options, i'm using several of them for personal documents and notes but for corporate documentation and meeting notes sometimes is difficult (or directly forbidden) to use this kind of "cloud" infrastructure.

^^
I quite agree. Not in corporate environment, at least in my case. For me, that MicroSD slot is a lifesaver. Do the work I need to do out-of-office; at back to office, attach Note to USB and access data on PC. Also OTG USB to thumbdrive. Works for me. No "cloud" involved. The only cloud service I use is Email.

djasli said:
^^
I quite agree. Not in corporate environment, at least in my case. For me, that MicroSD slot is a lifesaver. Do the work I need to do out-of-office; at back to office, attach Note to USB and access data on PC. Also OTG USB to thumbdrive. Works for me. No "cloud" involved. The only cloud service I use is Email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah!
I'm fortunate to work in an environment where cloud computing is not frowned upon (it's actively encouraged), so that tends to be the first thing I think about.

djasli said:
Dave,
The TC1100 is/was way ahead of its time. I agree. It is/was a joy to use though mine is still running on stock HP XP Pro SP3.
On the Note, Adore Reader is good enough for me: inking, strikethru, underlined etc. Polaris supports AllShare Cast for PowerPoint, so I bring along the Cast dongle to conference rooms as needed. It is small enough to stash in my briefcase. Having said that, I do missed presenting with full-on TPC with full Office suit like I did on the TC1100.
I find the Note snappy enough for my usage, even on huge PDFs. No issues so far. I load my own PDF templates for notetaking, whiteboarding etc.
One thing that tonk the TC1100 is the Note's battery life. Thin, light, all-day battery life & instant on is why I go for the Note. Of course, Wacom is Note's great advantage over other Android tablets. I can't stress that enough for users like us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually polaris does not work correctly with AllShare.
Here is a portion of my review.
"I am on a quest(s) to find the best pdf reader, best PowerPoint presenter etc. I teach at a university and use powerpoint for lectures. I also give ppt lectures to professional groups, other universities, etc. What I am looking for is the best ppt presentation software and the ability to do the presentation remotely. I also do (with my win 7 lenovo tablet) portrait presentations, in which I have configured the table to simulate an overhead system where I can write on in "edit the ppt view" while the systems projects this to the class. So this is the back ground. I see great potential for the Note in many ways, but right now I am disappointed. What I hoping is that I can learn from you about this goal. Below I compare software that I have. I also compare with the Note hooked directly to the projector (hdmi or hdmi-vga) and with the allshare cast dongle. (*hdmi means hdmi or hdmi to vga, both direct to tv or projector). This results were a surprise and part of my current disappointment,
3. Polaris (Ireviewed a few others)
Fairly good for fonts, does not maintain proper style for text (e.g., maintains column width) can edit
Picture effects like reflection does not work
Animation works
No 3d shapes do not work
Fonts generally ok
Color off for text and shapes, but better than office suite pro.
Does not import lines and arrow correctly
Annotation works
Black background used to fill in rest of screen
Good display resolution.
Short time to load big files.
Does not work similarly with both direct hdmi* to tv/projector and the allshare cast dongle.
There are three display choices, primary monitor, duel monitor, controller and note. The first two work the same, bottom bar not hidden. The controller and not setting hides the bottom bar and gives the biggest projected picture (seems to be the biggest and best of all the I have tried). Works great with direct. With the allshare dongle, the first slide is fine. When the second slide comes up, the first slide does not disappear and for the second slide it only show in about ¾ of the screen in the upper left so you do not see the full slide. The rest of the screen is the first slide. This stays the same for the rest of the slides.
Does not work in profile."
First of all, is this not your expereince?
Second, I have been trying ot work with Polaris to see what is going on. Have had some success with email exchanges. They said that if the verion of Polaris is 4.0.5002.30 version, then it should work. I told them my version number is 4.05002.80, which is higher and it does not work correctly. They asked on Sunday (March 10) for a screenshot of the verison number. I sent that but have not heard back. ( i have emailed them and resent the screenshot, but no emails so far.
dave

Dave,
The version on mine is 4.0 5002.62-Fj03 & it works beautifully. Well for my usage. Set up the Cast, load ppt, hit slideshow & I'm set for drawing, annotate etc. Granted my usage is basic, with no Powerpoint slide creation at all (That's done by my PA back at office). Maybe you need more. A Windows TPC with Office suite works better for you maybe? As far as I can figure, there's no Office-compatible apps for Android. At least not yet.

djasli said:
Dave,
The version on mine is 4.0 5002.62-Fj03 & it works beautifully. Well for my usage. Set up the Cast, load ppt, hit slideshow & I'm set for drawing, annotate etc. Granted my usage is basic, with no Powerpoint slide creation at all (That's done by my PA back at office). Maybe you need more. A Windows TPC with Office suite works better for you maybe? As far as I can figure, there's no Office-compatible apps for Android. At least not yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting that you have a different version and it is a lower number. When did you get your note. I wish I could see more of how this works for you.
But some questions
1. do you get the choice of how to do the slide show? The three choices I mention in my post.
2 Also I just want to make clear that when you project, that the bottom bar hides dn the only think you see on the screen is the ptt presentation.
I would like to take this information to Polaris and to Samsung
As for windows computers with ppt for presentations, yes I use these, but to be able to use the Note with Allshare opens up many possibilities and I wan to work to making it so. It is interesting that if you were to take all of the good features from the other android ppt programs ( I think I reviewed 4 or 5) and combine them, you would almost have a windows ppt like experience.
Thanks!
dave

dtl said:
Interesting that you have a different version and it is a lower number. When did you get your note. I wish I could see more of how this works for you.
- I got mine on 26th Feb this year. N8020 with Jelly Bean already installed out the box.
But some questions
1. do you get the choice of how to do the slide show? The three choices I mention in my post.
- Alas, no. I do not get any of those choices. Just straight up mirroring.
2 Also I just want to make clear that when you project, that the bottom bar hides dn the only think you see on the screen is the ptt presentation.
I would like to take this information to Polaris and to Samsung
- Nope. Wish it does, but no.
As for windows computers with ppt for presentations, yes I use these, but to be able to use the Note with Allshare opens up many possibilities and I wan to work to making it so. It is interesting that if you were to take all of the good features from the other android ppt programs ( I think I reviewed 4 or 5) and combine them, you would almost have a windows ppt like experience.
Thanks!
- Yeah. Fully agree. Will be grand if it can do full Office presentation. Hopefully that day will come soon.
dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still new on this board to insert attachments.

djasli said:
I'm still new on this board to insert attachments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is what I thought might be the case. Was hopeful. Interesting that you got yours after mine and with Jelly Bean, but an older version of Polaris. Got mine months ago with ICS.
So I think that Polaris knew of a problem and then produced the next version (with the three display choices) to solve it. One of those choices as I pointed out hides the bar and only displays the ppt. But it does not work and Polaris now has not responded for almost a week. So that could mean 1) they are working on it, or 2) they do not care and are ignoring it. I hope #1.
A problem is that we cannot update Polaris from PlayStore if they do upgrade the software. It is all up to Samsung and thus complex. So my hopes are rather dim at this point and a response from Polaris would be encouraging..
dave

Your comments got me thinking. So while at work today, I did a test:
･ RDP to my office pc and AllShare Cast the Note to the projected. Walla! Full Office ppt with all the trappings. Bit laggy connection but not discernable much.
･ The Note's Airview mode helps. Perhaps you can try this too.
･ Next up, I'm gonna try setup my own personal network and try the experiment at one of my client's conference room, who happens to be my college buddy.
Hmmm, this is getting interesting. Thanks for making this tired old brain working again.....

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
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

Note 10.1 2014 or Surface pro 2

Hi.
As a Note 3 users I've been thinking of getting the LTE version of the Note 10.1 2014 for some time now, but waited for a good deal. Next week MediaMarkt here in the Netherlands is having their anual 21% of everything. Here the Lte version costs about 720 euro. Now I've been thinking of the surface pro which is in the 800+ euro category. Especially since its faster, runs full desktop apps. On the other hand its thick and battery doesnt last long.
I also have a series 7 chronos laptop.
What do you guys recommend?

blue13x said:
Hi.
As a Note 3 users I've been thinking of getting the LTE version of the Note 10.1 2014 for some time now, but waited for a good deal. Next week MediaMarkt here in the Netherlands is having their anual 21% of everything. Here the Lte version costs about 720 euro. Now I've been thinking of the surface pro which is in the 800+ euro category. Especially since its faster, runs full desktop apps. On the other hand its thick and battery doesnt last long.
I also have a series 7 chronos laptop.
What do you guys recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the same problem as you currently got. I went for the Note 10.1.14 because I got the Note 3 and both are the perfect couple. However, I missing being able to run my desktop apps whilst on the road so now I have decided im going to purchase the SP2 & keep the note which will give me the best of both worlds.
The problem you got is what ever one you choose you will always find a reason why you should have chosen the other one.

Surface (and all their ilk) are pretty crappy entertainment devices compared to Android (and iOS). It also weighs 2 pounds without its paraphernalia. It's also as big as a house.
I have a 13" laptop which I tote around when I'm going to be on the road for a while or if I know I'm going to be doing a lot of productivity work like document creation; especially Excel and PPT. You can't do heavy productivity work on anything less than a 13" display IMHO (the Surface Pro 2 is 10.6") The N10.1-14's powerful enough that I can leave my laptop home quite a bit of the time and use RDP and faux-Office to meet my light productivity needs (editing and reviewing). It's also a fantastic entertainment and media device. Mine's 3G so it's always connected which is invaluable when traveling. The Surface(s) to me aren't great as laptop replacements and their entertainment capabilities are at best acceptable. I don't consider going in to the non-Modern interface and accessing entertainment via native IE a good media experience or a replacement for the simplicity of multiple dedicated media apps in Android. I have IE on my laptop. Maybe someday Windows tablets will evolve so that they're better all-round tablets and less biased toward the utilization of (captive) MS products like Office. Until then I'm fine with my two device (laptop/Android tablet) set-up and each fulfill their missions fine (at least for me).
P.S. - Samsung calling their high end tablets "Pro" and loading them up with productivity s/w isn't going to change the fact Android's as bad at productivity as Windows tablets are at entertainment.
Just my opinion, people should buy what makes them happy.

If you are going to be taking a lot of notes and pen offset bothers you then I would say go for the note. Every surface 2 pro that I've come across has had some offset on the stylus, and it gets pretty bad at the edges.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

I pondered this for awhile. I've been on android since mytouch3g and have a couple hundred dollars tied into premium software. Since I can use team viewer to access my laptop from my android device, I don't need a Windows tablet.
I also own an iPad. I bought it to help troubleshoot clients who couldn't figure out how to get "the only device that requires no manual" on a network. That quote was by Black Eyed Peas, fyi. I only used my Apple slab for magazine reading now. My note 10.1 2014 is much more user friendly and again I don't have to buy all my apps again.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Note
For a tablet I'd rather have android. I have a thinkpad for when I want portable windows - and I'd much rather run Windows 7 than 8 on a tablet if I am trying to write. The Note is nice for reviewing and .pdf mark-up.

Me, as a developer who is living on "Microsoft World" I definetly prefere surface pro 2 because it is i5 intel laptop without a keyboard not tablet
Having note 3 and note 10.1 at the same time is like, eating two sizes of hamburgers on the same meal which both tastes same. If you are fanatic about hamburgers it's ok but for extending posibilities, I would recommend surface pro 2 or maybe just surface 2 or lumia 2520.
As a s4 user, I just bought note 10.1 for everyday use (I could not buy surface or lumia because they are not on market at my region) and planning to exchange my s4 with a Windows mobile now.
It is my opinion for nonuniformity...

Here's what I've arrived at, as a sort of a hiearchy of usage when mobile.
1. When I am just going to the shops etc - Note 2, phone only
2. When I expect to be doing little work if any but want to browse etc - Note 10.1-2014
3. When I expect to do some work but not a lot - Note 10.1-2014
4. When I expect to do a moderate amount of work - Note 10.1-2014 plus MS Wedge KB and Mouse
5. When I expect to do a ton of work - HP Envy 14.
I have Andropen Office and various other Office substitutes on the Note 10.1-2014. I also have RDP to a virtual machine on my server at home. This gives me a full Windows experience when that is crucial, for example creating a clean new .docx document in "real" MS Word. RDP works really well on this tablet. It is like using a windows machine, but with some slowness as it's remote.
I have to tell you that the MS Wedge KB and mouse, plus the Note 10.1-2014, is a fricking awesome looking combo. They look like they were made to go together. It is such a fine looking set-up to have on a desk, and it is also very pleasant to use and incredibly portable.
I considered a Surface Pro 2 but it's too expensive, not portable enough, and not, for me, necessary. And it is a Windows 8 device, which basically makes it a steaming pile of [email protected] no matter how you look at it. If I didn't also have an okay laptop maybe it would be a candidate. But honestly, the occasions when I will get out my laptop now are getting very infrequent. The 10.1 tablet is far nicer and just as practical 99% of the time.
Jason

Decided im going for the Note 10.1 2014. The Surface pro is superior, but its too large and battery life just isnt as good.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

On the other hand...the surface pro 2 is superior when it vomes to power and performance. basically full windows app. Its more for people that dont have a laptop. As a side device the note for me is better.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

This question has been in my head for a few months now. My Asus Transformer Prime (3G) just isn't as good as it used to be. I did wipe it and it's better but still sluggish. I have had many Samsung phones, currently the S4 Google Edition so I like Samsung products. As a business owner and software developer the surface Pro makes sense but the batter ife and bulk just don't make sens to me. The biggest hurdle either way is getting one in 3G or 4G for my ATT plan. Fortunately I have enough time to decide because my current tablet is still working.
Edit - Or I suppose I could be the geek that I am and use my phone as a hot spot when I need to......

It depends on the majority of how you are going to use it. The sp2 is more of a laptop replacement in a form of a tablet. It's not as comfortable to hold and easy to operate as an android tablet. If you just want to surf the Web on the couch and be able to entertain yourself on the go then get the note. If you are looking for a laptop replacement that you can do work on then the sp2 is a beast. It is actually a full functioning computer with windows. You can install any program on there that you can on your home
Pc. Few cons are the weight, thickness, and battery life. Also there aren't as many apps as Google play store. And using regular windows with your fingers is sometimes a hassle unless i connect a mouse because everything is small with the high resolution. I had the type cover keyboard but the mouse pad on there is too small. So lot of times I would just take out my phone and click on app instead of dealing with that.
I ended up returning the sp2 because I noticed I wasn't using it that much. Also because of the size and weight it was not that comfortable using it for simple things that I can comfortably do on my note 3. I exchanged the sp2 for a note 10.1 and I'm using the note 10.1 much more than I was the sp2. I just like to browse the Web on the couch and simple stuff. If I need to use a Pc I just hop on my desktop with much bigger monitor. The thing that bugs me most about the note 10.1 is the lag that everyone talks about. I'm still contemplating on whether I should return this and try something else. Either that or wait for note pro 12.2. Kind of disappointed that it's going to have the same specs though.
So I think it just depends on what, where and how you'll be using the tablet. I've read the sp2 is very useful for people that work in the IT industry. But if your just like me and use the tablet for mostly entertainment then note 10.1 would be a better choice.
Hope this helps and good luck on your decision. They are both good devices with different pros and cons.

Guys im going to purchase the SP2 and was wonder how it runs to the version with only 2GB of ram? I don't really need the 128GB drive version but if it runs better on 4GB of ram then I guess its worth spending that extra money
Thanks

fyew-jit-tiv said:
Guys im going to purchase the SP2 and was wonder how it runs to the version with only 2GB of ram? I don't really need the 128GB drive version but if it runs better on 4GB of ram then I guess its worth spending that extra money
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might get more perspective if you ask that in a SP2 forum.

I believe the 64 gb and 128 gb come with 4 gb of ram and the 256 gb and 512 gb version come with 8 gb of ram. Both are enough for most things. If you use lot of memory intensive apps then go with the 8 gb. How many gb of ram do you have on your desktop/laptop you are using now?
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

sgvnut said:
It depends on the majority of how you are going to use it. The sp2 is more of a laptop replacement in a form of a tablet. It's not as comfortable to hold and easy to operate as an android tablet. If you just want to surf the Web on the couch and be able to entertain yourself on the go then get the note. If you are looking for a laptop replacement that you can do work on then the sp2 is a beast. It is actually a full functioning computer with windows. You can install any program on there that you can on your home
Pc. Few cons are the weight, thickness, and battery life. Also there aren't as many apps as Google play store. And using regular windows with your fingers is sometimes a hassle unless i connect a mouse because everything is small with the high resolution. I had the type cover keyboard but the mouse pad on there is too small. So lot of times I would just take out my phone and click on app instead of dealing with that.
I ended up returning the sp2 because I noticed I wasn't using it that much. Also because of the size and weight it was not that comfortable using it for simple things that I can comfortably do on my note 3. I exchanged the sp2 for a note 10.1 and I'm using the note 10.1 much more than I was the sp2. I just like to browse the Web on the couch and simple stuff. If I need to use a Pc I just hop on my desktop with much bigger monitor. The thing that bugs me most about the note 10.1 is the lag that everyone talks about. I'm still contemplating on whether I should return this and try something else. Either that or wait for note pro 12.2. Kind of disappointed that it's going to have the same specs though.
So I think it just depends on what, where and how you'll be using the tablet. I've read the sp2 is very useful for people that work in the IT industry. But if your just like me and use the tablet for mostly entertainment then note 10.1 would be a better choice.
Hope this helps and good luck on your decision. They are both good devices with different pros and cons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points and that is part of the problem I have yet to decide. I prefer to use my transformer any time I can vs my laptop which I am on now. I run a meeting at least once a month and while I like typing on the laptop, I hate lugging it around. If i get a SP2 I can connect to my sky drive. If I get a note then I have to email and convert or paste to a new doc.
The lag worries me. I have a horrible lag in my transformer and at best it's good for reading and some light games.
I'm still leaning towards the Sammy just because I know to many people that have returned them. I'm familiar enough with Win 8 and while I'm not a fan, I can run it without issue.
I'll keep reading and pondering but I'm afraid I'll miss my android if I go SP2. (I have had the iPads in the past and left for Android).

Pure power yeah and desktop apps are true. But you need to weight your actual use for them. I use word for my business. I don't have to send it to anyone else (well rarely) and polaris is really awesome. If i really need to set the format straight I can just rpd to my desktop and check the format there. If it all looks well I can print straight from my tablet. I honestly rarely see any issues with polaris format. I think 99% of the time it gets it right. The only way I see word being necessary is if for you work or school you need some of the extra formatting ability in it. But even then I don't see it as a big hurdle. Really other than that I rarely ever use my desktop. I go to it when I need odin or something similar.I live on my note 2014
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I currently use (daily):
Galaxy S4 (rooted, adblocked) + Galaxy Gear (stock); Primary mobile phone
Galaxy Note 3 (rooted, adblocked); Quick notes (using 'write' which saves the note in html, available on Google Play), email, occasional gaming
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 8GB/512GB; daily work (I get about 8 hours without trying to conserve battery power).
All are reliable. I do want an android tablet, and normally I don't mind bloatware (Microsoft is calling it JUNKWARE lol!) as long as the 'disable' function has not been locked out.
The KNOX function is an annoyance. I would never use it in any of my managed SMB environments. If you want real control and security, provide a device and don't let people use their own.
Samsung has been getting more and more into skeezy information gathering practices and not cooperating with regards to disclosure.
Example: On my S4, I can disable WatchON. On the Note 3, the disable function is locked out, and the latest update for WatchON wants to be able to send SMS text messages. Hundreds of people are asking why, yet Samsung's response is always "please register on our site, agree to the privacy terms, and submit a support request". I would like to know who the moron is at Samsung that actually signed off on this thief-like untrustworthy tactic thinking it was a good idea.
Every manufacturer that provides a locked down, modified version of Android should be FORCED into ALSO providing the option to have the OS in its unaltered form, based on the users' preference.
The Junkware lock-in is the only reason I won't be purchasing a Note 10.1 and also why corporate users I deal with will be offered only pure Android devices.
I apologize in advance if my blunt comments hurts any feelings, but come on... it's 2014. Get with the times already! (I know... pipe dreams...)

RDA3440 said:
Get with the times already! (I know... pipe dreams...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your post is pretty naïve and a bit out of touch with the direction corporate IT is going toward both mobile security and BYOD. I take it you're a consultant of some type. Your position(s) wouldn't allow you to be taken seriously by the three Fortune 100 companies whose five highly managed networks I connect to (with my own devices). Three out of those five networks are now reading the KNOX flag to validate incoming network connection requests and one of the three companies has limited Android BYOD to "Samsung devices only" running 4.3 or higher (KNOX-equipped). Just some food for thought.

BarryH_GEG said:
Your post is pretty naïve and a bit out of touch with the direction corporate IT is going toward both mobile security and BYOD. I take it you're a consultant of some type. Your position(s) wouldn't allow you to be taken seriously by the three Fortune 100 companies whose five highly managed networks I connect to (with my own devices). Three out of those five networks are now reading the KNOX flag to validate incoming network connection requests and one of the three companies has limited Android BYOD to "Samsung devices only" running 4.3 or higher (KNOX-equipped). Just some food for thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly - but I'm thinking more along the lines of SMB's - 100's of users vs. 1000's. I should have clarified but thanks for that input - it's always good to hear alternative opinions.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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!

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