Notes Plus - User Reviews

iPhoneBlog (in Korean, please use Google Translate): http://iphoneblog.co.kr/entry/iPad-Handwriting-Notes-Plus-Review

Christian Fr: http://www.iphonophile.fr/notes-plus-pour-remplacer-le-bloc-notes-papier/

(let me know if you found any other user blogs)

In Apple’s App Store:

(This page gets outdated quickly. For reviews on the latest version, check the App Store.)

AppComments.com

USA:

Awesome!!! A must have! – ★★★★★

by Richard TW – Version 2.0 – 16 October 2010

Great app, great support. I have a bunch note taking apps and this is the best one ever so far. Very nature and intuitive to take notes. Almost like using pen and paper. Your will feel every penny more than worthy with having this app.

Amazingly good!! – ★★★★★

by Carlosmg1982 – Version 2.0 – 16 October 2010

This is one of the bat apps to take notes I nave ever tried. Useful, flawless…and it is amazing when I have to send an email with graphic or algebraic explanations to my students. I really recommend it.

New, but already indespensible. – ★★★★★

by Jundan Tresko – Version 2.0 – 16 October 2010

After trying more than half a dozen note-taking apps, I finally found one that I am comfortable using everyday. Notes+ keeps it simple, and gets things done. Even though it’s relatively new, with room for some more great features, there are already things this app does easily as well as, or in some cases better than others:

* Comfortable and intuitive zoomed handwriting entry

* Easily combining handwriting/text/shapes/freedraw

* Manipulating/repositioning/selecting/deleting content

* Gesture selections and deletes (not perfect, but so helpful)

* Shape recognition

Possibly the best feature: a motivated and responsive developer. I had a small issue I made some posts about on his support blog in the middle of the night, and when I woke up I had an email response. Thanks VT!

Check this one out, its a winner.

-J

High hopes dashed – ★

by Working1966 – Version 2.0 – 15 October 2010

I had high hopes for this app. I am relatively new to the iPad, but have found this the most difficult app to figure out how to use – perhaps better instructions would help. Never could figure out how to get the large text box to scroll across the page so unless you tend to write in columns taking notes from left to right across the entire line was beyond me to figure out how to do. Strong suggestion is to improve quick start guide significantly – I want the basics before the bells and whistles.

Greate App for writing lecture notes – ★★★★★

by mifkys – Version 2.0 – 15 October 2010

Greate App for writing lecture notes! Notes Plus very useful. 1. Could you create eraser tool like in SundryNotes? I want to erase writing text by my finger. 2. Add sorting of notes list please

Greatest note app ever – ★★★★★

by underarmourfixated – Version 2.0 – 14 October 2010

I use this app for all my college courses to take notes, I would like one more thing, VGA support so it could be used when I teach my class. GREAT APP!!!

A well spent $3.99 – ★★★★

by tallison2 – Version 2.0 – 13 October 2010

I find myself using this app everyday for making quick notes, lists and jotting down ideas. The interface is clean and easy to use. The developer is quick to reply to suggestions and inputs (replied to me same day) and has a great list of future enhancements that I am looking forward to. Once integration to dropbox, search capabilites and folders are released it will be a definite 5 star app!

2.0 is a huge improvement on an already great app! – ★★★★★

by tdrummer3 – Version 2.0 – 13 October 2010

So in my search for a great note taking app for work, i came across only a few that seemed to be worthy of any monetary value. Penultimate and this app are the two that offer the smoothest writing and most intuitive user controls out of any app that I’ve tried, and that app list is about 10 apps long. Thus far, penultimate offers the smoothest writing of any app out there, but there is so much that it lacks compared to Notes plus. Notes plus gives you far more organization of your notes, the ability to write, voice capture, and type as well as shape recognition and many export options. All in all, this has become my daily notes app for work and has given me the ability to ditch paper altogether. Thanks Viet for a great app, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Notes plus!

The only handwriting app worth your money – ★★★★★

by LibrarianInIowa – Version 2.0 – 12 October 2010

I tried the much touted Penultimate, and Sundry Notes, and UYH but this is the only app that thoroughly delighted me. It has everything I wanted – zoom in and out on pages, smooth lines, drawing mixed with text, mixed with sound, mixed with shapes all together easily and seamlessly on the same page. Exporting to Google Docs worked beautifully. I’m using this app at a conference to jot down notes, record part of the talk that’s too fast for me to keep up with and scribble brainstorming diagrams. It is INCREDIBLE. This is making me love the ipad all over again. I wish I had found this one before I ever wasted money on the others. Thank you for a great app!

Great! – ★★★★

by kcmac1 – Version 2.0 – 12 October 2010

Just downloaded last night. As a user of Penultimate, I can’t believe the difference this has made for me switching to Notes Plus. Now, not only do my notes look like something I would typically see on pen and paper, I can actually READ them. My handwriting looks like MY handwriting. Yay! Dev says he is working on a few items I asked about and then it will be a 5 for me. If you primarily take notes, don’t hesitate. Get notes Plus now.

Worth the money – ★★★★★

by Roger125 – Version 2.0 – 12 October 2010

The app is great. It has a lot of functions that are very helpful on the meetings for me.

Great – ★★★★★

by Victoriya25 – Version 2.0 – 12 October 2010

The functions voice recording and shape recognition are so great!

The best app – ★★★★★

by Gabino Velas – Version 2.0 – 12 October 2010

The app is very well done, there are a lot of functions and I see a lot of benefits for me in it.

Best note taking app! – ★★★★★

by xuanvuz – Version 2.0 – 11 October 2010

This is the best note taking / handwriting app out there! Natural, easy to use with plenty of features. Some suggestion:

1. Saved strokes settings (normal writing, highlighting, emphasized, etc.) that can be easily accessible from the toolbar.

2. Able to delete audio notes.

3. Searchable (by text, heading, date, etc.)

4. Load image/pdf, or different notebook background.

Looking forward for the update. Thanks!

Fascinating – ★★

by ccuwann – Version 2.0 – 11 October 2010

This app is wonderful! It allows user design and text options for individual tastes and needs. Very easy to use. I did have a problem which was handled quickly and professionally by Viet Tran. When you use this app, you have someone who wants to maintain your confidence in his product. He stands by Notes Plus and that makes all the difference.

Better than penultimate – ★★★★★

by Ratpack123 – Version 2.0 – 10 October 2010

V2.0 is a huge upgrade! Been using Penultimate (a good app too). now switching to this. Way more flexibility, lots of neat features. My fav is ability to use highlighter to make those points stand out. Five stars with a few nits

- small learning curve to understand to use all the features

- palm area work well, but a bit clunky to use

- page flip method is annoying

Excellent support. Developer listens to users has shown commitment to improve the app

Fantastic – ★★★★★

by Tejanogrande – Version 2.0 – 09 October 2010

Best app I have found for the iPad and makes the iPad a useful tool for meetings.

Excellent update – ★★★★★

by Xhara – Version 2.0 – 09 October 2010

So far I am loving this update! Switching between text and handwriting is a lot easier and it seems the ink color bug has been squashed… I am also loving the shape detector–excellent feature! I have just a couple requests: Please implement an icon of some sort that will make page turning a bit simpler. Please allow us to create directories of some sort so we can keep our notes organized.

Good note taking interface – ★★★★★

by MishaMJE – Version 2.0 – 08 October 2010

The note taking interface is excellent, even without a stylus. I hope the developer continues to work on incorporating organization features – support for folders, tags, templates would make this a killer productivity tool.

Wonderful for note taking, period. – ★★★★★

by Some guy… – Version 2.0 – 06 October 2010

This app does exactly as it says and is above all other note taking apps I have come across. For those who know what a Smart Board is, this app is pretty similar to one. Highly reccomended for anyone looking for a good, easy to use note taking app.

Great program but still needs a few things ! – ★★★★

by Rad99004 – Version 2.0 – 05 October 2010

I still use “Note Taker” at work but this program is catching up fast. It still needs line smoothing. Manual eraser, the circle the text or line back and forth to erase text is still neat. Manual return button. I wish the close up text box could be moved closer to the bottom of the screen !!!! I know the opacity allows for hi-lighting effects but just add buttons for them to make it quicker also it needs one more thickness option. Add more colors like “Yellow” Thanks

Great App – ★★★★

by Marvin Suwarso – Version 2.0 – 05 October 2010

This is a great notes app! Along with the other suggestions, especially dropbox support, it would be the perfect notes app if it allows you to send the voice recordings as well!

Great note taking! – ★★★★★

by RAS_BIRD – Version 2.0 – 05 October 2010

This is by far the best app for taking notes. The smooth writing is exceptional. I have tried several note taking apps and this is the one I keep coming back to. Buy this and you won’t be sorry!

Almost perfect – ★★★★

by Max Dyckhoff – Version 2.0 – 05 October 2010

I’ve bought about four iPad note taking apps trying to find the perfect one, as well as tried dozens of free versions. This latest release of Notes Plus has it all for me, apart from two small things, and despite these it is still the clear leader. It has a great user interface, it supports text and drawing seamlessly, it has shape detection, a palm pad, audio note taking. The resultant ink is clean and smooth unlike other apps, and the tools to change size, font and colour are clear. So what needs to be added? First, there is no “redo”. I’m a software engineer, I understand the difficulties with redo, but I think it should be a priority for the next update. Secondly, the performance of the app is somewhat shameful, taking a few seconds to render some of the pages in the quick start file itself. Let it be known though, there is no alternative app which even approaches the functionality of Notes Plus. Thank you! EDIT: I found another problem. The zoomed in view for text handwriting displays in the middle of the screen which makes no sense. It should appear at the bottom. I’ve knocked 1 star off my score because of this, but it’s STILL the best note taking app out there. EDIT 2: And another problem. Undo is very flaky. Sometimes it will fail to undo certain strokes, especially when dealing with selections of items. Still the best note taking app!

Awesome Update! – ★★★★

by Yep-Nope – Version 2.0 – 04 October 2010

I was hoping this update was coming soon. Very fluid handwriting and intuitive interface makes this the note-taking winner without a doubt. I do miss the automated palm detection though (maybe add it as an option?). This app beats notetaker and penultimate (although penultimate still has more intuitive palm detection and erasing). It has added some great features like object detection and audio recording but is not trying to be everything to everyone. Great job! I am deleting penultimate, notetaker, noterize and underscore notify as we speak as they are no longer needed. Still holding on to WritePad…for now.

Excellent Start! Need for Speed! – ★★★★★

by Primate1 – Version 2.0 – 04 October 2010

Keeps getting better with each version. The new additions are (shapes, audio, etc.) are outstanding! Positive: 1. Well done. Intuitive. 2. Enjoyable to use. 3. Excellent choice of fonts, sizes and colors. 4. Excellent versatility with styles and colors of handwriting. 5. Integrates typing and handwriting with the ability to move both around on the page to suit the end-user. 6. The ability to insert pages in the middle is a plus. ADDITIONS REQUESTED: 1. Ability to import photos. 2. Ability to vary the size of handwriting notes once they are on the page.

Worth revisiting – ★★★★★

by Leslie McB – Version 2.0 – 03 October 2010

I was just about to give up on this app — it had great potential, but it wouldn’t always detect text (especially punctuation marks), and the zoom mode often stopped working. Version 2.0 is a marked improvement. It preserves everything I loved about the app, such as easily moving text and switching between typing and handwriting. All of the actions, particularly deleting, are much more intuitive now. No freezes or crashes with several hours of testing today. Looks and works great.

BEST replacement for paper yet! – ★★★★★

by cpaconnelly – Version 2.0 – 02 October 2010

I have used note taking apps of various stripes for months now, but this one takes the best aspects of all of them and rolls them into the cleanest most apple-like interface of all. Zoomed writing is intuitive, it’s easy to integrate drawing writing typing and zoomed writing, and it’s only getting better. The developer is very responsive and certainly delivers great product. Highly recommend this app!

A Lot of Changes … – ★★★★★

by Sambula – Version 2.0 – 02 October 2010

A lot of great things added here, it is like an entirely new app. The shape detection is awesome and will get a lot of use. Recording! Wow. Thumb view navigation and rearranging pages, makes this a major notebook app when combined with auto dating. The selection gestures are still hit and miss. One thing that was not clear in the directions is that – you need to use the finest pen setting to get selection going. Then use swift circular motion to select. I am still practicing. Page turns take a pretty strong gesture. I hope this will become more subtle in the future. This has risen to become my goto notebook app for developing concepts and working through designs. It has always generated the best looking notes with it’s fine finger window and excellent handwriting algorithm. The additions put it in a whole different class – becoming a full fledge engineering technical notebook app.

The Best – ★★★★★

by TheOrioles33 – Version 2.0 – 02 October 2010

By far the best note taking app for the iPad. I would only like one more feature. DropBox support.

Canada:

Best note taking app – ★★★★★

by Arikk – Version 2.0 – 06 October 2010

Best note taking app for the iPad. Simply works!

Buggy and slow (bad implementation with some good ideas) – ★

by Music? …. Music! – Version 2.0 – 06 October 2010

I am VERY disappointed with the new release of Notes Plus and would like to go back to the previous version (even with it’s warts). If not possible, and if they can’t fix their problems quickly, I’ll have to find another note taking application. Problems encountered with the most fatal first: 1) Many times, won’t go on to a second page at all. This is a bug that is deadly for regular meeting note taking! 2) Many times, won’t erase when you circle something. The previous erasure method wasn’t great, but worked fine once I got used to it. The new method just plain doesn’t work … both because of the bug just mentioned an the fact it is hard to circle something when I’m using the magnifier. 3) Very slow … i.e. the picture lags the stylus significantly and screen drawing is very slow. This distracts me from the note taking enough to be a serious problem. 4) The new way of moving to a new line (when free hand writing) is better than the old method, but the area on the left hand side is too small for when there is a word break at the end of a line. … Please fix these immediately … or at least re-release the previous release. I really don’t want to go looking for a new note taking application when it appeared that you were on the right track!!!

Best note app – ★★★★★

by Zanyth0x42 – Version 2.0 – 02 October 2010

The last version had a bit too many quirks for me, but with this latest update the app is pretty amazing. Well worth the money. You definitely need to read the tutorial though so you know how to scroll properly and whatnot, takes a few minutes to get the hang of how it works, but once you do it’s real easy. The auto-advance is AMAZING; The best implementation that I’ve seen out of the note taking apps I’ve tried. Writing with your finger in zoomed-in mode is pretty good, though a stylus works better overall I find (as with any handwriting app) Shape recognition is handy, but has some quirks and hasn’t been able to always recognize shapes for me (even after a few tries), but I’m sure it’ll be improved The page selection view for selecting where to go in a notebook is great, and the landscape view for writing is nice. Deleting sections by drawing a circle around them is quick and easy! All-in-all, the best note-taking app I’ve managed to find yet; One thing I would like fixed somehow is that no matter what line size or font size I’ve tried, when typing, after a few lines the text will no longer match up with the lines on the paper, not a big deal, but if that could be fixed somehow to be ‘locked’ (as an option of course) to the paper line, it’d be great! The second issue is that if you use the typing input, eventually the text will go ‘beneath’ the keyboard and you can’t see it, sort of a pain at times, but again, given how great this update was, I’m sure the author will fix it Thanks, and keep up the great updates!

UK:

Great update – ★★★★

by AS Listener – Version 2.0 – 11 October 2010

I’ve played with many note taking apps on my iPad and most were deleted. This one is staying. It’s on my home screen and with the latest update has become a favorite. Congratulations to the developers for finally getting note taking r