
ReMarkable 2 (Impressions)
In this article I would like to share my personal impressions of the paper tablet "ReMarkable 2" and why it has been with me for quite some time.
Table of contents
In a previous article, I wrote about how I take my notes and learn better. There, I also talked about my experiences with paper tablets. In this article, I would like to go into some details about the tablet and why I like using it so much.
Introduction
The reMarkable 2 is my daily companion when it comes to taking notes and helps me structure my knowledge better and remember it more easily. I would therefore like to share the experiences and impressions I have had with the tablet with you.
Tablet
In this chapter, I would like to discuss general features of the tablet, such as its feel, the display, and the software.
General
When I held the tablet in my hands for the first time, I was particularly struck by its weight and size. The device is very flat, no larger than the USB-C port for charging the device. The device is lighter than a tablet overall, but doesn't feel cheap thanks to its metal casing. Generally, I'd say the device is designed for right-handed users, as the wider grip is on the left side when holding the tablet. In everyday use, however, the device lies on the table like a sheet of paper with your hand resting on it.
Display
The display is an E-Ink display, which only requires power to switch from one state to another. When scrolling through a document, the high latency and slow switching of the display are noticeable. This is a typical negative point with this type of display, but it's just a matter of getting used to it. The latency when writing with the pen isn't that noticeable in everyday use, and writing feels natural. The display isn't smooth, but coated with a rough film. This film ultimately creates the writing sensation and the corresponding sounds with the pen, so it feels like writing on paper.
One thing I have to remember to do regularly is clean the display. Since my hand rests on the display while writing, dirt from my hand settles on the display, but I only notice it after intensive use. Or when I actually have abrasion on the pen after erasing with the pen. A dirty display is usually most noticeable when the sun is shining at an angle onto the device.
Software
The software is minimal, which was one reason for purchasing the device. I can't install any apps; there is a reading mode for PDFs and e-books, and otherwise, it's used for taking notes. Reducing it to the essentials is the most important thing for me, as I only want to write at that moment and don't need pop-ups or notifications from apps.
This would also be in line with the current trend of young people swapping their smartphones for traditional devices. My generation grew up with these devices, and they sometimes generate fewer distractions from "stupid" Functions than modern phones. Here, you should also decide for yourself what you need for your daily work.
Battery
The biggest advantage of the tablet is its long battery life. The E-Ink display consumes hardly any energy, even when it's left on all day. Technically, the tablet only needs energy when the pixels on the display change or operations are performed by the tablet. In normal operation with daily use in the office, I get about three weeks, sometimes more. This means the tablet only needs to be charged very rarely, and when I go to events and trade fairs, I don't need a charging cable. For me, this is one of the biggest advantages, especially these days when you have to charge your devices practically every day.
Pen
For the pen, I opted for the more expensive model with an eraser function. This is modeled after an eraser on a pencil, and it allows the pen to be used in the same way. Because I don't have to switch between writing and deleting in the software, I've already saved a lot of time, and writing feels much more natural.
Depending on how much you write or draw on the tablet, the pen tip will wear down accordingly. The manufacturer says a tip like this lasts about 2-3 weeks. However, this also depends heavily on how often you use the tablet and how many notes you take. In most cases, I visually check how worn the tip is. If it wears down too much, the hard core becomes visible; you should be careful not to scratch the screen protector.
If you buy new nibs, you can do so through the ReMarkable Shop or look at alternative suppliers. In most cases, the nibs there are much cheaper, and I haven't noticed any difference in writing quality or durability.
Case
When I'm working from home, I use the tablet without a case so I have quick access to it and its functions. When I'm on the go or in the office, I usually carry a simple case with me. I bought a cheap case from Amazon back then, which is perfectly adequate for everyday use.
After a few years, ReMarkable also released a case with a keyboard. I got the case to test it and tested it for a few months. The product, i.e. the keyboard, is very well made and typed very reliably. It also switches between tablet and horizontal orientation. However, I haven't used the case much in everyday life. On the one hand, I lose the advantage of typing by hand, and on the other, I could then also use the function on my laptop. Therefore, the case has been sitting in the closet for a while now. If you plan to use the tablet primarily for handwriting and drawing, I recommend a simple and lightweight case if you're on the go a lot or at university.
Cloud
A negative point for me is the additional subscription for ReMarkable's cloud. Features like cloud storage, OCR, streaming, or digital access to documents are only available with the subscription. The first year is free with purchase, and then a payment is due.
The cloud subscription isn't mandatory, and from my own experience, I can say that you don't really need it. I tested the features once at the beginning and hardly used them afterward. If digital access isn't that important to you, you can use the free trial period and then simply cancel your subscription. Otherwise, you should definitely consider whether you really need the features.
Conclusion
I've been happy with the device for 1.5 years now, but I've also looked at its successor, the "reMarkable Paper Pro," although the weight puts me off a bit. After all this time, the device still accompanies me every day, and I enjoy using it to take notes.