Discover if the reMarkable 2 lives up to the hype. We test its E Ink display, stylus precision, and minimalist design—plus the trade-offs of its pared-down philosophy.
The reMarkable 2: A Crowdfunded Contender Refined
The reMarkable 2 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a statement. Promising to replace your notebooks, technical manuals, and even your planner, this 10.3-inch E Ink tablet targets thinkers, creators, and analog purists. But after months of pre-order delays and a staggered rollout, does it deliver? Let’s dive in.
Design: Thinner, Lighter, Sleeker—But Not Perfect
The reMarkable 2’s design ethos screams minimalism:
- Thinner Than a Pencil: At 4.7mm, it’s 30% slimmer than its predecessor.
- Book-Inspired Aesthetic: A black “binding” border houses magnetic accessories (folios, stylus).
- No Buttons, No Clutter: Physical keys are gone; navigation relies entirely on touch and gestures.
Drawbacks:
- Fragility: The ultra-thin build feels premium but demands a protective folio (sold separately).
- No MicroSD Slot: Stuck with 8GB storage (same as Gen 1).
Display & Performance: Where E Ink Shines (and Stumbles)
Canvas 2.0 E Ink Display:
- 21ms Latency: Writing feels nearly as responsive as pen-on-paper.
- 226 PPI Clarity: Crisp text for PDFs and EPUBs, though graphic-heavy files lag slightly.
- No Backlight: A deliberate choice to mimic paper, but nighttime users will need a lamp.
Under the Hood:
- 1.2GHz Dual-Core CPU + 1GB RAM: Snappier than Gen 1, but don’t expect iPad speed.
- Battery Life: 2–3 weeks (vs. Gen 1’s days-long drain).
The Stylus: Precision at a Price
- Standard Marker: 4096 pressure levels, tilt shading—no eraser. Ships free with the tablet.
- Marker Plus ($99): Adds an eraser tip and sleeker design. Worth it for artists.
- Nib Woes: Replacements aren’t sold separately yet (though 8 spares are included).
Pro Tip: The magnetic attachment is strong—no more lost pens à la Sony Digital Paper.
Software: Minimalist Genius or Frustrating Limitation?
The Good:
- Distraction-Free UI: No apps, browsers, or notifications. Just notes, PDFs, and EPUBs.
- Layer System: Photoshop-like layers for artists and architects.
- Handwriting-to-Text: Supports 30+ languages (requires Wi-Fi and reMarkable Cloud).
The Annoying:
- No Drag-and-Drop: Files must sync via reMarkable’s clunky desktop/mobile apps.
- Pinch-to-Zoom? Nope: Use the “zoom circle” tool—a quirky workaround.
Standout Features:
- Read on reMarkable Chrome Extension: Save articles to your tablet (like Pocket, but annotatable).
- 50+ Templates: Weekly planners, sheet music grids, dotted journals.
Accessory Ecosystem: Costly but Compelling
- Folio Cases (79–79–149): Magnetic, book-style covers. The fabric one feels luxe.
- Marker Plus: Overpriced? Yes. But the eraser is a game-changer for heavy editors.
- reMarkable Cloud (8GB Free): Syncs notes across devices—but requires an account.
Who’s It For? (And Who Should Skip It)
Buy If:
- You crave a paper-like feel for note-taking or sketching.
- You’re a PDF/EPUB power user (academics, engineers).
- You loathe distractions (goodbye, Instagram temptation).
Skip If:
- You need color (it’s grayscale only).
- You want apps or audiobooks (this isn’t a tablet).
- You’re budget-conscious ($399+ for tablet + Marker Plus + folio adds up).
The Competition: How It Stacks Up
| Device | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| reMarkable 2 | $449 | Best writing feel, minimalist OS | No backlight, pricey accessories |
| Onyx Boox Note Air | $499 | Android apps, color temperature | Cluttered UI, shorter battery |
| Supernote A5X | $415 | Ceramic nibs (no wear), ethical focus | Slower software updates |
Verdict: A Niche Marvel with Quirks
The reMarkable 2 isn’t for everyone—but for its audience, it’s brilliant. Writers, sketchers, and PDF annotators will adore its paper-like precision and distraction-free ethos. Yet, the reliance on proprietary apps, lack of backlight, and premium pricing hold it back from mass appeal.
Alternatives:
- iPad + Apple Pencil: For multimedia multitaskers.
- Kindle Scribe: If Amazon integration matters.
- Paper Notebooks: Still unbeaten for tactile purists.
Final Thought: The reMarkable 2 is the Moleskine of e-notes—luxe, intentional, and unapologetically niche. Just don’t expect it to replace your iPad.
