00:00This is the TCL Note A1 Next paper. It's a paper like...
00:05e-note taking device, and it promises focus, clarity, and smarter thinking.
00:10And the writing experience is definitely interesting, in ways that I wasn't totally expecting.
00:15There are 8 key things that you should know about this device, and by the end of this video you'll know whether this device
00:20is the right one for you, or not.
00:22So if you'd like to check out this device for yourself, there will be links in the description.
00:25to check out their Kickstarter so you can learn more, and buy one if you'd like.
00:28So big picture, what is this?
00:30Why should you care?
00:31So at a high level, this is a paper like, e-note taking device.
00:35It's built specifically for handwriting, thinking, and focused work.
00:39It's not for entertainment.
00:40or endless apps, or distraction, or like a powerhouse of multitasking.
00:45This is a very focused and calm device, which I genuinely love.
00:49The goal here is to...
00:50To replace notebooks, legal pads, even your e-ink devices that just are a little too clen-
00:55key for you.
00:56If you've ever wanted a device that helps you think clearly without pulling you in 50
01:00different directions because of distractions, this might be just for you.
01:04And the writing experience...
01:05Which is what this device is built around.
01:08Has some really interesting and unique...
01:10Design choices.
01:11Right.
01:12So as always, let's start with the form.
01:14Starting with the hardware...
01:15Where the device feels solid.
01:17It's thin as well, and just really well built width.
01:20Rubber feet.
01:21A nice aluminum body.
01:22The large bezel on the left-hand side, I actually really...
01:25Love because I like being able to grip a tablet like this, especially as a note-taking device.
01:29Being able to write...
01:30With it in hand.
01:31And not having to worry about touching the screen.
01:33Now, I think the fingerprint sensor is like...
01:35One of the first things that stuck out to me about the design of this device...
01:38It just is in the perfect place.
01:40It's well made.
01:41And it also just adds to the design language.
01:45It's one of those like features that when you see the device, you're like...
01:48I know what device that is because of that.
01:50Design element.
01:51The next paper display is actually a full color LCD display with a matte screen...
01:55protector just already on the device.
01:57It's like a paper-like finish.
02:00The display is calm, readable, and just super easy on the eyes.
02:03A few things worth calling out about this...
02:05Display.
02:06There's low blue light performance and it's SGS certified under two...
02:102.44% if that means anything to you.
02:13It's TUV Rhineland certified.
02:15Which you'll hear about a couple things in this video.
02:17But this one's for its paper-like display quality.
02:20Reflection-free and flicker-free performance.
02:23And it's got that 120Hz...
02:25Refresh display.
02:26Because it is a true LCD.
02:28Which really sort of differentiates this device...
02:30From e-ink tablets you might have used in the past.
02:32It's fast, smooth, and has no ghosting.
02:35Of course.
02:36Alright.
02:37Let's talk about the pen.
02:38This is where things start to get really interesting.
02:40If...
02:40Feels lighter than I would usually prefer for a riding utensil.
02:43But...
02:44That's just my preference.
02:45This pen is actually...
02:45Designed to strike a balanced feel.
02:47Not too heavy.
02:48Not too light.
02:49With comfort during long...
02:50Writing sessions in mind.
02:52The shape of it is inspired by a traditional ballpoint pen.
02:55With an eraser on the back.
02:56Like a mechanical pencil.
02:57Or...
02:58Obviously a regular pencil.
02:59Now what...
03:00What really stands out here...
03:01Is the way TCL has designed this pen...
03:03To emulate a real...
03:05Writing like pen on paper feel.
03:07There's haptic feedback in the pen itself.
03:09So you've...
03:10Feel like subtle...
03:11Vibrations.
03:12Which sort of translate in your mind as resistance as you...
03:15Write on the screen.
03:16And there's even like very subtle intentional writing sounds.
03:20As you're writing.
03:21Which isn't something like I noticed at first.
03:24And I'll be honest with you.
03:25When they...
03:25When they told me this.
03:26I thought they were lying.
03:27Because like...
03:28I couldn't hear it.
03:29But I think it like...
03:30It adds to that whole writing experience.
03:32It's kind of wild.
03:33These things...
03:34I have never...
03:35Seen.
03:36In a writing utensil that's made for e-note taking before.
03:39It's a very unique...
03:40Unique way of attacking this.
03:42Trying to make digital feel analog.
03:45And I really love it.
03:46You also get 8,192 levels of pressure.
03:50And...
03:51This pen...
03:52Has received the world's first...
03:53TĂV Rheinland...
03:55Pencil-like writing certification.
03:57Now there's so many different writing utensils out there.
04:00And so...
04:01Everyone has their personal preference.
04:02But I do think...
04:03That TCL has struck a good...
04:05Balance of weight.
04:06And comfortability in the hand.
04:08And there's clearly a lot of thoughtful...
04:10Engineering happening here.
04:11Now...
04:12Let's talk about the function of this device.
04:14Starting with the writing.
04:15Experience.
04:16This is a note taking device first.
04:18So writing is at the core.
04:20Of the experience.
04:21Writing feels smooth.
04:22Controlled.
04:23And pretty paper-like.
04:24Especially...
04:25Paired with the matte display.
04:26That's on the device.
04:27Between the pressure sensitivity.
04:29The haptic...
04:30Feedback.
04:31And the 120Hz refresh display.
04:33That is on this device.
04:34It feels pretty...
04:35Natural for longer writing sessions.
04:37As opposed to like...
04:38An iPad writing experience.
04:40I'll also say...
04:41Erasing with the back of the pen...
04:43Has already been improved...
04:44Since I got it.
04:45Through firmware upgrades.
04:46Which is nice to know.
04:47That they'll be rolling those out.
04:48Overall...
04:49The writing experience...
04:50Feels...
04:51Carefully considered.
04:52And...
04:53Clearly central...
04:54To how this device...
04:55Was designed.
04:56So let's talk about what I do...
04:57Really love.
04:58First off...
04:59Using the home button like this...
05:00The fingerprint sensor ID...
05:02Thing.
05:03If you click and hold...
05:04It starts a recording.
05:05Immediately.
05:06Which I think is great.
05:07Running late into a meeting.
05:08Or late into a class.
05:09The professor...
05:10The lecturer...
05:11The CEO is already talking.
05:12You just click and hold that.
05:13Pops open.
05:14Starts recording.
05:15Quickly.
05:16Same thing too.
05:17If you double click that home button.
05:18It opens a brand new note.
05:19So you can start taking notes.
05:20As well.
05:21Transcription actually works...
05:22Fairly decently well.
05:23There's I think eight microphones...
05:24On this thing.
05:25So...
05:26It's picking up sounds...
05:27From every direction.
05:28And it works great for work...
05:29And the school setting.
05:30I think the inspiration space...
05:32On this device is excellent.
05:33Basically.
05:34If you click and hold the...
05:35button on the pen.
05:36And you circle anything at all.
05:38It sends it to this inspiration space.
05:40Which I think is cool.
05:41Like key moments from a meeting.
05:42Or...
05:43You're writing down your journal for the day.
05:44And you have a great...
05:45Great idea for a new video.
05:46You can circle that.
05:47And it just sends it all there.
05:48It's a little digestible...
05:50Where all your best ideas live.
05:52I also love that there's not...
05:53A ton of pre-installed apps...
05:55There's a browser.
05:56There's a few different note taking apps.
05:58But there's not like...
05:59Any...
06:00Any sort of apps that will distract you.
06:02Which I think really fits the whole vibe of this device.
06:05Now...
06:05I think that the AI features here are kind of stand out on this device.
06:08They really help you capture...
06:10Ideas quickly.
06:11And then clean them up later.
06:12And I think the integration is really well done here.
06:14You get...
06:15Audio to text transcription.
06:17Handwriting to text conversion.
06:19Handwritten formula...
06:20Recognition for math problems.
06:22And a little AI toolbox for summarizing and refining...
06:25Your notes.
06:26I wanted to do a quick note about accessories with this device.
06:29The folio case...
06:30Is really nice.
06:31It feels really good in the hand.
06:32It doesn't add much weight at all to the device.
06:35And I love that the little flap that holds the pen in place...
06:38Can tuck away nicely to the...
06:40In the back.
06:41So that your device isn't like...
06:42Wombling on the desk or something.
06:43These types of digital writing...
06:45Tablets have a problem where the pen...
06:47Even though it's magnetic to the side...
06:48Can fall out in a bag...
06:49Can get knocked off...
06:50If you hit it too hard.
06:51So the flap is something I always enjoy.
06:53And I'll say that the keyboard case here is...
06:55Genuinely nice to have.
06:57Obviously slim profile.
06:58Very easy to ride on.
07:00I think the way that the case sort of folds around the device is different.
07:03But once you get used to it...
07:04It's kind of nice...
07:05And I do think that even though this device stands on its own...
07:08As just an e-note taking device...
07:10Having the added keyboard support...
07:12Is just a nice little touch.
07:13Doesn't add a lot of weight to the device...
07:14Or bulkiness...
07:15So it could be nice to just keep that on there.
07:17Especially if you're someone who just...
07:18Naturally does a lot of typing.
07:20So...
07:21Who's it for?
07:22I think this is like the perfect device for students...
07:24Anyone...
07:25Someone who's taking notes on a subject...
07:27Wanting to record someone speaking like a professor or a lecturer...
07:30I think it's great for professionals in meeting settings...
07:33Where maybe you don't want to be...
07:35Taking notes the whole time.
07:36You want to be taking like the most important notes...
07:38But also listening to everything that's going on.
07:40And then after that meeting...
07:42Being able to have a transcribed quick summary of the meeting...
07:45To send off to whoever you might need to.
07:47I also just think it's great for anyone who values...
07:50To focus...
07:51In a device.
07:52There's structure here.
07:53Intentional design.
07:54It's not going to be pulling you...
07:55In 50 different directions.
07:56You're going to be sitting down...
07:57To write.
07:58Take notes.
07:59Etc.
08:00And that's what this device does well.
08:02Now if you're expecting a full e-reader replacement...
08:05Or some like...
08:06Full blown tablet experience...
08:08This isn't it.
08:09This is a thoughtful...
08:10Focused.
08:11Well designed.
08:12E-note taking device.
08:13With a very clear...
08:15Point of view.
08:16The screen is calm.
08:17The design is intentional.
08:19And I think the productivity...
08:20Tools are well implemented here.
08:22I think what's unique about this device...
08:24Is it sits...
08:25In between like...
08:26Full on...
08:27E-ink device...
08:28And like...
08:29Full on...
08:30Tablet.
08:31It is...
08:32Not e-ink.
08:33But it has that same sort of experience...
08:35While allowing you some things...
08:36Like 120hz refresh rate...
08:39That e-ink just...
08:40Can't do.
08:41But there's also a very...
08:42Focused nature to this device...
08:44That's something like a full blown...
08:45An iPad...
08:46Or Android tablet...
08:47Can't really do right.
08:48Special thanks to TCL...
08:50For sponsoring today's video.
08:51Again...
08:52If you'd like to check out this device...
08:53For yourself...
08:54There will be links in the description...
08:55And we will...
08:55Try to get you all a discount code...
08:56Thanks so much for watching...
08:57If you're new here...
08:58On this channel...
08:59We help people...
09:00Discover intentional...
09:01Well-made products...
09:02To help you build...
09:03A calmer...
09:04More focused life...
09:05So if that sounds cool to you...
09:06Please subscribe...
09:07Like this video for more...
09:08Watch this video next...
09:09I think you're gonna...
09:10Love it...
09:11And we'll see you all...
09:12In the next one...
09:15Bye...
09:16Bye...
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