Have you considered ditching your messy notebooks for an e-paper tablet? As you evaluate options, two industry-leading devices probably caught your attention — the reMarkable 2 and Boox Note Air.
These slick slates promise to replicate pen and paper for fluid note capture…no more searching stacks of moleskins or fielding ink smudges! Both provide superb digital writing experiences akin to magic paper.
But subtle differences in technology, design, and functionality impact how well each performs for daily tasks like notetaking, document review, reading ebooks, or casual sketching.
Let‘s comprehensively compare the reMarkable 2 and Boox Note Air to determine the right fit based on your needs…
A Brief History
First, some background! reMarkable began in 2014 when Norwegian founders Magnus Haug Wanberg and Peter Magnus Eriksson yearned for paper‘s simplicity after growing frustrated managing digital devicesOverflowing email inboxes. Complicated menus. Eye fatigue.
They envisioned a tablet connecting fluid pen input with cloud syncing and searchability. After successful crowdfunding and VC backing, the first reMarkable tablet shipped in 2017.
The 2nd generation reMarkable 2 arrived in 2020 with a slimmer size and improved latency. It consolidates an ambitious vision into a focused writing experience.
Meanwhile, Onyx Boox specializes in versatile e-readers leveraging Google‘s Android OS. Its Note series tablets debuted in 2019 to rave reviews for their expansive E Ink displays.
The Note Air launched in late 2020 as Onyx‘s flagship product. It doubled down on premium hardware and cross-functionality between reading, note-taking and document handling.
Both companies fill surging demand for distraction-free digital paper…
Now let‘s scrutinize how the reMarkable 2 and Note Air tablets compare!
Display Dialogue: Canvas vs. Carta
As an e-paper aficionado, you undoubtedly prioritize the display. That‘s what transforms these devices into digital paper after all!
Both the reMarkable 2 and Note Air boast a 10.3" monochrome touchscreen:
| Display | reMarkable 2 | Boox Note Air |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Canvas (proprietary) | E Ink Carta HD |
| Resolution | 1,872 × 1,404 pixels | 1,872 x 1,404 pixels |
| DPI | 226 PPI | 227 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | 21 ms latency | 22 ms latency |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 2,048 levels | 4,096 levels |
| Protection | Plastic film guard (replaceable) | Asahi Glass Dragontrail |
You‘ll enjoy gorgeous clarity reviewing documents or noting ideas on either. But let‘s decode the tech underneath…
Canvas – reMarkable‘s trademark display aims for paper-quality clarity by aligning e-ink microcapsules in optimal formation. This accounts for sharp viewing at steep angles. The proprietary tech also minimizes latency and ghosting with finely tuned circuitry according to the company.
Independent tests confirm Canvas‘ responsiveness advantages which lead to a more natural pencil feel. But some users report slight pixilation and occasional flashing absent on the Note Air.
Carta – The E Ink Carta panel in the Note Air relies on established e-paper tech found across popular e-readers. However, the HD version enhances contrast for bolder blacks and faster page turns. And the Note Air tweaks front lighting and touch layers for buttery smoothness.
Observing the displays side-by-side, you‘ll notice the Note Air renders slightly darker text compared to the reMarkable‘s cool grays. This makes for comfortable night reading. The Canvas‘ purity commands better sketching credentials though.
It‘s a toss up between razor sharp responsiveness and mood-matching tone!
Let‘s peel back more layers…
Peak Performers: Processor & RAM Faceoff
While the outsides charm, internally the Note Air packs more punch:
| Spec | reMarkable 2 | Boox Note Air |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dual-core ARM Cortex A9 1.2 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
| CPU Cores | 2 | 8 |
| Clock Speed | 1.2 GHz | 1.8 GHz |
| RAM | 1GB LPDDR3 | 3GB LPDDR4 |
The Note Air enjoys a substantial performance edge thanks to its 8-core processor humming up to 50% quicker. This enables snappier app launching, faster note syncing and fluid page turning as you multi-task.
And with triple the RAM compared to reMarkable‘s single GB, the Note Air comfortably runs memory-intensive programs like video editors without slow down. The only time you may notice choppiness is side-loading unoptimized Android apps.
Of course, the reMarkable still zips through core notetaking duties and template creation. But if you crave more zip when jumping between books or reviewing Excel charts, the Note Air is undoubtedly faster.
Let‘s dig into software next…
Codex vs. Android: Closed Walls or Open Fields?
Gallery apps ready for downloading…
The divergent operating systems really showcase philosophical differences:
Codex – reMarkable built a streamlined Linux-based foundation tailored for paper emulation without distraction. The intuitive interface simplifies notebook creation, note organization and document export. But customization options are limited.
Android 10 – Embracing Google‘s ecosystem unlocks boundless personalization for the Note Air. Enjoy apps aplenty via the ONYX store or side-loading. Tailor shortcuts, templates, profiles. But complexity hampers focus.
Think of it as tranquil garden vs. bustling courtyard! Both have appeal depending on your workstyle…
For writers and sketchers, Codex provides a calm canvas to create danger-free. While research academics and business analysts may cherish the Note Air‘s functionality to annotate reports amid cross-referencing.
Fortunately, indie developers supplement reMarkable‘s walled environment with hacks enabling backup workarounds, gesture controls and more. But out-the-box, Android offers far more flexibility.
Leaf Through Some More Comparisons…
Before deciding, let‘s leaf through additional differences between the devices:
File support – Both handle PDFs with aplomb. But the Note Air also breezes through EPUBs natively while reMarkable requires conversion.
Note organization – Note Air folders sync seamlessly across devices via Dropbox/Google Drive. reMarkable needs a manual export process before linking notes outside its ecosystem.
Cloud archive – Note Air grants unlimited storage for page backups. reMarkable caps notebook capacity depending on your subscription plan.
Web interface – Handy Companion apps permit Note Air content prepping remotely. reMarkable‘s web portal only supports file transfers.
Third-party pens – Note Air embraces Bluetooth styluses like Apple Pencil for advanced pressure sensing. reMarkable‘s pen remains exclusive yet superbly accurate.
Accessories – reMarkable offers various marker tips and replacement nibs perfect for its proprietary pen. Note Air utilizes standard Wacom AES tech for broader accessory compatibility.
Phew…that‘s a heap of comparisons! Let‘s breeze through some remaining questions before landing on recommendations…
Any Other Questions Before Deciding?
How‘s battery life? – Both claim months from single charges. Real-world usage nets ~2 weeks for rM2, over 3 weeks for the Note Air. Either keeps you unplugged longer than smartphones.
What about durability? – reMarkable touts impressive drop survival but its plastic-like canvas lacks the reassurance of the Note Air‘s replaceable Asahi Glass shield. Aluminum bodies both bounce reasonably well against life‘s knocks.
How do prices compare? – Note Air retails around $120-150 higher given its beefier internals. But sales often reduce costs below reMarkable‘s $399 base. And Note Air bundles helpful accessories absent on the rM2. Value depends on your goals.
Who are they best suited for? – Writers seeking distraction-free creative flow lean reMarkable. Research & reference intensive jobs like students, journalists and analysts will better leverage the Note Air. But plenty find either device perfect for their needs!
What about alternatives? – If weighing costs, consider the Nova Air C for under $320. Or for iOS integration, the iPad Mini reigns supreme. Kobo Elipsa bundles ebooks nicely too. But no stylus bests reMarkable or Note Air for pen-to-paper magic.
Final Verdict: Who Do I Recommend?
For most shoppers, the Boox Note Air strikes an ideal balance of advanced hardware, cross-platform flexibility and durable long-term value.
But users primarily focused on writing tasks may connect better with the elegant simplicity of the reMarkable 2.
Either delivers a sublime pen + paper experience miles beyond glossy tablets. Both are leaders amongst the new generation of digital writing slates heralded by creators worldwide.
I hope this detailed yet friendly comparison helped highlight the perfect e-paper companion for pursuing your passions! Let me know any other questions in the comments. And feel free share whether you prefer the soothing focus of reMarkable or diverse opportunities from Boox.
