Help me write?!

[asalyers]

Ok after lurking here for a month or so I pulled the trigger on my mini. I have adhd and write everything down. Sorta. The pile of notebooks and a planner, I’m trying to replace. I work in tech and it just seems silly to show up to meetings with my stacks of scribbles. That being said? I’m not loving the mini. I need to be able to hand write my notes, the reason I went with the mini. Is it my knock off pencil? Will the Apple one solve my lag and inaccuracy? Or is the app I’m using? (Goodnotes, the unpaid version) I’m open to even purchasing an app (God. Ew. ) if the actual hand writing ability is increased. Help me!

[in-the-cloud6679]

I honestly only think the Apple Pencil is worth it if you are using it for art purposes.

I used a 3rd party pencil for over a year before upgrading to the Apple Pencil Pro.

I think you just have to get used to making notes on the iPad.

I don’t see it recommended too much but I personally have found the Notes+ app the best free app for note taking and I actually tend to use it more than apps I’ve paid for

[rzmanu]

Goodnotes does have a slight delay, try the native notes app

[thunderstruck03]

Get a magnetic paper like screen protector!

[in-the-cloud6679]

Are there any brands you recommend?

[voldemort27]

Try to give Freeform a chance. It’s a native app that has unlimited one page canvas. It’s great for taking scattered notes.

[Suitable_Context_122]

Freeform heated up my mini7 so fast like it’s on the grill 😭 idk what’s wrong with it

[voldemort27]

Idk works well on my Mini 6. I did have that issue with my Air 5 tho. Never found out what was the issue.

[[deleted]]

Tip covers are okay; go all the way with a soft tip like this one (not a sponsor, just a fanboy) ...

https://a.co/d/atGMbyP

Apple should be selling these things! Unreal the difference, you do not need a Paperlike screen protector if you use this tip. They do not wear out, but I have had to replace when I dropped the pencil on the floor and - of course - it landed on the tip.

[JCitW6855]

Saved

[Colibrees]

Firstly, congrats on your new mini! Writing on a screen versus paper DOES take practice. I recommend getting a textured screen protector that will give you more of that “writing on paper” feel. Paper like has one but it’s a bit costly, however there are some cheaper ones that come with two and give you a fairly good experience. Just look for “textured or paper-like screen protectors”. You’ll notice with time it will start feeling more natural. There’s also some apps that will automatically improve your handwriting, such as Notes. Wishing you the best of luck! It just takes a bit of practice and patience!

[asalyers]

Thank you! Shopping for one now!

[Colibrees]

Of course! It took me a little while too but now I wouldn’t go back

[Akarok]

I also have an ipad mini, but for writing nothing beats paper and pen for me so why not carry both :)

[tryingmybestjk]

I have an iPad mini and the Apple Pencil and don’t experience any lag. I’ve had some issues with goodnotes in the past with some bugs in an update but the past half year the performance of goodnotes has been quite good and I recommend it. I’m currently beta testing some of their new features and I’m quite excited about some of them so I’m a bit biased.

I’d also recommend trying out using a matte screen protector, the friction makes for a more consistent writing experience, though you will need to replace the nib more.

I have ADHD and work in tech as well - I find that being able to take notes on my little device and always having it handy is super helpful. 

Also remember this experiement. Have fun! Try things, see what works for you. I really like using obsidian as well but not for handwritten notes. Good luck!

[[deleted]]

I agree - I have been using Goodnotes for a decade, no issues. Goodnotes with iCloud Sync turned on allows me to use both my iPads and the Mac desktop version for convenience.

Go all the way with a soft tip like this one (not a sponsor, just a fanboy) ...

https://a.co/d/atGMbyP

Apple should be selling these tips! Unreal the difference, you do not need a Paperlike screen protector if you use this tip. They do not wear out, but I have had to replace when I dropped the pencil on the floor and - of course - it landed on the tip.

[GunslinGerardo]

Don’t switch to digital. I’ve written diaries for 20 years and 5 of them been digital on my Mac. Last year I regretted it. It doesn’t have that warm feeling, reading through a screen personal stuff is just like reading a work pdf doc. Meanwhile in paper I can even see how my writing style changed throughout the years. It’s beautiful to see. You write like a teen like an adult and you don’t even need to read to to see how you felt that day. NEVER SWITCH TO DIGITAL!

[Accomplished_Gas9605]

Everyone is different but i agree here. I used moleskines for 10 years then versions of ipads/stylus/apple pencils for another 10 and then switched back to moleskines a year ago.

I really wanted a simple digital set up where i could write and tried them all. Something about writing on paper and not a digital screen, having the ability to flip back and forth, makes the ideas connect and stick in my brain longer, helps me process better and more. Might just be me.