The reMarkable 2 has been a game-changer for me, especially since I wasn’t familiar with paper tablets until recently. My journey started with the Kindle Scribe, which I initially bought for reading on a larger screen. Once I discovered the joy of note-taking on an E-Ink tablet, I delved deeper into the market and stumbled across the reMarkable 2, which is often hailed as one of the best in its category. That’s when I decided to give it a try, seeking a more refined, “paper-like” experience compared to the Kindle Scribe.
Now, I’m absolutely hooked on the reMarkable 2, carrying it with me everywhere. The device fits seamlessly into my daily routine, but whenever colleagues ask about it, I give them this disclaimer: “I love it, but I’d never recommend it lightly.”
The key here is that anyone interested in the reMarkable 2 must first do their homework. It’s essential to understand its specific use case and the design philosophy behind it. Unlike many gadgets that try to do everything fairly well, the reMarkable 2 is a specialized tool that excels at one thing—replicating the paper notebook experience digitally. For that, it’s nearly unparalleled.
However, this specialization comes with trade-offs. The reMarkable 2 is highly focused and minimalist. It lacks many features that modern tablet users might take for granted: there’s no email access, no web browser, no third-party apps, and you won’t find social media or even a backlight for nighttime use. For some, this can feel like a “dumbed-down” tablet, especially given that at its price point, you could opt for an iPad or other E Ink tablets with more functionality. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose device, this might seem limiting and even frustrating.
That said, the writing experience on the reMarkable 2 is where it shines. The textured E-Ink display combined with the Marker offers a tactile feel that closely mimics writing on paper. With pressure sensitivity and multiple pen options, it’s incredibly responsive, making it perfect for note-taking, sketching, and journaling. However, it may fall short for artists looking for a more versatile tool since the drawing features are limited compared to more advanced tablets.
Where the reMarkable 2 does offer some digital conveniences is in its cloud syncing capabilities. With their Connect service (which costs $3/month after a free trial), you can sync your notes across devices, giving you access to your notebooks on your phone or computer. For me, this feature justifies the subscription cost because it adds an extra layer of productivity, allowing me to keep my notes organized and accessible anytime, anywhere.
Ultimately, the reMarkable 2 is ideal for people who are looking for a distraction-free, premium notebook replacement that delivers on its promise of a paper-like experience. It’s elegant, well-built, and high quality, but it’s also designed for a very specific use case. If you’re someone who wants more functionality or expects a typical tablet experience, there are better alternatives in both the tablet and E-Ink markets. But if you value simplicity, focus, and a top-tier writing experience, the reMarkable 2 is the way to go.
I personally use it daily and even bought one for my wife. But I also recognize that for some, it may not hit the mark. As I always say, do your research before committing to it.
Standing screen display size | 10.3 Inches |
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Screen Resolution | 1872 x 1404 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1872 x 1404 Pixels |
Card Description | Integrated |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 2 weeks |