E-ink tablets have come a long way in recent years. What started as relatively simple digital replacements for paper notebooks have evolved into versatile devices capable of note-taking, document editing, art, and much more. In this post, we‘ll compare three of the most advanced offerings on the market—the Remarkable 2, Supernote A5X, and Boox Note Air 2.
As a full-stack developer and technologist with over a decade of experience, I‘ve had the opportunity to use all three extensively. While they share similarities, each device also has unique strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited for certain use cases over others. Read on as we dive into the details across several key factors.
Display and Writing Feel
The writing experience is paramount for any digital paper tablet. All three devices offer 10.3" e-ink displays with 226 DPI for crisp, paper-like visuals. However, there are some subtle differences when it comes to latency and the feeling of writing with the accompanied stylus.
The Remarkable 2 and Note Air 2 displays have virtually imperceptible latency thanks to their partial refresh rates. This makes writing feel extremely responsive. The A5X‘s latency is just slightly higher, but unless you‘re scrutinizing side-by-side, it‘s still excellent.
As for the styluses, Remarkable nailed the Marker Plus. Its unique finned grip makes it comfortable and balanced. The ceramic nib and pressure sensitivity mimic writing with an ultra-fine sharpie. Note Air 2 also has good palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, but its pen is thinner and cheaper feeling. The A5X lies somewhere in between with its sturdy aluminum body and replaceable nibs.
All three provide a great experience overall, but the Remarkable 2 inches ahead in terms of pure writing/drawing enjoyment.
Software and Features
Here is where we start to see bigger differences emerge. All three run customized Linux-based operating systems, but they take divergent approaches when it comes to UX principles and toolsets.
Remarkable 2
The Remarkable 2 embraces simplicity and constraint. Its Linux-based OS provides a clean, spartan interface focused solely on reading, note-taking, and document markup. Advanced features like notebooks, planners, and folders help keep docs organized. It eschews complex menus and settings in favor of elegant single-purpose apps. For those overwhelmed by cluttered interfaces, Remarkable provides a refreshing change.
However, this single-mindedness comes at a cost. Want to edit or create Word docs? Annotate PDF textbooks? Listen to audio accompaniments for notes? Remarkable says tough luck. Its walled garden approach requires commitment to its opinionated way of working.
Supernote A5X
Where the Remarkable 2 constrains, Supernote seeks to empower. The A5X runs a deeply customized build of Linux that interweaves powerful plugins and 3rd party apps into its notebook-style UI. For example, it‘s the only device here that supports native Kindle files thanks to the warmly-embraced KoReader software.
It also touts excellent handwriting recognition for quickly converting scribbles to text. Its Stencils feature lets you save oft-used shapes, diagrams, graphics or text for rapid access when writing. No more redrawing that UML diagram ad nauseum!
Perhaps most impressively, the A5X offers linked audio recording and notes. Using its mic or a Bluetooth device, you can speak comments and tie them to annotations made with the stylus. Writers, lecturers, and meeting note takers rejoice!
This versatility does come with a steeper learning curve compared to RemarkableOS. But a bit more effort pays dividends for power users.
Boox Note Air 2
Boox takes Supernote‘s kitchen-sink approach and cranks it to 11. Note Air 2‘s Android-based OS provides access to Google Play Store apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Kindle. This level of expansive ecosystem support is unmatched.
It also touts robust connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even 4G LTE. For those needing always-on connectivity for syncing cloud docs, Note Air 2 delivers. Its split-screen mode also enables true multi-tasking with multiple apps at once.
Note Air 2‘s software power does lead to interface complexity, however. Juggling settings and orientations between its stock NeoReader, 3rd party apps, and the underlying OS can frustrate. Bold experimentation pays off, but prepare for a few stumbles while learning the ropes.
Writing Apps and Files
As hinted above, each device takes a different approach when it comes to supporting writing use cases. Let‘s dig deeper into the pros, cons and gaps.
Remarkable 2
Remarkable 2 focuses its first-party writing features squarely on frictionless notebooks. Its elegant Canvas app provides unlimited pages of dot grid, lined or blank e-paper. Pages sync seamlessly via the cloud to the web and mobile apps. File transfers from other sources leverage Dropbox or USB-C.
Besides notebooks, the Remarkable also handles PDFs extremely well. Bookmarking, annotating and editing text reflows properly without janky pinch-zooming. It‘s fantastic for paperless students and those reviewing lots of documents.
The biggest shortcoming is lack of native applications for rich documents like slide decks, spreadsheets and word processing files. Technically Remarkable can convert and display these via its web-based conversion pipeline, but you lose editing functions.
Supernote A5X
For writers, Supernote hits a sweet spot. It combines the freeform benefits of notebooks with advanced capabilities for converting writing to rich digital files. Handwriting recognition enables quick text conversion, while the inclusion of Hanwang‘s WPS Office brings editable documents, spreadsheets and slides offline.
It also supports a variety of writing surfaces including grids, lines, dots, music staffs, calendars and more. Combined with linked audio recording, these features make Supernote a superior device for students, journalists, researchers or anyone needing to quickly capture information regardless of format or context.
Boox Note Air 2
If your workflow relies on Google Docs or Microsoft Office file editing on the go, Note Air 2 is tough to beat. Thanks to mature Android support and apps like OfficeSuite, powerful editing and document creation workflows are available even completely offline.
It supports advanced templates for invoices, forms, minutes and more. Split screen with a web browser or Evernote synced on the other pane pushes multi-tasking even further. Like Supernote, first-class stylus support for editing also reduce dependency on touch-centric workflows.
For those living in Google‘s productivity cloud, Note Air 2 removes roadblocks and untethers your work.
Price, Accessories and Hardware
With core software and writing capabilities covered, let‘s examine how the devices compare across some other practical factors.
Pricing
All three of these e-ink tablets reside firmly in the premium bracket. The base Supernote A5X retails for $479. Boox Note Air 2 comes in at $479 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model, or $549 for 64GB +4G LTE. Topping the pricing charts, the base Remarkable 2 sells for a cool $399.
Accessories
First-party accessories can greatly improve the experience but also increase costs. Both the A5X and Note Air 2 support Apple Pencil and active stylus alternatives, reducing reliance on proprietary options.
Remarkable offers spare nibs, adorable fabric sleeves, and a nice portfolio folio case. Handy for portability but pricey.
Supernote probably has the most practical accessory kit centered around its hardware keyboard folio. At $99 this magnetically attachable keyboard case adds plenty of functionality for document editing and other workflows.
Hardware
All three devices offer premium construction with aluminum bodies, crisp displays and ample 8GB storage even at base specs. Removable internal storage via microSD expands capacity further if needed down the road.
In terms of raw industrial design, Remarkable 2 gets the nod with its minimalist slate form factor. Soft rounded corners make it pleasing to hold and interact with. Supernote and Boox devices have slightly sharper edges and bulkier dimensions by comparison.
Remarkable also triumphs when it comes to battery life thanks to intelligent software optimization. While specs differ nominally across the trio, what matters is being able to go weeks vs days between charges when leveraging rest modes properly.
Which Device is the Best Fit?
With our whirlwind tour complete, which device claims victory when use cases dictate? Here is my professional take based on extensive hands-on time with all three.
For visual thinkers, artists, architects and designers – Remarkable 2
If your work relies primarily on freeform writing and drawing, Remarkable 2 provides the most enjoyable and capable canvas. Its uncompromising focus on minimalist workflows keeps you in flow state without clutter or distraction. Advanced writing and export features tailored for pen and paper devotees cement its positioning.
For writers, journalists, professors and students – Supernote A5X
For intensive writing and research roles, Supernote A5X strikes an ideal balance of power and simplicity. Its advanced palm rejection, stellar handwriting recognition, and device-spanning organization keep you productive. Unique strengths like linked audio recording and deep Kindle integration demonstrate its superior support demanding academic and professional applications.
For mobile professionals and enterprise users – Boox Note Air 2
With nearly limitless potential provided by Android app ecosystem integration, Note Air 2 caters perfectly to mobile power users. Robust connectivity options untether access to cloud documents and tools. Unmatched screen real estate via dual-pane apps and usability keep you cranking through tasks across a dizzying range of formats. If your role requires agility above all else, this device delivers.
Conclusion
When it comes to advanced e-ink tablets, there‘s now genuine choice that caters to all kinds of use cases. While none deliver a perfect solution across every vector, their specialization makes trade-offs easier to justify for professionals with defined needs.
Based on your individual priorities, each device makes a compelling case. For a delightful writing and drawing focus, Remarkable 2 delights. To augment intensive writing and research, Supernote empowers. For unlimited potential via mobile productivity superpowers, Boox Note Air 2 dominates.
I hope this detailed comparison helps steer you toward confidence as investing in one of these impressive slates. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions as you evaluate options! Now if you‘ll excuse me, my Supernote just reminded me of a brilliant new blog topic to write about next…