Yes, there are handwriting apps on the Surface, but that is not the point. I can open Evernote on my Samsung Tablet or my Google Pixel phone, and I have a note selection for Handwriting. After I create a handwritten note, I save the note, it syncs to Evernote, and then it is searchable; and the search is very good. I don't understand why that option is not available on my Surface which has a touchscreen and an active pen. See the screen shot below from my phone.