Thoughts on Paperlike?

[Sveeno]

Hey hey,

 

Has anyone used or has any thoughts on Paperlike? We're looking into doing something with them and just wanted to see if anyone has any experience with their products.

 

As always, any useful input and feedback is much appreciated.

 

*Please note that our team does our own research and testing around vetting sponsor products and services. However, we've found that soliciting feedback from the community can sometimes add something new to the conversation that we weren't aware of*

 

[birdflyer]

Although I have not personally owned any of their products, I have a few friends that use them with iPads and alike say they quite like it. As someone who sees the iPad as primarily a device for taking notes on, I certainly see this product's appeal.

[TylerD321]

My wife uses paperlike screen protectors on her iPad. She hates using the apple pen without a paperlike screen protector on it actually. Allows her to use metal tipped apple pencil nibs without a scratching the screen. Here is a link of similar to the nib she uses:

 

Amazon.com: Replacement Tips for Apple Pencil 1st/2nd Gen, StylusHome Upgraded Fine Point Apple Pencil Tips, No Wear Out Precise Control Pen Like Nibs for iPad Pro/Air/Mini Pencil- (2 Pack) : Cell Phones & Accessories

[kirashi]

3 hours ago, Sveeno said:

Hey hey,

 

Has anyone used or has any thoughts on Paperlike? We're looking into doing something with them and just wanted to see if anyone has any experience with their products.

 

As always, any useful input and feedback is much appreciated.

 

*Please note that our team does our own research and testing around vetting sponsor products and services. However, we've found that soliciting feedback from the community can sometimes add something new to the conversation that we weren't aware of*

 

Never used their products, but have always wondered how much closer to writing on paper their screen protectors would make writing on tablets. Feeling like I'm writing awkwardly / unnaturally on computer screens is a major reason why I've never been able to switch from paper to electronic handwritten notes, so I'd love to see LMG do a thorough review of their products before / if taking them on as a sponsor.

 

Perhaps Mac Address could cover their products from a subjective approach, and LTT could cover their products from an objective approach?

[FuffehAdam]

Been a lurker on the forum for ages but never before felt compelled enough to make an account to comment. I have used paperlike for years. Both the original, and the new upgraded version since it came out. I used it for completing a PhD in mathematics and for teaching online during this time. It’s honestly an incredible product, and one I cannot go without. I would highly highly recommend it. Also, I have had to contact support once because I messed up the application once, and they were super helpful. They responded rapidly, and were always polite. They also send lovely thank you cards with cool graphics with the product.
 

A few caveats:

 

1. Paperlike makes the screen look more dull in brightness. I use matte screen protectors on my other devices anyway, so this doesn’t bother me. It is 100% noticeable though, and I think it can impact colour accuracy (although I am not an expert not nearly qualified enough to say this with certainty). 
2. Paperlike causes the Apple Pencil tips to wear out more quickly. I can say this with certainty. My family members all use iPads, and whilst I use it by far the most, the rate that I have to replace tips way is much higher. Also, because the paperlike surface is plastic, if the tip begins to wear out, it will scratch the paperlike surface lots. 

3. Related to the previous comment, the paperlike surface picks up scratches way easier than the glass on the screen. This is fine because I don’t put my iPad in bags without the screen covered. But something to be weary of. Also, I recently began using the Logitech multicombo keyboard case, and I have noticed the marks on the paperlike surface following the outlines of keys on the inside of the case (presumably from rubbing up against the case).

4. Proper installation of the paperlike is not easy. I find installing tempered glass screen protectors to be pretty easy, and I am fairly well practiced at it by this point. However, the paperlike is different in that it is not rigid like tempered glass is. This can make alignment of the paperlike quite tricky to get right. That said, they include a video showing how to do it and does include alignment stickers. But the video makes it look a little easier than it is, and it is worth being aware that even if you’re used to installing tempered glass, this might be a bit tricky. They do include two in the pack so if you mess one up, you have a second go. This second one is treated like a “use in case of mess up”, rather than a second one to replace when the first one wears out. They only include one set of application materials (or at least they did when I did it), and they wouldn’t sell me a second set of materials (absent a full new paperlike).

5. The surface is not glass. This is the entire point but it is worth remembering. The surface feels significantly nicer to write on, but less good to use with your fingers. It is a trade off that is worth it for me but might not be for you.

6. They are expensive. They always have been. But especially now when there are cheaper competitors that offer (allegedly) a similar product. I have not tried any of them, but others say they are good. I still think paperlike is worth it, but might be worth keeping in mind.

 

All in all, if none of those caveats are dealbreakers for you, I think it’s an outstanding product sold by a company that offer a friendly service with fantastic support. I (personally) think they would be suitable as a company to work with. 

[Sveeno]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I'm going to lock this thread now.