The education sector has improved dramatically during the last few decades, and this is as a result of the limitless amount of possibilities technology has offered.
Technology has transformed our way of learning in a number of ways. In fact, it is now almost impossible to find a learner perusing a whole Encyclopedia and other hard copy reading materials. The use of online learning resources, multimedia learning, E-books, extensive tutoring, online editing as well as the use of electronic gadgets have all enhanced our education system incredibly.
Arguably, the use of digital devices such as tablets is among the most significant ways in which technology has impacted education. Typically, tablets and perhaps smartphones can all be used to enhance your note-taking experience, allowing you to collaborate more efficiently on other projects online. What’s more, tablets allow you to create, store, duplicate and retrieve information more easily. Recent research by scholars tends to suggest that learners retain and remember information better from digital notes. Hand-written notes are not only messy but extremely hard to decipher as well. However, with a note-taking tablet at your disposal, it’s far quicker and easier to correct any typos. Equally, you can store and access your digital notes more efficiently. Provided you can access the web; you can back up your notes thanks to the help of the many note-taking apps available.
With the many brands and models out there, it can be a daunting task finding the best note-taking table that suits a learner’s needs. Of course, there are a few factors that you must take into account. In a bid to make it easier for you to get the best deal, we are providing you with an extensive review of the top five note-taking tablets that are worth buying. Read on and get to know.
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1. Microsoft Pro Surface, Latest Version.
This is a high-end device that guarantees a perfect blend of comfort, sophisticated technology and style. It is packed with all the essential features one would need in a top-class gadget. It boasts of a seventh-generation Intel Core i5 processor, a whopping 8 GB RAM, and a storage capacity of 256 GB. Thanks to the sturdy Intel 3.5 GHz Core processor at its disposal, this particular machine performs its functions at a relatively faster speed, which is 2.5* faster than the Surface Pro 3. Its display is exceptional, and this is because it has a screen size of 12.3 inches. Screen resolution is 2738 by 1824 pixels.
With the Microsoft Pro Surface at your disposal, you’ll be able to create, work, study, and play virtually anywhere thanks to its all-day battery life. When fully charged, you’ll enjoy up to 14.5 hours of video playback. Its elegant and ultra-portable design featuring rounded edges gives you complete mobile productivity. Equally, this machine functions perfectly with Office, Surface Dial, and Surface Pen, and supports the full Windows experience including three-D creation tools. It is critical to note that it supports three distinct functionalities, including the laptop mode, studio and tablet modes. It boasts of specific impressive features such as Surface Dial, Surface Pen, Surface Arc Mouse as well as the Surface Pro Signature Type Cover. All these are intended to take your note-taking experience to the next level. Simply put, this is an impressive note-taking gadget that every first-year student out there should seriously think about.
Get it Cheap From Amazon2. Apple iPad 10.5 inch Pro.
Here is another award-winning device worth your money and time. It boasts of powerful, beastly features, compact, lightweight and ergonomic design and is undoubtedly a giant piece of equipment in the arena of note-taking convertibles. This machine functions on a 10* Fusion chip with sixty four-bit architecture embedded M10 co-processor. It runs on the iOS 11 and comes with an adequate 10.5-inch retina display with a resolution of 1668 by 2224 pixels. It is imperative to note that its display is arguably Apple’s most powerful display technology that has a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is relatively least reflective yet the brightest in the real-world application.
Thanks to the highly advanced chipset at its disposal, this particular tablet offers high levels of functionality far much better than its predecessor, the Air 2 iPad. What’s more, its internal A10* Fusion chip is not only robust enough to support a variety of complex actions such as multitasking and perhaps the editing of the so-called 4K videos, but delivers unrivaled responsiveness as well. The device is perfectly suited for photography, bearing in mind that it features a rear camera of twelve-megapixel, that can record activities with incredible details.
The iPad Pro gets fully charged after two hours only, and can potentially serve you for about 10 hrs after a charge. It comes with four Gigabytes of RAM and offers varied storage options such as 64GB, 256 and 512 GBs. Finally, this high-end tablet comes packed with a whole host of Apple’s proprietary specifications including TouchID, Apple keyboard, Apple pencil and supports Apple SIM as well.
Get it Cheap From Amazon3. S3 Samsung Tab Galaxy.
In recent years, Samsung has cemented its position as one of the top producers of top-end digital gadgets, and this, in particular, is its typical product, boasting of great specifications and impressive features. Equipped with the top-end AMOLED screen supported by High Dynamic Range Technology, the Tab S3 offers cinematic vividness, deep contrast, and detail that satisfies your viewing demands. It is worth mentioning that its display is of 2048 by 1536 pixels resolution.
What’s more, this particular tablet runs on the 2.2 GHz mobile Snapdragon processor which is paired with two Gigabytes of RAM, a phenomenon that makes it ideal for both multitasking and app handing. If you have a couple of videos and photos to store, you are equally covered, since the tablet comes equipped with a storage space of thirty-two Gigabytes, which users can further expand through the micro SD card slot. It is supported by an Android version of Nought 7.0, which is arguably the most powerful and widely used operating system for mobile devices.
The battery life is incredible, and you can enjoy up to twelve hours of use. If you are an ardent fan of photography, you have a reason to smile. The tablet boasts of a rear camera of thirteen-megapixel, which can potentially capture photos and videos with fantastic detailing and clarity. Finally, it is packed with all the useful features that you’ll need, including the multitasking mode, the Pen Nature, seamless connectivity options and a lot more. This device is the perfect option for college students seeking to have a seamless and enjoyable learning experience.
Get it Cheap From Amazon4. The Yoga Book by Lenovo.
The Yoga Book by Lenovo is among the latest note-taking tablets taking the world of tablets with a storm. Even though the name isn’t so popular, trust me, the gadget boasts a really impressive set of specifications that will surely attract any freshman out there. Based on Lenovo’s internal analysis, it is the world’s lightest and thinnest two-in-one tablet. It is a high-performance device that comes equipped with a 4 GB DDR3 RAM and an Intel Atom 2.4 GHz processor. At 10.1 inches, the screen is reasonably spacious and has a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels. This portable mini-computer boasts a 64 GB SSD hard drive, and this sufficient for you to store your notes, photos and even videos of your choice.
Perhaps what sets this particular device apart is its crystal clear Full High Definition touchscreen display coupled with built-in double speakers. These features give you the opportunity to watch some of your favorite movies and TV Shows on-the-go. The battery life is incredible, bearing in mind that you’ll have more than fifteen epic hours to enjoy. It has four modes, and you can always choose the mode that suits your lifestyle. For drawing and note-taking, you have the Create Mode. For entertainment, you’ll select the Watch mode. For compact 10.1 inches and productive laptop functionalities, you’ll select the Browse and Type modes respectively. You can instantly digitize your notes, thanks to the Real Pen stylus. Equally, you can opt to transform the device into a notebook computer by activating the Halo keyboard which only appears when needed.
Get it Cheap From Amazon5. Samsung A Tab Galaxy With S Pen.
This particular tablet is a perfect multi-purpose machine for almost everyone, even though it is the students who will find it more productive, thanks to its note-taking functionalities. It has lots of unique and essential features that make it the ideal tablet for both multimedia and productivity-based applications. This machine is supported by a 1.6 GHz Exynos octa-core 7870 processor and boasts a 3 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage capacity. With a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080, its 10.1-inch WUXGA screen is more than perfect.
With a battery that lasts for up to thirteen hours after a single charge, you can enjoy uninterrupted performance that involves Internet usage and note-taking. It is filled with endless features such as Quick Connect which allows you to share your photos and videos from the tablet to your Samsung Smart TV with a simple touch of a button. The tablet is hugely performance-oriented and gives you an opportunity to multitask efficiently. You can make the most of your time, thanks to the many multitasking tools available at its disposal. For instance, you can easily run two applications side by side so you can watch your favorite TV show while chatting with friends online. Equally, you could also play an online game and send an email. Simply put, this particular device is apparently the best affordable and feature-packed tablets specially designed to suit the needs of a college student.
Get it Cheap From AmazonWhat to look for in a good tablet.
As we previously mentioned, there are a couple of features that should guide you toward getting a good computer for college. Check out below for the most important factors to consider when shopping for your new gadget.
• Stand-alone or convertible? As far as the latest tablets are concerned, you have the option of a standard tablet and convertible ones. Typically, convertible tablets are known as two-in-one devices since you can easily transform them into a full-size laptop. Most of them come with detachable keyboards. On the other hand, stand-alone tablets usually consist of a handful of buttons, single large screen, a charging connector and other few external features. Based on your preference, choose the one that fits the bill.
• What screen size? Most college tablets usually feature screen sizes of between seven to ten inches. If you are seeking for a reasonably small, lightweight tablet that offers both productivity and portability, choose a tablet that has a screen in this size range.
• Processor: It is imperative to note that Android tablets are equipped with processors from different manufacturers. For instance, Samsung’s Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and perhaps the Exynos chips are the most common. For better performance, you’ll have to choose a powerful processor that will allow you to perform a series of tasks with your tablet. Windows tablets usually work with Intel processors, such as the Core M3, i5, and i7. It is critical to mention that college tablets based on Intel Core Processors are usually top-end gadgets and you’ll have to spend more money on them.
• RAM: Simply put, more RAM usually equates to a relatively higher level of performance.
• Expandability and storage capacity: You want a device that can allow you to store reasonable amounts of data. Unless you don’t intend to use your tablet that much, you should go for a tablet with adequate storage.
• Battery life: Thankfully, a significant number of tablets boast all-day battery life. Of course, this doesn’t entirely imply that the battery life does not vary. For instance, whereas most tablets usually last for about eight hours after charging, in web browsing tests, some high-end devices such as the Pro Surface by Samsung will serve you for up to 15 hrs. It is recommended that you should look for a tablet which can potentially run for at least 8 hrs.
The Bottom Line.
Tablets have become an integral part of college education in recent years. They not only support productive learning but equally serve as a source of entertainment and motivation. For parents and students seeking to purchase the best possible note taking-tablet out there, we have provided you with a detailed review of the best devices that you can find on the market. They boast of all the features you are looking for. They are lightweight, performance-driven, easy to operate and have the potential to support a broad range of educational apps. Combined with the right accessories and software, these useful gadgets will apparently take your college performance to another level.