[Dennip]

I guess so, but those are also all optional right? IF you would only write freehand with a ballpoint in real life then you wont use any of those menu options on-device either? IIRC the native notes app on iPad will dynamically create bullet lists, rule lines etc from your freehand typing without needing to select things.

[sdwr]

Every piece of the digital experience is (in this case) simulating the real world imperfectly. Paper is, screens are pixels and direct light and refresh rates. A pen is, a menu option is not.

There are definitely advantages to digital, but there's no denying that, by adding a middleman between yourself and the world, you lose raw experience.