Smart Bullet Journals: Moleskine vs Rocketbook
Are you a fan of bullet journals as a way to stay organized, but feeling like using pen and paper is not that practical in today's digital world? Fear not, smart bullet journals are here to save the day! Two popular options are Moleskine and Rocketbook. But which one is better? Let's compare them and find out.
Moleskine
Moleskine is a well-known brand in the notebook world, and they have been offering smart journals since 2016. Their Smart Writing Set includes a notebook, a pen, and an app. The notebook has special dotted paper that helps the app recognize your handwriting and convert it to digital text. The pen has a camera that tracks its position on the page and sends the information to the app via Bluetooth. The app then digitizes your handwriting and allows you to organize, share, and edit your notes.
However, there are some drawbacks to Moleskine's system. First, the notebook is quite expensive, starting at $199.99 for the Smart Writing Set. Second, the app is not very intuitive, and some users have reported glitches and syncing issues. Third, the pen only works with Moleskine notebooks, so you can't use it with any other paper.
Rocketbook
Rocketbook is a newer player in the smart notebook market, and they offer a different approach. Their notebooks are reusable, which means you can write on them with any pen, marker, or highlighter, and then erase them with a damp cloth. The secret is in the special paper that is coated with a polymer that bonds with the ink when it's dry, but can be wiped off when it's wet. Rocketbook also offers an app that scans your pages, digitizes your handwriting, and allows you to send it to various cloud services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Evernote.
Rocketbook's system has some advantages over Moleskine's. First, the notebooks are much cheaper, starting at $20. Second, the system is more flexible, as you can use any writing instrument, and the notebooks come in various sizes and styles. Third, the app is user-friendly and reliable, and it offers some unique features, like the ability to transcribe your handwriting into different languages.
Comparison
To summarize, here is a comparison chart of the two systems:
| Criteria | Moleskine | Rocketbook |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive | Affordable |
| Compatibility | Only with Moleskine notebooks | Any paper or surface |
| Writing instruments | Only with Moleskine pen | Any pen, marker, or highlighter |
| App | Glitchy and not very intuitive | User-friendly and reliable |
| Cloud services | Only basic options | Various options, including transcription |
Ultimately, the choice between Moleskine and Rocketbook depends on your preferences and needs. If you value brand recognition and are willing to pay more for a more polished system, Moleskine might be the way to go. However, if you prioritize flexibility and affordability, Rocketbook is the clear winner.
References
- ["Moleskine Smart Writing Set: Digital Notebooks & Pens," Moleskine, n.d., https://us.moleskine.com/smart-writing-system.
- ["Rocketbook Alternatives: Best Smart Notebook," Gadget Review, September 10, 2021, https://www.gadgetreview.com/rocketbook-alternatives-best-smart-notebook.