Best Deals on Tablets for Taking Notes – The Hollywood Reporter

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While shorthand and cursive are handy skills when it comes to hastily jotting ideas, there’s no denying that technology can offer the best of both digital and analog worlds when it comes to note-taking. More than just a glorified smartphone, the best tablets for taking notes also work with a stylus so you can quickly write things down, keep everything organized on a hard drive or cloud, and search through everything later — which is why they’re perfect for high schoolers, college students, professionals and digital nomads.

The Best Holiday Deals on Tablets for Taking Notes, At a Glance

BEST OVERALL 2022 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th gen), $1,099 (reg. $1,199)
- $100 gift card at | $60 off at
BEST FOR AMAZON ALEXA USERS Amazon Fire Max 11, $210 (reg. $280)
BEST FOR ANDROID USERS Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 with 256GB, $753 (reg. $920)
BEST UNDER $200 2023 Lenovo Tab P11 2nd Gen, $200 (Reg. $290)
MOST LIGHTWEIGHT 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad Air (5th gen), $650 (reg. $749)
BEST BUDGET APPLE TABLET 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad (10th gen), $550 (reg. $599)
BEST FOR PC USERS Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with i7 and 256GB, $1,100 (reg. $1,600)
BEST E-READER FOR TAKING NOTES Amazon Kindle Scribe, $335 (reg. $420)
BEST BUDGET WINDOWS TABLET Microsoft Surface Go 3, from $440 (reg. $500 and up)
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with 128GB, $250 (reg. $430)
MOST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY 2021 Apple iPad Mini (6th gen), $539 (reg. $649)
BEST E-PAPER TABLET ReMarkable 2, $299
BEST REUSABLE SMART NOTEBOOK Rocketbook Core, $29 (reg. $34)

Amazon

BEST NOTE-TAKING TABLET OVERALL

1. 2022 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 with Wi-Fi, 128GB

$1039$10995% off

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line device that can handle note-taking and then some, Apple’s M2 chip-equipped 2022 iPad Pro is the company’s fastest, most powerful tablet to date. It’s ideal for busy college students, professionals, on-the-go video editors and anyone else who wants an exceptional and portable experience for taking notes, gaming, video editing and watching content, all in one device.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro features 5G and 6E connectivity and a vibrant Liquid Retina display with XDR for color-faithful viewing, while 12MP cameras and a LiDAR scanner (which can “mesh” objects and spaces) let you take visual notes or stunning HDR photos alike. The device’s True Tone (which adapts to your lighting), adaptive ProMotion refresh rate and next-level contrast ratio combine to perform for moviegoers, gamers, graphic designers and video editors.

When paired with the second-generation Apple Pencil (on sale for $79), Magic Keyboard (on sale for $329) or Smart Keyboard Folio (on sale for $145), the sixth-gen iPad Pro is one of the best large-screen tablets for taking notes without any lag. It’s also among the slimmest at just .25 inches thick, 11 inches tall and 8.46 inches wide.

The tech giant’s built-in Notes app can recognize and index your handwriting, making it easier to search what you’ve jotted down. What’s great is you can also tap on your iPad’s lock screen with the Pencil to start taking notes without unlocking the device, and you can save it all on iCloud for seamless access across all of your Apple devices.

2022 Apple iPad Pro M2, 12.9-in. Specifications

Screen size 12.9 inches (also available in 11-inch size)
Max resolution 2732×2048
Dimensions 0.25 x 8.46 x 11.05 inches
Refresh rate 120Hz
Operating system iPadOS 16
CPU & GPU Apple M2 8-core CPU chip with 10-core GPU and Neural Engine
Memory 8GB RAM
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Cameras 12MP wide rear / 10MP ultra-wide front / LiDAR scanner
Security FaceID
Battery life Up to 10 hours
Port 1 USB-C with support for Thunderbolt and USB 4
Wi-Fi 5G and 6E
Weight 1.5 pounds

BEST FOR AMAZON ALEXA USERS

Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet

$210$28025% off

If you’re fully immersed in Amazon’s Alexa-powered world, then the e-comm giant’s newest Fire Max 11 tablet (available with or without lock screen ads, and in a Microsoft 365 productivity bundle) is one of the best budget note-taking tablets. On sale for $70 off, the price is hard to beat, and the new model is now compatible with Amazon’s stylus and Bluetooth keyboard case.

We love that this lightweight tablet is just over one pound and has a fingerprint ID for added security (Amazon’s Fire HD 10 only supports passcode security) and that the stylus snaps magnetically onto the side for convenient storage. The keyboard has 15 pre-programmed shortcut keys (including two customizable ones) for using the split-screen feature and opening programs, plus trackpad gestures for quick navigation. The battery life also gets a major upgrade and promises up to 14 hours of gaming, listening to music or Audible books, browsing the web, reading, watching Twitch streams and more.

If you plan on using this for watching movies and taking video calls, you’ll appreciate the value in this 11-inch tablet, which has a 1080p full HD display and upgraded 8MP front and rear cameras (the previous model only had 5MP and 2MP cameras.

The Fire Max 11 can be fully charged in as little as 3.5 hours when you use a 15-watt adapter and USB-C cable. We also like the option to pop in a microSD card and expand storage up to 1TB. And of course, Alexa is at the ready for you to add items to your Amazon shopping cart, turn on smart lights and set reminders, among many other voice commands.

Amazon Fire Max 11 Specifications

Screen size 11 inches
Dimensions 10.2 x 6.44 x 0.3 inches
Max resolution 2000×1200
Refresh rate 60Hz
Operating system Fire OS
CPU Octa-Core 2.2 GHz
GPU Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB or 128GB; can be expanded to 1TB with microSD
Cameras 8MP front and rear with 1080p HD video
Security Fingerprint ID
Battery life Up to 14 hours
Ports 1 USB-C, microSD
Wi-Fi 5G and 6E
Weight 1.08 pounds

Microsoft

BEST TABLET FOR PC USERS

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Tablet, Intel Core i7

$1,100$1,60031% off

$1,099$1,59931% off

$900 and up

Though Microsoft’s Surface Pro 8 is still a worthy laptop-to-tablet contender, the newer Surface Pro 9 tablet (from $900) is ideal for those who want the latest and greatest from the company. It comes in Intel/Wi-Fi or 5G options: the Wi-Fi models are available with 12th gen Intel Core or Evo i5 or i7 processors and up to 15 hours of battery life, while the 5G option features the Microsoft SQ 3 with Neural Processing Unit and a battery that lasts up to 19 hours.

The standard Pro 9 is great for anyone who wants to multi-task, create documents and take notes via pen, camera or voice. The i5 CPUs are a good option for those who want versatility on a budget, while the more powerful i7 processor is ideal for users who want to play casual games or edit photos and videos. Gamers, editors and photographers will want to go with the 5G option, which supports cloud gaming, offers fast file transfers and charging via USB-C and features AI-enhanced camera effects.

Note-takers will get a pen-to-paper-like experience when they pair the tablet with the Slim Pen 2 (sold separately; on sale for $95), while the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (on sale for $205 and bundled with the stylus) gives the device the functionality of a laptop, especially when the built-in Kickstand is in use. The tablet can also be connected to external GPUs and 4K monitors.
It’s worth noting that the extra cost of accessories puts the tablet at essentially the same price as a traditional laptop, but with touchscreen capabilities. For note-takers and multi-taskers on a budget, the Surface Pro 7 (from $600) or the Surface Pro 8 (on sale from $1,070) might be more appealing options that still deliver powerful performance and portability.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Specifications

Screen 13-in. PixelSense
Max resolution 2880×1920
Refresh rate 120Hz
Dimensions 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches
Operating system Windows 11
CPU Intel Core i5 or i7; Microsoft SQ 3 (5G model)
GPU Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory 8GB or 16GB
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB; microSD card slot expandable up to 2TB
Cameras 10MP rear with 4K / 5MP front
Security Face ID
Battery life Up to 19 hours
Port 2 x Thunderbolt or 2 x USB-C (5G model)
Wi-Fi 6E or 5G options
Weight 1.94 pounds and up

Samsung

BEST FOR ANDROID USERS

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Tablet

$753$92018% off

$722$80010% off

Although Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 is also a great option, the new 11-in. Galaxy Tab S9 is one of the best tablets for Android users who want a display and speed that rivals the iPad. If you want maximum screen quality and size, the tablet is available with an OLED display in the 12.4-inch S9+ (from $1,000) or the 14.6-inch S9 Ultra (from $1,200 at Samsung with eligible trade-in). New to the Tab lineup is face ID, so you can rest assured your documents are safe and secure.

Students, gamers and movie lovers alike can thank the 120Hz refresh rate and the incredibly fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that handles multitasking with ease. The impressive battery life, DeX (which offers a PC-like experience with mouse, keyboard and monitor integration), Microsoft 365 and speedy Wi-Fi 6E compatibility round out this powerful device with productivity in mind.

The S9 tablet comes with the S Pen, which now has nine-millisecond latency for quick responsiveness, so you can take notes right after unboxing. The Samsung Note app lets you convert your handwriting into searchable text, sync your notes and voice recordings, manage all of your pages and organize files. You can use the included stylus to control presentations, and your files and content can be synced with other compatible Samsung devices.

If you prefer the functionality of a laptop without the extra weight, the tablet can be expanded with Samsung’s Bluetooth book cover keyboard also acts as a screen protector. For entertainment, the tablet boasts an edge-to-edge display and Dolby Atmos surround sound on quad speakers for a cinematic viewing experience on the go.

Samsung Galaxy S9 Specifcations

Screen size 11-in. LCD (S9+ is 12.4 in. and S9 Ultra is 14.6 in.)
Dimensions 10 x 6.5 x 0.23 inches
Refresh rate 120Hz
Operating system Android 13
CPU & GPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Memory 8GB or 12GB
Storage 128 or 256 GB (S9+ up to 512 GB and S9 Ultra up to 1 TB); SD card slot expandable up to 1 TB
Cameras Ultra-wide 12 MP rear / 13 MP wide and 8MP ultra-wide front
Security Face ID and fingerprint scanner
Battery life Up to 15 hours
Port USB-C
Wi-Fi 6E
Weight 1.1 pounds

2020 Apple 10.9-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi

Courtesy of Walmart

5. 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi (10th Gen)

$649.99$749.0013% off

The 2022 Apple iPad Air weighs in at just one pound, making it one of the best lightweight tablets for taking notes. The fifth-gen model works with the second-gen Pencil, which offers a responsive writing and drawing experience. Powered by an M1 8-core CPU chip and Neural Engine (which promises up to 60 percent faster performance), the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen has a 120Hz refresh rate that makes it a breeze to quickly jot down notes or doodle without any lag. If you prefer to type, connect the Smart Keyboard Folio (on sale for $179) or Magic Keyboard (on sale for $299) to turn the tablet into a laptop.

Like the iPad Pro, expect easy cross-device access to your documents on iCloud, convenient handwriting indexing on the Notes app, and compatibility with many other note-taking apps that let you add photos, links and more to your docs.

2022 Apple iPad Air Specifications

Screen size 10.9-in. Liquid Retina
Max resolution 1640×2360
Refresh rate 120Hz
Dimensions 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches
Operating system iPadOS 15
CPU & GPU Apple M1 8-core chip, 8-core GPU and Neural Engine
Memory 8GB
Storage 64GB or 256 GB
Cameras 12MP wide rear / 12MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage
Security Touch ID
Battery life Up to 10 hours
Port 1 USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G, 6
Weight 1 pound

Amazon

BEST BUDGET APPLE TABLET

6. 2022 Apple iPad (10th Gen) with A14 Bionic Chip

$399$44911% off

There are plenty of cheap tablets for note-taking that offer basic functionality, but Apple’s 2022 iPad offers a major upgrade with a new A14 Bionic chip, larger screen, longer battery life, better cameras and more. The 10th-gen tablet is 20 percent faster than the 2021 model, allowing users to seamlessly switch between taking notes, browsing the web or playing games. Apple also swapped the Lightning connector for the industry standard USB-C, and the graphics boast a 10 percent improvement over last year’s device.
The 10.9-in. screen features Apple’s TrueTone technology (which automatically adjusts to the color temperature of the room), making it easier on your eyes whether you’re taking notes in a giant lecture hall or outdoors. It also has a new and improved rear 12MP camera that takes better photos in low-light settings compared to its predecessor (which had an 8MP rear camera), so you can easily take clear visual notes.

The 2022 iPad pairs with the first-gen Apple Pencil (on sale for $79) and the new Magic Keyboard Folio (on sale for $220, reg. $249) so you can write down your thoughts on the Scribble note-taking app, mark up PDFs and screenshots, highlight items, convert your handwriting into text, sketch illustrations and design logos. If you plan on catching up on your favorite movies and TV shows, the Liquid Retina display promises vibrant details and colors, and the tablet weighs about one pound, making it a travel-friendly option for mobile entertainment.

2022 Apple iPad Specifications

Screen 10.9-in. Liquid Retina
Max resolution 2360×1640
Refresh rate 60Hz
Dimensions 9.79 x 7 x 0.28 inches
Operating system iPadOS 16
CPU & GPU A14 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU with Neural Engine
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB or 256GB
Cameras 12MP wide rear / 12MP landscape ultra-wide front with Center Stage / LiDAR scanner
Security Touch ID
Battery life All day; varies by use
Port 1 USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G and 6
Weight 1.05 pounds

BEST Under-$200 TABLET FOR TAKING NOTES

7. 2023 Lenovo Tab P11 tablet (2nd Gen)

$200$29031% off

$238$28918% off

If you’re looking for a multi-tasking tablet built for note-taking, gaming and video streaming and that won’t break your budget, Lenovo’s latest second-gen Tab P11 tablet is the way to go. Compatible with the Precision Pen 2 ($60, sold separately), this family-friendly tablet is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 2K OLED screen, so it delivers seamless graphics on a vibrant 400-nit display. Speaking of portable entertainment, the Dolby Atmos-enhanced quad speakers round out your on-the-go experience.

The device comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office apps, and you can connect Lenovo’s pen and wireless keyboard ($90, sold separately) for easy note-taking in class or at the office. The stylus has 4,096 levels of pressure and tilt detection — so artists and note-takers alike can get an accurate writing or drawing experience — and you can upgrade to the 2023 P11 Pro (from $300) that comes with Bamboo Paper and Squid illustration apps. Whether you’re a college student or an executive, you can easily jot your thoughts on OneNote, write papers on Word and organize your files, among other productivity tasks.

Lenovo Tab P11 Plus Specifications

Screen 11.5-in. 2K LCD
Max resolution 2000×1200
Refresh rate 60Hz
Dimensions 10.59 x 6.67 x 0.29 inches
Operating system Android 12
CPU MediaTek Helio G99 Octa-Core processor
Memory 4GB RAM (also available in 6GB)
Storage 64GB or 128GB; microSD card slot expandable up to 256GB
Cameras 13MP auto-focus rear / 8MP fixed-focus front
Security Face ID
Battery life Up to 10 hours
Port USB-C and 4-point pogo pin
Wi-Fi 5G
Weight from 1.1 pounds

Courtesy of Microsoft

BEST BUDGET WINDOWS TABLET FOR TAKING NOTES

8. Microsoft Surface Go 3 Tablet

$372$4007% off

$440 and up$500 and up12% off

$450$55018% off

Windows users will have no problem adapting to Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 (on sale from $440), which is now equipped with Bluetooth and a brighter screen. Just like its predecessor, it’s compatible with the brand’s Surface Pen ($60, sold separately) that writes as smoothly as a regular writing tool on paper and includes a natural-feeling “eraser,” making it a favorite among digital artists. Clocking in at just 1.2 pounds, the Surface Go 3 isn’t going to replace your desktop computer or laptop — but it’s one of the best note-taking tablets for anyone seeking a lightweight device that can also handle lighter tasks such as answering emails, streaming videos and browsing the internet.

As far as writing things down, the tablet is equipped with the latest version of Microsoft’s OneNote app, which lets you create and edit Word documents, convert your handwriting to text, search notes and more. With the Surface Pen, you can also take notes on web pages using Microsoft Edge and even write reminders to yourself directly into Cortana.

Microsoft Surface Go 3 Specifications

Screen 10.5 inches
Max resolution 1920×1280
Refresh rate 60Hz
Dimensions 7.9 x 10.8 x 1.9 inches
Operating system Windows 11 Home
CPU 1.1 GHz Pentium
GPU ‎Intel UHD Graphics 615
Memory 4GB or 8GB
Storage 64GB or 128GB, plus microSD card slot
Cameras 8MP rear / 5MP front
Security Face ID
Battery life Up to 11 hours
Port USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G
Weight 1.2 pounds

Amazon

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY TABLET FOR TAKING NOTES

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

$250$43042% off

$280$43035% off

$299$43030% off

Released in May 2022, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite ($360 and up) is one of the best lightweight tablets for users who want productivity, entertainment and minimalism in one device. We like that the tablet includes the S Pen, so you don’t need to buy a separate accessory for note-taking. Perfect for schoolwork, the device’s Samsung Notes app lets you take notes effortlessly as well as organize your writing, convert it to text, rearrange pages and more.
This is also one of the best tablets for younger students, as the unit also comes with Kids Mode, which lets parents set usage limits and control access to certain content and apps. For entertainment, the crystal-clear TFT LCD display and dual Dolby Atmos surround-sound speakers offer a vibrant and engaging viewing experience (the 3.5mm headphone jack lets you plug in, too), and you can also use the unit as a hotspot or share content to other devices.
When charging, the tablet screen displays your calendar, the weather or your music, so you can stay productive even when the unit is docked.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Specifications

Screen 10.4-in. LCD
Max resolution 2000×1200
Refresh rate 60Hz
Dimensions 9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 inches
Operating system Android
CPU Exynos 9611 Octa Core
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB or 128GB; microSD card slot expandable up to 1TB
Cameras 8MP rear / 5MP front
Security Face ID
Battery life Up to 13 hours
Port USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G
Weight 1.02 pounds

Amazon

MOST PORTABLE NOTE-TAKING TABLET

10. 2021 Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen)

$539.99$64917% off

The sixth-gen iPad Mini is expected to get an upgrade in early 2024, according to Macworld. In the meantime, the 2021 iPad Mini is still a great buy (the Renewed model is on sale for $349). It’s compatible with the second-gen Apple Pencil, has a Liquid Retina screen size of 8.3 inches and weighs under one pound, making it one of the best travel-friendly note-taking tablets that’s also powerful enough to edit and watch content, play games and snap photos. The IPS LED display delivers vibrant images and video with 500 nits of brightness, while the TrueTone adaptive display adjusts to your environment’s lighting. The combination of the A15 Bionic chip and battery life lets you play or work for up to 10 hours.

Rounding out the sixth-gen iPad Mini’s features are 12MP front and back camera and 4K video recording. Eco-minded users will like that the tablet is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure, rare earth elements in the speaker and magnets and tin in the main logic board.

2021 Apple iPad Mini Specifications

Screen 8.3 in. Liquid Retina
Max resolution 2266×1488
Refresh rate 60Hz
Dimensions 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches
Operating system iPadOS 15
CPU & GPU A15 Bionic Chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core graphics, 16-core Neural engine
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB or 256GB
Cameras 12MP wide rear / 10MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage
Security Touch ID
Battery life Up to 10 hours
Port 1 USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G, Wi-Fi 6
Weight 0.65 pounds

Amazon

BEST E-READER FOR TAKING NOTES

11. Amazon Kindle Scribe

$334.99$419.9920% off

Amazon’s newest Kindle Scribe is one of the best e-readers that’s also a note-taking tablet, making it a great option for students, avid readers and writers. At 10.2 inches with a 300ppi glare-free display and 35 LED lights, the screen is the largest and brightest in Amazon’s e-reader lineup. Similar to Amazon’s other e-readers, the front light adjusts automatically and you can customize the display’s warmth and text size.

The battery can last for up to 12 weeks (based on 30 minutes of reading per day) or up to 3 weeks (based on 30 minutes of note-taking daily) on a single charge, and you can get as much as 64 GB of storage for e-books and notes. The included Premium Pen lets you create sticky notes by tapping the screen, highlight sentences in books, create documents and notebooks (including bullet journals, keep track with to-do lists and more.

Amazon Kindle Scribe Specifications

Screen 10.2-inch Paperwhite display
Max resolution 300ppi
Refresh rate About 1 Hz
Dimensions 7.7 x 9 x .22 inches
Operating system N/A
CPU & GPU N/A
Memory N/A
Storage 16, 32 or 64 GB
Cameras None
Security Passcode
Battery life Up to 12 weeks for reading; up to 3 weeks for writing
Port 1 USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G and Wi-Fi 6
Weight 15.3 ounces

ReMarkable

BEST E-INK TABLET FOR TAKING NOTES

ReMarkable 2 Tablet

Prefer the feel of paper but want the perks of technology without digital distractions? Named Time‘s Best Invention of 2020, the ReMarkable 2 (from $299) features a monochrome digital display that lets you turn your handwritten notes into searchable text, organize your notes across devices, review documents and write directly onto PDFs. And that’s it— no distracting bells and whistles, such as social media notifications or email chimes.

At just .2 inches thick, the e-paper device is the thinnest tablet out there, and the 8GB internal storage can accommodate about 100,000 pages. The device also works on 5G, and you can sync files between ReMarkable’s apps for Android, iOS, MacOS and Windows 7 and newer.

ReMarkable 2 Specifications

Screen 10.3-in. monochrome
Max resolution 1872×1404
Operating system Codex
CPU 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM
Memory 1 GB SDRAM
Storage 8 GB
Cameras None
Security Passcode
Battery life Up to two weeks
Port USB-C
Wi-Fi 5G
Weight 0.88 pounds

Amazon

BEST REUSABLE SMART NOTEBOOK

Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

$30.24$34.0011% off

Though it’s not quite a tablet, those who prefer a screen-free, budget-friendly experience will find one in Rocketbook’s reusable smart notebook. The size of standard printer paper, the 36-page erasable notebook uses a specially-coated dot grid surface that tracks what you write using the included Pilot FiXion pen. Connect it to Rocketbook’s free iOS or Android app to scan and save each page to your preferred destination (including Google Drive, iCloud, Evernote, Dropbox, email and more), then erase the pages with a microfiber cloth (included) to clear your notebook.

Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook Specifications