SuperNote - Handwritten Notes for Android

Exploring Offline Note-Taking Solutions for Android

A recent evaluation of various online note-taking applications was conducted, encompassing popular choices like Evernote, Catch Notes, and OneNote. Each application demonstrated its own strengths and weaknesses.

A key feature of these apps is their synchronization capability with online storage, enabling access to notes across multiple devices with internet connectivity.

The Need for Local Note-Taking

However, a demand exists for simpler, device-based notepad applications for Android smartphones and tablets. These apps would store notes locally, eliminating the need for synchronization.

This requirement is particularly relevant for users of Android tablets in environments with limited or no internet access. Such users often prioritize applications that function effectively offline.

In one specific scenario, the goal was to identify a straightforward note-taking app suitable for use during meetings, serving as a digital replacement for traditional paper notepads.

Introducing SuperNote

Several device-based Android note apps were tested, ultimately leading to the selection of SuperNote as the most effective option.

It’s important to note that this application isn't generally available on Google Play.

SuperNote was initially released alongside the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, as part of the Android 3.2.1 Honeycomb update. Access to the app is currently exclusive to devices running the latest version of Honeycomb.

Exceptional Handwriting Recognition

The app offers a remarkably intuitive experience. Its ability to interpret handwritten input directly on the tablet and convert it into clean, typed text is particularly impressive.

While initially surprising, the handwriting recognition feature quickly becomes natural and efficient with practice. In several respects, it even surpasses the capabilities of established applications like Evernote in this area.

Leveraging SuperNote for Tablet-Based Note-Taking

Initially, SuperNote appeared to be just another pre-installed application on the Prime tablet. A quick launch and cursory glance didn’t reveal anything particularly noteworthy, leading me to quickly dismiss it. Little did I know I had overlooked one of the most effective note-taking applications currently available for tablets.

It wasn’t until several months later, when searching for a note-taking solution that didn’t require an internet connection, that I revisited SuperNote with a more critical eye. Upon initial startup, the interface doesn’t immediately impress. Users are presented with a blank page and a sidebar for managing notebooks, reminiscent of Evernote.

Creating a new Notebook – used to organize individual note pages – offers a choice between a “Notebook” and a “Paintbook”. Both options allow customization of the page color, while the Notebook setting also permits font size adjustments.

At first, the note pages seem fairly conventional. The inclusion of lined pages felt somewhat unusual, especially considering that typing with either the docked or onscreen keyboard results in a standard text file format.

My perception shifted dramatically when I began experimenting with the drawing functionality. I initially assumed it was intended for sketching, but discovered that any drawn shape was automatically resized and integrated into the text line. This initially seemed counterintuitive.

However, I soon understood the application’s intent. SuperNote enables handwriting directly on the screen – ideally with a stylus – to input text. The on-screen or attached keyboard becomes unnecessary; simply write your notes by hand. Each word is dynamically scaled and aligned to fit within the current line’s width.

Recognizing this capability transformed my note-taking experience. It’s remarkably efficient. Not only can notes be jotted down quickly, mirroring the feel of traditional paper, but the line darkness can be adjusted through three settings for enhanced clarity.

A valuable setting allows adjustment of the “Scribble recognition speed”. This controls the delay before SuperNote incorporates the handwritten word into the text flow. If writing slowly, increasing this delay prevents the application from capturing incomplete words. Fine-tuning this speed optimizes the handwriting experience, making it incredibly intuitive and rapid.

The toolbar provides a convenient color-changer for both typed and handwritten text. It also includes tools for adjusting line thickness and spacing.

Beyond text, notes can incorporate various elements, including annotations, photographs, images from your gallery, video captures, and even voice recordings.

I tested the ability to capture a photo directly within the app and then annotate it. This proved surprisingly straightforward. Selecting “take photo” from the menu allows for immediate capture and insertion into the note. This action switches to “paintbook” mode, enabling photo editing before integration.

My daughter even had the opportunity to demonstrate her artistic skills by drawing on my face.

As I organized my “Notebooks” within SuperNote, its utility became increasingly apparent. I created dedicated notebooks for images and drawings, home projects, to-do lists, and more. This provides a centralized location for notes previously scattered across loose papers, ensuring easy retrieval.

Having evaluated numerous Android note-taking applications, I was surprised to find my preferred solution was the native app included with the Honeycomb OS. Therefore, if a tablet with robust note-taking capabilities is a priority, considering a device running Honeycomb Android 3.2.1 or later is advisable.

Have you had the chance to use the Honeycomb SuperNote application? What are your thoughts on its features and usability? Do you prefer handwriting your digital notes? Please share your experiences and feedback in the comments below.

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