Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Elfinbook Everlast Smart Notebook

$30

Elfinbook Everlast is a digital notebook that is endlessly reusable and connects with cloud services. You can use the included pen to write, scan your notes, and erase pages with a damp cloth.

Our take

Eco-friendly and tech-savvy note-taking.

So, the Elfinbook Everlast Smart Notebook is kind of like a magic trick for folks who love jotting things down but hate the clutter. You write in it with these special pens, and then you can wipe the pages clean with a damp cloth. It’s like a whiteboard but in notebook form. Pretty cool concept if you ask me. You just need to be okay with using their specific pens, which, let’s be real, are a bit pricier than your average ones. But hey, if you like the idea of reusing the same pages over and over, it might be worth it.

Now, the real kicker is the app that comes with it. This thing lets you scan your notes with your phone and save them in the cloud. You can send your notes to places like Google Drive or Evernote, which is neat if you’re trying to keep everything organized digitally. The scanning feature is surprisingly good. It actually does a decent job of capturing the text and even cleans up the page a bit. But fair warning, there’s a bit of a learning curve with the app, and sometimes it feels like it’s trying too hard to be smarter than it needs to be.

When it comes to the actual writing experience, it’s pretty smooth. The pages feel a bit slippery compared to regular paper, but you get used to it. It almost feels like writing on glass, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re a doodler or someone who loves the tactile feel of paper, this might be a bit of a trade-off. On the plus side, it’s great for brainstorming because you can erase and rewrite as often as you like.

But let’s talk about durability because that’s where things get interesting. The Everlast is built to last, but only if you treat it right. It’s not indestructible, and the pages can get a bit bent or smudged if you’re not careful. The binding is solid, though, and it’s lightweight, making it easy to carry around. So if you’re rough with your stuff, just remember to be a little gentler with this one.

Overall, the Elfinbook Everlast Smart Notebook is a nifty gadget for anyone looking to bridge the gap between analog and digital. It's not perfect, but it offers a unique approach to note-taking. Just keep in mind the quirks with the app and the feel of the pages. If you’re into tech and love trying out new ways to stay organized, it could be worth giving it a shot. But if you’re a die-hard paper fan, you might find the transition a bit awkward. At the end of the day, it’s all about what works for you and how you like to get your thoughts down.