Database Users

galaxy tab vs notebook?

should i buy the usa tmobile version of the galaxy tab or Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T-3505 Notebook? to me they both are around the same price with a bit of a difference here and there but the most noticeable difference is the keyboard. i know i should get the notebook because ill use it mainly to scan my textbooks and put them in pdf so i dont have to carry heavy textbooks and can view them on these light devices but besides that i want a more usage comparability. just want to get some input from those who have used either or and can perhaps help me decide. thanks.

Go to best buy and play with the tab. See if you like it. Best advice I could give
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I am not a specialist, but I own an Eee Pc and a galaxy tab. Now that I have my Tab, I use my Eee Pc much less. Reading is much better on the tab. Also it is nicer to hold in your hands. An laptop is different, so I use it for different tasks. I read Ebooks on my tab, browse the internet, visit these forums, compose small e-mail messages etc. When I really have to write something, I use my Eee Pc. On Holidays I take both with me. My photos are stored on the Eee Pc (it has a 64GB SSD), but I read my mail on the Tab.

Get the Acer 1830T netbook - yep, anything below 12-inches is a netbook for me. You will be able move between documents at a much faster rate than the Tab. Also, don't forget the extra real estate on the 1830T (1366x768) and feature-rich PDF readers.
I am not a Tab-hater, but for OP's needs, a netbook will be a better option.

For your needs i'd get the netbook, i have a high spec laptop and an msi netbook and i only use the tab, unless i really need processing power.

yea i think the galaxy is very "cool" for entertainment not so much for me (college) because im planning to put chapters to pdf/ebook so i dont have to carry so many textbooks plus writing notes is always better with a actual keyboard. damn i kinda wanted the galaxy though because its light and looks cooler but notebook is better for my needs. thanks for the replies.

Donesnt the acer timeline x (all of them) have a really flexy keyboard
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There is a keyboard dock and you can use a bluetooth keypad with the gsm ones
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Galaxy Tab - hands down
the most useful thing i have invested in
It's my browsing device, secondary music player, secondary emergency phone, portable movie/picture dvd/viewer, emergeny camera, e-books, gaming machine (replaced my ipod)
Get one, you won't regret it

olyloh6696 said:
Galaxy Tab - hands down
the most useful thing i have invested in
It's my browsing device, secondary music player, secondary emergency phone, portable movie/picture dvd/viewer, emergeny camera, e-books, gaming machine (replaced my ipod)
Get one, you won't regret it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would use it for those very reasons but if only it could be more note taking capable i would have got it on release date.

D200P13 said:
i would use it for those very reasons but if only it could be more note taking capable i would have got it on release date.
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Click to collapse
Ade these for any specific reasons? are you a student? i would say yes,the note taking capabilities are good, but a bigger screen could help abit. also a better notes app (quick office, or what ever it is for MS Office) is rubbish! this is where my WM comes in handy

olyloh6696 said:
Ade these for any specific reasons? are you a student? i would say yes,the note taking capabilities are good, but a bigger screen could help abit. also a better notes app (quick office, or what ever it is for MS Office) is rubbish! this is where my WM comes in handy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is WM? yes i am a student and about to go get me that notebook unless im convinced otherwise. ive never liked typing on touch screen and unsure how i will use the galaxy as a on the go student getting school things done (ie some sites dont let me in because i am on a android) so this is another reason.

D200P13 said:
what is WM? yes i am a student and about to go get me that notebook unless im convinced otherwise. ive never liked typing on touch screen and unsure how i will use the galaxy as a on the go student getting school things done (ie some sites dont let me in because i am on a android) so this is another reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WM =Windows Mobile. it has official MS Office. i suggest yoh can get a data plan to use free internet and acess any site in your college/uni. you can buy an extended keyboard dock for the Tab which is awesome! it is £40

olyloh6696 said:
WM =Windows Mobile. it has official MS Office. i suggest yoh can get a data plan to use free internet and acess any site in your college/uni. you can buy an extended keyboard dock for the Tab which is awesome! it is £40
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i think ima just stick to a notebook and get the galaxy when it comes in wifi only because ill get more use out of a notebook (compatibility).

I think you should get the tab and a keyboard for the long typing sessions. CourseSmart is coming out with an Android app soon, but it is very useable in the browser too.
I take my tab to every class. Very handy for classes with small seats. (my 17' laptop doesn't fit on some desks)
Sent from my GT-P1000R using XDA App

The acer timelines do have the keyboard issue though
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

I use my tab for my textbooks in classes and it works great. I use the Dropbox app to store the scanned pdf files of the textbooks and I can access them from anywhere, my Tab, home desktop, and my laptop.
I don't type very well, physical keyboard or onscreen, so I still take notes the old fashioned way, paper and pencil. I do scan my notes into the tab using an app called CamScanner.
I also use an app called Class Buddy for class scedules and assignment organization. So far the tab is working out great for my school related needs. I wish I would have had it when I first started. Lugging around my laptop got old really fast.

D200P13 said:
i would use it for those very reasons but if only it could be more note taking capable i would have got it on release date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take notes very easily using a stylus! I forgot the name of the app but its on the market.

I just picked up a Tab on eBay for $469, bought a pre-paid data SIM from the TMO store for when I need/want mobile connection without wifi (which I expect to be rare). After <1 day with the Tab, I've already decided my EEEPC900 is going on eBay. No one in the family uses it.
Have 3 15" notebooks and 2 Vibrants in the house too. Just realized that's 6 screens for 4 people, WTF?!? Five y.o. watches Thomas the Tank Engine videos on YouTube pretty much unassisted on one of the laptops. Haven't taught him to use YouTube on the Vibrants or Tab -YET!

You probably made a decision already but I thought I would give my two cents since I'm a college student as well. I do not carry around any textbooks; I haven't for a couple years. I find PDF versions of my textbooks or I make them by scanning them. I have all my textbooks on my tab and it works great. Yes sometimes 7" is too small but its manageable. I bought one of those cases that fold into a stand and I just prop up the device on my device and do my work. When I'm doing math I have my textbook open on the tab and my notebook to write and do my problems. When I'm in chem class taking notes I use a paper notebook. If those Bluetooth styluses came out I would have bought one; I think it would have worked very well. Multitasking is limited of course and I wish there was a faster way to switch between apps. I saw the new version of iOS4 which incorporated gestures for switching apps. That's something I desperately need! I've tried different app switchers but its not the same. I use my tab as my primary phones/notebook. Sure it pisses me off when it doesn't act right but that's technology for ya. I have learned to touch type in landscape mode using Smart Keyboard so its easy for me to take notes on my tab when I have write something (like in political science) and use conventional pen & paper when I'm drawing mechanisms in chem. I passed on a netbook because it was just too big and it ran windows (didn't wanna take the time to make it into a hackintosh). With capable PDF readers like ezPDF it makes reading textbooks great. I have connected a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard (Apple trackpad) to it and it works great. Almost feels like a netbook, especially when surfing the internet. I'm in the market for a cheap mini Bluetooth mouse, I might pass on the keyboard since I mentioned I can touch type prettying quickly. Ultimately, the decision is yours but for me, I said no to a netbook for college.
From the Tab.
www.twitter.com/ayman07

[Q] Galaxy Note 2014 worth for college?

Do you think the 2014 version of this tablet will be worth it. I know there is already other topics on this but I wanted to know if the additional $250 is worth it over the previous model. All I would be using it for would be taking notes and having my PDF books on it. I would also like to be able to write/highlight on the pdf books with the pen if that is possible.

I don't own one/not gonna buy one of the Note 10.1s (I have a tablet as my signature suggests and despite the age of it and the S-Pen my current one suits me just fine)
But I've used two of the first Note 10.1s and for a pretty mediocre tablet (in terms of specs and everything) its still a pretty good device to use for school, which my friends use it for.
The 2014 model does make it easier to take notes and so on, with Action Memo and everything else in there, plus chances are the S-Pen functionality has been improved.
With writing all over pdfs, there are apps on the market, both free and paid, that work pretty well with the S-Pen. I don't know what app it is, but my friend uses one of these on his Note 10.1 (the original one), and it works pretty well. I have iAnnotate PDF on my own one. Dunno whether that functionality is built into the tablet itself- whether you can write all over pdfs by default- but there are apps to do it as well.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk HD

450rider22 said:
Do you think the 2014 version of this tablet will be worth it. I know there is already other topics on this but I wanted to know if the additional $250 is worth it over the previous model. All I would be using it for would be taking notes and having my PDF books on it. I would also like to be able to write/highlight on the pdf books with the pen if that is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 2012 version. I use it mainly for taking notes and a little bit of media if I'm in bed. If you're going to be reading lots and lots on it, then you might want to opt in for the newer version as the resolution is much better. The 2012 version's resolution is a little lackluster, but it is adequate for reading. I will not be upgrading, as I do not need the new features.

New not 10.1 is lighter, has better screen resolution and s pen functionality, so the answer is yes.

450rider22 said:
Do you think the 2014 version of this tablet will be worth it. I know there is already other topics on this but I wanted to know if the additional $250 is worth it over the previous model. All I would be using it for would be taking notes and having my PDF books on it. I would also like to be able to write/highlight on the pdf books with the pen if that is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the original 10.1 for a semester at school. It got the job done for the most part, but I ran into certain compatibility issues for school work that needed flash in the browser or whatever other codings / plugins android doesn't support well.
I sold it and bought a Samsung 500T windows tablet refurbished(only $360 on amazon). While the thing can be extremely slow in certain situations, I'm much more happy with it. In my opinion, Onenote is a better program than Snote or Lecturenotes. Example: for my accounting homework online, I can print the entire webpage to onenote and write out calculations and journal entries on the side. While I could do screen clippings on the note 10.1, I don't believe there's a way to do the entire webpage without multiple clippings (which can be very time consuming in the middle of class).
In all, I prefer Onenote over anything on android and I enjoy having it synced through Dropbox so I can get my notes on my desktop instantly as well. The process of printing lecture slides from powerpoint to Onenote is much faster as well.
From experience, I would personally recommend something windows based for school.

450rider22 said:
Do you think the 2014 version of this tablet will be worth it. I know there is already other topics on this but I wanted to know if the additional $250 is worth it over the previous model. All I would be using it for would be taking notes and having my PDF books on it. I would also like to be able to write/highlight on the pdf books with the pen if that is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have the older 10.1 model in my possession and I'm using it for school. I love it. S-notes is wonderful and there is a youtuber named rhea white who posted a lot of videos that really sold me on on it. You can import PDF's into S note and write on them from there. A lot of my professors like to use power points so I just download them, save them as PDF's and then import then into s note.
One issue I've had with it though is when I want to see two s note files at once. Sometimes I'll have someone in another note that I want to reference really quickly without having ot export it as a PDF and open it in another app. the 2014 model is supposed to support multiple instances of the same application which is why I was stoked and preordered one. the older model can also bit a bit slow when opening a note or creating a new one which got annoying when I was trying to keep up with what the teacher was saying. these haven't been issues so serious that would make me go back to pen and paper though.
as another poster mention you might find yourself a little limited in terms of working with online solutions. for example some of my professors use webassign, and I've found that I can't work directly on the site with the tablet which is where a tablet with a full OS would probably be better. However consider those types of tablets are more expensive i'm more than happy with my 10.1 and look forward to working on teh 10.1 2014 edition.

Just a question for those of you using a Note for school and annotations, etc.
I've been out of school for about 25 years now. We didn't even use desktop computers, let alone laptops (no, I never learned to use a slide rule. We did have calculators. Slide rules were before my time), etc. I understand using a tablet for taking notes (I'm not THAT antiquated!). I know that PowerPoints and, from what I'm reading, pdf's, are used nowadays; however, I'm not accustomed to modern teaching practices.
Where are you getting the pdf's from? Do the profs email them to you? Do you scan handouts and import them? In my day I used to get a buzz because of the lithograph ink and the alcohol(!) in them. That sometimes made the boring classes bearable.
I'm just curious, that's all. I'm reading all that people are writing, and it's bugging my curiosity.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

princeplanet said:
Just a question for those of you using a Note for school and annotations, etc.
I've been out of school for about 25 years now. We didn't even use desktop computers, let alone laptops (no, I never learned to use a slide rule. We did have calculators. Slide rules were before my time), etc. I understand using a tablet for taking notes (I'm not THAT antiquated!). I know that PowerPoints and, from what I'm reading, pdf's, are used nowadays; however, I'm not accustomed to modern teaching practices.
Where are you getting the pdf's from? Do the profs email them to you? Do you scan handouts and import them? In my day I used to get a buzz because of the lithograph ink and the alcohol(!) in them. That sometimes made the boring classes bearable.
I'm just curious, that's all. I'm reading all that people are writing, and it's bugging my curiosity.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my classes, they upload the PDFs and PowerPoint's to a centralized DB. Depending what classes you're enrolled in you have access to those DB, in a nice GUI.

I download them from piratebay and those kind of websites lol

KalynSS999 said:
In my classes, they upload the PDFs and PowerPoint's to a centralized DB. Depending what classes you're enrolled in you have access to those DB, in a nice GUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah...that's how it's done. Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

450rider22 said:
Do you think the 2014 version of this tablet will be worth it. I know there is already other topics on this but I wanted to know if the additional $250 is worth it over the previous model. All I would be using it for would be taking notes and having my PDF books on it. I would also like to be able to write/highlight on the pdf books with the pen if that is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKYsYUNFFkg

The original has been great for me. I read a lot of pdfs and highlight and annotate with ezpdf. I use Lecturenotes for taking down info.
I'm interested in the new Note mainly for the improved resolution but tbh I can read technical pdfs perfectly well as is so I'm very doubtful that it's worth the extra cost to trade up.

I think I am going to wait until my first trimester is done and hopefully the price will have gone down. Thanks for all the advice.

Sher The Love said:
I used the original 10.1 for a semester at school. It got the job done for the most part, but I ran into certain compatibility issues for school work that needed flash in the browser or whatever other codings / plugins android doesn't support well.
I sold it and bought a Samsung 500T windows tablet refurbished(only $360 on amazon). While the thing can be extremely slow in certain situations, I'm much more happy with it. In my opinion, Onenote is a better program than Snote or Lecturenotes. Example: for my accounting homework online, I can print the entire webpage to onenote and write out calculations and journal entries on the side. While I could do screen clippings on the note 10.1, I don't believe there's a way to do the entire webpage without multiple clippings (which can be very time consuming in the middle of class).
In all, I prefer Onenote over anything on android and I enjoy having it synced through Dropbox so I can get my notes on my desktop instantly as well. The process of printing lecture slides from powerpoint to Onenote is much faster as well.
From experience, I would personally recommend something windows based for school.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given that the base model is now $550, I am interested in Windows tablets now too such as the new Dell Venue Pros with Baytrail Atom CPU's. However, I don't want to learn a new OS and don't want to learn a new program. I actually was very active at using Onenote in college 5 years ago but it was a flawed app and Microsoft really didn't give it the kick it needed until Evernote started showing them how things should be done on the cloud. But I think I may very well trade in a note 10.1 for a good windows 8 tablet if the feature-set is there. An all-day battery life, powerful pdf annotation tools on the level of iannotate for Ipad, and good multitasking would be my priorities.
FlamingGoat said:
The original has been great for me. I read a lot of pdfs and highlight and annotate with ezpdf. I use Lecturenotes for taking down info.
I'm interested in the new Note mainly for the improved resolution but tbh I can read technical pdfs perfectly well as is so I'm very doubtful that it's worth the extra cost to trade up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trading up for exactly that reason. The 720p resolution kind of makes my eyes bleed and ezpdf renders pages too slowly for me. In full-window mode, most texts are fine but I like to multi-window with a note-taking app as well next to the PDF I'm reading. For this purpose, 720p is just too slow a resolution for me. I got a note 3 and pdf rendering is far faster than it was on the Note 2 which is great because I am often flipping quickly through hundreds of pages at once back and forth. I am hoping for that same kind of improvement in the Note 10.1 2014. If the Note 10.1 2013 was 1080p, I probably would wait to upgrade until there's a sale but 2560x1600p is like 4x the pixels of 1280x720p so to me its a huge increase in workflow efficiency given how much I use my note daily.

I currently use the 12' version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I'm in my first year of medical school and I use this for everything. I actually converted many of my ipad using friends to getting a note as well, mainly for its multiwindow capability and s-pen. EZpdf and LectureNotes are my go to apps in lecture and studying. For students this tablet is miles ahead of the Ipad. I'm look forward to getting my new note 2014 on Friday. Ok now back to studying.

jaztech said:
I currently use the 12' version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I'm in my first year of medical school and I use this for everything. I actually converted many of my ipad using friends to getting a note as well, mainly for its multiwindow capability and s-pen. EZpdf and LectureNotes are my go to apps in lecture and studying. For students this tablet is miles ahead of the Ipad. I'm look forward to getting my new note 2014 on Friday. Ok now back to studying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jaztech, I'm in the same boat...first year of med school. I'm currently using my iPad with Notability, but it's hardly ideal. Any tips you have for apps specifically for med students would be awesome. I'll be getting the two you recommended. Thanks again!

noleafclover830 said:
jaztech, I'm in the same boat...first year of med school. I'm currently using my iPad with Notability, but it's hardly ideal. Any tips you have for apps specifically for med students would be awesome. I'll be getting the two you recommended. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome Visible Body is an excellent app and I use it to supplement Netter's anatomy. It's especially great for getting a 3-D visualization outside of anatomy lab. Price is a little up there but it is completely worth it. Also check out this website: http://www.imedicalapps.com.

When the first edition came out last year there was really no competition.
However windows has grown so much... there are a handful of wimdows tablets from dell and so on that are worth considering.
My main thing is the ability to fully use onenote.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2

jaztech said:
You're welcome Visible Body is an excellent app and I use it to supplement Netter's anatomy. It's especially great for getting a 3-D visualization outside of anatomy lab. Price is a little up there but it is completely worth it. Also check out this website:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Essential Anatomy on my iPad which is pretty stellar, but Visible Body has a few other features that I like as well. Was contemplating getting it for the iPad, but I may opt for the android version instead. Still trying to work out my over all workflow. I may keep the iPad for a "reference" screen (apps, books, etc) and use the Note for taking my notes and making my study guides. Thanks for the tip!

Note 10.1 vs Win8 tablets with pen for studying

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

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

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

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

{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

Enough negativity, let's share the positives!!

I'm sad for those who are thinking of buying this tablet or those who just recently have and read all the negative things about this amazing tablet. Let's all share the things you love most about this awesome device.
I for one haven't had nearly as many issues as some have posted on xda or here. I think most are too picky or just don't know how to use it.
I love my tablet because it has one of the best screens available, it's snappy, I haven't experience lag with the right settings. I love the spen features, the size is perfect, the over all build is good to me.
With everything this device has to offer and how customizable it can be and even more so if you root or find the right apps the options are almost endless.
I look forward to reading what you all love most about your experience. Let's let's those on the edge about buying or keeping the Note 10.1 2014 edition know its a great buy worth the money!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

The S Pen is a god. I haven't used a piece of paper at work since August 2012. I am entirely digital with my notes and diagrams. This is something that just seemed impossible before the S Pen hit the tablet scene regardless of how much I wanted to get away from paper. That combination of a light portable 10" 16:10 Note tablet series with the S Pen is nearly unbeatable at the moment. It is the sweet spot for me.
How's that for positive?

My point being is with out knowledge of what your options are your going to be dissatisfied. Read up before complaining or ask us
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Stocklone said:
The S Pen is a god. I haven't used a piece of paper at work since August 2012. I am entirely digital with my notes and diagrams. This is something that just seemed impossible before the S Pen hit the tablet scene regardless of how much I wanted to get away from paper. That combination of a light portable 10" 16:10 Note tablet series with the S Pen is nearly unbeatable at the moment. It is the sweet spot for me.
How's that for positive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stocklone:
Care to shed any light on your workflow. I'm interested in what apps you use to take your notes, how you archive them, how you search for info at a later date, are they in a format where you can access them across platforms (PC, etc).
I've been wanting to go completely digital with my notes but still haven't been able to come up with a truly workable system.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

ElectronKing said:
Stocklone:
Care to shed any light on your workflow. I'm interested in what apps you use to take your notes, how you archive them, how you search for info at a later date, are they in a format where you can access them across platforms (PC, etc).
I've been wanting to go completely digital with my notes but still haven't been able to come up with a truly workable system.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do everything through Lecture Notes currently. I used to do everything through Quill but I found Lecture Notes to be perfect for note taking since it allows for folders as well as notebooks. So I can jump very quickly to the notes I need for the current project I'm working on where everything is organized at the location I'm working at for a given project and the year and month if it was something very regular like weekly team meetings. That structure is good enough for me for retrieving whatever I'm looking for. I know Quill has tags if you want to filter individual pages in a given book but the GUI is incredibly slow once you have a lot of notebooks.
My folder hierarchy is typically Location\Building\Project\(Year\Month) for Lecture Notes. That allows me to split things up enough that I'm okay with combing through my notes from that point out. I do date each entry in my notes than highlight it in yellow so I can quickly find notes for a given day. I'm pretty sure LN offers some kind of tagging system if you wanted to make things searchable.
With Quill I backed up old notes to PDF and made a copy on my microSD and my notebook. I actually haven't archived anything yet with Lecture Notes but I know it can export to PDF so I will probably do that. Quill actually offers syncing notes between devices but I never used it. Quill also had automatic backing up to the microSD card.
I don't ever really access my notes on a PC. Due to computer restrictions where I work, my tablet pretty much has to remain an island unto its self while I am at work. If I wanted to make them accessible I would probably sync the PDF files with Dropbox I imagine.
I think Quill has the prettiest writing but Lecture Notes once you set it up is far more functional.
My system would probably fall apart if I wasn't working in an environment of multiple unrelated ever changing projects. If I only worked one project as my entire job, tagging pages would probably be much more important.
For future reference, a setup where you really don't have to think about anything for syncing between devices and backing up, OneNote with Office 2013 on a Surface Pro 2 is probably as simple as you are going to get. That's what my wife uses.
---------- Post added at 04:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 PM ----------
RussellEstridge25 said:
My point being is with out knowledge of what your options are your going to be dissatisfied. Read up before complaining or ask us
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally hate this tablet without root. Once I had root, this tablet became an absolute joy to use. I think rooting would be the best advice I could give to a new user that might be frustrated with their Note. Then nearly anything that pisses you off can be fixed in way or another.
Finding the right 3rd party apps is also crucial. I think that if you assume what Samsung provides is the end all of what works with the S Pen, you are really limiting yourself. Once you start branching out you see all the possibilities of the S Pen you can have a much better idea of how useful it is. Also, many times you have to turn on S Pen support for an app such as drawing and note taking apps. Until then it treats the pen like a finger. And sometimes some random 3rd party app may actually do something better than all the big companies with similar apps. Research seriously pays off with this tablet.
A not so super obvious benefit of the S Pen is gaming. I don't know how anybody plays R-Type with their finger when you have all those little enemies flying around the screen from every angle. The S Pen is a huge advantage there. Even casual games like Fruit Ninja, I can play way better with an S Pen because of the higher accuracy and less obstructed vision.

Stocklone said:
I do everything through Lecture Notes currently. I used to do everything through Quill but I found Lecture Notes to be perfect for note taking since it allows for folders as well as notebooks. So I can jump very quickly to the notes I need for the current project I'm working on where everything is organized at the location I'm working at for a given project and the year and month if it was something very regular like weekly team meetings. That structure is good enough for me for retrieving whatever I'm looking for. I know Quill has tags if you want to filter individual pages in a given book but the GUI is incredibly slow once you have a lot of notebooks.
My folder hierarchy is typically Location\Building\Project\(Year\Month) for Lecture Notes. That allows me to split things up enough that I'm okay with combing through my notes from that point out. I do date each entry in my notes than highlight it in yellow so I can quickly find notes for a given day. I'm pretty sure LN offers some kind of tagging system if you wanted to make things searchable.
With Quill I backed up old notes to PDF and made a copy on my microSD and my notebook. I actually haven't archived anything yet with Lecture Notes but I know it can export to PDF so I will probably do that. Quill actually offers syncing notes between devices but I never used it. Quill also had automatic backing up to the microSD card.
I don't ever really access my notes on a PC. Due to computer restrictions where I work, my tablet pretty much has to remain an island unto its self while I am at work. If I wanted to make them accessible I would probably sync the PDF files with Dropbox I imagine.
I think Quill has the prettiest writing but Lecture Notes once you set it up is far more functional.
My system would probably fall apart if I wasn't working in an environment of multiple unrelated ever changing projects. If I only worked one project as my entire job, tagging pages would probably be much more important.
For future reference, a setup where you really don't have to think about anything for syncing between devices and backing up, OneNote with Office 2013 on a Surface Pro 2 is probably as simple as you are going to get. That's what my wife uses.
---------- Post added at 04:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 PM ----------
I personally hate this tablet without root. Once I had root, this tablet became an absolute joy to use. I think rooting would be the best advice I could give to a new user that might be frustrated with their Note. Then nearly anything that pisses you off can be fixed in way or another.
Finding the right 3rd party apps is also crucial. I think that if you assume what Samsung provides is the end all of what works with the S Pen, you are really limiting yourself. Once you start branching out you see all the possibilities of the S Pen you can have a much better idea of how useful it is. Also, many times you have to turn on S Pen support for an app such as drawing and note taking apps. Until then it treats the pen like a finger. And sometimes some random 3rd party app may actually do something better than all the big companies with similar apps. Research seriously pays off with this tablet.
A not so super obvious benefit of the S Pen is gaming. I don't know how anybody plays R-Type with their finger when you have all those little enemies flying around the screen from every angle. The S Pen is a huge advantage there. Even casual games like Fruit Ninja, I can play way better with an S Pen because of the higher accuracy and less obstructed vision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. Care to share what apps you downloaded for the spen and how you turned on spen instead of having it act as a finger? Very interesting.

Great point about using the pen for gaming!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

Stocklone said:
I do everything through Lecture Notes currently. I used to do everything through Quill but I found Lecture Notes to be perfect for note taking since it allows for folders as well as notebooks. So I can jump very quickly to the notes I need for the current project I'm working on where everything is organized at the location I'm working at for a given project and the year and month if it was something very regular like weekly team meetings. That structure is good enough for me for retrieving whatever I'm looking for. I know Quill has tags if you want to filter individual pages in a given book but the GUI is incredibly slow once you have a lot of notebooks.
My folder hierarchy is typically Location\Building\Project\(Year\Month) for Lecture Notes. That allows me to split things up enough that I'm okay with combing through my notes from that point out. I do date each entry in my notes than highlight it in yellow so I can quickly find notes for a given day. I'm pretty sure LN offers some kind of tagging system if you wanted to make things searchable.
With Quill I backed up old notes to PDF and made a copy on my microSD and my notebook. I actually haven't archived anything yet with Lecture Notes but I know it can export to PDF so I will probably do that. Quill actually offers syncing notes between devices but I never used it. Quill also had automatic backing up to the microSD card.
I don't ever really access my notes on a PC. Due to computer restrictions where I work, my tablet pretty much has to remain an island unto its self while I am at work. If I wanted to make them accessible I would probably sync the PDF files with Dropbox I imagine.
I think Quill has the prettiest writing but Lecture Notes once you set it up is far more functional.
My system would probably fall apart if I wasn't working in an environment of multiple unrelated ever changing projects. If I only worked one project as my entire job, tagging pages would probably be much more important.
For future reference, a setup where you really don't have to think about anything for syncing between devices and backing up, OneNote with Office 2013 on a Surface Pro 2 is probably as simple as you are going to get. That's what my wife uses.
---------- Post added at 04:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 PM ----------
I personally hate this tablet without root. Once I had root, this tablet became an absolute joy to use. I think rooting would be the best advice I could give to a new user that might be frustrated with their Note. Then nearly anything that pisses you off can be fixed in way or another.
Finding the right 3rd party apps is also crucial. I think that if you assume what Samsung provides is the end all of what works with the S Pen, you are really limiting yourself. Once you start branching out you see all the possibilities of the S Pen you can have a much better idea of how useful it is. Also, many times you have to turn on S Pen support for an app such as drawing and note taking apps. Until then it treats the pen like a finger. And sometimes some random 3rd party app may actually do something better than all the big companies with similar apps. Research seriously pays off with this tablet.
A not so super obvious benefit of the S Pen is gaming. I don't know how anybody plays R-Type with their finger when you have all those little enemies flying around the screen from every angle. The S Pen is a huge advantage there. Even casual games like Fruit Ninja, I can play way better with an S Pen because of the higher accuracy and less obstructed vision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use Lecture Notes for work. Besides the notebooks and folders, you can use the index page function to easily find a particular part of a notebook later. I typically index more important meetings within a project notebook to easily reference later. For me this has worked so much better than the many separate paper project notebooks I used to have. I often remember a reference mentioned in a meeting but not the exact value. With my old paper system i would rarely find it. With the indexing in Lecture Notes, it's no trouble at all.
I prefer the Note 8 at work, because the size makes it easier to keep with me all the time. So far I use the Note 10 at home only, but I do backup my Note 8 notes to Dropbox and sync them to my Note 10 with Dropsync so I can pick up the bigger tablet if I ever needed to with all my notes in it already. I used to take notes on an Ipad. The Spen+Lecture Notes combination is a million times better.
I also use the widget or shortcut function of Lecture Notes to place 3 shortcuts on my main screen;
The main notebook of the project I work on for quick access, a notebook I call "to do list", and a blank new notebook in case of an unexpected new topic which I can later rename and organize as needed. All other notebooks and folders I access the normal way. But these shortcuts make it easy to jump between my most used notebooks, and I'm always ready for new topics with an empty notebook.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

l haven't rooted yet. What are the 3rd party apps you use after root. Also how hard is it to Unroot, say when an update Comes out.
l'm just curious how others use their tablets. I use S note. I have purchased lecture notes, but I haunt figured out how to set it up to a way I'm satisfied with. So what are some advantages to rooting?

jherring002 said:
l haven't rooted yet. What are the 3rd party apps you use after root. Also how hard is it to Unroot, say when an update Comes out.
l'm just curious how others use their tablets. I use S note. I have purchased lecture notes, but I haunt figured out how to set it up to a way I'm satisfied with. So what are some advantages to rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
turn on the filter (sativ something filter, can't quite remember. I use it at 7), that is the key to a good writing. Lecturenotes is good, but complicated.

jherring002 said:
l haven't rooted yet. What are the 3rd party apps you use after root. Also how hard is it to Unroot, say when an update Comes out.
l'm just curious how others use their tablets. I use S note. I have purchased lecture notes, but I haunt figured out how to set it up to a way I'm satisfied with. So what are some advantages to rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ad away='s no more ads. Titanium back up to get rid of bloat ware or freeze apps. Wanam xposed apps to change the framework and completely customize it. Custom recovery to be able to back up and restore. I just use kies or Odin to manually update. Works perfectly.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I also have the Note 8 & 10.1. The Note 8 is my main tablet, especially for work, due to its size. The Note 10.1 is mainly used for inventory, the larger screen.
Via my Note 3

S-Pen is a great tool. I use it frequently in almost everything (except games). Also there is plenty of useful applications that is specific to Samsung like S-Note, Ez-pdf reader, Moon reader, Office suite Pro, Digital Calculator (I don`t remember the exact name) and a lot of apps. Another feature which is useful to me which is Multi window apps (requires a rooted device).
But there is performance difference between LTE and 3G devices due to processor difference.
But finally I`m happy with this tablet.

Since I have gotten my Note 10.1, I rarely now use my Nexus 7 2013. I like the screen real estate and as crazy as it sounds, I like the TWZ apps (calendar, S Note, to name a few). I take sermon notes while in church and compared to my iPad 3, it's a gem. I use OfficeSuite 7 with the keyboard to keep up, but for everything else, normal speed writing, I use the S Pen. It's the biggest reason I got the tablet to start with. I played with the Tab Pro 10.1 in BB this weekend and it flies with KK, but I need my S-Pen, so hopefully we get KK soon.

Turn Off Wifi During Sleep -> Better Battery than iPad
Hi,
For those who complains about battery life sucks, here is one tip: turn off wifi during sleep.
I just went to the Settings -> Connection -> Wifi and enable that. Now my tablet battery is a lot longer than my iPad 2.
Not that I use my Note 10.1 for game or any CPU hungry tasks.

Positives of this tablets...
I love it!
Best for remote services like Splashtop. This tab had saved my butt many days at work where my laptop cannot handle certain files. I would use my powerful desktop at home to pull through the loading, then work from there.
This is also a really light weight tablet. Easily one of the more comfortable ones to use, thought it could be a little more balanced like the tablet Z from Sony.
It is impressive in a business scenario. When I use it to show or modify data with the S Pen, I get many Ooouu and Ahhh from older folks. It is a great thing, if you do any of that sort of business. These impressions stick to people, especially if it's their first time seeing a Note product.
Im also in love with how familiar it is to many people. This is debatable, but my family members, friends, and sometimes strangers could pick this tab up, and know how to use it right off the bat. (especially people with samsung phones) Something Android tabs are lacking just a few years ago. Nowadays, the Nexus 7 is the only other friendly tablet I could think of, though it lacks many many out of the box features like the Note.

mmmmm positive things
glad to have s-pen....
high resolution, maybe not for video but for drawing it fits
what else?... ok let's see... with this device you:
can download torrents with aTorrent...
can edit pictures with Adobe PS Touch...
can draw with Autodesk Sketchbook
can take notes with Lecture Notes (even record video)
can draw vectors with Infinite Design
can make animations with Animation Studio or FlipaClap (i really like the last one)
can add effects to pictures with Handy Photo, SnapSeed, Pixlr Express or Repix
can view Full HD videos with MX Player (they look really small with this screen resolution)
can edit PDF files with PDF Max
can scan documents to PDF with CamScanner
can edit office documents with Kingsoft Office or OfficeSuite
can create diagrams with TouchDraw
can switch from one app to another with Switchr
can decompress or compress files with ZArchiver
can edit videos or adding effects with VideoPad
can create isometric pixel art with IsoPix
can view Flash videos with internet browser
can create pixel like 3d images with Fumotrim
can share video or audio content and sync with TV
can connect to remote desktop with RD Client, SplashTop ot Team Viewer
can control tv through wifi with Unified Remote Control
can transfer content with SuperBeam or WifiDirect
can connect to TV with MHL adapter
can use multiwindow feature (with root you can run 4 "popup window" apps)
even better, you can encode video but believe me, i will take forever and you will burn your note...
and many things i can't remember right now...

fantasmanegro said:
mmmmm positive things
glad to have s-pen....
high resolution, maybe not for video but for drawing it fits
what else?... ok let's see... with this device you:
can download torrents with aTorrent...
can edit pictures with Adobe PS Touch...
can draw with Autodesk Sketchbook
can take notes with Lecture Notes (even record video)
can draw vectors with Infinite Design
can make animations with Animation Studio or FlipaClap (i really like the last one)
can add effects to pictures with Handy Photo, SnapSeed, Pixlr Express or Repix
can view Full HD videos with MX Player (they look really small with this screen resolution)
can edit PDF files with PDF Max
can scan documents to PDF with CamScanner
can edit office documents with Kingsoft Office or OfficeSuite
can create diagrams with TouchDraw
can switch from one app to another with Switchr
can decompress or compress files with ZArchiver
can edit videos or adding effects with VideoPad
can create isometric pixel art with IsoPix
can view Flash videos with internet browser
can create pixel like 3d images with Fumotrim
can share video or audio content and sync with TV
can connect to remote desktop with RD Client, SplashTop ot Team Viewer
can control tv through wifi with Unified Remote Control
can transfer content with SuperBeam or WifiDirect
can connect to TV with MHL adapter
can use multiwindow feature (with root you can run 4 "popup window" apps)
even better, you can encode video but believe me, i will take forever and you will burn your note...
and many things i can't remember right now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....and now hancom office!!!!!!!!! ))))
Inviato dal mio SM-P905 utilizzando Tapatalk

fantasmanegro said:
mmmmm positive things
glad to have s-pen....
high resolution, maybe not for video but for drawing it fits
what else?... ok let's see... with this device you:
can download torrents with aTorrent...
can edit pictures with Adobe PS Touch...
can draw with Autodesk Sketchbook
can take notes with Lecture Notes (even record video)
can draw vectors with Infinite Design
can make animations with Animation Studio or FlipaClap (i really like the last one)
can add effects to pictures with Handy Photo, SnapSeed, Pixlr Express or Repix
can view Full HD videos with MX Player (they look really small with this screen resolution)
can edit PDF files with PDF Max
can scan documents to PDF with CamScanner
can edit office documents with Kingsoft Office or OfficeSuite
can create diagrams with TouchDraw
can switch from one app to another with Switchr
can decompress or compress files with ZArchiver
can edit videos or adding effects with VideoPad
can create isometric pixel art with IsoPix
can view Flash videos with internet browser
can create pixel like 3d images with Fumotrim
can share video or audio content and sync with TV
can connect to remote desktop with RD Client, SplashTop ot Team Viewer
can control tv through wifi with Unified Remote Control
can transfer content with SuperBeam or WifiDirect
can connect to TV with MHL adapter
can use multiwindow feature (with root you can run 4 "popup window" apps)
even better, you can encode video but believe me, i will take forever and you will burn your note...
and many things i can't remember right now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any full hd video should scale to the screen very well I have no idea why they would look small.....but yes to all of the above
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I love this tablet too
RussellEstridge25 said:
I'm sad for those who are thinking of buying this tablet or those who just recently have and read all the negative things about this amazing tablet. Let's all share the things you love most about this awesome device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will never win this war against the doomsayer. They will find always something to blame this great tablet.
RussellEstridge25 said:
I for one haven't had nearly as many issues as some have posted on xda or here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. And you can came with the argument and the doomsayer still exists that their problem is a general problem of the tablet.
RussellEstridge25 said:
I love my tablet because [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
RussellEstridge25 said:
I look forward to reading what you all love most about your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything. Not only it replace my other (older) tablets but also my gsm for my daily use. I use my HTC One (so you see how high the level staff is) now only for phone calls and text messaging. All the rest I do now with my Note.
So, what I love? Touchwiz *g* Yes, I love it. And if we got the Magazine UX and other changes from the Pro, I will love it more. Because Samsung made a tablet interface out of it. Google has here still to learn that tablets are not bigger phones.
I also love the default apps from Samsung. They have many add-ons which the replacements are still missing. So, I use the default browser, the default launcher and so on.
What I do at the end with this great tablet:
- internet surfing
- social virtual life (facebook, twitter, linkedIn, Google+, Skype...)
- drawing and painting (and I didn't switch any longer to my desktop to finish it)
- taking notes
- prepare shopping
- listen music
- watch full HD films (on the Note or from the intranet or internet)
- software development
- remove to desktop pc (for small tasks)
- project films, photos to TV
- reading books
- reading comics
- use this forum

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

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.