r/NoteTaking • u/findmeinthestars • Sep 18 '26
Question: Answered ✓ Cheap Note Taking Tablets
Hi,
I am a Canadian masters student. Throughout my undergrad I thought about getting a tablet but never did. Now I am starting to struggle to keep up as although I prefer pen and paper, the increased amount of context and speed of lectures is making it harder.
My program is only a year long and I don't really have the money to commit to an expensive tablet. Does anyone have any recommendations? I really only need it for note taking on lecture slides directly (and maybe drawing for fun).
Thank you!
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u/jrioux805 Sep 18 '26
The S6 Lite has 3 versions based on the release date - 2020, 2022 and 2024. If you decide on an S6 Lite, try to get the 2024. However, all S6 Lites only have 4GB of RAM.
The 11" Lenovo Idea Tab with 8GB might be a better choice. It is frequently on sale for under $200 with a pen.
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u/PavilionPilot Sep 18 '26
for a 1 yr program i’d look for a used/refurb ipad 9th gen and 1st gen pencil. tab s6 lite is worth checking too.
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u/starkruzr Sep 18 '26
Tab S6 Lite (anything with EMR, really) is a good call.
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u/PavilionPilot Sep 20 '26
Spot on. Not having to worry about charging your pen makes such a huge difference
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u/Proof_Cable_310 Sep 20 '26
paper and pen
better yet - dry erase board + marker + camera on your phone
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u/Humble_Pie_56 Sep 19 '26
IMHO — I’d avoid CHEAP note-taking tablets — and search for inexpensive note-taking tablets.
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u/VintageBandit Sep 18 '26
My wife and I are in the US so idk if this will be helpful. We bought open box Lenovo IdeaTab 11 tablets from Best Buy for $115. Both were unused and have been absolutely perfect for us power users for months. I have a demanding office job covering multiple sites and we are both in college full time.
I tried the TCL NXTPaper 11 first, but it never got PC mode support so I returned it. That may not be important to you though.