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TLDR REVIEW

Best Smart Notebooks for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: June 25th, 2024

📝Smart notebooks are changing the game for capturing and organizing information. They combine the feel of traditional writing with the perks of digital tech. Imagine scribbling your thoughts on paper and seamlessly syncing them to the cloud. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone who just loves to jot down their ideas, there's a smart notebook out there for you. We've done the legwork to review the top options for 2024 to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

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Overall Best: Rocketbook Core

Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook, Letter Size 8.5x11, Black - Lined Pages, App-Connected, Erasable, Durable Cover, Ideal for School, Work, and Creative Projects 1 Black Letter

The Rocketbook Core stands out as our overall best choice in smart notebooks. Its reusable pages are a game-changer, allowing you to write, scan, and then wipe clean to reuse. The Rocketbook app makes digitizing your notes effortless by supporting synchronization with popular cloud services like Google Drive and Evernote. The eco-friendly design means you’re also making a sustainable choice. Advanced AI features, such as smart titles and email transcription, enhance organization and productivity, making it ideal for students, professionals, and creatives.

Key Features

Endlessly reusable pages
Smart titles, search, and email transcription
Compatible with popular cloud services
Includes a Pilot Frixion pen and microfiber cloth

Pros

Environmentally friendly
Advanced AI features for organization
Compact and easy to carry

Cons

Requires specific pens
Higher price point compared to traditional notebooks

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$23.26 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Rocketbook Core Notebook? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How long does the ink take to dry on Rocketbook pages?

So, if you're wondering about the ink drying time on Rocketbook pages, here's the scoop: when you use the [Pilot Frixion pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpilot%2Bfrixion%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) (which are the recommended ones to use with these notebooks), the ink usually dries in about 10-15 seconds under normal conditions. This means you can quickly jot down notes and flip to the next page without smudges. Keep in mind that drying times might vary a bit if it's really humid or hot around you. According to our research, the standard [Frixion clicker pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bclicker%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) work really well on these pages—they dry fast and erase clean when wiped with a damp cloth. Some folks have tried using other [Frixion products](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bhighlighters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), like [highlighters](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bhighlighters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [fineliners](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bfineliners%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). While they can work, they're not always as reliable for erasing or when you're scanning notes with the Rocketbook app. There might be some smudging or a leftover ghost image, which can mess with how clear your scanned pages turn out. So, to keep things smooth, it's best to stick with the pens the manufacturer suggests. They're made to work perfectly with Rocketbook's reusable pages, letting you rewrite without hassle and organize your notes efficiently for scanning. Just remember to give the ink a few seconds to dry, and you're good to go!

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What types of pens work best with the Rocketbook Core?

If you're using the Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook, picking the right pen definitely makes a difference. This notebook is designed to be reusable, which means it works best with certain pens. According to the manufacturer, [Pilot FriXion pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpilot%2Bfrixion%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) are the way to go. They have this neat ink that bonds to the pages but wipes off easily with a damp cloth, so you can use your notebook over and over. From what we've seen, Pilot FriXion pens aren't just good for reusability—they also help keep your handwriting clear and readable. That's super helpful when you're scanning your notes with the Rocketbook app, especially if you're using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature to turn your handwritten notes into digital text. Just make sure the ink has dried before wiping it, or you might end up with some smudges and scanning issues. The Rocketbook app can convert your handwritten notes to text via email, but how well it works can depend a lot on how clear your handwriting is. If your script is fancy or too connected, the OCR might struggle a bit, leading to odd formatting or missing words. Writing clearly and distinctly can really help improve accuracy. If the built-in OCR isn't cutting it for you, trying out other OCR tools could be a good idea—they often handle text recognition better and could give you the results you're after. Getting comfortable with the Rocketbook might take a little practice, and checking out some user guides or tutorials could offer some helpful tips. But with the right pen and a bit of habit-building, you'll find it's a handy way to organize and digitize your notes.

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How do you erase the Rocketbook Core notebook?

Erasing your Rocketbook Core notebook is pretty straightforward, but it depends on using the right stuff. You'll need [Pilot Frixion Pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DPilot%2BFrixion%2BPens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to take advantage of its erasable pages fully. These notebooks have a special coating on the pages that let you wipe away your notes with a damp cloth or by using the eraser on the pen. From what we've found, most of the time, a Pilot Frixion Pen comes with the notebook when you get it. But it's a smart move to have a few extras around. Frixion pens come in a bunch of colors, but it seems like darker ones, like black, work best both for erasing and scanning pages clearly. Lighter colors, like green, might not erase as well or scan as neatly. Just a heads-up: make sure you stick with these Frixion pens. Regular pens won't erase from the Rocketbook's pages and can leave permanent marks, which kind of ruins the whole reusable vibe. So, keeping extra Frixion pens nearby can help you avoid any accidental permanent marks. The bottom line is to use the right pens to keep enjoying the Rocketbook Core's cool features, like reusability and easy digital uploads. If you're thinking about trying out different colors or types of Frixion pens, just be mindful of how well they might erase and scan. Happy jotting!

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Runner-up: Moleskine Smart Writing Set

Moleskine Smart Writing Set Smart Notebook & New Smart Pen (2022) - Store Handwritten Notes Digitally, with Connected Notebook Notes App (Only Compatible Smart Notebooks)

The Moleskine Smart Writing Set combines the timeless elegance of Moleskine with cutting-edge digital capabilities. This set includes a specially designed Moleskine notebook and a smart pen that synchronizes your handwritten notes to your digital devices in real-time. This is perfect for those who appreciate the tactile experience of writing on paper but want the convenience of digital storage and organization. The system supports various digital formats, including PDF, and integrates seamlessly with Google Drive and Evernote.

Key Features

Real-time syncing to digital devices
Specially designed notebook and smart pen
Supports various digital formats including PDF
Compatible with Google Drive and Evernote

Pros

Elegant and high-quality design
Real-time digital synchronization
Multiple export options

Cons

Expensive
Limited to Moleskine's proprietary system

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$208.37 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Boogie Board Blackboard

For those on a budget, the Boogie Board Blackboard offers an affordable entry into the world of smart notebooks. It provides a straightforward, effective note-taking experience with reusable pages that can be quickly digitized using your smartphone. This notebook is ideal for individuals who require a simple and cost-effective method for writing notes, sketching, or marking up documents. Though it lacks some of the advanced features of higher-end models, its ease of use and portability make it a great budget-friendly option.

Key Features

Reusable pages
Simple scan-to-digitize functionality
Comes in a letter-size format for a full writing experience

Pros

Cost-effective
Easy to use
Lightweight and portable

Cons

Basic features compared to more expensive options
Requires smartphone scanning for digital storage

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best for Portability: Rocketbook Mini

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook - Dotted Grid Eco-Friendly Notebook with 1 Pilot Frixion Pen & 1 Microfiber Cloth Included - Infinity Black Cover, Mini Size (3.5" x 5.5") Inifinity Black 1

Portability is key for many users, and the Rocketbook Mini is our top pick in this category. This compact notebook measures just 3.5" x 5.5", making it perfect for jotting down quick notes, ideas, or reminders on the go. Its compact size allows it to fit easily into a purse or pocket. Like other Rocketbook products, it features reusable pages that can be wiped clean and synced with popular cloud services. The Rocketbook Mini includes a Pilot Frixion pen and a microfiber cloth, making it an excellent travel companion.

Key Features

Compact 3.5" x 5.5" size
Reusable pages with a wipe-clean feature
Compatible with popular cloud services
Includes a Pilot Frixion pen and microfiber cloth

Pros

Extremely portable
Easy to clean and reuse
Convenient for quick note-taking

Cons

Limited writing space
Requires a specific pen

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$12.12 at Amazon

Best for Brainstorming: Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set

If brainstorming is your primary use, the Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set is your best bet. This set features a large 8.5" x 11" Moleskine notebook and a smart pen that not only digitizes your notes in real-time but also lets you record audio to sync with your notes. This feature is particularly useful for developing ideas and capturing meeting details. Its high-quality design and multiple export options, like PDF and uploads to Google and Evernote, make it a fantastic tool for creative professionals.

Key Features