# The Quest for the Perfect Note-Taking App: A Developer's Dilemma
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Chapter 1: The Developer's Perspective
In my earlier career, I collaborated closely with software developers. While I admired their skills, I often found their problem-solving methods exasperating.
"Why can't it perform that function?" I'd inquire.
"Because it simply can't," was the usual response, delivered with an air that suggested further discussion was unwelcome.
"But why?"
"To implement that feature would require us to rework this component, which would disrupt another part of the system linked to outdated server infrastructure tied to third-party software."
"How long will this take to resolve?"
"Approximately six months."
"We need it for next month's product launch. That's too lengthy, especially since this issue has been known for six months."
"Alright, it might take three months."
"Still too long. How did you suddenly cut the time in half? Regardless, we need a solution for next month. What can we do to expedite this?"
"We're stuck until John updates the Windows version on his server. He can't do that because he relies on it as his desktop, and our helpdesk software isn't compatible with the latest version. Moreover, we're in the middle of converting our entire code base to Delphi version 9, and we can't proceed until that's completed."
Exhausting, right? It's enough to make anyone lose their hair.
I recall trying to explain to one of our developers that real users rely on the software we were creating. It wasn’t merely for our amusement; once finalized, our products went to customers who expected them to deliver on their promises.
Users are uninterested in code maintenance, third-party integrations, or poor infrastructure investments. They simply want the software to work and provide essential features. They also dislike being surprised or feeling trapped by decisions made solely by developers.
Occasionally, I come across apps that embody this frustrating 'we-know-best' mentality. One such app is Nebo.
Chapter 2: Introducing Nebo
Nebo is a note-taking application designed for iPad, Mac, and iPhone. Its creators boldly claim it to be 'the future of note-taking,' a significant assertion.
With the advent of the Apple Pencil, note-taking on the iPad has surged in popularity. I’m a devoted user of my iPad mini, equipped with Apple Pencil 2 and a Paperlike screen protector, utilizing it daily for jotting down ideas. My preferred app has been Notability, but I always like to keep my options open, which led me to Nebo.
I have several knowledgeable friends on my Discord server who sing Nebo's praises, and they have valid points—this app is genuinely impressive.
The Positives of Nebo
Nebo showcases remarkable technology, particularly its handwriting recognition capabilities, which are arguably the best I've encountered.
To put this into perspective: my handwriting is notoriously poor. Despite my efforts to improve it over the last year, it often resembles an illegible scrawl. Yet, Nebo consistently interprets my handwriting accurately and converts it into text in real-time, visible in a small conversion preview above the text I'm writing.
Furthermore, you can employ gestures to edit your writing. For example, underlining a phrase instantly transforms it into a heading, while striking through text deletes it. This functionality is truly impressive.
However, my requirements are straightforward, and there are two aspects of Nebo that I find particularly beneficial, albeit less highlighted.
First, the user interface is refreshingly simple. This is essential for any note-taking app; users should be able to dive right in and start writing without navigating a complicated interface that complicates the experience.
Second, Nebo addresses a common frustration with note-taking on devices like the iPad: unintended zooming.
This issue plagues me on Notability, Apple Notes, and while using the S Pen on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. My palm often triggers the zoom feature or accidentally scrolls the page while I write. It disrupts my flow and forces me to be overly cautious with my hand placement.
Nebo, however, eliminates this problem by not allowing zooming into your notes. After all, you can't zoom into paper, right? This design choice makes the writing experience feel more organic and less fraught with complications.
But why have I chosen to return to Notability?
Chapter 3: The Drawbacks of Nebo
Ironically, the very feature that I admire most about Nebo also turns out to be its major flaw.
Remember the conversion preview bar I mentioned? As innovative as it is, it cannot be fully disabled. The same applies to gesture controls; they are not toggleable.
This means that the conversion preview bar is constantly present, and it can be quite intrusive. If you accidentally write in the conversion bar, it may delete what you were attempting to write, and the undo function won’t save you.
Additionally, the gesture controls can be frustrating. In Nebo, if you strike through text, it disappears instead of remaining in that state. What if I want to keep it crossed out?
It gets worse. Drawing a horizontal line to separate notes unexpectedly divides the page into two sections, creating a new grid below the one I was working on. At what point did I request that?
While I appreciate Nebo's advanced features, I should also have the choice to use it as a basic note-taking app if I so desire. The option to disable all the automatic handwriting recognition features would allow me to enjoy the straightforward functionalities that make Nebo superior to Notability.
I have to raise another concern. As impressive as Nebo's handwriting recognition is, I question its practicality. Aren't handwritten notes most valuable when they remain in their original form? Unless people find writing by hand quicker than typing, this feature seems somewhat unnecessary.
Chapter 4: Conclusion
What frustrates me most about Nebo is that it could easily be improved with a few toggle switches to disable its advanced features if they aren't needed.
All I want is a blank page that allows me to write or draw freely. In my view, that would make it the ultimate note-taking app.
You might suggest I simply use a more basic note-taking app, but I shouldn't have to resort to that. I'm more than willing to support developers who understand the importance of simple yet effective features. Ironically, Nebo has mastered a few of these elements. Its impressive smart features should enhance the experience, not hinder it.
Nebo, you're so close to perfection. Sometimes, being too clever can be counterproductive.
Chapter 5: Resources for Aspiring Writers
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