Recommend a Cheap Tablet with Active Stylus for Note Taking

Good evening all,

As title suggests, I'm looking for a cheap tablet with the option to get a stylus for taking notes/drawing on PDFs for uni.

Budget is up to $4-500, preferably cheaper if possible
Main use is for reading PDFs and powerpoint slides - writing notes/drawing diagrams into them; word and maybe excel
Prefer a windows tablet with USB slot as it makes moving files easier and more flexibility
Screen size larger than 9inches

I was considering the surface go but was put off by the expensive accessories, mainly the $140 surface pen. I mainly want to be able to use the stylus because it's easier to make notes with anywhere, and it makes it easier to learn/remember whatever is written down than typing. I also looked at some chuwi tablets (hi10 plus, hi12, hi13) but saw quite a bit of negative reviews regarding the pen.

Please give some recommendations or thoughts :)

Thanks

Comments

  • +1

    Please?

    • Sorry, I thought I said please last night. Edited it in now :)

      But could you please give some recommendations?

  • I had one of these which was quite functional, but was given a surface at work so I got rid of it.

    https://www.binglee.com.au/samsung-sm-p585yzkaxsa-galaxy-tab…

  • Unfortunately good stylus technology is both expensive to develop and build, and also in high demand by professionals who have money to spend, so it's going to be hard to find a good and cheap option.

    Have you looked at a last-gen iPad w/ Apple Pencil or third party Apple-compatible stylus?

  • +3

    If you don't mind refurbished, and stretch your budget a bit, here is one for $511.20

    Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 510 -12" FHD Touch Display/i3/8GB/128GB SSD

    Specifications

    • Colour: Silver/Black
    • Intel Core i3-6100U CPU @ 2.30GHz, 2 Core(s)
    • 8GB RAM
    • 128GB NVMe Hard Drives
    • 12-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) Screen, Touchscreen Enabled
    • Intel, Skylake GT2 [HD Graphics 520]
    • Intel, Sunrise Point-LP HD Audio
    • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • Webcam
    • USB Port (1), USB Type-C Port (1)
    • Windows 10
    • Accessories Included: Detachable Keyboard and Stylus Included, AC Adapter
    • I chanced upon this whilst looking for cheap Surface Pro alternatives. This is a great recommendation.

      I have two concerns though. Are reconditioned sets from Grays known to be in great condition?

      Also, I saw that the i5 was on offer in February at $497, it does seem odd that the price now would be higher when it's 6 months older. Do you reckon it's been jacked up for the PARENT promo?

    • (Sorry for necrobumping this thread but I'm looking for the same thing.) My only concern for a refurbished tablet is the battery life the unit. Do you have any ideas about that?

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