reMarkable 2 Review: The Ultimate Digital Notebook
Are you someone who loves the feeling of taking handwritten notes but wishes you could easily digitize, organize and share them? Do you find yourself getting distracted by notifications and other apps when using a tablet or laptop for note-taking? If so, the reMarkable 2 may be the perfect device for you.
In this in-depth review, we‘ll take a close look at the reMarkable 2 digital notebook, including its standout features, accompanying apps and accessories, pricing, and overall pros and cons. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea of whether the reMarkable 2 is worth the investment for your note-taking needs.
About the reMarkable Company
Before we dive into the tablet itself, let‘s start with some background on the company behind it. reMarkable was founded in 2013 by Magnus Wanberg, a self-described "paper person" who was frustrated by the lack of a device that could truly replicate the pen-and-paper experience digitally.
After years of development, the first reMarkable tablet launched in 2017 with the goal of combining the best of analog and digital note-taking. The company has since released the second-generation reMarkable 2 in 2020, which they dubbed the "world‘s thinnest tablet."
reMarkable is based in Oslo, Norway and has received attention from major tech publications like Wired, The Verge, and TechCrunch. The reMarkable 2 was also named one of Time Magazine‘s Best Inventions of 2020.
The company‘s mission is to help people think better through powerful yet simple tools. They‘ve stayed laser-focused on building the best possible digital notebook without adding extraneous features that could hinder the core experience.
reMarkable 2 Tablet Overview
Now let‘s get into the star of the show – the reMarkable 2 itself. The 10.3-inch tablet features a monochrome digital paper display (also known as an e-ink display) with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels, giving it a paper-like look and feel.
The CANVAS display has a high friction surface that, when paired with the included Marker stylus, is remarkably close to writing on actual paper. There‘s just the right amount of resistance and tactile feedback. You can also write on the screen at any angle without wearing down the Marker tip.
Weighing just 0.88 pounds (399 grams) and measuring 0.19 inches (4.7 millimeters) thick, the reMarkable 2 is startlingly thin and light for a device this size. It has an aluminum body and minimal physical buttons, giving it a sleek, premium look and feel. Battery life is estimated at around 2 weeks with typical use.
But the reMarkable 2‘s biggest selling point is arguably what it doesn‘t have. There are no apps, no browsers, no email, no social media, no Candy Crush – nothing to distract you from the task at hand, whether that‘s taking notes, reviewing documents, sketching ideas, or making to-do lists. This is a single-purpose device built for focus and productivity.
Of course, that singular focus does make it more of a niche product than an all-in-one tablet. You‘ll still need other devices for things like web browsing and apps. But if you primarily want a digital notebook to replace your paper one, the reMarkable 2 excels in that role better than more generalist tablets.
reMarkable 2 Accessories
To get the most out of the reMarkable 2, you‘ll likely want to pick up some of the official accessories:
reMarkable Marker and Marker Plus
The reMarkable Marker is a battery-free stylus that attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet. It uses high-friction tips to replicate the feel of writing tools like pencils and ballpoint pens. A pack of 9 replacement tips costs $15.
For $50 more, the Marker Plus adds a built-in eraser on the top and a programmable button that can be customized for actions like quickly switching tools.
Both Markers have tilt detection for natural shading but lack pressure sensitivity. Thankfully, the screen‘s friction partially makes up for this.
Folios and Cases
To protect your reMarkable 2, the company offers two different folios. The $99 Folio is a simple sleeve design, while the pricier $159 Book Folio props the tablet up at various angles and looks more like a paper notebook cover.
There are also more affordable third-party covers and screen protectors available on Amazon if you want to save some money.
Cables and Adapters
The tablet recharges via a USB-C port, with a cable and wall adapter included in the box. You can also purchase longer USB-C cables or adapters to connect the reMarkable 2 to your computer for file transfer.
reMarkable Software and Apps
Another key part of the reMarkable ecosystem is the desktop and mobile companion apps that let you access your files from other devices.
The apps have a simple, clean interface for viewing and organizing your notes and documents. PDFs can be marked up on the tablet and synced, which is handy for reviewing and signing digital contracts.
The mobile app (for iOS and Android) has most of the same functionality as the desktop version, making it easy to quickly import a file or reference your notes on the go.
A recent software update also added the ability to convert your handwritten notes to typed text. The accuracy isn‘t perfect, especially if your handwriting is messy, but it works well enough to make your scribbles more legible and searchable.
There‘s also a new screen-sharing feature in beta that lets you mirror the reMarkable 2‘s display to other devices during presentations or collaboration sessions.
reMarkable Connect Subscription
While many features are included with the tablet at no extra cost, reMarkable also offers an optional subscription service called Connect. For $8/month, Connect unlocks:
- Unlimited cloud storage (up from the included 8 GB)
- Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive integration
- Handwriting conversion
- Screen sharing
- A 3-year warranty (up from 1 year)
Perhaps most notably, reMarkable recently started offering a steep $150 discount on the tablet itself if you prepay for a year of Connect. This effectively brings the cost of the reMarkable 2 down to $299, though you‘re locked into the subscription for at least a year.
Opinions are mixed on whether Connect is worth the added cost. The cloud storage and app integrations are certainly convenient, but many of the other features feel like they should be included for free on such an expensive device. The subscription model also makes the product more expensive in the long run.
Still, if you plan on using those extra features frequently, need the extended warranty coverage, or want the upfront discount, Connect may make sense. Just be aware of the ongoing cost.
reMarkable 2 vs. Other Tablets
The reMarkable 2 mostly competes with other e-ink devices aimed at note-taking, like the Onyx Boox Note Air and Supernote A5X. It‘s pricier than those alternatives but has a larger screen, thinner design, and smoother software experience.
You could also compare it to more traditional tablets like the base iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. Those are far more versatile devices with color screens, more processing power, and a wider selection of apps. However, they don‘t come close to replicating the paper-like feel of the reMarkable‘s e-ink display and distraction-free interface.
The reMarkable 2 is very much a specialty device for a specific customer – one who wants a truly excellent digital notebook and doesn‘t need the extra features of a general-use tablet. It‘s not trying to be an iPad replacement.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, here are the main strengths and weaknesses of the reMarkable 2:
Pros:
- Thin, lightweight, premium design
- Beautiful monochrome e-ink display
- Writing feels extremely close to pen on paper
- Lets you focus without browser, email, or other apps
- Syncs with computer and mobile devices
- Converts handwritten notes to text
- Battery lasts weeks on a charge
Cons:
- Expensive for a single-purpose device
- No backlight for low-light conditions
- No color options or video/audio capabilities
- Some advanced features require $8/month subscription
- Can be hard to justify cost with cheaper e-ink tablets available
What Customers Are Saying
Feedback from reMarkable 2 owners is largely positive, with the tablet earning a 4.4/5 average rating from over 1,300 reviews on the company‘s website.
Users praise the device‘s excellent build quality, responsive e-ink screen, smooth writing experience, easy file syncing, and focused, distraction-free interface for taking notes and reviewing documents. Many say it has replaced their paper notebooks and printer entirely.
On the negative side, some reviewers experienced issues with palm rejection, lag, or inaccurate handwriting conversion. Others complain about the high price, lack of included accessories, and long shipping times. The recently introduced Connect subscription has also drawn criticism.
Professional reviews from outlets like Engadget and The Verge are similarly positive, with most awarding the reMarkable 2 a score between 8-8.5/10. The device has also gotten recommended by The Wirecutter for those wanting a dedicated e-ink tablet for note-taking.
Is the reMarkable 2 Worth It?
Whether the reMarkable 2 is worth buying comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you‘re someone who prefers taking handwritten notes, frequently reviews PDFs, and values a focused, distraction-free writing device, it could certainly be a worthwhile investment – even at $399. The company also offers a 100-day return period to decide if it‘s right for you.
However, if you‘re looking for a more affordable option, only plan to take occasional notes, or would get more use out of a general-purpose tablet with a color screen and wider app selection, there are likely better alternatives for you.
The reMarkable 2 is undoubtedly a luxury item that most people probably don‘t need. But if it fits your workflow and budget, it delivers an impressively paper-like writing experience, elegant hardware and software design, and singular focus that is hard to find in other devices. Just make sure you know what you‘re getting – and not getting – for the money.
The Bottom Line
The reMarkable 2 is the best pure digital notebook experience we‘ve tested, offering an unmatched combination of design, display quality, note-taking feel, battery life, and companion apps.
It‘s an excellently built and focused device for those who want a tablet that mimics the benefits of analog paper and aren‘t afraid to pay a premium for it. While it‘s not the most cost-effective or versatile option, it excels in its intended use case of helping you capture ideas and process information without distractions.
If you can stomach the high price tag and don‘t mind its intentionally limited functionality, the reMarkable 2 may just be the best way to upgrade your note-taking game. But make sure to carefully consider your needs and budget before investing in this impressive but niche productivity device.
