You are wrong about reMarkable not being a distraction-free device. You only need to connect for the initial software update, but then you can use it to your heart's content and not be bothered by any notifications from any 3rd party apps or emails. reMarkable is completely de-Googled and does not run a modified Android OS. So, the reMarkable is the epitome of a distraction-free tablet. And, do I need to mention battery life and boot-up times?
Thanks for your comment. I agree that the reMarkable can be used in a distraction-free way. For those who want to use it this way right out of the box, it’s a bit more challenging since reMarkable requires an internet connection to stay current with the software updates released every few months. If that’s not a concern, I can see the reMarkable being a great choice. I’m glad you’re happy with yours!
@@paperthinker How do you update the software without internet/pc connection? Giving a downvote because of constant software updates is bit harsh. The device don't even have applications or notifications.
Supernote can install a software update via a USB drive. An internet connection is needed to download the update either directly onto the USB drive or transferred to the USB if downloaded to the computer. I understand your point. For those who don’t mind connecting to Wi-Fi to update their device, the reMarkable can be a great choice. Personally, I preferred a device that offers the option to update offline. While there are workarounds for the reMarkable, not everyone may be comfortable with them. My rating reflects how the devices perform out-of-the-box.
I was emptying the dishwasher while watching this and honestly when you whipped out the cardboard reMarkable and Boox I didn't even register they were not real and had to rewatch. I was doing my own e-ink tablet research in the spring of 2022 and ended up with Supernote because reMarkable had put almost all features behind a paywall and I was not going to pay all that money for a device that without the (74€/year) fee was just a notebook and nothing more. At the same time Supernote had (or had in the pipeline) all the same features for free. Just a side note that reMarkable's paywall no longer restricts the device this much so this is no longer an issue. In retrospect I'm glad I got the Supernote. As you said it's not perfect but few things are. I also experienced ghosting with my pen 1.5 years after getting the device and they sent me a new refill for free so can't complain. If my device ever breaks on me I would probably switch to an A6 just for portability. This was such a nice review. Looking forward for your other videos.
Thank you for your comparison. What about side-by-side documents, or document and notes? Only possible in the Boox, from what I understand. Second question: Is the Supernote the only one which allows you to hyperlink to headings and tags and which automatically does handwriting recognition so you can search your notes? I’m still on the fence about these devices, as you can see.
I understand it can be tough to choose from the great options out there. To answer your questions: 1. Side-by-Side Documents: Yes, only Boox has the split screen feature at this time. It is on Supernote's roadmap under the name 'dual window'. You can track its progress here: trello.com/c/s6BabHsS 2. Hyperlinks and Tags: The Supernote is the only one that allows you to create both hyperlinks and tags from handwritten text. From my research, Boox is able to create tags from handwriting, while Remarkable needs tags typed in. 3. Handwriting Recognition and Search: Supernote is the only one that can perform real-time handwriting recognition and search handwritten notes, though turning on this feature uses more battery power. On the other hand, it looks like Boox and reMarkable make it possible to search notes by first converting handwritten notes into text. Good luck with your decision!
There are lots of things that are very exciting about the reMarkable Paper Pro, particularly the color display and larger screen. Many people have said the writing experience on the reMarkable is very good and it looks like they’ve made it even better. And some people will be very happy to know that the reMarkable now comes with a reading light. Some things to consider along with those wonderful pros: Portability: The larger screen makes the device bigger and heavier. Weighing 1.16 lbs (525g), it may be less portable for some when compared to other e-ink devices on the market. Color Display: To show color, the screen refreshes the areas where color is used. It’s possible that the refreshing may be distracting though anecdotally, people have said they quickly got used to it. I’ve also heard the writing experience is great in grayscale, but a little slower when writing with color. This may be due to the screen refreshing. Since I haven’t tried the device myself, this is based on what I’ve heard anecdotally. Cost: The cool features come with a higher price tag. Additionally, the writing nibs will need to be replaced over time so it’s worth considering the ongoing costs. Overall, the device looks well-designed and you could give it a try with their 100 day risk-free trial to see if it meets your needs.
Thanks for this breakdown on these devices. I am currently in this quandry of which e-ink notebook to purchase. I hope that you continue to document your e-ink journey.
I was considering a Supernote A5X2. But it still doesn't exist. And even if it did, the Supernote EU store has inexplicable and completely unreasonable markups (50-67%) over the US store. Between the insane price markups and the fact that they discontinued the A5X before the A5X2 is available, I'll be getting the Boox Go 10.3.
For note taking Supernote reigns as KIng, and is the only tablet I can write on _[With the ceramic nib]_ as tidy as with a ballpoint on actual paper, however... I have a Boox Lumi 2 for checking a few sites in the morning and surfing TH-cam without eyestrain, it really is a powerhouse.
It took me a little time to get used to the writing experience on the Supernote. The pen glides smoothly across the surface, with a bit of resistance as the material adjusts based on how hard you press, mimicking the feel of writing with a pen on paper. It’s not a perfect match for writing on actual paper, but it’s closer to that experience than writing with a pencil. Just a heads-up, I have the Supernote A5X with the original film. Supernote has since released the FeelWrite 2 Film, which I haven’t tried yet but is said to provide an even better writing experience with its “rough-paper” texture.
Is there any eInk tablet on which I can use any mindmap app which have a functionality of Handwriting to Text transformation and colour featurs like Onyx Boox Ultra C ?
I'm not aware of an e-ink tablet having a dedicated mind mapping app, but there could be one out there. If you find one, I'd be interested in hearing about it!
Thanks for this video showing things that are important to you. Makes me think about the product attributes that are important to me as well. I'm still doing research on the Supernote - the idea of keeping digitial notes intrigues me - the search function is important though. Is it possible to flick through different pages of the notes?
Glad this video was helpful! Regarding search, you’ll be able to see the notes or files that contain your search term, with the process varying slightly based on the content type: Handwritten Notes with Real-Time Recognition Enabled: Supernote will display all pages containing your search term. You can then select the specific page you want to view. Standard Notes and Other Files (e.g., PDFs): You can search by file name, keywords, or starred items. A list of matching files will appear. After selecting a file, you'll use its table of contents to navigate to a specific page. Hope this helps!
You can make keywords in the text that are searchable just by using the lasso and making it a keyword. You can also make titles the same way. If you make a star, it becomes something like a note mark you can access later. It’s all easily searchable in the document. You can also make any number of folders and folders in folders to categorize your different classes of notes.
I understand how it might seem a bit unconventional. I thought it would be a fun way to present my research on the three e-ink devices. I'm glad you still found it interesting!
Thak you!!! I am about to buy my e-ink notebook and I was just considering remarkable vs Ipad pro, but now, I am seduced by supernote. Thnk you for this video!
Great question! It really depends on your needs and how you plan to use your Supernote. If you need a larger screen for more extensive note-taking or reading, waiting for the A5X2 might be worth it. However, if the Nomad’s current screen size suits your needs and you’re looking for something available right now, it could be a solid choice. Consider what screen size will best help you accomplish your tasks and how soon you need the device.
I am also wondering about this as well. I emailed supernote and they said A5X2 is still on target to come out in Q3 so I'm waiting this to be released in September.
Sure! The reMarkable Paper Pro is very exciting with its color display and larger screen. For the factors I compared previously, the marks for reMarkable likely still apply. While they’ve introduced new features, it’s not clear if they have made any changes on the things I looked for out-of-the-box such as the ability to update software offline or add templates without needing to implement hacks or install third-party software. It does look like it’s built well and would be a great device for note-taking. Here are some additional factors worth considering with the new model: Portability: The larger screen makes the device bigger and heavier. Weighing 1.16 lbs (525g), it may be less portable for some when compared to other e-ink devices on the market. Color Display: To show color, the screen refreshes the areas where color is used. It’s possible that the refreshing may be distracting though anecdotally, people have said they quickly got used to it. I’ve also heard the writing experience is great in grayscale, but a little slower when writing with color. This may be due to the screen refreshing. Since I haven’t tried the device myself, this is based on what I’ve heard anecdotally. Cost: The cool features come with a higher price tag. Additionally, the writing nibs will need to be replaced over time so it’s worth considering the ongoing costs. Overall, the device looks well-designed and you could give it a try with their 100 day risk-free trial to see if it meets your needs.
Boox nib is notoriously priced at GBP 5 per nib here in the UK and lasts just a couple of months - the writing experience deteriorates. So that's GBP 30 per year on nibs!
What a great review! You get straight to the point and give really honest assessments of all the most important features. You do not show your face and use your hands very sparingly, which means you do not manipulate the viewer with gestures and facial expressions. And the overview table in the end should be mandatory to every video comparing two or more things. And you do not waste your and my time time with waffle! Excellent! Keep going!
Yes, e-ink devices can be on the pricey side. If you’re looking to save, there are a few options you might explore. Supernote offers discounts for students, military personnel and their immediate family members, first responders, and teachers. In the US, they also offer discounted open-box products. Additionally, you may find pre-owned Supernotes at a lower price on sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Reddit. I hope this helps!
I have spent hours trying to figure out if I should wait for the a5x2 or get a booxs. This was an excellent video and I think I am going to wait for the new Supernote and stop watching dozens of videos.
Great Video - You have a new subscriber! I was looking at Boox 10.3 Go vs. the Remarkable but now I will take a look at the Supernote. I had the Remarkable bt returned it because of the lack of “Eco-system” for transferring notes for long term storage. I try to use the IPAD but don’t like the feel of pen on glass. THANKS
Just FYI, I believe that the Supernote A5x shown here is not available anymore through the official store. There is the nomad but it is a 7''' device (though it seems like a really nice device). A replacement for the A5x2 should come in the somewhat near future :)
Thanks for great review. But what I really miss is supporting for others languages than english. Especially functionally for transferring handwriting to text. This is one of the most important parameters of e-notes devices.
Glad you enjoyed the review! And good news - Supernote supports a variety of languages for handwriting recognition and text conversion. You can check out the full list here: support.supernote.com/en_US/Tools-Features/handwriting-recognition#:~:text=mg_MG,uk_UA
Why for me Ipad Pro is still the one, curious for others but again and again I “force”come back to my Ipad Pro. If I need to focus, just turn on the airplane mode.😊
I hear what you’re saying. Since it wasn’t possible for me to try all three products before buying, I spent a lot of time researching the features, reading product reviews, and reviewing user experiences to make an informed decision. My goal with this video is to share what I learned in hopes that it will help others find the best option for their needs. Thanks for your comment!
@@paperthinker thank you for answering , it was not boring at all but it is the first time I am actually unable to decide if it is AI, it sounded so perfect. Here you go, the truth is u sound perfect to an almost inhuman degree:)
I'm not sure why an app store (boox) is equated to distraction? To me the distraction is the Internet in general, but all these devices connect online, so it's weird how the app store is seen as a negative when it's more positive than negative. More software choice is a huge feature, not a distraction. I guess the temptations are significant, and I'm not appreciating the self-awareness of this reviewer's perspective. But the limiting factor is the eink simply doesn't work as a general purpose device, which makes it special purpose.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! My goal was to share the factors that were important to me in an e-ink device in the hopes it helps others clarify what features matter most to them. An App Store, with all its wonderful possibilities, would be a distraction for me. Perhaps it would not be distracting for you. If that’s the case, Boox might be great fit if you were looking for an e-ink tablet. E-ink devices are indeed niche, and while this might seem like a limitation to some, others might be drawn to their unique strengths. It’s great that you know you want a general-purpose device!
You are wrong about reMarkable not being a distraction-free device. You only need to connect for the initial software update, but then you can use it to your heart's content and not be bothered by any notifications from any 3rd party apps or emails. reMarkable is completely de-Googled and does not run a modified Android OS. So, the reMarkable is the epitome of a distraction-free tablet. And, do I need to mention battery life and boot-up times?
Thanks for your comment. I agree that the reMarkable can be used in a distraction-free way. For those who want to use it this way right out of the box, it’s a bit more challenging since reMarkable requires an internet connection to stay current with the software updates released every few months. If that’s not a concern, I can see the reMarkable being a great choice. I’m glad you’re happy with yours!
@@paperthinker How do you update the software without internet/pc connection? Giving a downvote because of constant software updates is bit harsh. The device don't even have applications or notifications.
Supernote can install a software update via a USB drive. An internet connection is needed to download the update either directly onto the USB drive or transferred to the USB if downloaded to the computer.
I understand your point. For those who don’t mind connecting to Wi-Fi to update their device, the reMarkable can be a great choice. Personally, I preferred a device that offers the option to update offline. While there are workarounds for the reMarkable, not everyone may be comfortable with them. My rating reflects how the devices perform out-of-the-box.
@@paperthinker fair enough.
I was emptying the dishwasher while watching this and honestly when you whipped out the cardboard reMarkable and Boox I didn't even register they were not real and had to rewatch.
I was doing my own e-ink tablet research in the spring of 2022 and ended up with Supernote because reMarkable had put almost all features behind a paywall and I was not going to pay all that money for a device that without the (74€/year) fee was just a notebook and nothing more. At the same time Supernote had (or had in the pipeline) all the same features for free.
Just a side note that reMarkable's paywall no longer restricts the device this much so this is no longer an issue.
In retrospect I'm glad I got the Supernote. As you said it's not perfect but few things are. I also experienced ghosting with my pen 1.5 years after getting the device and they sent me a new refill for free so can't complain. If my device ever breaks on me I would probably switch to an A6 just for portability.
This was such a nice review. Looking forward for your other videos.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Excited to share more videos soon.
I have never seen anyone make proxy version of e-ink tablets. Kudos to you. ❤
Thanks!
Waiting for A5 X2 to release. I think it would be an upgrade on already good A5.
I think so too. Looking forward to when it comes out!
Thank you for your comparison. What about side-by-side documents, or document and notes? Only possible in the Boox, from what I understand. Second question: Is the Supernote the only one which allows you to hyperlink to headings and tags and which automatically does handwriting recognition so you can search your notes?
I’m still on the fence about these devices, as you can see.
I understand it can be tough to choose from the great options out there. To answer your questions:
1. Side-by-Side Documents: Yes, only Boox has the split screen feature at this time. It is on Supernote's roadmap under the name 'dual window'. You can track its progress here: trello.com/c/s6BabHsS
2. Hyperlinks and Tags: The Supernote is the only one that allows you to create both hyperlinks and tags from handwritten text. From my research, Boox is able to create tags from handwriting, while Remarkable needs tags typed in.
3. Handwriting Recognition and Search: Supernote is the only one that can perform real-time handwriting recognition and search handwritten notes, though turning on this feature uses more battery power. On the other hand, it looks like Boox and reMarkable make it possible to search notes by first converting handwritten notes into text.
Good luck with your decision!
What are your thoughts on the new Remarkable Paper Pro?
There are lots of things that are very exciting about the reMarkable Paper Pro, particularly the color display and larger screen. Many people have said the writing experience on the reMarkable is very good and it looks like they’ve made it even better. And some people will be very happy to know that the reMarkable now comes with a reading light.
Some things to consider along with those wonderful pros:
Portability: The larger screen makes the device bigger and heavier. Weighing 1.16 lbs (525g), it may be less portable for some when compared to other e-ink devices on the market.
Color Display: To show color, the screen refreshes the areas where color is used. It’s possible that the refreshing may be distracting though anecdotally, people have said they quickly got used to it. I’ve also heard the writing experience is great in grayscale, but a little slower when writing with color. This may be due to the screen refreshing. Since I haven’t tried the device myself, this is based on what I’ve heard anecdotally.
Cost: The cool features come with a higher price tag. Additionally, the writing nibs will need to be replaced over time so it’s worth considering the ongoing costs.
Overall, the device looks well-designed and you could give it a try with their 100 day risk-free trial to see if it meets your needs.
Thanks for this breakdown on these devices. I am currently in this quandry of which e-ink notebook to purchase. I hope that you continue to document your e-ink journey.
I'm glad you found it helpful! Yes, I'm looking forward to sharing more videos soon. Good luck with your decision!
Incredibly informative. Great video. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much!
I was considering a Supernote A5X2. But it still doesn't exist. And even if it did, the Supernote EU store has inexplicable and completely unreasonable markups (50-67%) over the US store. Between the insane price markups and the fact that they discontinued the A5X before the A5X2 is available, I'll be getting the Boox Go 10.3.
For note taking Supernote reigns as KIng, and is the only tablet I can write on _[With the ceramic nib]_ as tidy as with a ballpoint on actual paper, however... I have a Boox Lumi 2 for checking a few sites in the morning and surfing TH-cam without eyestrain, it really is a powerhouse.
Thanks for your comment! It’s great that the Boox Lumi 2 fits your needs so well. I hope this video helps others find the right e-ink tablet for them.
@@paperthinker I think it will help many, keep up the good work.
@@karlmunford7000 Thank you so much!
What about writing experience ?
It took me a little time to get used to the writing experience on the Supernote. The pen glides smoothly across the surface, with a bit of resistance as the material adjusts based on how hard you press, mimicking the feel of writing with a pen on paper. It’s not a perfect match for writing on actual paper, but it’s closer to that experience than writing with a pencil.
Just a heads-up, I have the Supernote A5X with the original film. Supernote has since released the FeelWrite 2 Film, which I haven’t tried yet but is said to provide an even better writing experience with its “rough-paper” texture.
Is there any eInk tablet on which I can use any mindmap app which have a functionality of Handwriting to Text transformation and colour featurs like Onyx Boox Ultra C ?
I'm not aware of an e-ink tablet having a dedicated mind mapping app, but there could be one out there. If you find one, I'd be interested in hearing about it!
Thanks for this video showing things that are important to you. Makes me think about the product attributes that are important to me as well. I'm still doing research on the Supernote - the idea of keeping digitial notes intrigues me - the search function is important though. Is it possible to flick through different pages of the notes?
Glad this video was helpful!
Regarding search, you’ll be able to see the notes or files that contain your search term, with the process varying slightly based on the content type:
Handwritten Notes with Real-Time Recognition Enabled: Supernote will display all pages containing your search term. You can then select the specific page you want to view.
Standard Notes and Other Files (e.g., PDFs): You can search by file name, keywords, or starred items. A list of matching files will appear. After selecting a file, you'll use its table of contents to navigate to a specific page.
Hope this helps!
You can make keywords in the text that are searchable just by using the lasso and making it a keyword. You can also make titles the same way. If you make a star, it becomes something like a note mark you can access later. It’s all easily searchable in the document. You can also make any number of folders and folders in folders to categorize your different classes of notes.
Isn't it kind of silly to compare them when you only have the physical version of one?
Was an interesting and well laid out video nonetheless.
I understand how it might seem a bit unconventional. I thought it would be a fun way to present my research on the three e-ink devices. I'm glad you still found it interesting!
Thak you!!! I am about to buy my e-ink notebook and I was just considering remarkable vs Ipad pro, but now, I am seduced by supernote. Thnk you for this video!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad it was helpful. Good luck with your decision!
interesting, Nice voice, could be a bit clearer and less painful to liste
Thanks for the feedback!
Really great review! These are all important considerations for me and I'll be purchasing the upcoming Supernote A5x2. Thank you!
Thanks! I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Should you buy the Nomad or wait for the a5x2?
Great question! It really depends on your needs and how you plan to use your Supernote. If you need a larger screen for more extensive note-taking or reading, waiting for the A5X2 might be worth it. However, if the Nomad’s current screen size suits your needs and you’re looking for something available right now, it could be a solid choice. Consider what screen size will best help you accomplish your tasks and how soon you need the device.
I am also wondering about this as well. I emailed supernote and they said A5X2 is still on target to come out in Q3 so I'm waiting this to be released in September.
Thanks for this review! very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
No backlight, no deal.
It's great that you know what you want. You might want to check out Boox devices, as many of their models come with a front light.
Cab you compare to the paper pro?
Sure! The reMarkable Paper Pro is very exciting with its color display and larger screen.
For the factors I compared previously, the marks for reMarkable likely still apply. While they’ve introduced new features, it’s not clear if they have made any changes on the things I looked for out-of-the-box such as the ability to update software offline or add templates without needing to implement hacks or install third-party software. It does look like it’s built well and would be a great device for note-taking.
Here are some additional factors worth considering with the new model:
Portability: The larger screen makes the device bigger and heavier. Weighing 1.16 lbs (525g), it may be less portable for some when compared to other e-ink devices on the market.
Color Display: To show color, the screen refreshes the areas where color is used. It’s possible that the refreshing may be distracting though anecdotally, people have said they quickly got used to it. I’ve also heard the writing experience is great in grayscale, but a little slower when writing with color. This may be due to the screen refreshing. Since I haven’t tried the device myself, this is based on what I’ve heard anecdotally.
Cost: The cool features come with a higher price tag. Additionally, the writing nibs will need to be replaced over time so it’s worth considering the ongoing costs.
Overall, the device looks well-designed and you could give it a try with their 100 day risk-free trial to see if it meets your needs.
Boox nib is notoriously priced at GBP 5 per nib here in the UK and lasts just a couple of months - the writing experience deteriorates. So that's GBP 30 per year on nibs!
That definitely adds up! Thanks for sharing.
You can use MANY different pen's nib replacements ....they are identical except in price.
What a great review! You get straight to the point and give really honest assessments of all the most important features. You do not show your face and use your hands very sparingly, which means you do not manipulate the viewer with gestures and facial expressions. And the overview table in the end should be mandatory to every video comparing two or more things. And you do not waste your and my time time with waffle! Excellent! Keep going!
So glad you enjoyed it!
i'd love to have one of those e-ink devices but they are all so expensive!!
Yes, e-ink devices can be on the pricey side.
If you’re looking to save, there are a few options you might explore. Supernote offers discounts for students, military personnel and their immediate family members, first responders, and teachers. In the US, they also offer discounted open-box products.
Additionally, you may find pre-owned Supernotes at a lower price on sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Reddit.
I hope this helps!
I have spent hours trying to figure out if I should wait for the a5x2 or get a booxs. This was an excellent video and I think I am going to wait for the new Supernote and stop watching dozens of videos.
I'm so glad I could help!
Great Video - You have a new subscriber! I was looking at Boox 10.3 Go vs. the Remarkable but now I will take a look at the Supernote. I had the Remarkable bt returned it because of the lack of “Eco-system” for transferring notes for long term storage. I try to use the IPAD but don’t like the feel of pen on glass. THANKS
Happy it was helpful! Thanks for subscribing!
Just FYI, I believe that the Supernote A5x shown here is not available anymore through the official store. There is the nomad but it is a 7''' device (though it seems like a really nice device). A replacement for the A5x2 should come in the somewhat near future :)
Thanks for great review. But what I really miss is supporting for others languages than english. Especially functionally for transferring handwriting to text. This is one of the most important parameters of e-notes devices.
Glad you enjoyed the review! And good news - Supernote supports a variety of languages for handwriting recognition and text conversion. You can check out the full list here: support.supernote.com/en_US/Tools-Features/handwriting-recognition#:~:text=mg_MG,uk_UA
Why for me Ipad Pro is still the one, curious for others but again and again I “force”come back to my Ipad Pro. If I need to focus, just turn on the airplane mode.😊
Glad you found what works well for you!
How can you review products you've never used? This is a completely biased review for the note device you bought.
I hear what you’re saying. Since it wasn’t possible for me to try all three products before buying, I spent a lot of time researching the features, reading product reviews, and reviewing user experiences to make an informed decision. My goal with this video is to share what I learned in hopes that it will help others find the best option for their needs. Thanks for your comment!
Is this boring voice AI? It has to be
Thanks for asking! No AI here-it's really me speaking. :)
@@paperthinker thank you for answering , it was not boring at all but it is the first time I am actually unable to decide if it is AI, it sounded so perfect. Here you go, the truth is u sound perfect to an almost inhuman degree:)
@@MMABeijing Aw, thanks for the kind words!
I'm not sure why an app store (boox) is equated to distraction? To me the distraction is the Internet in general, but all these devices connect online, so it's weird how the app store is seen as a negative when it's more positive than negative. More software choice is a huge feature, not a distraction. I guess the temptations are significant, and I'm not appreciating the self-awareness of this reviewer's perspective. But the limiting factor is the eink simply doesn't work as a general purpose device, which makes it special purpose.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
My goal was to share the factors that were important to me in an e-ink device in the hopes it helps others clarify what features matter most to them.
An App Store, with all its wonderful possibilities, would be a distraction for me. Perhaps it would not be distracting for you. If that’s the case, Boox might be great fit if you were looking for an e-ink tablet.
E-ink devices are indeed niche, and while this might seem like a limitation to some, others might be drawn to their unique strengths. It’s great that you know you want a general-purpose device!