ipad 4 vs Note 10.1 for PDF annotation

[pcvt]

Hi all,

I just got an ipad 4 as a present. I needed a tablet for reading and annotating academic PDFs, and the ipad 4 + noteability/goodnotes app seems to do the trick. However, the S stylus of the Note 10.1 seems like it might be superior. However, the iPad does have the superior screen, and I'm not sure how big of a factor this is. I don't really care about the other features that the Note has, I won't be needing the SD slot or multitasking capabilities. 80% of my time on the tablet is going to be spent reading PDFs.

I can return the ipad 4 but I'd rather not unless the difference is substantial, since it was a gift and I'd have to awkwardly ask for the receipt, send it back, etc. Is it worth doing all of that?

Thanks !

 

[Aquila]

Hi all,

I just got an ipad 4 as a present. I needed a tablet for reading and annotating academic PDFs, and the ipad 4 + noteability/goodnotes app seems to do the trick. However, the S stylus of the Note 10.1 seems like it might be superior. However, the iPad does have the superior screen, and I'm not sure how big of a factor this is. I don't really care about the other features that the Note has, I won't be needing the SD slot or multitasking capabilities. 80% of my time on the tablet is going to be spent reading PDFs.

I can return the ipad 4 but I'd rather not unless the difference is substantial, since it was a gift and I'd have to awkwardly ask for the receipt, send it back, etc. Is it worth doing all of that?

Thanks !

For that specific use I don't think you're going to notice a substantial difference. It might be a good idea to play with a Note 10.1 in Best Buy, etc. to get a feel for it, but if what you're using works and you don't want to go through the hassle, then that's pretty much the direction I'd go in

 

[pcvt]

For that specific use I don't think you're going to notice a substantial difference. It might be a good idea to play with a Note 10.1 in Best Buy, etc. to get a feel for it, but if what you're using works and you don't want to go through the hassle, then that's pretty much the direction I'd go in

Thanks for the advice... So I take it the biggest advantage of the Note is for taking notes for a class or in a meeting?

 

[pmcdunnough]

I have the iPad4 and a Note 8 which I bought after returning the Note 10.1.1. I use my tablets for dealing with pdf files, presentations, giving lectures and so on...

The issue comes down to handwriting. For annotating pdf files the palm issue is not a big deal in my opinion. There are excellent pdf annotations on the iPad. The Note 8 doesn't have the same quality of apps in that arena and neither platform has anything like pdf annotator on Windows. But you can certainly get by with both IOS and Android.

The use of a stylus on the iPad is just terrible in my opinion. It's as though Apple doesn't want you to handwrite. If you want to handwrite you need an active digitizer. So Note 10.1, Note 8.0 or Surface Pro.

The iPad is great but capacitive screens are not the best for writing. I manage with an Adonit Jot as I don't rest my palm when I write. But, the Note 8.0 stylus and writing experience is just so much better. No comparison.

The Note 10.1 is older Samsung technology. The tablet feels poorly made compared to the Note 8.0 or an iPad or Surface. I would wait until they upgrade it to a newer model. The 30 pin connector is old hat while the screen resolution is a bit grainy. It's okay but I really felt uneasy with it. Still, that active digitizer on the larger screen is quite nice.

I would either stay with the iPad or go the Note 8.0 route or wait for a better Note 10.1. My problem with the Surface is that at 16:9 it is a bit odd in portrait mode.

Philip

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

 

[pcvt]

Dang thank you for the detailed review! I will def be sticking with the ipad then, I only use the stylus for occasional mark ups and equations. I think the note 8's screen is not big enough for me.