My Penstar eNote Review
A First Look at the Penstar eNote Tablet: Is It Right for You?
After spending some quality time with this new device, I’ve got plenty to share — so let’s dive into my full Penstar eNote review.
The world of e-ink tablets is constantly evolving, and it seems like every time I blink, there’s a new contender. Luckily, I’m a digital planning nerd and I love to try all of them! Today I’m reviewing the Penstar eNote tablet — a sleek, professional device designed to enhance your productivity.
First Impressions: A Professional Look and Feel
The first thing I noticed about the Penstar eNote is its design — it just feels professional. The flat bezel edges give it a sleek, modern vibe, and the non-slip surface is a nice touch. You can set it on your desk, press down to write, and it won’t slide around, which is perfect for meetings or work sessions.
The included case is lightweight and folds neatly, but I’ll be honest — it feels a bit flimsy. However, it gets the job done, and once you fold it back, it stays out of the way so you can focus on the tablet itself.
Let’s Talk About the Stylus
Now, the stylus — this is where the Penstar eNote shines and stumbles. The writing experience is great. The felt-like tip gives you that satisfying pen-on-paper feel, and the programmable button and eraser tool are handy. But here’s the kicker: the stylus has built-in storage for extra nibs! That’s a game-changer. If your pen tip breaks (trust me, it happens), you’ve got backups right there — two softer ones for a pencil-like feel and two harder ones for a smoother, ballpoint-style experience.
That said, I wish the stylus felt a bit more premium. A metal design would really improve it, but for what it is, it’s functional and gets the job done.
No Touchscreen? No Problem (Mostly)
Unlike some other e-ink tablets, the Penstar eNote doesn’t have a touchscreen (gasp). Instead, you navigate with the stylus or physical buttons. At first, I found myself instinctively reaching out to tap the screen (old habits die hard), but after a few days, it felt natural.
There’s one area where this setup feels a bit clunky — typing. The on-screen keyboard requires you to tap each letter with the stylus, which can be tedious, especially for web searches or emails. But if you’re mainly using the device for writing or taking notes, this won’t be much of an issue.
Productivity Features You’ll Love
The Penstar eNote is all about helping you stay organized. The writing tools are robust — you can switch between pen styles, line thicknesses, and even grayscale “colors” to add contrast to your notes. And here’s a feature I didn’t expect: audio recording. Whether you’re in a meeting or brainstorming, you can record conversations and align them with your written notes. It’s a game-changer for anyone who struggles to juggle leading meetings and taking detailed notes at the same time.
One of my favorite features is the ability to import PDFs. For example, I use the Key2Success Planner on my e-ink devices, and the Penstar eNote handles it beautifully. It transforms the tablet into a paperlike planner, complete with templates to help you focus, organize, and plan your day. (Pro tip: if you’re not familiar with the Key2Success Planner, check it out — it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to level up their productivity!)
App Integration: A Nice Bonus
The Penstar eNote goes a step further by letting you install third-party apps via APK files. This means you can add tools like the Kindle app for e-reading. The setup process isn’t the most straightforward, but if you’re tech-savvy, it’s a great feature that expands the tablet’s functionality.
Is the Penstar eNote for You?
The Penstar eNote is a solid choice for professionals and productivity enthusiasts. Its design is sleek and professional, the writing experience is smooth, and features like spare nib storage, audio recording, and PDF annotation make it versatile. While the lack of a touchscreen and the stylus’s plastic build are minor drawbacks, the device more than makes up for it with its functionality and thoughtful details.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an e-ink device that fits seamlessly into your workflow, the Penstar eNote is worth considering. Whether you’re taking notes, annotating PDFs, or planning your week with the Key2Success Planner, this tablet can handle it all.
Got questions or want to learn more about productivity tools? Drop a comment below!