Just going to start by saying, if you're looking for some sort of high-performance, crazy high resolution, multi-tasking behemoth... this isn't it.
The XPPen Notebook is EXACTLY as the name implies. This is for note-taking, is excellent for drawing on, and can even double as a pretty decent ebook reader. Granted, it's not an e-ink display, but it does come pretty close thanks in large part to software and hardware enhancements designed to mimic e-ink. As someone who IS sensitive to flicker and can wind up with a gnarly headache if I read on a traditional LCD screen for too long... I'm extremely happy and surprised over how effective their implementation has been here.
Along with the decent refresh rate and uniquely versatile screen, I REALLY appreciate the matte finish. Again, this is a clear indication that this tablet is NOT made for high-end gaming or even general video watching (not in the casual sense, anyway). The display is designed to cut down on glare. As a result, viewing angles aren't going to be the best, nor is the brightness which, while listed as 400 nits, is noticeably dimmer than my ACTUAL 400 nits Lenovo Yoga. However, it still gets bright enough for outdoor reading, scribbling, and drawing because that finish really does a remarkable job of cutting down on glare. Frankly speaking, despite its lower brightness rating, because of how effective that finish is, I can still read the screen just fine outside, even though I have to crank my S24 Ultra all the way up to get around the same level of legibility.
Build quality is also great. Yes, it's got thicker than normal bezels, but again... that makes perfect sense for what it is. In fact, it makes this tablet easier to use for its intended purpose. The thicker metal side where the pen magnetically attaches is an excellent hand holding spot when reading or scribbling notes. Overall, this is a solid tablet that feels great in my larger-than-normal hands and doesn't feel so thin that I'd fear about bending it as I do with more "high-end" models out there. Seriously... I'm personal tired of razor-thin bezels for handheld devices, ESPECIALLY tablets.
Now granted, regularly priced, this may come across as being on the high-end given the tablet's specs. But specs only tell a piece of the story. The XPPen Notebook is a device clearly intended for a very specific market and, when that context is taken into consideration, the price starts to make much more sense. This tablet is significantly more pleasant to write and draw on than any other Samsung or Lenovo tablet on the market. The hardware and software tech used to make it's screen easier to read absolutely makes a difference... And the pen!
If you're unfamiliar wit XPPen, there's a reason why "pen" is so prominently featured in the brand's name. This company KNOWS how to make a stylus. Hands down it is the best stylus on the market in its intended price range for writing and drawing, as far as I'm concerned. Yes Wacom might be the overall more premium brand, BUT... and it's a big one... you REALLY have to pay for it. XPPen in general tends to be more accessible while compromising shockingly little.
So, should you get this tablet? If you are an artist on the go, a college student looking for a more lightweight note-taking alternative over lugging around your laptop, or an avid reader looking for a bit more versatility... I would encourage you to strongly consider the Notebook. For my purposes (avid reader, frequent notetaker, amateur cartoonist), the XPPen checks off all the necessary boxes and then some. My ONLY complaint?... I wish there were other 3rd party compatible covers on the market. Then again, this is a fairly new product, so hopefully that will change soon enough.
| Standing screen display size | 10.95 Inches |
|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Brand | XP-PEN |
| Series | Magic Note Pad |
| Item model number | B0dx234nwp |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| Product Dimensions | 25.4 x 17.78 x 0.51 cm; 300 g |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 25.4 x 17.8 x 0.5 Centimetres |
| Colour | Silver |
| Flash memory size | 128 GB |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) |
