I’ve had my Remarkable 2 now for about a month and I’m absolutely loving it! I recommend it to all. my friends. However the Remarkable 2 is not for everyone. So now, after a year of thinking should I buy this e-ink device or not and a month of having it, I thought it would be helpful for me to write a review. 7 Reasons to buy the Remarkable 2 and 7 reasons not to buy the Remarkable 2.
7 Reasons to Buy the Remarkable 2
Lets start off with the positives as we review the Remarkable 2 and for me of course, the pros out weigh the cons.
1. Natural Writing Experience
The Remarkable 2 offers a natural writing experience with its high-quality digital paper and stylus. The paper has a textured feel that is similar to writing on real paper, allowing you to write and draw comfortably for long periods of time. It doesn’t actually feel like pen and paper (well I bought the cheaper Noris Digital Stylus so that maybe a factor) but I can tell you, it’s pretty good. In fact, I probably prefer the feel of writing on my Remarkable than writing on paper.
2. Portable and Lightweight
The Remarkable 2 is incredibly portable and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just working from a coffee shop, the Remarkable 2 is the perfect tool for staying productive on the go. It’s also super good looking!
3. Long Battery Life
The Remarkable 2 has an impressive battery life. For medium level use, you will probably get 2 weeks, meaning you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging it. This makes it ideal for long trips or extended periods of use. It’s battery is way longer than an iPad or other tablet that I’ve ever used.
4. E-ink technology
This is one of the biggest reasons for me to get the Remarkable 2. I have a few issue looking at screens for a long period of time. So the fact that it’s not a screen staring back at me, is so amazing. I just love being able to use it for a long period of time and not have eye strain or the computer ‘haze’ that I sometimes get. I do all my extended thinking and deep work on the Remarkable and then quickly transfer what I need to. Which in the end isn’t all that much. I’ve changed a bunch of my workflows so that I don’t need to. Setting up a few PDFs with navigation links for work, has meant I have the convenience and organisation of a tradition PC or Mac with the freedom of pen and paper.
5. Easy to Use
The Remarkable 2 is incredibly easy to use, even for those who are not familiar with technology. With its simple interface and intuitive stylus, you can start using the Remarkable 2 right away without having to spend time learning how to use it. I love tech and try and push anything I have to the limit, but if you just want a simple unlimited notepad that works from the moment you turn it on, then grab a Remarkable 2 as soon as you can. There’s also heaps of templates out there for you to get the most of out it (here and elsewhere like this one).
6. Affordable
Well, at least kind of. I use my Remarkable all day everyday and it really has changed the way I do like and work. I’m so much more organised and less stressed (I run 3 businesses and 2 not-for profits). So for that reason it is so worth it. It’s a dollar a day for a year or so. I didn’t buy the Remarkable pen but bought the Noris digital without the eraser for $50. I could of got it cheaper but it would have arrived after my Remarkable came. I also bought a Kuroku cover for $20 and it’s great. I think the pen and the case from Remarkable are very over priced. Having said that, I haven’t seen them and used them in real life. If Remarkable wants to send me one to review, I’d be more than happy to. But for now, I’m more than happy with what I have.
7. Cloud Syncing
The Remarkable 2 allows you to sync your notes and sketches with the cloud, making it easy to back up your work and grab new templates or articles to read on it. It’s a bit clunky at times, but it does work. Make sure you get the chrome extension which converts web pages into articles you can read on your device. What I do is, google a subject, open up a few articles and immediately send them to my Remarkable 2 and then go and read them somewhere nice, highlighting and taking notes with ease as I go.
Bonus point
It’s distraction free! Almost at least. It depends what you put on it. I do get sidetracked by a good game of Sudoku occasionally, but there’s no notifications or texts or emails coming through. You can’t just check facebook or the news or scroll endlessly on youtube shorts. And yes, that is why you can get such deep and focused work done.
In conclusion, the Remarkable 2 is the ultimate digital notepad for anyone looking to merge the convenience of digital technology with the simplicity and natural feel of writing on paper. With its natural writing experience, portability, long battery life, easy on the eyes, ease of use, affordability, and cloud syncing capabilities, the Remarkable 2 is a must-have tool for anyone looking to stay productive and organised.
So let’s now look at the reasons you may not want to buy it.
If you are looking for ways to get more out of your Remarkable 2, check out this guide.
7 Reasons Not to Buy the Remarkable 2: Is it Right for You?
The Remarkable 2 has received a lot of attention in recent years for its high-quality digital paper and stylus, making it a popular choice for those looking for a natural writing experience. However, before you make your decision, it’s important to consider the potential downsides of this device. Here are 7 reasons why the Remarkable 2 may not be right for you.
1. Price
Any review of The Remarkable 2 needs to mention that the Remarkable 2 is significantly more expensive than traditional paper notepads or regular tablet devices, making it a pricey investment for many. Paper and pen is way cheaper, so if you are happy to carry around a stack of notebooks and print outs of PDFs and books than maybe you want to stick the that. I think in the long run the Remarkable will actually be cheaper for me, as I write alot and print out a lot. My printing costs will go down dramatically now!
2. Limited App Availability
The Remarkable 2 only offers a limited number of apps, making it less versatile than other tablet devices. This may not be ideal for those who want to use their device for more than just note-taking, drawing and reading. It’s not an eink iPad. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. It’s one of the main reasons I love it and it’s also the reason that some would hate this device.
3. No Internet Access
The Remarkable 2 does not have internet access, meaning you cannot browse the web or use online apps. This can be a drawback for those who want a device that can do more than just take notes. The wifi syncs with the app, so you need another device to grab things from the web and transfer them to your device.
4. No Backlight
The Remarkable 2 does not have a backlight, making it difficult to use in low light conditions. This can be a challenge for those who like to take notes or draw at night or in dimly lit environments. I don’t mind this, but there’s been a few times I had to get up and go somewhere else to use it.
5. No Audio Capabilities or camera
The Remarkable 2 does not have audio capabilities, meaning you cannot listen to music or make phone calls on the device. This can be a drawback for those who want a more versatile device. Again, this comes back to ‘it’s not an e-ink iPad.
6. No real life store
You can only buy the Remarkable 2 online and there’s no where to go and have a look at one (unless a friend has one). I do think they should fix that and have at least one store in each country at least. They do have a 100 day try policy, where you can send it back if you don’t like it before 100 days is up, so that’s pretty good.
7. No SD Card Slot
The Remarkable 2 does not have an SD card slot, meaning you cannot expand the storage of the device. This can be a challenge for those who need more storage for their notes and sketches.
In conclusion, while the Remarkable 2 is a great tool for those looking for a natural writing experience, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. I love it and think the pros out weight the cons. By the way, I’m not affiliated with Remarkable in anyway. This is just my opinion after using it for about a month.
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