Supernote & Microsoft Word: Better but Unfinished

Editors Note: As mentioned in the introduction, this was written as part of the creation of a video on the same topic. Additionally, the bulk of the writing was done completely on the Supernote, as mentioned. Unfortunately, it did take more time for this initial use than I feel it would as you continued to work with the process. I am also aware that my conclusion section may seem overly long, but at the same time, I really got into the flow of writing with the keyboard in that section.

I do really appreciate the approach of the Supernote team regarding writing in Word. This entire blog is going to be written in the Supernote with native word document format. While this may seem like a crazy workflow, you will notice that it does take on different characteristics and the advantage over reMarkable and other platforms is that whatever I do on my A5X is immediately available in Word on my PC. We will discuss all three ways to write on the Supernote, clean it up in Word by opening from the app, and finally paste it into Blogger. So, let's get started

Writing with the Bluetooth Keyboard

Here is a sample of writing with the bluetooth keyboard. There really is no lag. It is my typing that is slow in some places, and the lack of spell check is frustrating, but at the same time I am decent at spelling still (at least I feel so sometimes until Microsoft reminds me otherwise). It is also important to note that the whole process is pretty seemless since this is in a native Word Document and I will be able to easily pick up where where I left off and make any changes to formatting or spelling right inside of Word. Just few things to note, however:

• Some keyboard shortcuts available (See release notes).
• Very low lag.
• Inconsistent functionality of shortcuts.
• Can also use PC keyboard through Supernote app.

Obviously, this is not completely there yet, but as for all of the methods, I think it is the most comfortable for writing (and perhaps even editing unless you want to use editing marks) at the current time. I see is only getting better as they continue to iterate.

Writing with the Onboard Handwriting in Word

You saw some of this with the introduction. Note that some of this text was written while creating a video compliment to this blog. However, although it is really a cool feature, there are some significant issues with writing directly in Word. Here are my top three:

• Time for Handwriting Recognition - The Supernote does not recognize the handwriting in the background like it does in a note file. This can cause a significant delay and create friction in the writing process. Every time you write for a while, you need to do the recognition in order to manipulate in any other way (strikethrough, backspace, delte, etc.).
• Pen Thickness and missing strokes - This is something very visible when writing on the device, but it can be even more disruptive to feel. You almost feel like you have to press harder to make the stroke and it still disappears. The formatting can also pick up the previous format (e.g., bold, italics, underline) and there is no way to alter that without connecting a physical keyboard. However, it is worth noting that the handwriting recognition is generally good and accurate.
• Inability to Easily Format Text - While writing this, the text again switched over to bold while writing (even though the keyboard was used to reset the device) ability to do anything though I had used the keyboard to take bold off. It is just cumbersome and inefficient, creating a ton of friction.

Writing with the Virtual Handwriting Keyboard

Ok, so now we will talk about the final way to edit, using the virtual writing keyboard with handwriting recognition. This is usually my preferred way to enter text using my Supernote, although it does have some quirks:

• Punctuation - Although it just picked up the dash, it does not hardly ever recognize an underscore, so I am always having to correct it.
• Premature Text Entry - As you have seen, the text sometimes gives me enough time to write and others, just cuts me off. There does not appear to be a real rhyme or reason to it.

Although these are serious issues, there are some caveats. One, you can set the time to recognize what you are writing into the virtual keyboard. However, again, it seems like there would be an opportunity to integrate this somehow into the Word entry. The writing experience in the virtual keyboard feels so much better than in Word.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Since I started this blog saying that I would finish the entire process on the Supernote, I wanted to be true to that. What is interesting is that I really enjoy the actual writing experience with the bluetooth keyboard once I am in the flow of writing. It is also very nice that the text is snappy, even in on my A5X. So, to recap, let's talk about what is good and bad regarding this latest update and Word integration:

• Light Profile - While I know that there does not seem to be a ligher footprint between this and a small laptop, if you consider the range of small keyboards that exist, especially foldables, this can really make the Supernote a good travel alternative.
• Ease of Use (Typing Only) - I put typing only here because that is what I had to fall back on to complete this post. The caveat here would be that you might be able to make this work by picking "one method at a time." For example, I would not try to mix pen and keyboard input. You may be able to do this with a combination of the handwriting in Word directly and the virtual writing keyboard (which I did successfully use at certain points in editing.
• Level of Comfort with Keyboard Shortcuts - Part of the friction for me has been the dependence on keyboard shortcuts. It's important to note that this is a "me problem” and not anything to do with the Supernote platform or Ratta. They are very wise not to try to incorporate a mouse interface (it does connect, but is just impossible to use). For those used to using keyboard shortcuts, at least some of them work very well in this latest iteration.
• Shortcut Inconsistency and Bounding Boxes - As someone who does not use shortcuts consistently, I find the lack of the selection tool (shift + arrow) to be highly frustrating. It does work with the up/down arrow, but not the right/left. Also, the fact that bounding boxes show up, but cannot be adjusted with the pen or the arrows (except as an entire box, so moved but not expanded) is really inconvenient.
• Bluetooth Latency - The latency on the keyboard is very good. I am a fast typer (much thanks to Mrs. McCraken) and the keyboard keeps up with me just fine. This is also a very inexpensive keyboard, but providdes a good experience.
• Good but Limited Formatting - One of the big advantages, as mentioned earlier is that you are working in Word natively, which allows for formatting to seemlessy transfer into that platform. With reMarkable and Freewrite, you have to export, copy, or send the text to another platform to work on it. It is important to note, however, that there is only one default font (aptos) in Supernote and formatting is still limited. While it can display other fonts and formats (titles, headings, etc.), you cannot actually create them on the device.
• Zooming - This may seem like a small thing, but is very important when writing. The Freewrite has a small screen and you might not be able to see what you are writing in context. The ability to zoom is really great depending on what you need to do.
• Cloud Service Connectivity - I can't overemphasize this enough. Being able to use the Supernote Cloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox is a game changer if this is your productivity workflow. If you prefer to type as I am now with just a page and no other monitors or screens, this is awesome and I know that when I hit save, the text will show up in my Supernote Cloud.

So, what does this all mean? Can you use the Supernote as a typewriter replacement, maybe like the Freewrite or other tools that promote distraction free writing? The short answer is yes, but you have to be very clear as to the reasons and purpose. It might be wise to create the outline on your PC and then everything will be formatted correctly moving forward.

This last section has been written completely with the Bluetooth keyboard and I have to say I really am enjoying it. For those of us who are a certain age, it reminds me of my old Smith Corona word processor and being able to focus on just the words in front of me. I know there is a lot of controversy over "distraction free" and focus, but as I sit here with my coffee, I am reminded of what those terms really mean to me.

As a parting thought, if you have a Supernote and enjoy typing using keyboard shortcuts, I would recommend getting an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard to try it out. Remember, you can also use the Supernote desktop app with your PC keyboard, although the travel component is more compelling to me. Just remember, that the experience is not perfect yet, but is much better. I would suggest to keep your eye on the company as they continue to innovate. If you would like to see my companion video on this, click here:

https://youtu.be/vHzLKr0LDqA

Until next time, keep safe and stay productive.

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