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S-Note Tablet Version and Split-Screen Multitasking

So, for those of you who are not subscribed to Samsung's YouTube channel or simply have yet to see it, there has been a new video posted entitled "Introducing Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1" which shows off some pretty cool features this behemoth of a tablet offers. Being a Note device, it comes with the S-Note application that all ICS Galaxy Note 5.3 devices pack as well, but with a slight difference. As far as I can tell, it looks to have different folder management (which I can only assume means that this is a tablet version of S-Note) and I was wondering whether it would be possible to get this version of S-Note onto our current Note 5.3 devices? Also, one feature highlighted frequently throughout the video is the ability to split the screen in half and run two apps simultaneously. Since 5.3 inches can, when the phone is placed into landscape mode, could offer two 2.6 inch displays (small, but still I think usable for two apps), I was wondering whether this feature is already possible or set to be planned to port to our Note 5.3 devices? As much as I love the looks of the Galaxy Note 10.1, I really don't find neither the money, need nor want (beyond a new piece of technology to play with) for a tablet - since I simply use a keyboard so much.

Poll
Oops! Forgot to allow multiple options for the poll I decided to add, as I was curious to see what people thought of all the new Note devices. So, if a moderator is reading this, could they please alter that for me? Until then, feel free to just leave a post within this thread as an answer to the poll or any of my questions. Many thanks to those who do!

Having purchased the original Galaxy Note 5.3" on contract around 2-3 months ago, it is still going to be around 20 months (as per my 24-month contract) before I can upgrade my device. So, unless I want to spend more money, I won't be able to get a Note 2 and it is because of this that the speculation of merely a quad-core version of the current Note doesn't entice me enough to splash my cash. Besides, are quad-core phones really needed as people tend to use their tablets/computers for any incredibly powerful tasks? If I do get the money, I'd love to be able to afford a Note 10.1 as I have been flirting with the idea of a tablet now for a while. A large screen like that would allow me to truly feel like writing on paper with the S-Pen. Although, I am not sure whether or not I really need a tablet, as I constantly find myself yearning for a physical keyboard.

Galaxy Note 10.1 or Nexus 7 for studying

Hello everyone.
I'm a economic sciences student and i'm looking for a new Tablet which can make my student life easier and of course entertain me a bit.
I want a Tablet to read PDF files. Also i want to use it for Multimedia like watching Movies, playing Games and i want to use it for car Navigation.
One other question is if a 7 inch Screen is enough for all those tasks , but of course not all at the same time :laugh:
Taking notes is not that important because I'm still faster taking notes "analog" then "digital".
I almost decided to buy the Nexus 7 but then i've seen a review of the Galaxy Note 10.1 and now i can't decide anymore.
All my friends are saying : buy the N7, its the best Tablet atm. Like i said i don't know if i like 7 inches and if its ideal for reading PDF's.
I also miss the 3G connection because because I use car Navigation a lot and real time traffic reports are important for me .
The Phone and Message features that are included in the Note are awesome, but i heared many times now that the Display is not so good @the Note 10.1.
The N7 has already a big development community and that is what I'm also feared by the Note 10.1 because i like to flash my devices and reach with them the best performance.
It would be very nice if sombody could give me a advice because i'm getting tired of searching pro and contras

I'll toss in my 2 cents...
We have both tablets at our house - love them both. My son uses the Nexus in school with a bluetooth keyboard case and can do papers with it and print wireless to our printer at the house. The screen on the Nexus 7 is same resolution as the Note 10.1 (1280X800) but in a smaller package so everything seems just a little bit sharper (note 10.1 screen is also great, I have no complaints with it). if most of what your doing is consumption type activities (reading, watching movies, playing games etc..) then the Nexus accomplishes that very well. The only down side (for me) on the Nexus 7 is no extra micro SD slot for storage, my son uses a dongle to plug in a USB drive and that works well. Overall the Nexus is a very fluid great looking/working devise and you would not go wrong in getting one.
Now the Note 10.1 - Love this one too. For me I value a larger screen, I just cant get used to going back to a smaller 7" screen after using a 10" one (personal preference). Overall performance is very good on the Note and performs all the functions the Nexus 7 does just as well, I can only guess it will get better with JB upgrade coming soon. But where the Note 10.1 really shines for me is the use of the S pen - I use the S pen all day taking notes and using the multi tasking that this tablet has incorporated into it. For you however this big plus may not be the advantage it is for me, based on what you said you wanted to use the tablet for. It almost seems like you should be looking at other options...just straight newer Tegra 3 type tablets and not just limiting yourself to just these two options. As an example my older Transformer TF101 will do everything you just outlined you wanted a tablet to do and its over a year old now (granted not as smooth as the newer, faster tablets now).
So not sure if you looked at the newer Asus, sony, or other tablets but I'd at least keep my options open. All of the newer tablets work very well in doing what you want, they will all have their pros/cons and design flaws that could have been implemented better. My suggestion is you read up more on some real user reviews on the whole range of newer tablets (if you haven't already) and get more of an idea of the options you have, and lets face it...more options is always a great thing!
Also there is the price point - you never mentioned if that was a factor - the Nexus 7 does seem the best you can get in that price range ($200 - 250). $500 for the lower 16GB Note 10.1 your paying in part for options you will not use (S-pen/active digitizer).
Hope this helps...

Hi, i bought yesterday the N7 and sold it today. I didn't like it at all.
I will look now for the 10.1. I also looked for the Infinity Pad but i read that it has a lot of problems and also i like the 3G feature on the 10.1N and the micro sd card slot

Push , it would be very nice if some other users could share their experience.
It would be also nice to know what the difference between the N8000 and the N8013 Model is

I own both GN 10.1 and Nexus 7. If I had to choose one it would definitely be the GN 10.1 for its versatility and capability for all your requirements. The one area where Nexus 7 has an edge is one-hand portability for in car use and for GPS. If you can afford it get both.

I don't mind to use the GN 10.1 for car navigation^^

braxas said:
I don't mind to use the GN 10.1 for car navigation^^
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That's another reason to get the Note then! I would definitely recommend this tablet as it is very stable and pretty much does everything you would need it to do based on your requirements listed.
The best thing would be for you to purchase one from a store that has a good returns policy and try it out for yourself to make sure it meets most if not all of your requirements, if you are happy, keep it and if not return it.
I chose to keep mine and do not have any regrets.

I have both, and I think 10.1 screen is much more comfortable than 7... Also, Note 10.1 features are amazing...

I just bought my Note 10.1 today and will use it in my abnormal psych class tomorrow. I was impressed the Kno app had my text books for download. To bad I had already bought them for all my classes. This would have saved me money. I also downloaded the Blackboard app and it looks great on this beast. I hope the keyboard comes to the states soon that will be a great added feature for class.
Sent from my 10.1 using xda app-developers app

I just got the 8013 Note 10.1 yesterday and it is really brilliant. I downloaded all the pdfs for my Real Analysis math class and the S-pen works flawlessly. What's great is it also works seamlessly with EzPdf which I love to use. Since the 8013 is wifi only I'm not sure how it will help with gps if you make a wrong turn though.. It came with ICS 4.0.4 but I hear JB is out soon. I haven't rooted Samsung products before so I'm going to wait till some flawless root method comes out. Battery life is much longer than I had anticipated. Haven't charged it yet since it has been out of the box yesterday and there is still 65% left- I wonder how long a full charge will last ^^, good luck!

mew24 said:
I just got the 8013 Note 10.1 yesterday and it is really brilliant. I downloaded all the pdfs for my Real Analysis math class and the S-pen works flawlessly. What's great is it also works seamlessly with EzPdf which I love to use. Since the 8013 is wifi only I'm not sure how it will help with gps if you make a wrong turn though.. It came with ICS 4.0.4 but I hear JB is out soon. I haven't rooted Samsung products before so I'm going to wait till some flawless root method comes out. Battery life is much longer than I had anticipated. Haven't charged it yet since it has been out of the box yesterday and there is still 65% left- I wonder how long a full charge will last ^^, good luck!
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Get a navigation app (Sygic is what I use) that allows for offline navigation. Basically you pre download entire maps like a normally functioning gps unit has. With Google maps you can only download a set area around your destination if I remember correctly.
Once you have an offline navigation app feel free to get lost.

or Navigon Navigation. Thanks to you all who answered to this thread. You are making it much easier for me

Sorry to hijack your thread but i am in the exact same predicament i was about to pull the trigger on the Nexus 7 but the Note 10.1 was released and i'm debating whether to take the plunge. Can anyone comment on battery life, output to tv on the note and also do any of you find the tablet useful when having a phone such as a Galaxy S3
Yet again sorry to hijack

For my first initial charge yesterday, I got just over 8 hours with 80% screen time and 12% battery life left. Thats without the battery being settled and me playing on it all afternoon and evening. A couple more cycles and I expect it to get better. I have the Galaxy Note phone and paired the two but havn't tried anything between them yet. Not sure you can like the Blackberry's phones and Playbook. Going to have to look into it.
Sent from my BIG ASS Galaxy Note using the XDA App.

From what I can gather media can be shared between devices through Samsungs Allshare app which connects through wifi. I am at work and cant set it up right now, but from what I have seen its like DLNA except exclusive to Samsung devices that contain the app.
Sent from my BIG ASS Galaxy Note using the XDA App.

Just FYI, after three hours of note taking in two classes, there isnt even a hint of a scratch from using the stylus. Takes a little getting used to but it works great. Between S Note and Polaris Office I prefer using Polaris for my class notes. The handwritting to text works better and also has prediction. No more trying to decipher my chicken scratch before a test. I can also save in word format or PDF when done and then just upload it to dropbox to sync to my other devices.
Sent from my BIG ASS Galaxy Note using the XDA App.

[Q] Surface Pro 2 Vs Note Pro 12.2

I have been a fan of the note series for some time now, ever since I got the note 2 phone. Then the note 10;1, and the note 8.0. Finally getting the cash lined up for a note 10.1 2014 and the 12.2 gets announced. So, now I am waiting for a couple days for the note pro to be available in the store to purchase.
My questions is about the choice between the Surface Pro 2 and the Note 12.2
I know that a great deal of things relies on individual needs and preferences, but I want to see where everyone sits.
If you have the chance, would you buy a Note 12.2 or a Surface Pro 2. Assuming same cost.
For me, I wouldn't mind going with a surface pro 2, but I would be tempted to stretch my funds and go with a 256gb model just to get the 8gb ram, then would nee a keyboard for it, pushing my budget pretty high. The note 12.2 is still a high cost device, but cheaper than the Surface Pro 2.
My viewpoint is looking like this:
Reasons for Surface Pro 2
Better CPU
Actual computer with full fledged programs
I can install and play my steam games (really mostly concerned with RTS games since I have my high end gaming laptop with me for higher end games.
Reasons for Note Pro 12.2
Higher Res and better display
Easier use of stylus for notes, drawing, and random functions,
Android and better "mobile" OS.
My big uses for either device would be for Stylus use, consuming content like netflix, and general connectivity for everything.
Thoughts?

Surface Pro 2
I too strongly considered the Surface Pro, and the SP2, for my mobile computing needs. And as you said, it really is all about how you're going to use it. My issue is that it's really almost too much computer for a 10" tablet form factor, and usability suffers for this. In other words, I found it too bulky, heavy, and the screen was simply too small to be able to actually use that power to be productive.
When I'd sit down to type either at a desk or on the couch, it was rather difficult to do so for any length of time, while remaining comfortable. I'd just end up using it as a tablet only. In which case, it was just a little too heavy and bulky for extended use. And I wasn't even remotely using the power of the i-core CPU like this. Which seemed like a waste of such an expensive device.
So I thought I'd try games. I quickly found that it was either wasn't powerful enough for the games I wanted to play and/or the screen was too small.
Basically, I just couldn't find a good use case scenario where it made sense to spend that kind of money on the SP1 or SP2. For me, a larger Ultrabook or a more traditional tablet made more sense. Combining the two just didn't work.
Galaxy Note Pro 12.2
I of course haven't used the Note Pro tablet, but from what I've seen it looks like it might actually work for my needs. I know it's expensive "for an android tablet." But for a 12.2" portable computing device, it's almost a bargain. Well, maybe not a "bargain," and there isn't exactly any real competition for it; at least until others jump on board.
First, it's still relatively light weight for it's size. Find me another 12" device running around 1.6 lb, let alone at this price point. Add that to expected tablet-like battery life, portability, nice screen, new launcher, top-end tablet specs, and I think it looks very promising. Well, at least on paper. I'll have to judge that for myself when I get it. If the software and hardware fail, I probably will have to revisit the ultrabook idea. I just didn't want to spend that kind of money right now.
And the most important part is what I'm going to use it for. No, I'm not going to write a book on it. Not expecting to play BF4 or SC2. Don't need it to fit in a pocket. I've got a 5.7" phone, high-end multi-monitor workstation, and 15" notebook for those tasks. I just want something relatively portable to use when traveling, in a vehicle, in a plane, use at work, or even on the couch. If I'm leaving the house with it, just like a 10" tablet, it's going in a bag on it's own, or with my notebook and it's larger bag.
Then it needs to play videos, music, surf the web, and even handle the occasional high-end android game. I'll probably give some light on-the-go productivity a try on it. But like I said, a notebook with a real keyboard is always going to make far more sense.
Mine gets here Friday. Still hoping it works out! :good:

First of all it depends on what do you do and what you need your tablet for . As i know its a personal reference to choose which fit your needs so am just going to share mine so it may help you figure out which suits you or which is a better deal.
I am a Junior architect and for powerful tasks i prefer using a desktop or a powerful laptop as thats where you can do real job on a real wide space but when it comes to a tablet category you choose something that can just give you the ability to edit those projects you did on your desktop or laptop and since tablets to us is a real multi-consumption device for work or multimedia and games etc and it would fit a lot of job holders like me as an architect or a student , artist, teacher etc so i would love to go with the Note PRO over the SP2 simply bc : bigger and better display , wide stylus integration for many apps , you can edit and restyle the android as you wish with so many apps and a full nice keyboard. also the way you feel about the device itself matters a lot and i believe going with the samsung would be a more better experience as being able to turn your tablet into a style that makes you feel good about using it . i didn't really like to go with some tech specs as it easily would be found online etc but here there is a really good article that may help you out from the very technical perspective on gizmag.com

Considering for me it was a choice between the note 12.2 and the SP2, and the note doesnt come out until tomorrow, my wife has already gone to best buy to get me a Surface Pro 2, at least to try out.
Considering that I can use bluestacks to play all the android games and apps I could on the note 12.2 (with some limitations), there is no applicational advantage to the note 12.2
The advantage to the 12.2 is the lower cost, better screen, and better integration of the s pen.
I feel like a traitor, though, going with the Surface. I love android and the note series is the king in my book, and the 12.2 is like the damn emperor of the note series, but I would be stupid and rather irrational not to at least try out the surface pro 2 if it can do everything to note can and more with only an extra 100 dollar price tag.
We shall see.

It is true that it depends on what you plan to use the particular device.
From various reviews, SP2 has a battery life of 6 hours while the GNP 12.2 has a battery life of 10 hours. I think I can do more with the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and more.
...

I was deciding between these two as need a device for editing joomla sites on the fly. As I wouldn't sell my desktop the note seemed the better choice overall. Even though my mega does me I will attempt to use the note more more like a laptop type device as opposed to just a tablet. Plus if it gets rooted I'll start making roms for this beauty
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

thering1975 said:
I was deciding between these two as need a device for editing joomla sites on the fly. As I wouldn't sell my desktop the note seemed the better choice overall. Even though my mega does me I will attempt to use the note more more like a laptop type device as opposed to just a tablet. Plus if it gets rooted I'll start making roms for this beauty
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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To be honest i couldn't decided between the two, at the moment i have got the surface pro 2 as my personal computer and i also got the galaxy note 10.1 2014 LTE edition, but i am now waiting for the note pro 12.2 LTE because i liked the bigger screen, i know it will cost nearly a thousand but to me its what i want as i want a mobile LTE tablet for when i travel around the country :good:

I just returned my SP2 last night and got the pro 12.2 at best buy. No regrets! I'm scratching my head for the last 15 days. A lot of problems on surface pro 2
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

thering1975 said:
I was deciding between these two as need a device for editing joomla sites on the fly. As I wouldn't sell my desktop the note seemed the better choice overall. Even though my mega does me I will attempt to use the note more more like a laptop type device as opposed to just a tablet. Plus if it gets rooted I'll start making roms for this beauty
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Uhm so we have root. Rom me bro!!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Duly.noted said:
Uhm so we have root. Rom me bro!!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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LOL As soon as cwm is active i will start on this still waiting for sammobile to up the first release softwares

here is a video comparison between sp2 and the note pro 12.2 by Lisa mobiletechreviews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdP80fLkJrY

This isn't a fair match up at all...
Android all the way, yeah.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

I currently have both the SP2 and 12.2. You need a keyboard and mouse to really do anything productive on either device.
For any consumption, Youtube, movies, web, its the 12.2 FTW!
The only thing I haven't found that I can do on the 12.2 is Publisher and Powerpoint creation/presentation. I know there are android options there, but they are not up to full functionality when compared to MS office. The Hancom office that comes with the 12.2 is really good when it comes to excel and word though. Very impressed.
I ordered a bluetooth keyboard for the 12.2. I will be able to slip both the tablet and keyboard in the same bag and they won't be any thicker than the SP2.
The one advantage the SP2 has over the 12.2 is multi-monitor support. I am running three monitors and the SP2 at my office. Talk about productivity. There is no lag. Android can't do that yet. I am an android fanboy, but MS still has this productivity nailed.
My 2 cents. As you said, use case dictates your answer. I can't say I would be completely happy with only one of these devices. There is not yet "one device to rule them all."
sent from my SP2

Any issue with the PRO 12.2?

Hello, I need to make the purchase this Friday. Either PRO 12.2 or 10.1 2014. Any issues with the PRO 12.2? Any user experience appreciated. Thank you.

I purchased 12.2 and so far it is good with many things including hancom office; but I think MS might release Office for Android Tablets soon; plus 12.2 inch screen really gives a better size for preparing documents, I am waiting for 360-degree case to come so I can work with in portrait mode. The only complaint I have is I can't play Asphalt 8 in High Graphic mode smoothly comparing to my note 2; the lag is too much to bare, so I had to reduce to Medium just so it gets more smooth. I really don't understand why since 12.2's specs are very high, I think that I need custom Rom for this, and the development could take a little while.
The battery is great, I can go through intensive use for more than 9hrs, and if it's normal use, it can bring up close to 12hrs.
Few people have come and commented that this thing is huge, but it does the job I need. To me, this thing can really replace my laptop, I am waiting for the USB OTG to hook more things (keyboard, mouse, external hard drive, etc.). I paid this one for $900, and I think it's high but it has 3G option so it's fine
Hope this helps, if you need to know more about this in the aspect which you are looking for in a tablet, PM me and I can check it for you.

Thanks. It seems that the main issues are: 1) I can see the words/letters made of large pixels; 2) write on internal sdcard (such as Scandisk) does not work.

hajime_android said:
Thanks. It seems that the main issues are: 1) I can see the words/letters made of large pixels; 2) write on internal sdcard (such as Scandisk) does not work.
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I have zero complaints about resolution/pixelation and that is come from a S4 user (1080p/5in screen) and previous Nexus 10 owner (same rez as 12.2 but smaller screen).

No complaints about pixels from me..I think the screen looks pretty fantastic. After rooting, I have zero complaints about anything.

No. This is by far the best android device on the market (as long as you have use for a 12 inch tablet) if not then the tab pro 8.4 is amazing. Im not a fanboy by any means but it is my opinion that the note line of phones and tablets are the best ever offered by any manufacturer. As soon as someone makes something better though I'll jump ship to that. Until then samsung keep taking my money. Get the pro. I have had both and the pro is miles ahead in use. The extra screen real estate is a GODSEND
Sent from my SM-P900 using XDA Premium HD app

Both devices have the same resolution. Why extra screen real estate if a GODSEND for the PRO?

I'm really not sure about the 10.1 but I agree with the others, the quality of the screen is pretty darn good. 10.1 is quite typical nowadays, so with 12.2 with the same resolution as 10.1 but people appreciate it more becoz of the size difference. And don't count on the camera quality, to me, samsung's camera sucks, though (I think) they are from sony. The 12.2 really makes a big difference in doing the office stuff now.

Tab Pro impressions after a week of use
Just finished my first week with this beast and I think it's very good. The only drawback might be portability if you want to carry it around with you, otherwise nothing negative that I could say. As others have also mentioned, battery life is very good as well.
I haven't rooted yet, I'm hoping to get the Android update to 4.4.3 if Samsung decides to release it without too much delay. There are a few bloatware apps as well that need to go but overall, I also like the added capabilities that the s-pen provides (such as PIP where you can run another program on a smaller window on the screen).
The screen is fantastic, best I've seen so far on a tablet. I've also connected a Bluetooth Logitech keyboard and mouse and it can replace my notebook for some of the things I do. Overall, quite content that I got the Tab Pro (P900).
Haven't experienced any lags or such but then I'm not a heavy gamer, so wouldn't want to comment on that.

Best possible solution For the student
The 12 inch screen is perfect For reading large textbooks, and the screen is big enough to allow you to split the screen and write notes on one half, and have a document open on the other half.
I'm going through medical school right now, and this device is the only thing I need in my bag. Lightweight compared to a laptop, and the S pen Functionality makes it a versatile and effective tool for taking notes and drawing sketches during lectures, with apps like lecturenotes or papyrus.
If you just use a tablet for games and reading fiction, you will probably find it too clumsy and heavy, but if your aim is productivity, its perfect.

[Q] S pen surface pro 3 comaprision

So I am in a bit of dilemma at the moment I am physicist and I would like to stop using lab books and move to something more electronic to store my notes / plots etc. My main uses are writing notes, making tables, formulas and annotating papers/powerpoints.
There are two tablets which I was considering one as you might have guessed is the galaxy note 12.2 and the surface pro 3. Originally I was considering the surface pro 3 because of its supposed to be the most accurate for the stylus integration. However once I tried the galaxy note 10.1 2014 edition (admittedly I haven't tired 12.2 but I guessed the s-pen integration was the same in the 10.1) I found it almost to be as accurate as the surface pro 3 and I actually found writing on the screen a little nicer, I preferred the resistance (However that might have been due to the rather damaged s pen).
So my question is has anyone done a comparison? or have both? to help me decide. At the minute the Note pro 12.2 is around £389 at the minute and the surface is £549 (at its cheapest) so the note pro is considerably cheaper.
Also just a few other questions, how is the s pen for taking notes? Using this as a lab book replacement I need a good syncing tool, how well does evernote deal with hand writing recognition?. This is the other reason I was drawn to surface was because of OneNote.
Also I just wanted to point out I am not looking for a laptop replacement (although it would be handy when I don't have my macbook with me) ideally what should come first is how good the particular tablet is making notes and keeping my notes organised.
Thanks for all you help in advance.
James

To the moderators, my apologies I didn't see the sticky at the top of the forum, could you please move this to the Q&A section.
My apologies

jasimpson89 said:
To the moderators, my apologies I didn't see the sticky at the top of the forum, could you please move this to the Q&A section.
My apologies
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My views on this:
I've had the notes 1, 2, 3 and am currently waiting for the note 4
My son has the note 8
I've also has the Surface Pro 1, 2 and currently have the 3 (and LOVE IT)
I also have a Note pro 12.2
So i consider myself a bit of an experienced expert of stylus driven machines
The first and biggest thing you'll notice about the SP3 stylus is that it FEELS a lot nicer in the hand. Its a normal pen size and weight. This is a pretty big thing... and coupled with the OneNote built in functionality on a windows platform... this thing is sex on your lap.
(OneNote is a *massively* underrated app. I thoroughly recommend you get to know it... to me it rivals Excel in capability)
The Note range of stylus are all compatible with each other AND the Surface Pro 1 and 2. but NOT the Surface Pro 3. the SP3 uses very different technology (not wacom) and Bluetooth linked.
I suspect that if you can handle the lack of 3G connectivity, the SP3 will better suit your needs.
(btw just a heads up, the i7 model of SP3 has some thermal cut out issues, you might want to use the i5 model until MS can fix their thermal issues.)

jasimpson89 said:
So I am in a bit of dilemma at the moment I am physicist and I would like to stop using lab books and move to something more electronic to store my notes / plots etc. My main uses are writing notes, making tables, formulas and annotating papers/powerpoints.
There are two tablets which I was considering one as you might have guessed is the galaxy note 12.2 and the surface pro 3. Originally I was considering the surface pro 3 because of its supposed to be the most accurate for the stylus integration. However once I tried the galaxy note 10.1 2014 edition (admittedly I haven't tired 12.2 but I guessed the s-pen integration was the same in the 10.1) I found it almost to be as accurate as the surface pro 3 and I actually found writing on the screen a little nicer, I preferred the resistance (However that might have been due to the rather damaged s pen).
So my question is has anyone done a comparison? or have both? to help me decide. At the minute the Note pro 12.2 is around £389 at the minute and the surface is £549 (at its cheapest) so the note pro is considerably cheaper.
Also just a few other questions, how is the s pen for taking notes? Using this as a lab book replacement I need a good syncing tool, how well does evernote deal with hand writing recognition?. This is the other reason I was drawn to surface was because of OneNote.
Also I just wanted to point out I am not looking for a laptop replacement (although it would be handy when I don't have my macbook with me) ideally what should come first is how good the particular tablet is making notes and keeping my notes organised.
Thanks for all you help in advance.
James
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Click to collapse
Well, since you don't mention needing any real tablet functionality or android specific apps, and you do mention functionality (tables, hw recognition, etc) I would say the SP3 is a clear winner. The horsepower of the SP3 and the fluidity of OneNote with the full desktop version and all of it's capability and the ability to hop into Excel/Word if needed or run as a full laptop in a pinch with the the type cover and built-in stand puts the SP3 head and shoulders above the Note Pro 12.2
If you needed lighter weight note taking along with Android app functionality, and or WWAN capability then obviously the Note Pro would be better.

Admittingly, I also fully agree with everything that has been mentioned here. Not to branch off topic, but I remember in the early years when tablet manufacturers were first attempting to connect with a stylus, there was a lot of heat on what technology would be the better route and what source of code would be the optimal select. Resolve was difficult because everything was desperately needed. People were demanding a tablet that could take notes with unsurpassed accuracy, yet evolve into a laptop with the performance pf a desktop pc while on the go. Now that tablet technology has surpassed multiple revision updates, & mega disasters (that we wont even begin to mention), etc. students are more often found attending class with a tablet, over a pen and paper. Even the lightest high performance laptops rivaled tablets as laptops slowly started their transformation into something new.
Currently retired from some many years of developing multiple platforms and implementing hardware, I have personally achieved quite a wide selection of tablets, laptops, combinations, and hand held portables. Out of the selection my favorite are the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and the Surface Pro 3 512Gb with i7. Between these two devices I feel I have experienced the best out of both worlds. Yet truthfully, when it comes to "Taking notes" I tend to normally reach for the Note Pro before the Surface. However, don't get me wrong. When the roles are reversed, and I need true laptop performance with Power Point and Excel, I will reach for the Surface Pro.
As for the stylus. It really depends on what I'm going to need to do. I feel that both devices stylus's "Feel" great. But if were are defining "Feel" as in the actual way in conforms in the hand. The Surface Pro stylus is hands down more realistic of a feeling than that of my Note Pro's light "tooth pick" stylus. However you can achieve that sexy feel in your hand with the Bamboo stylus if you want to spend a little. Then the real question is again, what do I need to do.
The Note Pro is an excellent note taking machine. No question, no debate. It takes extremely accurate note taking and hand writing recognition to a whole new level. I have never experienced anything better to this day.
Now the Surface Pro is also an excellent machine. OneNote IS truly sex on your lap, so to speak, LoL, with this machine. The stylus accuracy is by far the same as the Note Pro, in my opinion. However this device gives me better performance when it comes to Excel and Word docs. Especially when you need to just hop right in as mentioned above.
In close, I could detail every aspect of each device. However, I feel that your conclusion would mainly depend on what you are wanting to do with it, so I don't want to just say that I like one more than the other and try to prove my reasoning. What I would like to provide you with is the reality of what I look for on a daily basis. That would be hands down the Note Pro. No matter if I'm traveling and need the absolute portability with excellent battery life; hands down the Note Pro. Needing to create, edit, develope, or give a presentation with power point; hands down the Note Pro. When I'm in a hurry and need to find a quick applicable application for something, hands down the Note Pro. When having to fly in and want to grab the latest Metar information while in the cockpit, hands down the Note Pro. Thousands of applications with the most part of them truly free in the play store for any event, hands down the Note Pro.
Again both devices are truly amazing machines, yet I still reach for the Note ahead of the Surface. Weight, battery life, functionality, compatibility, amazing resolution, etc, etc, etc; hands down the Note Pro. I wouldn't change it for anything.
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I'm in molecular virology and do biochem and a fair amount of math on mine. I do lots of reading, highlighting, and annotating in my textbooks. I use lecture notes for quick stuff. I tend to have my logitech k810 for typing out longer stuff. I use the handwriting recognition for my math only. My handwriting is horrible and it's a godsend. The larger screen is what sold me. I kept running into the end of the page before I was done with whatver equation I was working on with the note 10.1. This slightly larger model made it so my work fits perfectly.
The screen looks far better to me on the note 12.2 as well. I find the device lighter. It has better battery life to me, especially when touchwiz is gone and the tablet has been tweaked some.
Depending on the work I'm doing, I use different note programs. Instead of worrying about them all syncing in different ways, I just use drop sync to sync their individual folders and all my notes from various apps and tools are done in one click.
I considered the surface, but because of the extra price being so much more and it only running an onboard intel graphics chip I did not see it worth the extra cash. Minus molecular modeling and high level processing/graphics stuff I have successfully replaced my laptop 99% of the time.
You will need an aftermarket pen. The little dinky thing it comes with will just not cut it. Highlighting and math with it gave me a good cramp after a short time. I bought an aftermarket pen. The bamboo stylus feel carbon and have been happy ever since. The main recommendations for pens are the Bamboo Stylus Feel Normal/Carbon and the S-Pen 8pi

Thanks everyone for your input it is greatly appreciated.
At the minute a still don't know which way I am leaning .
Maybe I should of outlined my situations more in my original post, I use a rMBP as my daily driver so I use that for the office related things and programming stuff and I can't really see myself ever replacing it with a windows machine, linux however this could be an option which pulls me towards the surface pro 3 for dual booting as a spare linux environment and also being able to use zim which is a plus.
In terms of notes made on the note can they easily exported? I would like to be able to search them on device essentially, one reason I was asking about evernote.
How does onenote and the apps for the s pen compare?
Can you now directly pen into evernote using the spen? can you also write tasks out which go straight to evernote?
Also do you guys/gals once you have inked then covert to text? or do you do all your typing using a keyboard? I have an odd pleasure from just writing out my work and it also helps me remember what I have done. The whole reason for wanting to go electronic is so I can easily find something again!

jasimpson89 said:
Thanks everyone for your input it is greatly appreciated.
At the minute a still don't know which way I am leaning .
Maybe I should of outlined my situations more in my original post, I use a rMBP as my daily driver so I use that for the office related things and programming stuff and I can't really see myself ever replacing it with a windows machine, linux however this could be an option which pulls me towards the surface pro 3 for dual booting as a spare linux environment and also being able to use zim which is a plus.
In terms of notes made on the note can they easily exported? I would like to be able to search them on device essentially, one reason I was asking about evernote.
How does onenote and the apps for the s pen compare?
Can you now directly pen into evernote using the spen? can you also write tasks out which go straight to evernote?
Also do you guys/gals once you have inked then covert to text? or do you do all your typing using a keyboard? I have an odd pleasure from just writing out my work and it also helps me remember what I have done. The whole reason for wanting to go electronic is so I can easily find something again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, one thing that no one has mentioned in this is that Onenote is also available for the note pro... so, that point is kidna moot imo...
for your questionn on the note apps, there is a good section in the themes and apps already on this.. several of your options are the LectureNotes as mentioned already, Onenote, Papyrus, Evernote, S-Note, and several other. each of them have their own things that make them "better" than others, so it will be on your to see how they fit with you.. a lot prefer Lecturenotes and Papyrus, some like Onenote, some Like Evernote.. test them for yourself and see how you like them.. Lecturenotes and Papyrus seem to give you more functionalility, but lack some of the exporting.. however, you can easily overcome all this by using dropbox/dropsync and just sync them to whereever.
Ihave the SP2 as well and i just bought the note pro 12.2.. have to say.. i love the note pro wayyyyy more than the sp2.. granted it is not the sp3, so i cant speak to its S-pen abilities.. but, the note pro for me does everything that my sp2 can/will do with the exception of the compatability of a smart card reader that i could use for work.. other than that, i can still easily do all MS docs (excel, pp, word, etc)on the note just as easily as on the sp2..
The screen on teh NP12.2 is jsut wayy better as well. and the size is outstanding and still manages to be lighter than the sp2...
For me, Ican use either the handwriting or a kb.. i personally bought the samsung cover keyboard.. i tried it and the zagg one.. the zagg was a tad lighter, but the samsung one jsut feels so much better to me to type on.. i have larger hands and the keys fit better and just feel better.. it is working great.
the benefit of the Note as well is the android and apps.. you can pretty much do anything on this that you will be able to on the SP with the eception of playing some "PC"games , but the SP is severely lackign a video card, so you cant even really do that well on the SP.. with the note, you can enjoy your time and play the games that are far more abundant for this as well..
I am personally going to sell my SP2 now that Ihave this.. there is just no reason to keep it as Ican hook my reader up to my PC and still do my email at home
Also.. don't quote me on this and i would suggest look it up, but i could have sworn a buddy of mine was talking to me about loading Ubuntu onto the Note?? if I am correct, it runs on a linux kernel right, so i could see this as possibly being true, but i am by no means an expert on this and this is just something that popped in my head when i saw you write that.. so, maybe look into that to get your linux fix
anyway.. hope this might help you some more.. if any questions, feel free to ask
edit... so looks like i remembered right.. check out this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2755962 Ubuntu on the note pro 12.2 enjoy
From my Fired-up Note Pro 12.2!

OneNote on android is awesome, but nowhere near the functionality of it on Win8.1
SNote is *nothing* like the capability of OneNote.

senectus said:
OneNote on android is awesome, but nowhere near the functionality of it on Win8.1
SNote is *nothing* like the capability of OneNote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah Ihear ya... but from my understaending, the real reason a lot like it is the synching portion between the tab and the pc... and you can overcome this with just about every other note taking app with some form of dropbox and just synch as well
I used onenote on my SP2 and liked it.. but i DL'd lecturenotes and think i like it even more..you have way more options with it and customizeable as wel... worth a check out
From my Fired-up Note Pro 12.2!