reMarkable 2 Review: Pros, Cons, Alternatives (Updated)

On hearing the word “Tablet”, the first thing that comes to mind is an electronic device such as an iPad on which we can carry out all the work, ranging from making notes to watching movies.

But, the tablet reMarkable 2, about which we are talking here, does none of the work which you would expect from any other tablet. Yes, you read it right; it is constrained to what it can do as compared to a standard tablet.

Besides, the main motive behind using this tablet is to help you get away from any distractions and focus on what you need to do.

reMarkable 2 is a tablet-based on e-ink technology. It costs $299 and also has some add-ons, which are not included in the box, which means that you will have to pay extra to get your hands on them. So, let’s take a look at it and find out if it is the tablet that you need.

Image Credit: reMarkable

Let’s unbox and see what’s inside

The outer packaging of the reMarkable 2 is very minimalistic and neat, and the box is made up of recycled paper. On removing the outer package, what you will find is:

• A notebook-style package containing the tablet.
• You just need to open the notebook, and there you go, you have the reMarkable 2 tablet upfront.
• The left leaf of the notebook contains a small pocket that has a welcome letter, warranty card, and a quick start guide.
• The right leaf contains the tablet on the upper part and a good quality charging cable below it, packed in a box.

It does not come with a stylus or a cover to keep the tablet in it, and you will have to buy one if you need one, which you surely will.

Specifications

Features

• Easy Conversion – You can convert your handwritten notes into text due to the handwriting recognition feature. It also supports 33 different languages, giving you the freedom to use any language of your choice.
• Paper Feel – Paper-like reading and writing feel due to the textured screen.
• Matte Screen – You can easily read and write contents on the tablet anytime and anywhere as it is easily readable even in bright daylight due to the non-glare and non-reflective screen.
• Fast Sync – You can easily sync their notes and upload them on Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, being on a Wi-Fi network.
• Screen Sharing – You can also use this tablet for sharing your ideas live while in a meeting or while teaching, as this tablet also sums up as a digital whiteboard. It only needs to be connected to the Wi-Fi network and can easily share what they write on the tablet using the screen-sharing mode.
• Premium Build – As the tablet is a metal build with a decent 403.5 grams of weight, its in-hand feel is very premium and easy to carry anywhere you go.
• Smooth Writing – The tablet also has a palm rejection feature that helps in reducing the chance of any errors while writing notes.

Add-ons

1. Folios

It is like a case or a pouch in which you can keep the tablet to keep it safe. It comes in two variants:

Folio ($79): It is a simple pouch made up of polymer in which you can keep the tablet safe. It also comes with a side pocket that can keep the stylus in.

Image Credit: reMarkable

Book Folio ($129): It is a notebook like case made up of leather in which you can keep your tablet safe, but it does not come with any extra side pocket to keep the stylus, so you will have to keep the stylus attached to the side of the tablet.

2. Markers

These are the stylus that can be used for writing or sketching on the tablet. It comes packed in a box that has a stylus, of course, and some marker tips that can be replaced. Also, these markers do not need to be charged and don’t require any setup before use.

There are magnets so that they can be easily attached to the side of the tablet. This also comes in two variants:

Marker($79): It is a simple stylus grey in color and textured upper surface, providing a familiar pencil-like comfort to the user.

Image Credit: reMarkable

Marker Plus($129): It is just like the Marker, the only difference being that it comes with a built-in eraser at the back.

The markers have a very low latency that makes the user feel like they are using an actual pencil and a notebook. The paper-like texture of the screen adds a feather in the cap and makes the experience unmatchable.

Related: Best Paper Like Screen Protectors for the iPad

When should you use the reMarkable 2 tablet

reMarkable 2 can be used for various purposes such as making notes, reading e-books, reading and formatting pdf files or documents, sketching pictures and portraits, etc.

Using the tablet is a very simple business, and even a kid can use it easily. You just need to press the start button on the upper left corner, and there you go, the screen wakes up.

After the screen wakes up, you just need to follow the steps you see on display, and once everything is done, you are ready to go. The tablet screen, after completing the login stuff and all, shows you pop-ups and gives you a tour of how you can use the tablet according to your needs.

Now let us have a look at the pros and cons of the tablet.

Pros

• It saves you from getting distracted while doing your work as it does not support any external apps, and you cannot even surf the internet.
• It saves the eye from any strain as this has a non-glare display, so you can spend as much time as you want while reading your favorite book.
• The notes get synced easily on the account, so you can access them from anywhere you want. Hence, no stress of forgetting notes.
• The ability to convert handwritten notes to typed text is an added advantage, and the ability to undo, erase, resize, and move makes it more reliable.
• The new update 3.0 and its further releases have significantly enhanced the functionality by adding new features, thus increasing usability.
• The incredible battery life of the tablet helps you focus on your work without worrying about the charging and discharging of the tablet.
• You can also read any web articles on the tablet. All you need is a “Read on reMarkable” extension available on Windows and Mac OS.

Cons

• It does not come with a stylus or a case, so you will have to spend some extra bucks on buying them.
• The display is monochromatic, so you cannot use colors other than black and white.
• It is very expensive, for $299 you can buy a tablet that can do lots of work.

reMarkable tablet alternatives

Considering we are looking for alternatives to reMarkable 2, all those listed below feature an E-Ink tablet and are the latest in the segment.

Supernote A6X

Supernote A6X is a compact alternative to the reMarkable 2 with exceptional features and is as reliable in terms of note-taking and sketching. While it is around $300-350, it comes with a case and a ceramic tip pen, which reMarkable 2 lacks.

It features a 7.8″ (A5-sized) Carta screen with a resolution of 1404×1872 (226dpi). The 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM are an added advantage, and while the PX30 1.3GHz Quad-core Cortex-A35 CPU feels lacking, it isn’t a worry factor as it is an E-Ink tablet.

Note: The Supernote A6X updated version is around and might be released by the end of 2023. Hence, if you’re trying to purchase one right away, you might have to go with an open box.

reMarkable 2 vs. Supernote 2 A6X

Compared to the Supernote’s smaller 7.8-inch screen, the reMarkable 2 features a larger 10.3-inch screen that provides more space for writing and reading, creating an impact on usability and comfort.

Its sleeker, more modern appearance makes it easier to carry around. Its extended battery life is also a major advantage as you don’t have to charge frequently, and it is ideal if you’re constantly on the go.

Kindle Scribble

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to reMarkable 2, the Amazon Kindle Scribble is arguably the best. Starting with the storage, you get 16GB on a base variant, and while it might lack CPU, the specially curated OS makes it extremely reliable for writing and reading.

Regarding accessories, you get a premium pen, and unfortunately, the case isn’t included. The best part of the Kindle Scribble is its ties with Amazon’s ecosystem, especially Kindle books, and with a Kindle subscription, you’re all covered.

reMarkable 2 vs. Kindle Scribble

While Kindle Scribble feels like a better option with the Kindle OS and subscriptions, you might have to reconsider if you’re comparing it with reMarkable 2.

Starting with the quality of the frame, Kindle Scribble could do better. Next, the accessibility to several entertainment applications could be distracting. If you need a professional-like table that offers a more productive environment for reading and note-taking, reMarkable 2 must be your pick.  

BOOX Note Air3 C

The BOOX Note Air3 C is a premium alternative to the reMarkable 2 with up-to-date specifications and impressive features. While it is great for note-taking and sketching, the $400 – 450 price tag might not fit everyone’s requirements, and the lack of a case is a major disadvantage.

Regarding specs, it features a 10.3″ Kaleido 3 (4,096 colors) Carta 1200 glass screen. The best part of this tablet is the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage on offer, considering only a few tablets offer it in the segment.

Also, the Android 12 OS makes it reliable, considering you get access to many applications that other tablets running their self-developed OS lack.  

remarkable 2 vs. BOOX Note Air3 C

With such remarkable specs and premium price, it is evident that Boox Note Air 3 C packs more like Android 12 OS, higher resolution display, and additional features like front light and more connectivity options.

However, if your priority is a tablet that offers a paper-like writing experience with a minimalistic design and long battery life, the reMarkable 2 is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

The reMarkable 2 tablet is an overall package of what you will want from an e-ink based tablet. You can do all the normal stuff that can be done on a tablet, along with an out-of-the-box feature, which is screen sharing.

The reading and writing on such tablets is a pleasure itself. Tablets like these are a must-have for the book worms who like reading books a lot as one can store a number of e-books in it. Hence, reMarkable 2 is worth giving a try for all who can afford it. So, make sure to try it out.