reMarkable have been around since 2013, launching the reMarkable 1 in 2017 and then the reMarkable 2 in 2020. Those were both monochrome e-ink tablets, those lucky enough to purchase a 1 got the connect service for life which syncs the reMarkable to the cloud and desktop and mobile applications (with a live view possible). The connect service is now only free during the 100 day trial (during which the reMarkable can be returned) and then £2.99 per month.
The reMarkable 2 is a great way to take and store notes, it can use templates and it's possible to annotate PDFs (and read ePub books). It really does feel like writing on paper (it's not exactly the same but much better than say an iPad even with a grippy screen protector). Being e-ink is also very pleasant on the eye and easy to read in most lighting conditions.
Both of the above are slightly smaller than A4. The reMarkable 2 is 246 x 188 mm and weights 404g with a 10.3" black, white and greyscale display (226 DPI). It weighs 404g and is 4.7mm thick.
The new reMarkable Paper Pro is slightly bigger at 274.1 x 196.6 mm with a 11.8" colour display (20,000 colours) and 229 PPI. It weighs 525g and is 5.1mm thick with an adjustable reading light (e-ink display work well in sunlight).
All reMarkables come with a marker that is suited to the display so it feels like a pen/pencil and it comes with spare tips (which can also be purchased separately). Though standard EMR digital pens can be used, not all the functions (such as erasers) will work and some of the tips may damage the display. Of course there's a premium marker available with an eraser on the rear (in UK £40 extra).
Though a case isn't necessary, having one that fits well and securely holds the reMarkable is important to some and the reMarkable polymer Book Folio is good enough for £79 (other cases are available such as a leather (brown or black £169), mosaic (basalt, burgundy, cobalt £129).
There's also a Folio keyboard which is an extra £219.
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| The Marker Plus, Book Folio and reMarkable Paper Pro |
The packaging is all paper/cardboard so can be recycled.
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| Ripped packaging |
Ripping the strip opens the packaging.
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| opened packaging |
The reMarkable inside in it's off state.
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| USB-C and instructions |
Under the device is the USB-C cable and instructions, again all in cardboard.
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| Book Folio |
Again the Book Folio comes in cardboard packaging that you rip a strip off to open. This is the grey polymer weave folio.
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| reMarkable in Book Folio |
The reMarkable Paper Pro sits on the case and is held by magnets and knows when the folio is closed. The screen is pre-powering the device.
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| Marker Plus (inc spare tips) |
The Marker Plus has a textured finish and comes with several spare nibs (though a lot of use is required before they wear out).
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| Marker Pro on side of reMarkable |
The Marker (and Pro) attach to the side of the reMarkable Paper Pro and are held magnetically.
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| reMarkable Paper Pro with Marker Pro and flap |
The new Book Folio has a flap that can be pulled from the back (again held magnetically) which is good when the device is in a bag or similar as it can't come off. The original reMarkables didn't have this and the marker would fall (or be knocked) off when moving around and then the hunt for it would begin. This is a much better design for transport.
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Bootup - colour screen
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When the reMarkable starts up it displays a nice colour graphic. The scroll bar at the bottom shows the progress (it's Linux underneath).
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| Start Screen |
Now get the marker out and press start. WiFi and other details need to be entered. Then any system updates will be applied. As a new user there's 100 days of the Connect service for free (after £2.99 per month or £29.90 per year), this allows sync'ing with other devices. There's a Windows/macOS/iOS and Android reMarkable app, the device will show a code and this is entered on the
reMarkable website. There's also live sharing which will update another reMarkable (app or device) in real-time.
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| reMarkable 2 and reMarkable Paper Pro |
The difference in size between the reMarkable 2 (on top) and reMarkable Paper Pro underneath. Also shows the lack of marker holder on the reMarkable 2.
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| Opened book folios showing reMarkable displays |
When the reMarkable 2 and reMarkable Paper Pro are opened, the Paper Pro has a significantly larger display.
While the reMarkable 2 is a great system and great for notes and sketches, the Paper Pro's colour display makes a huge difference. Being able to sketch in colour makes it more like sketching on paper and though the colours are never going to be as good as an iPad or such like the e-ink display is superb and the colour screen still maintains that paper like feel (yes you can get tips for the Apple Pencil and screen protectors that improve the feel - they are not as good as this).
With the Connect subscription (which is definitely worth it - though original reMarkable users still get their original subscription for free), as well as the sharing systems, there's also access to templates and workbooks - productivity, planning, community, strategy, note-taking and communication. There's also integrations with Slack and unlimited cloud storage. There's also a 3 year protection plan.
The Marker+ adds £40.
The Books Folios are
- Premium Leather (Black or Brown) £169
- Mosaic Weave (Basalt, Burgundy or Cobalt) £129
- Polymer Weave (Grey) £79
The Type Folio (keyboard) £219
There's free shipping to UK.
There are also business Connect subscriptions which give different features like device management and single sign-on.
All in all recommended.
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