iPhone, iPad, iPod Forums at iMore.com

[G323Q569]

I am going to be getting an iPad for school here soon and I am looking forward to using it in school to take notes.
I have been looking at a lot of notetaking apps and am having a hard time deciding what one(s) would be the best.
To start off, I want one that I can write on instead of typing and specifically one that will allow me to use a stylus so the writing won't be huge and become cumbersome. I am in many science style classes so not only will I be taking many notes I will have drawings that will accompany them with all shapes and sizes so I would like one that I am able to write and draw on.
Also, if possible I am looking for one that I can easily organize, read, and study off of that I will be able to just flip through.
If it has an option to highlight, change font size/color/type that would be great but it isn't a must.

The two I have noticed that seem to be good competitors are Penultimate and Noteshelf.
I am just looking for other options as well as personal opinions from other students/note takers on these apps or ones they have found useful for them.

Sorry this is so long but I really appreciate any feedback.

[Alli]

Penultimate used to be great because it was alone. Take a look at both CaptureNotes 2 and Notability - they are currently the very best available. CN2 is easier to organize, and currently Notability has the better macro function. But CN2 has a huge refresh coming that should make it the clear winner.

[hotrod]

I like PhatPad, because I can record audio while I'm taking notes.

[Alli]

You can record audio while taking notes with both CaptureNotes 2 and Notability.

[Back2kcab]

Notes Plus with myscript handwiritng recognition. I use this with the recommended Boxwave capacitive stylus. You can record audio, open pdf files side by side annotate and tons of other great features.

[Manutd7]

I'm currently using Notability for my MBA class.
My only complaint is it does not have Evernote integration (it does sync to dropbox though)
It also has a major revision coming Mid-January according to the developer website.
I do hear good things about Noteshelf and was very tempted but at the time Noteshelf did not allow both Handwriting and typing text (it does now) and it was also $4.99 compared to Notability's $0.99 price.

[R33Luke]

Evernote definitely does the job for me.

[atlkr5]

I use AudioNote on my iPhone, and Mac book.
You can use a finger or styles for free hand, highlighter, type your notes and the audio matches text timing, which is really cool.
It is a bit different in taking the notes because you are making ques for the place in the audio.

so to review a hour long class or meeting, can take min for the parts that you need to review.


CONS- I had to pay for both devices to use it but I can transfer the notes both ways.

[jalba3]

I purchased an iPad after graduating with a BS in Biological Sciences. I can't chime in too much, but as far as taking classes like Organic Chemistry, or upper level math/physics courses, a handwriting app would have been amazing as opposed to carrying both Laptop and notebook.

I have Noteshelf but have not really sat down to explore it. It works well for just writing, however I would definitely look into annotating PDF documents. Many professors provide their power point slides either as a pptx or pdf format. If you can annotate PDF documents, you can focus on listening during lecture versus trying to write down major points that a professors discusses that are already on the slides.

[G323Q569]

You all are awesome, thank you very much, I am checking out many of these and it looks like there are tons of options and choices!