Quit misplacing your notes and begin the school year with one of these e-readers that also function as notebooks.

      Your backpack is heavier than necessary. You're lugging around multiple notebooks for each class, a pile of printed PDFs, and no single device that integrates everything. The notes from week two are in a separate notebook from week six, and good luck trying to find either when December comes.

      A single device capable of reading books and PDFs, taking notes, and keeping everything organized could solve this issue; that’s exactly what e-readers with pen input support are designed for. You don’t have to spend a semester’s worth of textbook money to get one either. I’ve compiled six options that are worth investing in this back-to-school season, along with insights on who each is best suited for.

      **reMarkable Paper Pure**

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      **Pros**

      - Distraction-free; no apps, browser, or notifications

      - No front light

      - 21ms pen response mimics writing on paper

      - Black-and-white screen

      - Repairable design

      - Full functionality requires a $3.99/month Connect subscription

      - Syncs with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox

      - Doesn't natively support Kindle books

      - Comprehensive writing toolkit

      The reMarkable Paper Pure eliminates all distractions typical of a tablet. There are no apps, browsers, or notifications buzzing when you are trying to complete a reading assignment the night before class. Priced at $399, it features a 10.3-inch monochrome screen with a textured matte finish and a 21ms pen response that feels similar to writing on real paper.

      This device natively supports PDF and EPUB files, but Kindle files require a quick conversion. Notebooks can be organized into folders for easy access, and there’s a one-tap option to convert your handwriting into clean typed text. You also get an extensive toolkit with various pen types, layers, shape tools, and templates for grid paper, weekly planners, and more to get started.

      With 32GB of storage, accommodating around 75,000 pages, a battery life of about three weeks, and easy syncing options with Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, exporting notes to your laptop is quick. On the downside, there’s no backlight, so nighttime reading necessitates a lamp, and the black-and-white display may not satisfy those who prefer colorful annotations.

      An optional $3.99 a month subscription unlocks some additional features, like handwriting search, but is not necessary for core functionalities. The reMarkable Paper Pure is ideal for students seeking a reading and note-taking tool without any distracting features.

      **Kindle Scribe 11-inch**

      Amazon

      **Pros**

      - Seamless access to your existing Kindle library

      - No cloud sync with Dropbox or Google Drive; notes can only be exported as PDFs via email

      - Features like Ask This Book and Story So Far are handy AI reading tools

      - Closed ecosystem; lacks a browser or third-party apps

      - Active Canvas allows writing directly in the margins

      - Basic note-taking features without drawing or shape tools

      - Thinner and lighter than the previous model

      - Back-and-white screen; Colorsoft version is significantly more expensive

      - Better performance with faster page turns than its predecessor

      The Kindle Scribe is a solid choice if you have an extensive Kindle library and need an e-reader that lets you read course materials and take notes. For $499.99, it features an 11-inch, 300ppi display with an auto-adjusting front light and a slimmer, lighter profile compared to previous models.

      A standout feature is Ask This Book, which lets you inquire about the text you’re reading, providing answers directly from the content. The Story So Far feature is also useful for resuming reading after a long break without worrying about spoilers. For note-taking, Active Canvas enables margin writing, and you can convert notes to text or generate summaries with a tap.

      The base model offers 32GB of storage, with a battery rated for three weeks of mixed use, and a full charge takes 2.5 hours via USB-C. Similar to the reMarkable Paper Pure, the Scribe’s display is black-and-white, though Amazon's Kindle Scribe Colorsoft caters to those who enjoy color coding their notes, albeit at a higher price of $629.99 for the 32GB model.

      If you're on a budget, the Kindle Scribe without Light is available for $429.99, or the older 10.2-inch model for $399, with only 16GB of storage and outdated display technology. Regardless of your choice, note-taking features are basic, lacking drawing or shape tools, and the device does not support cloud storage syncing.

      **BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 Gen II**

      BOOX

      **Pros**

      - Full Android with access to Google Play Store

      - Stylus not included; costs an additional $50

      - The most affordable option here

      - Smaller 7-inch screen

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