Notes taking device

[JuliaG]

So I know this question has been asked before but as the market is constantly changing I will post again. I am an academic and I spend a lot of time annotating PDFs. I need an e-reader, or possibly a tablet, that will let me take in text notes on a PDF using a stylus, highlight text, and flag sections. I really just want to do the same things you can do to a piece of paper but in digital format. I would like it also to have the ability to do some web browsing but its not necessary.

My research has shown me that people generally recommend an iPad. I would prefer something smaller and cheaper. I won't be playing games or browsing facebook so the $300+ price tag is a little steep. I know Kindle supports PDFs but I do not think that the e-reader comes with stylus capabilities. Recommendations?

[ucfgrad93]

I'd definitely go with a tablet over an ereader. The Fire tablets are nice and less expensive than an iPad.

[susan_cassidy]

For a tablet, you would have to check the relevant pdf apps, to see if they allow handwriting notes, etc. That would all be in the app.

[Geralt]

I suggest this app
http://www.amazon.com/ezPDF-Reader-P...dp/B004R13U6Y/

Any tablet with real stylus pen is a must if you really need it for notes.
Something like this, which is my choice.

[Image violates guidelines for size - MODERATOR]

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by JuliaG

So I know this question has been asked before but as the market is constantly changing I will post again. I am an academic and I spend a lot of time annotating PDFs. I need an e-reader, or possibly a tablet, that will let me take in text notes on a PDF using a stylus, highlight text, and flag sections. I really just want to do the same things you can do to a piece of paper but in digital format. I would like it also to have the ability to do some web browsing but its not necessary.

My research has shown me that people generally recommend an iPad. I would prefer something smaller and cheaper. I won't be playing games or browsing facebook so the $300+ price tag is a little steep. I know Kindle supports PDFs but I do not think that the e-reader comes with stylus capabilities. Recommendations?

The stylus solutions for iPads and the likes, without a digitizer are crap.
I mean the ones like this: http://www.amazon.de/Wacom-CS-100-Ei...ds=stylus+ipad
Here the pen basically simulates your fingertip and is about as precise.
So, on a tablet, you would need a digitizer enabled solution, WACOM for example.
And then you'll struggle to even meet the price point of $ 300+.

Just a thought:
I'm using (amongst other tools) the Livescribe3 pen: http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/ls3/
It's a "normal" pen, writing on paper. Either on (more expensive) special paper or you produce the paper yourself via laser printer.
Anyway, the idea behind it:
The paper has raster points and scans your writing on the fly.
On the fly it can be synced to iPad.
There are other livescribe pens, to do the same with a PC. You then sync either via USB or WiFi.
You write on normal paper with a normal pen, far superior to writing on the glass surface of a tablet.
Such pens are in the range of $ 100.
There are even pens, that can write on any paper, not juts the special rasterized one, for example: http://www.amazon.de/ACECAD-DigiMemo...rds=livescribe
Basically, you attach the included receiver to a standard notepad and write with the pen on any kind of paper.
So, if you can print your PDFs, there are fantastic solutions with pen for a low price point.
If you have to stick to digital documents, there are some reader with pen support, for example the big ones from PocketBook. A tablet is faster and more versatile of course, but including a pen solution way above the price point you mention.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

Just a thought:
I'm using (amongst other tools) the Livescribe3 pen: http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/ls3/

Not really on the PDF topic, but I'll mention I've been using a Livescribe Echo pen for a few years now and love it. I can't read my own handwriting half the time, so I record meetings, and just note key bullet points, topics, and diagrams on paper, and the pen links the audio to the notes. Does a remarkable job of ICR, too, considering my poor handwriting. It's been great. I should put a Livescribe referral link in my sig, too. :-)

[markom]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

The stylus solutions for iPads and the likes, without a digitizer are crap.
I mean the ones like this: http://www.amazon.de/Wacom-CS-100-Ei...ds=stylus+ipad
Here the pen basically simulates your fingertip and is about as precise.
So, on a tablet, you would need a digitizer enabled solution, WACOM for example.
And then you'll struggle to even meet the price point of $ 300+.

....

There are better Styli for iPad now i.e. with finer thinner tips like Bamboo Fineline and Intuos 2, Apex, Adonit etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ4c6JJCLcc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi-uH39w4QY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cuv0z7vdvzY

If OP just wants to scribble on pdf, instead of taking regular notes in classroom, then tablets without digitizer will be good enough.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by JuliaG

My research has shown me that people generally recommend an iPad. I would prefer something smaller and cheaper. I won't be playing games or browsing facebook so the $300+ price tag is a little steep. I know Kindle supports PDFs but I do not think that the e-reader comes with stylus capabilities. Recommendations?

If you want smaller and cheaper than an Ipad, look at the Galaxy Note 8. It has an active digitizer, 8", Android 4.4 and below the $200 price point, if you're willing to go for refurbished (I got mine for €179, including s&h).