What is the reMarkable 2?

The easiest way to think of the reMarkable 2 is as a "Kindle that you can write on." However, that description doesn't do it justice; this intriguing device has much more to offer. While it holds a legitimate place in the tablet category, there are some significant contrasts to consider if you're still leaning towards the iPad. Notably, the reMarkable 2 lacks a web browser, an app store, and functionalities like email or calendar checks.

This tablet is explicitly designed for note-taking, document review, and reading. It features a 10.3-inch CANVAS display (similar to Kindle's e-ink display). Although you can navigate the operating system through touch, writing or drawing requires a reMarkable Marker.

The price is on the higher side. The reMarkable 2 retails for £399 in the UK, but you can't use it without the Marker, which adds an additional £79 for the standard version or £129 for the Marker Plus (which includes an eraser for easy corrections). Therefore, the minimum cost for a reMarkable 2 setup is £478, and if you opt for the Marker Plus, the total comes to £528. But that's not the end of the expenses, as I'll explain later.

Design, Display, and Battery Performance

The reMarkable 2 is slightly smaller than A4 paper, making it a suitable size for general note-taking. It's also well-constructed, weighing in at 0.89lbs, which gives it a solid feel without being cumbersome to hold or carry while writing.

A magnetic attachment for the Marker and USB-C charging enhance its convenience. The battery life is notably impressive as well: you can expect two weeks of active use and an astonishing three months on standby.

The device utilizes a monochrome digital paper display with a resolution of 226 DPI. While it offers sharp visuals, it's not backlit—which was surprising at first. However, in practical terms, it mimics real paper, and its performance in bright sunlight compensates for the lack of backlighting. Additionally, reMarkable explains that adding a backlight would increase the device's thickness and the distance between the marker tip and the on-screen ink.

Note-Taking Experience with the Marker

This is where the reMarkable 2 truly excels.

Having recently transitioned to digital note-taking, I've come to appreciate the exceptional combination of the iPad Mini 6, Apple Pencil, and a Paperlike screen protector.

The initial experience with the reMarkable 2 is remarkable; the tactile sensation of writing on the display is as close to paper as you can get with a tablet. The friction and sound of the Marker gliding across the screen create an addictive writing experience. With a latency of 21ms, it rivals the Apple Pencil in speed, despite the display's refresh rate limitations.

You have access to various pen styles (including different colors), paper types, and templates, while the streamlined file management system avoids overwhelming users with unnecessary options.

The Marker itself feels delightful to use, offering a grippy feel compared to the Apple Pencil. If you upgrade to the Marker Plus, you benefit from improved materials and a handy eraser—something many would appreciate on future Apple Pencil versions. Plus, the Marker doesn't require charging and provides tilt and pressure sensitivity for an authentic experience.

Similar to the Apple Pencil, you'll need to replace the Marker tip after a while. Thankfully, nine spare tips are included, but it's worth noting that reMarkable estimates a lifespan of three to seven weeks for each tip based on your writing style.

In summary, the writing experience on the reMarkable 2 is exceptional. The display's feel, clarity, and thoughtful design elements, like rubber points on the back to prevent slipping, make it enjoyable to use.

File Management and Sharing Options

This is where things become intriguing—and potentially more costly.

I recently asked my YouTube audience what they were curious about regarding the reMarkable 2, and a recurring theme emerged.

"I want to know if it's as challenging as I've heard to transfer my notes elsewhere."

"Are they still using a pay-for service model?"

"The monthly Connect subscription is a dealbreaker for me—why implement that?"

It's important to clarify that you don't need a subscription to use the reMarkable 2; the tablet functions fully without ongoing payments. However, there is a downside if you choose not to subscribe to the Connect service.

Without it, you can still sync your notes to the reMarkable desktop app, but they will only be stored for 50 days unless accessed again. Otherwise, your notes will only be retrievable on the reMarkable tablet itself.

Connect is available in two tiers: Connect Lite (£4.99/month) and Connect (£7.99/month). With the Lite plan, you gain unlimited cloud storage, eliminating the 50-day limitation. However, if you upgrade to the full Connect service, you also receive support for Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive, handwriting conversion, screen sharing, an email send feature, and an extended 36-month warranty.

For those wanting the complete reMarkable experience, the device's price, Marker, and a year of Connect will total nearly £624.

Can you manage without Connect? Certainly. That 50-day retention period for synced notes isn't unreasonable for someone like me, who rarely revisits older notes. However, it does mean relying solely on the reMarkable 2 for note retention, as the synchronization primarily serves as a backup.

I understand why some users are frustrated. The reMarkable 2 appears to be restricted by a business model that nudges you toward a subscription if you seek peace of mind and flexibility with your notes. If the hardware weren't priced as it is, this would be easier to accept.

The lack of unlimited syncing without the Connect subscription feels somewhat stingy and could deter potential buyers.

Additional Uses for the reMarkable 2

Although the reMarkable 2 is mainly for note-taking, it offers other intriguing capabilities.

Thanks to its Kindle-like CANVAS display, it serves as an excellent reading device. I've enjoyed transferring PDFs for leisurely reading, and it also supports ePUB files through the reMarkable desktop app or file-sharing services. This means you can read and annotate DRM-free books on the reMarkable 2.

However, converting it into an e-reader involves some manual effort. There's no built-in store, so you'll need to transfer the content you wish to read. Still, for those interested, it makes a great Kindle alternative due to its annotation features and larger screen.

A Google Chrome extension allows users to send simplified web articles to their reMarkable (which I haven't yet tested), and you can share your notes on other screens via the Screen Share feature. To do this, you'll need the reMarkable app on your computer and, predictably, a Connect subscription.

In terms of performance, the reMarkable 2 feels quite similar to a Kindle. There's a noticeable delay with nearly every interaction when using your finger, which is typical for this display technology. It takes some adjustment, reinforcing the notion that this tablet aims to be strictly a note-taking device.

Comparing the reMarkable 2 with the iPad Mini

When I first contacted reMarkable about reviewing their tablet, they expressed concern about my intention to compare it with the iPad Mini 6.

As they pointed out, this isn't the fairest comparison at first glance. The iPad Mini is a fully functional tablet that supports styluses, while the reMarkable 2 is entirely focused on note-taking.

They differ significantly in screen technology, operating systems, and internal components.

However, I believe this comparison is worthwhile for two reasons:

1. Many people, like me, enjoy digital note-taking.
2. The price of the reMarkable 2 places it firmly in the iPad territory, making the comparison inevitable for prospective buyers.

My iPad Mini note-taking setup consists of the tablet, the second-generation Apple Pencil, a Paperlike screen protector, and the Notability app—totaling £636. For reference, the 9th generation standard iPad setup costs around £446.

The reMarkable 2 is undoubtedly the superior note-taker. It should be, considering the exceptional Paperlike screen protector can't replicate the feel of the CANVAS display. Additionally, I find using the reMarkable's Markers more enjoyable for extended periods compared to the Apple Pencil.

On the other hand, the iPad offers far more functionality—there's no contest there. However, for serious digital note-takers who have the budget (and another device for more advanced tasks), the reMarkable 2 takes the lead.

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the reMarkable 2?

I am genuinely impressed with the reMarkable 2. Its writing experience, build quality, thoughtfully designed features, and beautifully crafted accessories (the Folio and Book Folio are particularly well-made) make it an outstanding premium note-taking device.

However, therein lies the challenge. You must be genuinely committed to digital note-taking to justify purchasing the reMarkable 2. It’s a pricey investment, and the frustratingly limited business model adds unnecessary obstacles to the purchasing process.

If they kept the price as is, included the standard Marker, and provided unlimited syncing with the free plan, I believe reMarkable would attract a broader audience.

Nevertheless, there's still a market for the reMarkable 2—even if it's somewhat niche. I've spoken with several users who adore it, and it's one of those devices you grow fond of over time. It's unfortunate that the pricing and subscription model may prevent many potential users from even trying the reMarkable 2.

I have a penchant for innovative technology, and the reMarkable 2 certainly fits that bill. I hope enough people support it to encourage a more reasonable price point in the future.

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