Totally agree with you. The delays have allowed their competitors to catch up and they have undoubtedly lost customers who are unlikely to go back to them. It’s such a missed opportunity for them.
The camp that says they can afford to wait, already have a first-gen A5X. Those of us who missed that boat, can’t afford to be so complacent. In the meantime, the world has moved on. I’m concerned that by the time the A5X2 finally shows up, it may be too little, too late.
The sad fact is that many people buy these devices for work, with lots of contingencies such as financial obligations etc. Waiting is not a luxury that these people can afford because they depend on working devices that improve productivity. When OTHER companies are able to offer an "as-good-as" product in less time, these working professionals have no choice but to go with the first-on-offer devices. Supernote, like the Eazeye Radiant, should have had all these pieces for smooth production in place before even announcing the roll-out. Delays are simply not acceptable.
Looks like someone's upset! This is gonna be good! Very good point about the supply chain issues, if it's not affecting anyone else. But man, we have some things to discuss tomorrow. I can't wait! Great vid with great points!
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding a 10 inch version of the A6X2. How difficult would that have been? The "2" also seems a bit of a reach to me given how incremental the new features are. The moving release date worries me because I see parallels with movies, games, and TV series that go into Development Hell and end up not only falling way short of expectations but ironically feel unfinished. I have been vacillating between Boox, Remarkable, and Supernote. I do think Supernote functionality is the best fit for me. Im running out of patience. I predict that when this device does go on sale, there will be availability issues.
I agree with your concerns, and I wonder how many people are completely new to the e-ink world like myself who have been waiting for both the Remarkable Paper Pro, and the A5X2 to come out, to do comparisons and decide which one I should go with. I heard great things about Supernote which is why ive been waiting, but as each day passes without the A5X2 im growing more and more impatient and will probably end up buying the RMPP…its a shame.
I had purchased the Supernote Nomad based on reviews and the size of the tablet. I used it for a bit but eventually drifted away and back to using the Remarkable, Scribe and iPads. The new Remarkable is a much more pleasant product to use, in my opinion. I think that Ratta simply suffers from being too small a company with too small a vision. Perhaps they will prove me wrong when their new tablet finally comes out; however, the industry seems to be moving too quickly for them to catch up.
The modularity ... I'm sure they have ideas, but I don't even think they know what it will lead to. But, the fact that it is there opens up lots of possibilities.
Just got an email from Supernote: We’re Closer to the 🥕 Carrot. ‘In the future, we will only inform users and deliver products once we are ready. We will no longer livestream the process of catching the "flying carrot."’ Getting ready to just “buy.” 😊 Indeed, patience is a virtue.
"solving problems we don't have", well said! An extremely small contingent of people actually need to swap the battery, the motherboard, or even upgrade the storage space. Cool selling points, but who has been constrained with the prior models regarding these issues? Anyone? Anyone? I've had my A5X for almost 2 years, write in it daily, and I think I have to charge it maybe once per month and I've used less than half the onboard storage. Moving to the Remarkable Pro.
To be fair, the only reason I’m even looking at a new e-ink tablet right now is that my old rM1 battery is dying (I get maybe two days out of it - maybe less). For someone with that issue, the idea of a replaceable battery is reasonably appealing. But I agree with the sentiment overall - give me the A6X2 form-factor but a 10.3” screen now, rather than a thinner device with a half-folio and what not later. If Ratta survives this in the end (I’m less than completely convinced they will), I think they’ll ultimately conclude that they screwed up.
I can only agree with this statement. The biggest Ratta sin is giving release dates and raising hopes when the date really is uncertain. I understand having to postpone a release due to unforeseen events, but you can't do that many times in a row... At this point If Ratta gives a date I just don't care and don't believe in it. I'm in the "it's done when it is done" camp but... I'm fed up with release date/periods. I have heard about A5X2 release period for a literal year at this point and it was all official, not some rumors.
At this point, the only reason I'll buy the X2 when it comes out is because it still has certain features that I like (Headlines, Linking, To Do and Calendar integration with notes, etc) and for some reason, rM doesn't copy (Boox sort of has some of those features, but over complicated, I think). However, as time goes on, not only does my level of trust in the company decreases, but other companies are moving closer to "perfecting" their software to the point where Supernote might not be my preferred device any longer. I believe that the company is taking excessive advantage of the "loyalty" that many people proudly claim to have in Ratta. When it comes to paying $600-$900, FKUC loyalty 😂😂
Totally agree. They over complicated their design for what seems to be very little gain. If they had copy and pasted the nomad design, it would have been much simpler and no one would have known the difference and they probably wouldn’t have minded, compared to this design.
IMHO, they could have mitigated the frustration and backlash if they had kept selling the A5X until the launch of the A5X2. Especially because of their commitment to support older hardware with software updates and replaceable parts, purchasing the A5X in 2024 would have made sense for a lot of people. Why discontinue such a popular product without a replacement ready?
@@Septhy1 if Ratta can’t keep track of their stuff, maybe their mom could help out- kind of like idiot mittens, but with vendors at the end of the string…
I think Ratta overlooked the term „unmet“ or „unknown“ needs - unlike Apple and Co. do. We want simple streamlined devices. E.g. production forms are expensive. Keep the same design and you wont have to construct something new or different to other product lines. From a managerial standpoint, they have simply failed. They did every single error a company could do. People waited years, and now remarkable came up with their new device out of nowhere, priced frankly quite to (650€ with a pen whereas the Nomad costs 600€ including the whole package which is… again frankly disgusting). A company without a realistic schedule is going to fail. Hell. Even look at Volkswagen und Mercedes, how they fcked up their businesses. Ratta did not take expectations of consumers seriously, didn’t control their expectation management and now they reap what they saw… 😅
I was also a bit disappointed with the design of the A5X2. I am not keen on the half-folio idea as I think that will leave the back unprotected? If so I would need to use a tablet sleeve for carrying it around. Also, not keen on the attached pen loop idea, though if you can remove it that might not be so bad. I have never liked built-in pen loops in folios that much. I waited a long while for this device to be released before updating my devices, but now the RM Paper Pro is out I am going to try that for my study notes instead of the Boox Tab X which feels a tad too large. I also just chose the A6X2 Nomad as an ultra-portable device for my planning needs and general notetaking. Bought used from eBay but arrived quickly and so far it is working out very well for me.
"God forbid I have a more robust cover for my device. I don't remember specifically asking for it". Its fundamentally better than magnets and the device seems too skinny to continue with their rails design. Lets let it come out and try it first. now for the "it coming out". . . yeah that might be a doozy
Fundamentally better? I'm not sure about that. But point taken around the idea of let's see how it is in practice. Perhaps I will be surprised by it when I actually see it in action.
Thanks for sharing your perspectives, Jeffrey. I largely agree with your thoughts and how Ratta has set themselves up for not releasing their promised deadlines. The only point where we slightly differ is that I do think the more durable Mobius screen is a positive upgrade. There have been several posts on Reddit about broken Nomad screens (as with other companies' devices as well due to the fragility of the glass Carta displays) so I'd gladly pay a bit more for peace of mind as I travel to work every day.
That's fair. I tend to discount the advantage of the Mobius screen based on my own experiences, but this is clearly a feature that resonates with other users. Good call out.
I'm an ex-product manager for a tech company. Supernote failed at managing expectations by exposing their internal timeline and treating it as external. We all want to think the general public is composed of mature adult thinkers ungoverned by anticipatory teases, but it isn't. We are all children who need to be carefully spoonfed information on a need-to-know basis. If they simply shared what they were working on but had no timeline and kept selling their existing product, it would have had a much different, and more positive, reaction. I saw this coming a mile away. If they survive this marketing error, I'm sure they have learned their lesson and that's the last of that behavior we'll ever see. :)
Funny you mention college, because I'm going back to school, and looking to buy a eink device for notes and what-not. Debating on either the Boox go 10.3 or air3 c. Wanting one of those because I have a feeling that I could use the Android apps, like Office 365 and web browsing, on top of the note taking. I wanted the non-c air3, but they're not being sold now. I know one way around the lack of lighting issue on the go model, which is a rechargeable book light that you can clip on. So I may just get a go 10.3 with a book light, it's a good way to save a few bucks.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Do you have the link about their announcement? I subscribed to their site but didn’t get any update. Still waiting for A5X2 and keeping an eye on new companies like Viwoods. I’m happy to see the growth in eink technology. May I ask what’s your favourite 7/8” colour ereader at the moment. I’m thinking of Boox Go 7 but it has Android 12. I hope your next update about Supernote is about pre-order so I can finally get my hands on my first Supernote.
Here's the link: supernote.com/pages/what-upgrades-does-supernote-a5-x2-have. My go-to color eReader right now is the Bigme S6 Color+, although lately I've been reading on the B&W Viwoods Mini.
I think I see it a little differently. Supernote has to be aware of the negative impact that this can cause to their reputation and ability to deliver when promised. I'll bet that the reason for the delay was caused by a pretty significant factor, and they are playing it safe to insure that buyers get the best possible product with no defects. I personally wouldn't like to purchase a new product with a few hardware defects, and then find out later the company fixed these defects in a later hardware release.
Thank you for this video. I feel like you do, disappointed. And I am frustrated by the other camp of people who are like “let them cook”, “be patient”, “it will be ready when it’s ready” - there is no excuse for this self inflicted position they find themselves in. They should not bother announcing dates for any product in the future ever again.
@@SpikedSilver disappointed is the right way to feel! What exactly are they cooking over at Ratta? It's essentially a slight reboot of the same exact thing I bought 2 years ago with the A5X. How long does this new one need to cook?
Given my use case the Supernote is the best for me. But 6x too small. It’s just taking so long, and I don’t like the half folio, it’s mainly but not only the screen you’re protecting. How did boox come up with the Go so quickly?
Yeah, I just read that based on your comment. I'm not sure what to think about what they said. It was kind of strange, but some of that may be due to translation.
My other concern, is Ratta’s slow progress on their firmware progress charts. I like that transparency, and for a long time, I was frequently checking for updates. Not any more, because their inability to execute on new hardware has also broken my faith on the firmware front.
Thank you for this. It's not all positive and beautiful what Ratta does and quite frankly I am concerned if they will be able to survive in the market with these delays. I also don't understand why not take the great design with the crystal back from the Nomad and design something that looks no longer simplistic with screws for the loop and teeth holding mechanism for the folio with may holes on the side. I was lucky enough to get a second-hand A5X but if I would need to choose now, the RMPP or Boox Go 10.3 would be the winner. I am just waiting to see if the A5X2 will be worth it to upgrade to and I can see already design flaws from their videos. The half-folio is rubbish and the teeth holding mechanism is asking to break inside if the folio gets a hard bump. If the price is unreasonable expensive, as I expect it to be in similar region of the RMPP, then the RMPP might be a better choice for me.
Totally agree with you. The delays have allowed their competitors to catch up and they have undoubtedly lost customers who are unlikely to go back to them. It’s such a missed opportunity for them.
If they didn't mention their internal timeline, you would not have noticed the delay.
The camp that says they can afford to wait, already have a first-gen A5X. Those of us who missed that boat, can’t afford to be so complacent. In the meantime, the world has moved on. I’m concerned that by the time the A5X2 finally shows up, it may be too little, too late.
The sad fact is that many people buy these devices for work, with lots of contingencies such as financial obligations etc. Waiting is not a luxury that these people can afford because they depend on working devices that improve productivity. When OTHER companies are able to offer an "as-good-as" product in less time, these working professionals have no choice but to go with the first-on-offer devices. Supernote, like the Eazeye Radiant, should have had all these pieces for smooth production in place before even announcing the roll-out. Delays are simply not acceptable.
But Supernote had a "as good as" product available. So …
Looks like someone's upset! This is gonna be good!
Very good point about the supply chain issues, if it's not affecting anyone else.
But man, we have some things to discuss tomorrow. I can't wait! Great vid with great points!
I'll get over it, but I'm looking forward to the discussion.
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding a 10 inch version of the A6X2. How difficult would that have been? The "2" also seems a bit of a reach to me given how incremental the new features are.
The moving release date worries me because I see parallels with movies, games, and TV series that go into Development Hell and end up not only falling way short of expectations but ironically feel unfinished. I have been vacillating between Boox, Remarkable, and Supernote. I do think Supernote functionality is the best fit for me. Im running out of patience. I predict that when this device does go on sale, there will be availability issues.
agree with your point about waiting. after remarkable paper pro came out supernote owed us an update to reasure us the wait will be worth it
I agree with your concerns, and I wonder how many people are completely new to the e-ink world like myself who have been waiting for both the Remarkable Paper Pro, and the A5X2 to come out, to do comparisons and decide which one I should go with. I heard great things about Supernote which is why ive been waiting, but as each day passes without the A5X2 im growing more and more impatient and will probably end up buying the RMPP…its a shame.
I had purchased the Supernote Nomad based on reviews and the size of the tablet. I used it for a bit but eventually drifted away and back to using the Remarkable, Scribe and iPads. The new Remarkable is a much more pleasant product to use, in my opinion. I think that Ratta simply suffers from being too small a company with too small a vision. Perhaps they will prove me wrong when their new tablet finally comes out; however, the industry seems to be moving too quickly for them to catch up.
The modularity ... I'm sure they have ideas, but I don't even think they know what it will lead to. But, the fact that it is there opens up lots of possibilities.
Just got an email from Supernote: We’re Closer to the 🥕 Carrot.
‘In the future, we will only inform users and deliver products once we are ready. We will no longer livestream the process of catching the "flying carrot."’
Getting ready to just “buy.” 😊 Indeed, patience is a virtue.
"solving problems we don't have", well said! An extremely small contingent of people actually need to swap the battery, the motherboard, or even upgrade the storage space. Cool selling points, but who has been constrained with the prior models regarding these issues? Anyone? Anyone?
I've had my A5X for almost 2 years, write in it daily, and I think I have to charge it maybe once per month and I've used less than half the onboard storage. Moving to the Remarkable Pro.
To be fair, the only reason I’m even looking at a new e-ink tablet right now is that my old rM1 battery is dying (I get maybe two days out of it - maybe less). For someone with that issue, the idea of a replaceable battery is reasonably appealing. But I agree with the sentiment overall - give me the A6X2 form-factor but a 10.3” screen now, rather than a thinner device with a half-folio and what not later. If Ratta survives this in the end (I’m less than completely convinced they will), I think they’ll ultimately conclude that they screwed up.
Im at the point that I have to just get the Remarkable pro. Without a release date I cant wait any longer.
I can only agree with this statement. The biggest Ratta sin is giving release dates and raising hopes when the date really is uncertain. I understand having to postpone a release due to unforeseen events, but you can't do that many times in a row... At this point If Ratta gives a date I just don't care and don't believe in it. I'm in the "it's done when it is done" camp but... I'm fed up with release date/periods. I have heard about A5X2 release period for a literal year at this point and it was all official, not some rumors.
At this point, the only reason I'll buy the X2 when it comes out is because it still has certain features that I like (Headlines, Linking, To Do and Calendar integration with notes, etc) and for some reason, rM doesn't copy (Boox sort of has some of those features, but over complicated, I think). However, as time goes on, not only does my level of trust in the company decreases, but other companies are moving closer to "perfecting" their software to the point where Supernote might not be my preferred device any longer.
I believe that the company is taking excessive advantage of the "loyalty" that many people proudly claim to have in Ratta. When it comes to paying $600-$900, FKUC loyalty 😂😂
Totally agree. They over complicated their design for what seems to be very little gain. If they had copy and pasted the nomad design, it would have been much simpler and no one would have known the difference and they probably wouldn’t have minded, compared to this design.
IMHO, they could have mitigated the frustration and backlash if they had kept selling the A5X until the launch of the A5X2. Especially because of their commitment to support older hardware with software updates and replaceable parts, purchasing the A5X in 2024 would have made sense for a lot of people. Why discontinue such a popular product without a replacement ready?
I think they lost their suppliers for the original a5x
@@Septhy1 if Ratta can’t keep track of their stuff, maybe their mom could help out- kind of like idiot mittens, but with vendors at the end of the string…
Yeah, that's a great call out.
I think Ratta overlooked the term „unmet“ or „unknown“ needs - unlike Apple and Co. do.
We want simple streamlined devices. E.g. production forms are expensive. Keep the same design and you wont have to construct something new or different to other product lines.
From a managerial standpoint, they have simply failed. They did every single error a company could do. People waited years, and now remarkable came up with their new device out of nowhere, priced frankly quite to (650€ with a pen whereas the Nomad costs 600€ including the whole package which is… again frankly disgusting). A company without a realistic schedule is going to fail. Hell. Even look at Volkswagen und Mercedes, how they fcked up their businesses.
Ratta did not take expectations of consumers seriously, didn’t control their expectation management and now they reap what they saw… 😅
I was also a bit disappointed with the design of the A5X2. I am not keen on the half-folio idea as I think that will leave the back unprotected? If so I would need to use a tablet sleeve for carrying it around. Also, not keen on the attached pen loop idea, though if you can remove it that might not be so bad. I have never liked built-in pen loops in folios that much.
I waited a long while for this device to be released before updating my devices, but now the RM Paper Pro is out I am going to try that for my study notes instead of the Boox Tab X which feels a tad too large. I also just chose the A6X2 Nomad as an ultra-portable device for my planning needs and general notetaking. Bought used from eBay but arrived quickly and so far it is working out very well for me.
Interesting topic we should definitely dicuss tomorrow
Yes!
"God forbid I have a more robust cover for my device. I don't remember specifically asking for it". Its fundamentally better than magnets and the device seems too skinny to continue with their rails design. Lets let it come out and try it first.
now for the "it coming out". . . yeah that might be a doozy
Fundamentally better? I'm not sure about that. But point taken around the idea of let's see how it is in practice. Perhaps I will be surprised by it when I actually see it in action.
Thanks for sharing your perspectives, Jeffrey. I largely agree with your thoughts and how Ratta has set themselves up for not releasing their promised deadlines. The only point where we slightly differ is that I do think the more durable Mobius screen is a positive upgrade. There have been several posts on Reddit about broken Nomad screens (as with other companies' devices as well due to the fragility of the glass Carta displays) so I'd gladly pay a bit more for peace of mind as I travel to work every day.
That's fair. I tend to discount the advantage of the Mobius screen based on my own experiences, but this is clearly a feature that resonates with other users. Good call out.
I'm an ex-product manager for a tech company. Supernote failed at managing expectations by exposing their internal timeline and treating it as external. We all want to think the general public is composed of mature adult thinkers ungoverned by anticipatory teases, but it isn't. We are all children who need to be carefully spoonfed information on a need-to-know basis. If they simply shared what they were working on but had no timeline and kept selling their existing product, it would have had a much different, and more positive, reaction. I saw this coming a mile away. If they survive this marketing error, I'm sure they have learned their lesson and that's the last of that behavior we'll ever see. :)
Agreed, and they can certainly learn from this and be a better company -- if they learn the right lessons.
You hit it on the nail Jeff! Absolutely agree with your sentiment.
Funny you mention college, because I'm going back to school, and looking to buy a eink device for notes and what-not. Debating on either the Boox go 10.3 or air3 c. Wanting one of those because I have a feeling that I could use the Android apps, like Office 365 and web browsing, on top of the note taking. I wanted the non-c air3, but they're not being sold now. I know one way around the lack of lighting issue on the go model, which is a rechargeable book light that you can clip on. So I may just get a go 10.3 with a book light, it's a good way to save a few bucks.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Do you have the link about their announcement? I subscribed to their site but didn’t get any update.
Still waiting for A5X2 and keeping an eye on new companies like Viwoods. I’m happy to see the growth in eink technology.
May I ask what’s your favourite 7/8” colour ereader at the moment. I’m thinking of Boox Go 7 but it has Android 12.
I hope your next update about Supernote is about pre-order so I can finally get my hands on my first Supernote.
Here's the link: supernote.com/pages/what-upgrades-does-supernote-a5-x2-have.
My go-to color eReader right now is the Bigme S6 Color+, although lately I've been reading on the B&W Viwoods Mini.
I think I see it a little differently. Supernote has to be aware of the negative impact that this can cause to their reputation and ability to deliver when promised. I'll bet that the reason for the delay was caused by a pretty significant factor, and they are playing it safe to insure that buyers get the best possible product with no defects. I personally wouldn't like to purchase a new product with a few hardware defects, and then find out later the company fixed these defects in a later hardware release.
Thank you for this video. I feel like you do, disappointed. And I am frustrated by the other camp of people who are like “let them cook”, “be patient”, “it will be ready when it’s ready” - there is no excuse for this self inflicted position they find themselves in. They should not bother announcing dates for any product in the future ever again.
@@SpikedSilver disappointed is the right way to feel! What exactly are they cooking over at Ratta? It's essentially a slight reboot of the same exact thing I bought 2 years ago with the A5X. How long does this new one need to cook?
Given my use case the Supernote is the best for me. But 6x too small. It’s just taking so long, and I don’t like the half folio, it’s mainly but not only the screen you’re protecting. How did boox come up with the Go so quickly?
I agree with your position, my next tablet will likely be a Ratta Supernote.
I don’t like half folio and I’m missing front light option :s
From the statement that was released it sounds like they need some new engineers and business minds at supernote.
Yeah, I just read that based on your comment. I'm not sure what to think about what they said. It was kind of strange, but some of that may be due to translation.
I both agree and disagree. Sounds like a hot topic for tomorrow. We'll presented.
Looking forward to that, my good man!
I agree boox has won the battle lots of options super fast and backlight for 3 c and maybe the new vivvoo if you want quality
I agree. Too slow and lack of features.
is that loop detachable? I would not get this due to the loop. don't want that thing on my device all the time. hate loops
Not 100% sure, but it appears that it can be removed.
Where is it?
😭😭
My other concern, is Ratta’s slow progress on their firmware progress charts. I like that transparency, and for a long time, I was frequently checking for updates. Not any more, because their inability to execute on new hardware has also broken my faith on the firmware front.
This is pretty much useless to watch. Sorry Jeff
Thank you for this. It's not all positive and beautiful what Ratta does and quite frankly I am concerned if they will be able to survive in the market with these delays.
I also don't understand why not take the great design with the crystal back from the Nomad and design something that looks no longer simplistic with screws for the loop and teeth holding mechanism for the folio with may holes on the side.
I was lucky enough to get a second-hand A5X but if I would need to choose now, the RMPP or Boox Go 10.3 would be the winner. I am just waiting to see if the A5X2 will be worth it to upgrade to and I can see already design flaws from their videos. The half-folio is rubbish and the teeth holding mechanism is asking to break inside if the folio gets a hard bump.
If the price is unreasonable expensive, as I expect it to be in similar region of the RMPP, then the RMPP might be a better choice for me.