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Writer's pictureJamie Nicole Benwick

Old iPad for Digital Note Taking

Updated: Dec 16, 2021


We all know that having one of the latest versions of an iPad can cost a whole tuition fee, but in the off chance that you may have an old iPad, here is a guide on how to reuse it for digital notetaking. If you do have a new iPad, come and stick around because this may help you.


Below is the information of my 'latest' iPad, because I have two old ones as proof that I do know what I am saying. The model is the iPad 4th Generation with a universal stylus and universal Bluetooth keyboard.



Without further ado, let us head on to the blog.



 

NOTETAKING APPLICATIONS THAT I USE

1. Metamoji Note Lite

Go and check the version of your iPad, should it be around iOS 7.0 and above then you are in luck! Because this notetaking app is compatible to iOS 7.0 and above, the best part? This version is free!


Of course, there are minor setbacks such as not being able to put your hand directly at the screen of the iPad, what I would advice here is to buy a Bluetooth keyboard. The other setback is that it does have ads, a pop up at the top of the tabs and an ad whenever you press a new notebook. These are the only times ads come out, a minor setback since it is free and a great app to use. Should you be in a hurry, you can turn off the Wi-Fi so that the ads wont show.


There is also a feature where you can lock a note so that only you or those who know the password can access.


Of course, you can also turn a whole notebook or a specific page into a PDF File then send it through email.



This app is my main notetaking app, it holds my numerous notebooks and schedules. Of course there is a version of this app that you can pay for additional features, but all in all this app is enough for me. This is where I edit formal letters or annotate slides or handouts given to us. This is also the app where I edit certain things that I need to pass that may need a drawing or a signature.


2. Microsoft OneNote

Surprise surprise, who would have thought that the OneNote would make it to this list especially since the compatibility written in the App Store is 14.0 and above. Now here's the trick, have you tried the 'download the last compatible version'? Uh huh, that's what I did.


I opened the app store and tried to download the OneNote app, lucky for me I was given the choice to download the app although it was only the last compatible version. But of course there is a way around it and that is using the latest version of OneNote on any other gadget that is a bit on the latest side, such as the windows 10 or 11, then connecting the account that was entered into that gadget to your old iPad then there you go, you've got yourself a few of the latest updates.


Below is a screenshot of my notes in the app OneNote on my iPad.



 

My one and only trusted PDF Reader


  1. PDFelement Lite


This pdf reader, though rarely used, has saved my life a few times. It has also helped me organize PDF files sent to me. Though of course you can do it at the applications above, it is still a handy app to have.


The compatibility of this app is iOS 10.0 and above.


 

We have now come to the end of this blog. Thank you for reading, I hope that I was able to give valuable knowledge on how to use an old iPad. Feel free to message me in any way, though I won't guarantee an immediate reply, because time difference and schedules, but I will reply. Once again thank you and I hope to see you in my next blog!

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