First Impressions of Nebo

Initially, I found writing in Nebo a bit awkward, largely due to my unfamiliarity with the app. My handwriting was somewhat chaotic for the first ten minutes, but soon it became more fluid as I adjusted.

As I continued, a liberating sense of immersion enveloped me. It had been far too long since I experienced such focus! Unlike in previous writing sessions, my thoughts were unencumbered by the myriad editing options that often distract me.

Crazily Accurate Handwriting Recognition

Without a doubt, Nebo offers the most impressive handwriting recognition I've encountered. I appreciate the real-time feedback at the top of the screen, allowing me to see how my cursive is interpreted live.

And just check out my mother's handwriting! This line measures a mere 16 cm (6.25 inches) in real size, yet Nebo had no trouble converting it as she wrote.

In contrast, I've often found apps like Notability and GoodNotes struggle with my unique letter formations, resulting in excessive post-editing.

Moreover, Nebo includes intuitive gestures for erasing and managing text, making it a breeze to edit with the Apple Pencil. These gestures quickly felt second nature to me.

Here's a brief video showing me writing in Nebo in real-time. You can observe how the app interprets my handwriting and adjusts as I provide more context.

Balancing Distraction and Focus

The main advantage of the reMarkable is its singular focus on handwritten notes, free from distractions. Establishing habits can be challenging, and single-function devices can support this process.

However, iPads can also be used effectively without distractions... right? You can silence notifications or limit your activity to an app like Nebo, but the inherent nature of human distraction often undermines our best intentions! The dock is just a swipe away, and so are the slide-over apps that can easily disrupt concentration.

While there’s no denying that single-use devices help maintain focus, I’ve found it manageable to enter a productive flow on my iPad. An interesting trick that helps me stay centered is using dark mode. While some people may dislike it, I find it satisfying to see my pen creating light trails against a soft, dark background.

Nebo’s Limitations Become Its Strengths

Writing in Nebo offers a more focused experience compared to my usual choice, Noteshelf, but it sacrifices many features I typically rely on. Ironically, these limitations become strengths when writing is the primary goal.

Consider the following dealbreakers in other note-taking apps:

• No zooming capabilities
• Inability to draw in real-time text conversion documents without opening a separate window
• Difficulty in rearranging text on the page
• Initial messy handwriting

These limitations compel me to concentrate on the content rather than its appearance. In other apps, I often find myself distracted by the urge to prettify my notes. While I enjoy fine-tuning layouts, it’s not helpful when my focus is on crafting words.

One other fascinating aspect of Nebo is its seamless transition between light and dark modes. I can write with light grey ink on a warm grey background before sunrise, and the colors automatically switch when my device transitions to light mode.

As far as I know, Notability is the only handwritten note app that allows you to activate dark mode on a PDF with a light background. However, unlike Nebo, you must manually adjust ink colors for adequate contrast.

Improving the iPad Writing Experience

Nicola suggests that applying a screen protector to your iPad enhances the writing experience, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Prior to my iPad replacement under warranty, I used a Paperlike screen protector, which was a significant improvement over writing on glass. However, my installation wasn’t perfect, and a tiny speck of dust became a daily reminder of my mistake.

Currently, I’m eyeing a Pen Tips screen protector, which is specifically designed as a writing and drawing surface rather than merely a glass protector. Its main appeal is its removable feature—fascinating, right? It magnetically adheres to the iPad frame, providing stability while you write and draw.

Though I opted for the more budget-friendly ESR version, I've been using it for a couple of weeks now. Although it has a somewhat textured feel, I’ve grown accustomed to it and find no desire to switch back. It includes a sturdy plastic holder for when I want to appreciate the full resolution of the iPad's naked screen.

Writing feels more grounded now, and the muted sound of the Apple Pencil gliding across the screen is no longer bothersome. Interestingly, drawing produces more noise than before, but it doesn’t bother me. Drawing might sound like paper, but the tactile experience doesn’t quite compare. Nevertheless, for me, this is a significantly improved experience compared to writing on glass.

Can an iPad Compete with the reMarkable?

No, it simply can’t. While I’ve yet to use a reMarkable (what a shame!), it’s clear that an iPad can never fully replicate the benefits of a specialized device.

That said, I am discovering that utilizing Nebo for my writing is the least distracting experience I’ve ever had. Since I read Nicola’s article, I’ve consistently written my morning pages—something I always thought was beneficial but never prioritized. During these sessions, my iPad fades into the background, allowing me to focus solely on my writing.

Most mornings, I find myself in the dark, awaiting sunrise while freely writing—something I couldn’t do with a reMarkable without an external light source.

My choice to continue handwriting on my iPad instead of switching to a reMarkable stems from financial considerations, not a desire for an all-in-one solution.

For now, I’m satisfied with my iPad handwriting-to-text workflow, along with freeform writing in my Paper Saver notebook and the pocket-sized Moleskine Cahier I carry daily.