Paper has had its day
When I read the news that a Kindle has been available to write on since the fall of 2022, I remembered the old tablet clip. And while I was still wondering if I should go back to an e-pen and how useful electronic pens are at all for non-graphers who only want to write digitally, as a language lover, I began to ponder the tablet-tablet question.
The German iPad video with Martina Hill is from 2011, and it's almost 2023. By now, even grandma and grandpa should know what a tablet is and how to use it in the kitchen (pro-tip: not in the dishwasher, but perfect for recipes). And yet the question is not so silly, as I realized when I looked around for current e-pens. Because that's when I quickly came across many graphics tablets (Tablett in German) and much rarer graphics tablets (Tablet in German) . Hmm. Language usage is obviously changing and dictionary definitions sometimes lag behind.
Electronic handwriting
Back to digital writing. Years ago, I had a Galaxy Note because I found the digital pen extremely practical. Over time, however, I used it less and less. At some point, I found it annoying to take out the pen in everyday life and, above all, to remember to put it back in its place afterwards. I felt the same way about the Windows Surface, which was my loyal companion for many years: At first, I used the pen very often, but later I used it less and less. A pity, actually. I didn't really have much to complain about in terms of the functionality of both electronic pens, but they got stuck more and more often. In the case of the Surface, they rolled around because the pen holder loosened at some point and finally came loose. The pen was more securely stored in the Galaxy Note.
I no longer use either device, but I still long for a practical digital writing device. Because no matter how much you tap the keys: It is only a partial substitute for handwritten writing. The big advantage of typing is legibility (author's note: someone close to me claims I have illegible ant writing). And of course, I appreciate the ease of browsing digital notes and records as much as I do digital reading. But handwritten writing has another dimension that typing lacks. I think of it as being similar to the difference between "watching soccer" and "playing soccer": when I'm "really" writing, I'm using all my senses and my whole body. I think it has something therapeutic about it.
Wish notes
The beauty of writing, like reading, is that one doesn't exclude the other at all. On the contrary: digital and handwriting or print complement each other wonderfully, I think. And then there's the matter of the digital signature. I would ideally like to have a digital pen that I can also use to sign in a legally secure way.
I have not yet found the optimal e-pen for me. I don't want to draw or paint, I just want to write. At the moment, I'm experimenting with an inexpensive graphics tablet(t), which I also use as a mouse replacement. I am not completely satisfied yet. Other vendors are following suit and offer interesting alternatives. Tips anyone? I would be very grateful.
[Edit 12/13/22] Apparently the Kindle Scribe still leaves something to be desired, although the typing experience seems to be good, as the test at German Literature Cafe shows.
