Samsung Notes alternative?

Key features:

  • PDF annotation
  • S-pen/stylus support
  • Sync (preferably NOT just via Nextcloud…looking at you, Saber)
  • Handwriting recognition is a plus, but not required

As mention above, Saber fits the criteria well, but I don’t use Nextcloud and that is the only sync available in that app (unless something has changed in the last couple of weeks). I have a Galaxy phone and tablet that both support S-pen and Samsung Notes is excellent, and free, but they’re not exactly privacy concious, so I’m looking elsewhere. I had considered the Excalidraw plugin for Obsidian, but I’m not sure if that works on the Android version of the app.

yetAnotherUser,

Yes PLEASE. I only have one more requirement: eraser button support. Without that button writing is terrible but I can’t find a single app supporting it besides Samsung Notes.

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

The Obsidian plug-in Exaclidraw does support it with a script add on, but seemingly only supports Windows Surface pens…which is lame. Nebo is another app I’m looking at. But it can only sync with Google Drive and Dropbox. I haven’t looked into the local files to see if it can manage a Syncthing type scenario between my tablet and phone yet, but I intend to. Nebo’s eraser works by holding the s-pen button down and drawing over what you want gone. Not sure if that’s exactly what you want. I may have to add a feature request to Saber :)

yetAnotherUser,

Yeah, that’s exactly what I want! It’s the only feature keeping me to Samsung Notes. Thanks, I’ll check it out.

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

I should mention it’s not a free app. But it has the best handwriting recognition I’ve ever seen. I write worse than a toddler and it still converts without fail to the correct text. If I can sync without using Dropbox and Drive, I’d be fine using it as Samsung Notes alternative

finickydesert,
@finickydesert@lemmy.ml avatar

Maybe obsidian

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

May have to go this route. The excalidraw plugin seems to work reasonably well and I already use Obsidian.

RandomLegend,
@RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

I would love to find an alternative that can automatically start on the lock screen as soon as I pull the pen out.

I have a s23 ultra and that’s such a handy feature

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

Agreed, I’m on a Note10+ and I love that feature. I’d setting for being able to add 3rd party app shortcuts to the little side bar thing…not sure what that’s called, but it pops up when you pull the S Pen out. That wouldn’t replace the screen off function, but would be a step in the right direction.

RandomLegend,
@RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

You can add apps to that pop up sidebar on s23

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

ah geez, you can on mine too. I just didn’t scroll down far enough. All I saw were the Samsung specific shortcuts!

RandomLegend,
@RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

Well then you’re good to go

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

Yeah, now I just need to find a privacy conscious alternative to Samsung Notes! ;)

I may have to give up on my Nextcloud hate and run Saber. It really is a great app. Just a shame to tie it to only one service.

the_lone_wolf,

That’s a system level integration! Someone have to make an app with root or shizuku api

inasaba,

Consider dropping your built-in sync requirement, and use Syncthing instead. It opens up your options.

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

Fair point, do you have any in mind?

inasaba,

My Note 4 died last year so I don’t have any android suggestions, sorry. On Linux I like Rnote, but it’s fairly early in development and I last time I wanted to annotate a PDF I had to do so in Xournal++

slacktoid,
@slacktoid@lemmy.ml avatar

Orgmode?

Father_Redbeard,
@Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml avatar

It can do S-pen notes?

slacktoid,
@slacktoid@lemmy.ml avatar

Oops. Missed that. My bad

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