LCD writing tablets, also known as electronic writing pads or digital notepads, have become increasingly popular in recent years. With these innovative devices, you can write, draw, sketch, take notes, and other activities just as you would with a pen and paper, but with the convenience of an electronic device.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you everything you need to know about LCD writing pads, including how they work, their key features and benefits, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
How Do LCD Writing Tablets Work?
The design of the LCD writing tablet is simple and ingenious. The screen consists of transparent electrodes coated with liquid crystals with a pressure-sensitive film underneath. When the stylus touches the screen, it exerts pressure on the film, which changes the electric current, darkening the liquid crystals and leaving a mark, just like a pen or pencil on paper.
To erase writing or drawings, simply press the button and an electric current passes through the entire screen, realigning the liquid crystals and returning them to their original transparent state. At this point the screen is blank and you can write again. This erase and rewrite cycle can be repeated endlessly, making these tablets extremely long-lasting.
Some LCD writing pads have greater pressure sensitivity and can create lines of different widths and thicknesses depending on how hard they are pressed. This simulates the experience of writing with a fountain pen.
Key Features and Benefits
There are many reasons to choose an LCD writing tablet:
Reusable – The screen can be erased and rewritten over and over again, which is a huge advantage. No need to worry about running out of paper. This makes them very environmentally friendly and cost effective.
DIGITAL NOTES – Unlike a paper notepad, you can easily store, organize, search and share handwritten notes, sketches, to-do lists and more on your computer if your tablet has this connectivity.
PORTABLE – The LCD tablet is lightweight, slim and portable. Put it in your bag or purse and jot down your thoughts and ideas anywhere, anytime. They are perfect for students taking class notes.
HANDWRITING PRACTICE – Allow kids to practice writing on the LCD tablet to develop their writing skills and reduce paper waste. The smooth writing surface helps train hand muscles and pen grip.
Pro-Eye – Writing on an LCD tablet is more comfortable for your eyes than staring at a bright digital screen. It retains the tactile feel of pen and paper without the glare.
DURABLE – Most quality LCD tablets feature a sturdy plastic bezel that can withstand frequent use and drops. The screen itself is also durable, preventing fingerprints and small splashes of water from reaching the screen.
Replaceable Battery – Uses very little power. A watch battery typically lasts several months before needing to be replaced. Some tablets use coin cell batteries or internal rechargeable batteries.
Important Features to Look For
Keep an eye out for these handy features when shopping for the best LCD writing tablet:
- Large area – The tablet should have at least 8.5 inches x 11 inches of writing space to write and draw comfortably. a large screen of around 10 inches to 13 inches is ideal.
- HIGH RESOLUTION – Seek a tablet with 1000 LPI (lines per inch) or higher resolution. This produces crisp, clean writing that resembles handwriting on paper.
- Pressure Sensor – Models equipped with an advanced pressure sensor allow you to create variations in your strokes for more vivid writing and sketching.
- Page Save/Recall – useful for longer notes, this allows you to save your work to memory before erasing the screen. You can then recall the saved page.
- Computer Connectivity – The ability to transfer notes and drawings to a computer via USB or wirelessly is a very useful feature.
- Magnetic Stylus – A pen-like stylus with a magnet that attaches to the tablet to make writing more comfortable and prevent losing the stylus.
- Cases – Cases protect the screen from scratches when not in use and are great for traveling. Some cases also support the tablet at an angle.
- COLOR SCREEN – While standard LCD tablets display black text on a white background, the Color eWriter allows you to create in different shades for more creative fun.
Top LCD Writing Tablet Brands
There are only a handful of brands that specialize in high-quality LCD writing pads. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Boogie Board – This brand pioneered the modern LCD writing tablet in 2010. Its electronic writers are known for their responsive, paper-smooth writing surface. Favorite products include Sync 9.7 and Blackboard.
Rocketbook – As the leader in reusable smart laptops, Rocketbook’s LCD writing pads are unique in their cloud connectivity and application integration. View Fusion and Smartpad models.
reMarkable – The company strives to mimic pen and paper for a natural writing and reading feel. reMarkable 2 utilizes innovative Canvas display technology.
Sony – The Digital Paper series of large, high-resolution LCD tablets from Sony is designed for business professionals to annotate PDF documents.
Wacom – Wacom, known for its digital pens and drawing boards, also produces LCD writing pads, such as the Bamboo Folio and Slate models.
Moleskine – In addition to traditional notebooks, Moleskine now offers a variety of LCD writing pads, such as the Smart Writing Set, to give you the pleasure of writing on paper.
Choosing the Right Size LCD Tablet
LCD writing tablets come in a variety of sizes, from small pocket-sized portable tablets to large tablets that are close to standard letter size. Consider when and how you plan to use the tablet to determine the ideal size:
- The compact 5-inch to 7-inch models are very portable and perfect for taking quick notes and to-do lists on the go.
- The standard 8-inch to 10-inch tablets are perfect for general writing, sketching and handwriting practice.
- Larger 10-inch to 13-inch tablets provide plenty of space for detailed writing, drawing or annotating documents.
- Oversized 13-inch or larger models, such as Sony’s “digital paper” tablets, simulate a full sheet of paper but are less portable.
Helpful Tips for Using Your LCD Writing Tablet
Once you’ve chosen the perfect LCD writing pad, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
- Fully charge it or insert fresh batteries before using it for the first time. Test for clean screen erase/write.
- Apply a screen protector to prevent scratches and fingerprints.
- Use the supplied stylus so that it is perpendicular to the surface for best results.
- Enable any connectivity features for transferring your work to your computer.
- Use the page save/recall feature to store longer notes and then erase for reuse.
- Take it with you – they’re great for quick notes, lists, doodles, reminders, etc. on the go!
- Have children use tablets to practice writing, drafting stories and coloring pictures.
- Back up important notes or drawings before erasing, just in case.
- Occasionally clean with a microfiber cloth and a mild detergent to keep your screen looking its best.
Fun and Practical Ways to Use an LCD Writing Tablet
Because LCD writing tablets are reusable, lightweight and portable, the possibilities for incorporating them into your life are endless. Here are a few fun and practical ways to use your tablet:
- Record meeting notes at work or school without wasting paper.
- Make art sketches, designs and drawings whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.
- Leave a message for your family on your refrigerator or shared tablet.
- Use it as a whiteboard for collaborative ideation and brainstorming.
- Allow children to practice writing, create comics and doodles without inhibition.
- Play pencil and paper games such as Hangman, Tic Tac Toe and Four in a Row.
- Annotate recipes, cookbooks, or restaurant menus while cooking.
- Develop visual daily, weekly or monthly to-do lists and task plans.
- Doodle new product designs, architectural concepts or fashion sketches.
- Recording scores and statistics during sports training and competitions.
- Let the kids show off their best creations and artwork on their tablets.
The simplicity and versatility of LCD writing pads offer endless possibilities for perfect integration into your daily routine at home, at work or at school. With just a thin writing pad and a stylus, you can recreate the natural touch of handwriting whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.
The Future of LCD Writing Tablets
LCD writing tablets have come a long way in mimicking the feel of pen and paper writing since they were first commercialized more than a decade ago. With the rise of consumer digital devices, they offer a new screen-based experience for writing and drawing.
Advances in LCD pressure sensitivity, cloud connectivity and display technology will continue to enhance the performance of these tablets. In addition, battery life, brighter high-resolution color screens, expanded cloud capabilities and greater durability will also improve.
This novel category has a lot of room for growth. We still have only a superficial understanding of the future of LCD writing pads and the creative ways in which they can enhance work and play. But one thing is for sure – they have a bright future!
So, if you’re thinking of trying out an LCD writing pad, now is the perfect time to do so. With so many affordable and functional options, you’re sure to find endless ways to incorporate these eco-friendly, reusable writing pads into your daily life.