Pen-enabled Tablets and Devices running Android Apps

 

Device Our Opinion Specs
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 (US)
Deutsche Version (DE)

(+) S-Pen has the best writing experience
(+) S-Pen works without battery
(+) great display with very high resolution
(+) high-end technical specs with a speedy experience

(o) S-Pen cannot be inserted into device

Form factor: 9.7″ feels like an organizer, very handy, but also still big enough to use for note-taking in meetings, lectures or on the go (e.g. in the plane on the train).

  • Stylus: S-Pen
  • Android Nougat
  • 2048 x 1536 pixels
  • 9.7 inches

Available models

  • WiFi-only Version
  • LTE + WiFi Version
Samsung Chromebook Plus (US)
Our Opinion

(+) S-Pen has the best writing experience
(+) S-Pen works without battery
(+) S-Pen can be inserted into device
(+) great display with very high resolution
(+) physical keyboard enables better text writing than usual tablets

Special: Chrome OS runs Android Apps now.
Form factor: 12.3″ is as big as a sheet of paper (approx. A4 / Letter). Very good for sketching – especially when two people are discussing things with one device in front of them. A bit heavier than the smaller tablets, but still totally ok to work on the go (e.g. in the plane on the train).

Specs

  • Stylus: S-Pen
  • Chrome OS (but it runs virtually every app your Android tablet does – either online or offline)
  • 2400 x 1600 pixels
  • 12.3 inches

Available models

  • XE513C24-K01US
Samsung Galaxy Tab A with S Pen 10.1″ (2016 Ed.) (US)
Our Opinion

(+) S-Pen has the best writing experience
(+) S-Pen works without battery
(+) S-Pen can be inserted into device
(+) good display with full-HD resolution

(o) computing power is moderate (mid-range tablet)
(o) build quality feels ok, but not high-end

Specs

  • Stylus: S-Pen
  • Android 6, Marshmallow
  • 1920 x 1200 pixels
  • 10.1 inches

Available models

  • SM-P580 (WiFi)
Device Our Opinion Specs
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Ed.) (US)
deutsche Version (DE)

(+) S-Pen has the best writing experience
(+) S-Pen works without battery
(+) S-Pen can be inserted into tablet
(+) fast and reliable device, even in 2017
(+) great display with very high resolution

(-) no more official Android-OS-Updates available

Form factor: 10.1″ a bit smaller than a normal sheet of paper, thus handy, but still big enough to use for note-taking in meetings, lectures or on the go

  • Stylus: S-Pen
  • Android 5, Lollipop
  • 2560 x 1600 pixels
  • 10.1 inches

Available models

  • SM-P600 (WiFi)
  • SM-P601 (3G & WiFi)
  • SM-P605 (LTE, 3G & WiFi)
  • SM-P607 (LTE, 3G & WiFi)
Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 (US)
deutsche Version (DE)

Our Opinion

(+) fast and reliable device
(+) M-Pen has the same weight and size like a normal ballpen
(+) writing with the M-Pen feels nearly as good as with the S-Pen
(+) good display with full-HD resolution

(0) M-Pen works only with a battery
(0) sometimes the palm-rejection does not feel as reliable as with Samsung’s S-Pen

Form factor: 10.1″ a bit smaller than a normal sheet of paper, thus handy, but still big enough to use for note-taking in meetings, lectures or on the go.
Nice extra: a book cover with mount for M-Pen is shipped with the Premium-Version.

Specs

  • Stylus: M-Pen
  • Android 5, Lollipop
  • 1920 x 1200 pixels
  • 10.1 inches

Available models:

  • Premium Edition – look for 3GB RAM to be sure
  • (Standard Edition – has no Stylus and just 2GB RAM)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 (US)
deutsche Version (DE)

Our Opinion

(+) S-Pen has the best writing experience
(+) S-Pen works without battery
(+) S-Pen can be inserted into tablet

(o) computing power is moderate (mid-range tablet)

(-) display has low resolution

Form factor: 9.7″ feels lika an organizer – especially with the book cover – very handy, but also still big enough to use for note-taking in meetings, lectures or on the go

Specs

  • Stylus: S-Pen
  • Android 5, Lollipop
  • 1024 x 768 pixels
  • 9.7 inches

Available models

  • SM-P550NZWADBT (Wi-Fi, white)
  • SM-P550NZKADBT (Wi-Fi, black)
  • Side note: there are more models available, but they do not include the S-Pen

Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2 (US)
deutsche Version (DE)

Our Opinion

(+) S-Pen has the best writing experience
(+) S-Pen works without battery
(+) S-Pen can be inserted into tablet
(+) fast and reliable device, even in 2017
(+) great display with very high resolution

(-) no more official Android-OS-Updates available

Form factor: 12.2″ is as big as a sheet of paper (approx. A4 / Letter). Very good for sketching – especially when two people are discussing things with one tablet in front of them. A bit heavier than the smaller devices, but still totally ok for us to work on the go (e.g. in the plane on the train).

Specs

  • Stylus: S-Pen
  • Android 5, Lollipop
  • 2560 x 1600 pixels
  • 12.2 inches

Available models

  • SM-P900 (WiFi)
  • SM-P905 (LTE, 3G & WiFi)
ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 (US)
deutsche Version (DE)

Our Opinion

(+) tablet is fast with excellent built quality
(+) good display with high resolution

(0) Z-Pen cannot be stored in the tablet
(0) Z-Pen requires a battery

(-) Z-Pen does not have an authentic writing experience
(-) Z-Pen has a hard tip, which makes loud noises when writing
(-) the battery of the Z-Pen seems to be discharged quite fast, even if you don’t use it

9.7″ feels like an organizer: very handy, but also still big enough to use for note-taking in meetings, lectures or on the go

Specs

Available models

  • Z500M-C1-GR (grey)
  • Z500M-C1-SL (silver)
ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 (US)
deutsche Version (DE)

Our Opinion

(+) tablet is fast and built quality is high
(+) good display with high resolution

(0) Z-Pen cannot be stored in the tablet
(0) Z-Pen requires a battery

(-) Z-Pen does not have an authentic writing experience
(-) Z-Pen has a hard tip, which makes loud noises when writing
(-) the battery of the Z-Pen seems to be discharged quite fast, even if you don’t use it

Form factor: 8.0″ feels lika a small organizer, very handy, good for personal note-taking on the go.

Specs

Available models

  • Z580CA-1A079A (32GB)
  • Z580CA-1A048A (64GB)

If you happen to know any further android pen-tablets let us know!

If you own one of the listed devices: go to our play store page and download the 14-day free trial of Mind-Objects Think Visual. It is the best support for visual thinking you can get: capture, structure and share your thoughts effortless – with no space restrictions!

Using the software is as intuitive as using pen and paper, with the advantage, that information can be restructured easy and be broadcasted via a projector. This saves time, enables better results and helps collaboration in meetings.

Mind-Objects Think Visual runs on any pen-enabled Android tablet (if you have a device without native pen support you can use Mind-Objects ThinkVisual Touch instead).

Having a Windows or iOS device? Stay updated – get the news when your favorite device is supported and subscribe to our mailing list: http://www.mind-objects.com/platform-request/

 

Why did we choose these devices for Mind-Objects?

  • The above devices can recognize the difference between stylus and finger (which gives us the chance to deliver a great workflow with high productivity)
  • In contrast to normal tablets, using the pen/stylus on these devices feels very similar to using a normal pen on paper (great for people using a tablet for the first time)

 

If you have any questions regarding the above devices or where to buy them – write us in the comments or .

Screenmirroring – how to connect your Samsung Note Tablet with any kind of projector, TV or Screen

You have a Samsung GALAXY Note Tablet (e.g. GALAXY Tab A 9.7, GALAXY Note 10.1. (2014 Edition) or GALAXY NotePRO) and want to connet it with a projector, TV or any other screen?

There are several ways to do that. Since most of todays projectors, TVs or screens have either an HDMI or VGA connector we focus on solutions for these two.

We propose the three best ways for each in this article.

Solutions for HDMI

If your desired target screen has an HDMI connector, your best options are (in descending order):

Link to our step by step how-to Required Prerequisites Pros Cons
Best Option Use an HDMI Dongle

20160122_150104

  • HDMI Dongle (e.g. Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or similar)
  • our favorite option – best screen quality, no cable – so you can walk around during presentations
  • works all devices we tested
  • (may sometimes show a dark screen when you are not interacting with the tablet)
Second Choice How-to: AllShare Link Cast Dongle

Mind-Objects-AllShareUSB

  • Samsung EAD-T10E Link Cast Dongle
  • our second favorite option – best screen quality, no cable – so you can walk around during presentations
  • may not work with every HDMI cable sind the version of the standard may be a different one – try to use the cable which comes with the Dongle when you can to prevent any problems
Third Choice How-to: SideSync

SideSync_Mind-Objects_01

  • Laptop (Windows or Mac OS)
  • Samsung SideSync software (free)
  • the software SideSync is free and since most people have a Laptop with them, no further Hardware is required
  • you have to carry a second device next to your tablet
  • the screen quality using the WIFI connection with SideSync is not as good as the one with the USB cable
  • using the USB-cable limits your mobility
Back-Up Choice MHL-Adapter

Mind-Objects_MHL3-Samsung

  • MHL-Adapter for the USB Port of your tablet
  • easy to use, reliable
  • your mobility is restricted due to the cables attached to your tablet

Solutions for VGA

If your desired target screen has an VGA connector, things get more complicated. But it is still possible: you basically have the same options as above, but you have to use a VGA converter in combination with the first two options:

Links to step by step solutions Required Prerequisites Pros Cons
Option 1
Wireless Screen Sharing for Android Devices with VGA
  • Samsung EAD-T10E Link Cast Dongle
  • VGA Converter
  • no cables attached to your tablet – best mobility
  • getting the connection to your target screen is tricky because you need to know the exact timing when to connect the cables during the connection process
Option 2
Screen Sharing for Android Devices using a VGA Cable
  • MHL-Adapter for the USB Port of your tablet
  • VGA Converter
  • easy to use, reliable
  • your mobility is restricted due to the cables attached to your tablet
Option 3: Workaround using a Laptop
How-to: SideSync
  • Laptop (Windows or Mac OS) with port or adapter for VGA
  • Samsung SideSync software (free)
  • the software SideSync is free and since most people have a Laptop with them, no further Hardware is required
  • you have to carry a second device next to your tablet
  • the screen quality using the WIFI connection with SideSync is not as good as the one with the USB cable
  • using the USB-cable limits your mobility

More options

For screen mirroring we also use the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2. The setup is as easy as using the Samsung AllShare Link Cast Dongle and our tablets showed the adapter in the notification panel as well. The Wireless Display Adapter does seem to work with any HDMI-cable which makes it even more reliable as the AllShare.

We also tried the Google Cromecast with an HDMI port (may also work with an VGA Converter but we din’t try yet). Our experience was mixed: while mirroring the screen from the tablet to a TV the screen froze after a few minutes. Further the chromecast only works when connected to a local WLAN – which may not be available at every location you visit.

Of course there are further options, we didn’t try yet so we can’t say anything out of experience right now:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick (HDMI, may also work with an VGA Converter)
  • Connect to projectors or screens with a built-in Miracast protocol (should work directly without any adaptors or dongles)

Any questions? !

Screen Mirroring between a Samsung GALAXY Note Tablet and a projector using an MHL-Adapter

Using an MHL Adapter is one of the easiest ways to connect your Samsung GALAXY NotePRO or GALAXY Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) with any other screen, projector or TV via HDMI.

We tested the Samsung HDMI-Adapter MHL 3.0 EE-HN910.

With our devices it worked with and without an aditional power source (not shipped with the adapter, you can use the one from your smartphone). We tested it with Full HD screens and different projectors. The order in which you connect the different cables didn’t matter either.

So it’s fairly simple: just connect the different cables and the screen mirroring starts automatically.

If you prefer connecting your device wireless have a look at our respective howto.

Any questions?!

Share your Samsung GALAXY Note Tablet Screen via Internet (or locally) using SideSync

What you need

  • A SAMSUNG tablet running Android 5 or higher (here we used a Samsung GALAXY NotePRO SM-P 905)
  • A Windows or MAC laptop / desktop computer
  • An online-meeting tool (e.g. Skype, Webex, Adobe Connect)

Installation

  1. To install SideSync download and install the software from http://www.samsung.com/us/sidesync/ on your PC or MAC.
  2. Install the SideSync App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sec.android.sidesync30 on your Tablet.

How to Connect your Tablet to a PC or MAC

Using WLAN to Connect

Connect your tablet (Android 5 or higher required) and your PC or MAC device with the same WLAN.

Using a USB-Cable to Connect

Connect your tablet (Android 5 or higher required) and your PC or MAC device using a usb-cable. The advantage: your image quality is better than using WLAN.

How to start the Screen Mirroring

As soon as you connected your tablet with your PC or MAC:

1) Start SideSync on your PC or MAC

SideSync_Mind-Objects_01

Normally SideSync automatically builds up the connection to your tablet, but you can also start SideSync on your tablet manually.

2) After the connection was established the following window should appear on your PC or MAC:

Hit the button "Tablet screen".
2) Hit the button “Tablet screen”.

Now you can see the screen of your tablet and interact with it. But you won’t see anything on the tablet and thus not yet be able to use the S-Pen.

3) On the window “Tablet screen”:

3) Open the menu in the upper left corner by pressing the arrow button.

4) Choose “Tablet Screen Mirroring” from the drop down menu:

Select "Tablet Screen Mirroring"
4) Select “Tablet Screen Mirroring” (German: “Präsentationsmodus aktivieren”)

Now you can use your tablet as usual with the S-Pen and your screen is being displayed on your PC or MAC.

5) To enable full screen hit the respective button on the upper right:

Use the button in the upper right to go to fullscreen with Mind-Objects in SideSync
5) Use the button in the upper right to go to fullscreen with Mind-Objects in SideSync

How to prevent your Windows Computer from going to sleep during the presentation

find_power_settings_win10
Go to “power settings”
Go to “power & sleep”, then chose “never” for screen and standby

Sharing the Screen

Now you can share your screen displayed on your PC or MAC with any audience:

  1. (locally) through connecting a projector or TV to your PC or MAC (which is connected to your tablet via SideSync)
  2. or (via internet) through using any online meeting software like Skype / Webex / Adobe Connect etc.

We used SideSync in a presentation – have a look how it works in action:

Have a good meeting or presentation!

For any further questions don’t hesitate to write us in the comments below or . We are happy to help you!

How to Connect your Samsung GALAXY Note Tablet to a Projector or Screen wireless using the AllShare EAD-T10E Link Cast Dongle

What you need

Setting up the Wireless Connection

The video shows the following steps for connecting your tablet via a Link Cast Dongle to another screen (wireless):

  1. Connect the power supply to the Dongle
  2. Plug in the HDMI cable (preferrably use the one shipped with the dongle, since not every cable has the required HDMI standard)
  3. If you connect your tablet with the dongle for the first time, press the button on the Dongle (do that before you start any connection on the tablet – otherwise we experienced problems)
  4. Turn on WiFi (if there is a known WiFi network wait untill it is connected)
  5. Choose “Screen Mirroring” from the settings menu or from the notification panel (if you have a new Dongle, usually the Firmware is beeing updated via the tablet, don’t disconnect it during the process)

We prefer using the notification panel, since you are way faster, than when you open up the settings menu first. In the beginning of the video, we show you how to configure your notification panel for this purpose.

Side note:

Alternatively you may use a micro-USB cable (not shipped with the Dongle) to connect the power supply to a screen directly. This works with most TVs, since they have the USB port right next to an HDMI port:

Mind-Objects-AllShareUSB

If you are looking for an alternative to the AllShare LinkCast Dongle look at this post: Alternatives to the Samsung AllShare LinkCast Dongle for Sharing your Android Tablet Screen

Have a good presentation!

If you have any questions or need further information please use the comments below or. We are happy to help you!

Presenting with an Android Device: Show Your Touches to the Audience for better Awareness

If you share your Android tablet screen with an audience (e.g. for a meeting or presentation) it is helpful to enable “Show Touches”. Why? Because your audience can see how you interact with the device (e.g. when you start zooming or panning). This awareness helps them to stay oriented and engaged in your presentation.

Now we show you how to enable “Show Touches” for this purpose:

Go to System Settings and tap "about device" or "about tablet"
1. Go to SETTINGS > GENERAL > ABOUT DEVICE > tab 5-7 times on “Build number” to enable DEVELOPER OPTIONS
"Show Touches" in the Developer Settings Menu in Android 5
2. Go to the DEVELOPER OPTIONS menu and enable “SHOW TOUCHES”

With these settings, all interactions with your device are shown to an audience (Touch and S-Pen). This is especially helpful if you use Mind-Objects during meetings or presentations.

Any questions? – !