Ipad Air Vs Surface Go 4 Which Is Better For Note Taking In Class

For students navigating lectures, seminars, and fast-paced classroom environments, the right device can make all the difference. Two popular choices stand out: the Apple iPad Air and the Microsoft Surface Go 4. Both are compact, portable, and marketed as productivity tools—but when it comes to the core task of taking notes efficiently and comfortably, how do they truly compare?

This isn’t just about specs or brand loyalty. It’s about usability during a 90-minute biology lecture, the ability to sketch diagrams in engineering class, or quickly annotating a PDF before discussion. Let’s break down the key differences across hardware, software, input methods, and real-world classroom performance to help you decide which device supports academic success more effectively.

Design and Portability: What Fits in Your Backpack?

Both the iPad Air (5th generation) and Surface Go 4 prioritize portability. The iPad Air weighs 461 grams (Wi-Fi model), while the Surface Go 4 comes in slightly heavier at around 510 grams. While the difference seems minor, over a full day of carrying between classes, every gram counts.

The iPad Air features a sleek aluminum unibody design with slim bezels and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Its form factor is minimalist—no keyboard attached by default—and it slips easily into most tablet sleeves or backpack pockets.

The Surface Go 4, meanwhile, has a more utilitarian look. It uses a magnesium alloy chassis and includes a built-in adjustable kickstand. This stand is useful when propped on a desk or tray table, but it adds bulk. The 10.5-inch PixelSense display is slightly smaller than the iPad’s, though both offer similar resolution and clarity.

Tip: If you frequently take notes on the move—walking between buildings or sitting in crowded lecture halls—the lighter iPad Air may reduce fatigue over time.

Portability also extends to accessories. The iPad Air requires a separate purchase for the Magic Keyboard or Smart Folio, while the Surface Go 4 supports the Type Cover (sold separately). Without either, both devices function primarily as tablets. However, the Surface’s kickstand gives it an edge in hands-free viewing during group work or video reviews.

Stylus Performance: Accuracy, Latency, and Natural Feel

Note-taking hinges on stylus performance. How natural does writing feel? Is there noticeable lag? Can you palm rest without interference? These factors directly impact legibility and focus.

The iPad Air works with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which magnetically attaches to the side for charging and storage. It delivers industry-leading latency of around 9ms, pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and pixel-precise input. Palm rejection is seamless—students can rest their hand on the screen while writing, just like on paper.

The Surface Go 4 supports the Surface Pen (sold separately), which uses AAAA batteries or rechargeable versions. Latency is decent (~15ms) but not quite on par with the Apple Pencil. Pressure sensitivity is present, but users often report a slightly “slippery” feel on the screen, especially compared to matte screen protectors used on iPads. Palm rejection works well in Windows Ink environments but can falter in third-party apps.

“Low-latency input is non-negotiable for students who transcribe lectures or draw technical diagrams. The Apple Pencil sets the benchmark.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Educational Technology Researcher, University of Michigan

In practice, the Apple Pencil feels more intuitive for long-form handwriting. Whether jotting quick reminders or diagramming cellular structures, its responsiveness reduces cognitive load. The Surface Pen is functional but requires more conscious effort to avoid smudging or misregistration.

Software Ecosystem: Note-Taking Apps and Multitasking

Hardware means little without capable software. Here, the divide between iOS and Windows becomes critical.

iPadOS offers a curated suite of note-taking experiences. Apple Notes is simple yet powerful, supporting handwriting, sketches, scanning, and search within handwritten text (yes, iOS can recognize your cursive). Third-party apps like Notability, GoodNotes, and Nebo dominate the education space, offering infinite canvases, audio syncing, LaTeX support, and cloud integration. These apps are optimized specifically for stylus input and touch navigation.

Windows 11 on the Surface Go 4 provides broader flexibility. You can run full desktop applications like OneNote, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or even AutoCAD Mobile. OneNote, in particular, excels in organizing notes across sections and semesters. It handles handwriting beautifully, integrates with Microsoft 365, and syncs across devices seamlessly. However, some lightweight apps aren’t fully optimized for touch-first workflows, leading to cramped buttons or awkward menus on a 10.5-inch screen.

Feature	iPad Air	Surface Go 4
Native Note App	Apple Notes (handwriting searchable)	OneNote (deep Office integration)
Top Third-Party Apps	Notability, GoodNotes, Nebo	Obsidian, Xournal++, Journal
Handwriting Recognition	Excellent (iOS 17+)	Good (Windows Ink)
Audio + Notes Syncing	Yes (in Notability/GoodNotes)	Limited (requires third-party tools)
PDF Annotation	Smooth, gesture-based	Precise but menu-heavy

For pure note-taking, the iPad’s app ecosystem is more mature and focused. Students benefit from specialized tools designed for learning, not general productivity. On the other hand, if you need to edit a research paper or run statistical software alongside your notes, the Surface Go 4’s full Windows environment offers unmatched versatility.

Battery Life and All-Day Usability

A dead device halfway through the school day defeats the purpose of digital note-taking. Battery performance under real conditions matters.

The iPad Air consistently delivers 10–12 hours of mixed usage—web browsing, note-taking, video playback. In a typical school day involving four to five classes, this means you’ll likely start and end with ample charge, even without access to outlets.

The Surface Go 4, powered by an Intel Processor (Pentium Silver or Core i3), manages about 7–9 hours depending on workload. Light note-taking in OneNote may stretch toward 9 hours, but multitasking with browsers, Zoom, or Office apps drains power faster. Students often report needing to carry a charger during midterms or fieldwork days.

Tip: Enable battery saver modes early in the day. On the Surface Go 4, closing unused browser tabs can extend life by up to 30 minutes.

Charging speed also varies. The iPad Air supports USB-C fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter). The Surface Go 4 charges via USB-C but lacks aggressive fast-charging support, meaning longer waits between classes.

Real-World Student Experience: A Mini Case Study

Jasmine, a second-year pre-med student at UCLA, used both devices during her anatomy course. She initially chose the Surface Go 4 for its compatibility with medical textbooks and citation software. However, she found herself falling behind during lab sessions where she needed to sketch muscle groups and annotate diagrams.

“The Surface Pen felt sluggish when I was drawing cross-sections,” she said. “And switching between OneNote and my PDF reader was clunky. I’d lose focus.”

She switched to the iPad Air with GoodNotes and Apple Pencil. Within two weeks, her note organization improved. She began using audio-synced notes to review complex lectures, and her sketches became clearer thanks to the lower latency and palm rejection.

“It’s not that the Surface can’t do these things—it’s that the iPad makes them effortless,” Jasmine noted. “When you’re tired after three back-to-back lectures, effortlessness matters.”

That said, she missed having Excel open beside her notes for data analysis in biostatistics. For hybrid needs—creative note-taking plus spreadsheet work—she now uses an iPad for lectures and her laptop later for assignments.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing Based on Your Academic Needs

Follow this decision framework to determine which device aligns best with your study habits:

1. Assess your primary use case: Are you mainly taking handwritten notes, sketching, or annotating readings? → Lean toward iPad Air.
2. Evaluate software requirements: Do you rely on desktop-only programs (SPSS, MATLAB, advanced Excel)? → Surface Go 4 may be necessary.
3. Test stylus comfort: Try writing for 10 minutes on each device. Does your hand tire? Is the line accurate?
4. Check accessory costs: Include Apple Pencil ($129) and keyboard ($249) for iPad; Surface Pen ($100+) and Type Cover ($130) for Surface.
5. Consider ecosystem fit: Already using iPhone/Mac? iPad integrates smoothly. Using Outlook/Teams daily? Surface syncs better.

Key Considerations Checklist

• ✅ Need fluid handwriting and sketching? → iPad Air + Apple Pencil
• ✅ Require full Windows apps for coursework? → Surface Go 4
• ✅ Prioritize long battery life and instant wake? → iPad Air
• ✅ Want built-in kickstand for desk use? → Surface Go 4
• ✅ Budget-conscious? → Compare total cost (device + pen + keyboard)
• ✅ Collaborate heavily via Microsoft 365? → Surface has native advantage
• ✅ Value app simplicity and focus? → iPad’s curated experience wins

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Surface Go 4 replace a laptop for college students?

For light tasks—note-taking, web research, document editing—it can suffice, especially with a Type Cover. However, its low-power processor struggles with demanding software like video editors or coding IDEs. It’s best viewed as a secondary device unless your workload is minimal.

Is the Apple Pencil worth the extra cost?

For serious note-takers, yes. No other stylus matches its precision, ease of pairing, and seamless integration. If you plan to write or draw regularly, the Apple Pencil is a worthwhile investment.

Which device lasts longer overall?

iPad Air generally receives longer software support (5–6 years of OS updates). Surface Go 4 runs full Windows but may face performance bottlenecks as updates demand more resources. Longevity favors the iPad for sustained usability.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Note-Taking in Class?

The iPad Air is the superior choice for students whose primary goal is effective, efficient, and enjoyable note-taking. Its combination of high-fidelity stylus input, responsive display, optimized apps, and all-day battery creates an unmatched experience for capturing ideas in real time. When paired with tools like Notability or GoodNotes, it transforms the act of taking notes from a chore into a dynamic part of learning.

The Surface Go 4 shines in scenarios requiring full desktop functionality. If your curriculum demands regular use of Windows-exclusive software, or you're deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, the Surface offers practical advantages. But for pure note-taking fluency—especially in subjects involving diagrams, annotations, or rapid transcription—the iPad Air simply performs better.

Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you prioritize specialization or versatility. For most students focused on academics, specialization wins. The iPad Air doesn’t just take notes—it enhances how you learn.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your study toolkit? Try a short-term rental of both devices or visit a campus tech lab to test them firsthand. Your ideal note-taking companion is waiting—choose the one that lets you focus on learning, not limitations.