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The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

cfenollosa.com

151–160 of 283 posts

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#151
post #2

> They are moving towards a subscription model. This is the biggest minus point for me. I want devices that I own, that I can use like I want to. I don't want to be caught in another cloud and pay monthly for something I don't want to use. Currently I'm looking into getting a device from Onyx, because those support the Android App Stores, so I could set it up with Notion or my Nextcloud probably. Remarkable seems to…

The hardware isn't better on the Remarkable. It's a slower weaker chipset than what's used on any of the Oynx devices and the screen in the RM2 is literally the same part as what is in the Oynx Note Air. Both use Wacom EMR for writing so you can use the same pens and nibs on both. Remarkable has a plastic layer to improve writing feel and optimized software to get pen latency down. The Oynx Note Air 2 supposedly also…

So I have the note air 2, and the reMarkable because reasons.

The reMarkable feels like writing on paper. The Note Air 2 feels like writing on a piece of plastic. The reMarkable wins there.

The latency on both is about the same, in my opinion. The reMarkable might hesitate when you erase something big, but then it's completely gone. Switching pages takes just enough time to be annoying. On the Note Air 2, erasing is just as laggy. But, page switches are almost instantaneous. BUT, you will see a shadow of the previous page literally every time you switch pages.

For my money, the RM2 is worth it compared to the note air series.

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#152
post #139

Earlier quoted context omitted.

ps. I also own a Boox Note Air, and the remarkable quite simply blows it away. When I bought the Boox I loved it, but after getting the Remarkable there really is no competition. I do like the Boox for its novelty value, running weird things on an e-ink display, but I don't use it for notes or reading anymore.

The lack of screenlighting has long been the only thing holding me back. I so hope they're not ruining their next device with anti-customisation and aggressive subscription or partner service marketing.

I thought I wanted a frontlight too, but after trying a number of these types of devices and purchasing three of them (Remarkable 2, Kobo Elipsa, and Fujitsu Quaderno Gen 2), I'm convinced that the compromises aren't worth it for a notetaking-focused device. (For an e-reader, it's a different story.)

With a frontlight layer, there's a greater gap between the pen and the e-ink layer, and it makes more of a difference than you'd think in terms of pen feel. (Even the Remarkable 2 isn't that great here because the non-frontlit protective layer feels thicker than it needs to be; Fujitsu did a super job with the Quaderno Gen 2; the pen feels like it's actually in contact with the e-ink surface.) There's also a subtle loss of contrast with the additional frontlight layer.

As much as a clip-on reading light feels hokey, I think it's a better compromise for when you need to read in the dark.

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#153
post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Without a subscription they have no incentive to update the software of already sold or older model ( which they already do). Considering the price and the niche market, they probably can't rely on future sales only to improve the software.

A subscription doesn't give someone an incentive to update software. If anything, it does the opposite: if I'll get paid whether I add a feature or not, why spend the money to add the feature when I could just pocket the money? That's why companies love the subscription model so much: Instead of having to find compelling new features and updates to sell new versions or attract new customers, they can just sit back, p…

I think your parents meant subscription gives recurring revenue to sustain a ongoing cost which is software development.

It is not an incentive, but a criteria. I often wished Remarkable would be brought up by big companies with more resources to work on it. But most companies these days aren't interested in making better products. Not to mention the possibilities of ruining it.

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#155

What is wrong with using a paper notebook?

I have a Rocketbook. It is an erasable plastic paper notebook. You write with some special pen, and then erase with a damp cloth. The application lets you easily scan all pages.

For the price, I find it better than both the reMarkable and a paper notebook.

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#157

Slightly off topic, but what happened to "smart pens"? 15ish years ago,I had a pen that could draw on special paper, and do interesting things. I really thought that paradigm would have progressed by now. Sort of like the original optical mice needed a special pad but now can work on any surface. I like drawing on a paper notebook (I use one with a grid of dots). I'd be fine with all of the "intelligence" coming from…

Or going back more, light pens on CRT monitors were neat.

How did the pen work in practice for you?

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#158
post #57

Good luck ever getting a warranty or return done on these. Look around at their support. It’s awful. I had to file a dispute after they wouldn’t provide a refund for my return after nearly 30 days of non-movement of the return (their label, their shipping carrier). I would strongly caution you run away. Worst customer support I’ve ever experienced. Edit: I will never understand people that downvote a warning like thi…

How dare you give a warning based on experience.

I'm always suspicious though of heavy affiliate links and when every review on a product (1000+) are all 4-5 stars. I know it's not but it screams to me of the dropshipping popup sites.

Re: The reMarkable as a notebook and eBook reader

#160
post #6

often people want more feature, thinking more is better. iPad has color it is better right? Personally I would pay more to have e-ink. Looking at it is like looking at paper! It is easier on the eyes, less drain on the battery. And most stuff software development wise, b&w is good enough.

I just want to point out that there are good e-ink color display now! It is just that none of the integrators made a product/device using it yet really. There is a whole array of "notebook like" e-ink devices being created and released, but they mostly exist in, and target, the chinese and japanese market. Not the Western one. Remarkable is one of the exception and Kobo recently released one. Hopefully we will see mo…

None?

I've had my PocketBook Inkpad Color for over six months already.

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