Penstar eNote

Design and Build Quality:

I used to LOVE my Kindle. And then I stopped making time for reading. I LOVE my ipad for drawing, note taking, and creating content on but I rarely use it for reading since 1.) I miss the e-ink look of my Kindle and 2.) It's a bit overkill to tote around a $1000+ device just to read on.

Enter the Penstar eNote.

When I heard about it, I was super intrigued since it's kind of the best of both worlds. It's an almost paper-thin, light, e-ink ereader with the ability to note-take and even draw in a very natural and paper-like way. The battery lasts for ages, like my old Kindle used to and you can use the Kindle app and various other Android apps, though the way to install them is a bit clunky and I wish you could use the app store. A big downside, unfortunately, is that, since the Kindle app is 3rd party, the buttons don't work for it. So, when I want to read a book while I'm on the exercise bike, I have to use the pen to turn the page, which I think is kind of a big negative. Whether that's a downside for you too...well that's up to you.

Writing Experience:

The heart of the Penstar eNote lies in its exceptional writing experience. The included stylus feels natural and responsive, mimicking the feel of writing on traditional paper. The pressure sensitivity allows for varying line weights and shading, adding a level of nuance that truly captures the essence of handwriting. Whether you're jotting down quick notes or sketching detailed diagrams, the eNote provides a writing experience that is both intuitive and satisfying. The textured surface of the writing area adds a tactile feedback that further enhances the realism of the writing process. There is a tiny bit of lag, but I don't find it to be a detraction.

Software and Features:

The Penstar eNote's build-in software is intuitive and feature-rich, providing a wide array of tools to enhance your note-taking experience. The user interface is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to navigate and access the various functionalities. From different pen types and colors to highlighting and erasing tools, the eNote offers a comprehensive suite of digital note-taking features. Also, the software supports handwriting recognition, allowing you to convert your handwritten notes into searchable text. This feature is incredibly useful for organizing and retrieving information quickly. Additionally, the software allows for the creation of multiple notebooks and folders, providing a robust system for managing your notes.

Organization and Search:

Keeping your notes organized is crucial for productivity, and the Penstar eNote excels in this area. The ability to create notebooks and folders allows you to categorize your notes by subject, project, or any other criteria you choose. Furthermore, the powerful search function allows you to quickly locate specific notes based on keywords or phrases. The handwriting recognition feature further enhances the searchability of your notes, even if they haven't been explicitly converted to text. This level of organization and searchability ensures that your notes are always at your fingertips. My handwriting is pretty atrocious but the eNote digitized it with no problems.

Connectivity and Sharing:

In today's interconnected world, the ability to share your notes seamlessly is essential. The Penstar eNote offers a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to sync your notes with your computer or mobile devices. This makes it easy to access your notes from anywhere and share them with colleagues, classmates, or friends. Furthermore, the eNote supports various file formats, allowing you to export your notes as PDFs, images, or text documents. This flexibility ensures that your notes can be easily shared and used in a variety of applications.

Battery Life and Performance:

The Penstar eNote boasts an impressive battery life, allowing for hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge. This is a crucial feature for those who rely on their note-taking devices throughout the day. I leave it lying around for days on end and yet, when I flip the cover open, it loads within seconds and typically has a ton of charge. Plus its performance is consistently smooth and responsive, even when handling large files or complex annotations.

The Penstar eNote offers exceptional value for its price. Its combination of premium design, intuitive software, and powerful features makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their note-taking workflow. While there may be other digital note-taking devices on the market, the eNote stands out for its seamless integration of the tactile writing experience with the benefits of digital technology. It represents a significant step forward in the evolution of note-taking, bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern digital tools. At $339 right now, it's also MUCH cheaper than an iPad.

The Penstar eNote is kinda the perfect combo and it seamlessly blends the familiar feel of pen and paper with the power and versatility of digital technology. From its really natural feeling writing experience to its intuitive software and flexible features, the eNote really lets you capture, organize, and access notes with ease. While there's always room for improvement, the Penstar eNote is a testament to innovation and a glimpse into the future of note-taking. It's my understanding that Penstar is coming out with a vamped up new model that takes this platform, adds touch ability, expanded app access, and a camera and that sounds like every improvement I could ask for. If those sound like essential requirements for you, maybe wait for the new version but, if not, then the Penstar eNote as it stands is a really lovely, useful device at a great price, as long as you're ok with some of the downsides.

You can snag one of your own on the Penstar website or on Amazon