Are you considering a paperless digital device for handwritten notes, sketches, annotations and more? With physical notebooks quickly becoming relics of the past, innovative tablets like the reMarkable 2 and reusable Rocketbooks aim to digitize writing while preserving analog experience.
But recognizing their key differences is crucial before committing to either option.
In this comprehensive feature comparison, we dive deep into the reMarkable and Rocketbook to reveal how they stack up across connectivity, usability, portability and more. Analyzing their unique strengths and limitations provides the insights you need to decide: which paperless note taker is the best fit for your needs and budget?
Let‘s compare these popular digital writing slates in detail.
Overview: reMarkable 2
reMarkable 2 is a high-end digital paper tablet tailored for notetaking and sketching. With a demonstrably paper-like 10.3” monochrome touchscreen display, this second generation device aims to deliver the best writing and sketching experience outside pen and paper. Its ultra-low latency Canvas display promises virtually no lag. And the sleek Marker stylus allows for pressure-sensitive drawing with precise control.
At $399-$649 price range, the reMarkable 2 sits firmly as a premium digital notebook replacement. But its refined hardware and software capabilities make that investment enticing for frequent notetakers.
Key reMarkable 2 Features and Specs
Display: 10.3” monochrome, 226 PPI e-paper
Dimensions: 187x246x4.7mm
Weight: 403g
Storage: 8GB
Battery: Up to 2 weeks (typical usage)
Sync and Export: Wi-Fi, USB-C, Email, Cloud integrations
Writing Stylus: Marker (with spare tips) + Eraser
Overview: Rocketbook
While lacking bells and whistles, Rocketbook smart notebooks excel through sheer simplicity. With 42 reusable dot-grid pages made from specialized material, these notebooks let you digitize handwriting from any Pilot FriXion pen before wiping clean. Rocketbook‘s free mobile app integrates scanned pages with cloud services, while AI handwriting recognition enables keyword searches.
The end result? A sustainably reusable notebook keeping your writing forever accessible digitally. With regular notebooks priced under $35, Rocketbook remains one of the most affordable paperless solutions.
Key Rocketbook Features and Specs
Pages: 8.5”x11” dot grid (42 sheets)
Writing Instrument: Any Pilot FriXion pen
Digitization: Mobile app w/ OCR
Reusability: Wipe clean with damp cloth
Sync: Integrates iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox etc.
Templates: 7 varieties including planners, dot grid and more
| reMarkable 2 | Rocketbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.3" digital paper display (no backlight) | 8.5" x 11" physical dot grid paper pages |
| Stylus | Proprietary Marker w/ replaceable tips | Any Pilot FriXion pen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB-C | Mobile app integration |
Now that we‘ve summarized the core functionality of reMarkable and Rocketbook, let‘s analyze how they compare across the factors that likely matter most…
Writing and Drawing Experience
For replicating natural pen and paper feel, the reMarkable 2 is unmatched. Its proprietary Canvas display delivers virtually lag-free line precision. And the Marker stylus provides excellent pressure sensitivity whether you‘re hastily jotting notes or carefully illustrating. Reviewers universally praise reMarkable 2’s natural writing responsiveness.
“It feels more like writing on paper than writing on glass. The friction on the screen changes the feeling of writing in a way that‘s hard to define but easy to feel.” – TheVerge
Rocketbook relies entirely on traditional pens gliding across coated paper. So the tactile experience inherently feels truer to analog. However, their smooth pages lack the friction and feedback replicating actual notebooks. And scanning handwriting via camera can occasionally distort or compress intricate details.
Winner: reMarkable 2 – For sophisticated sketching or precise note taking, its superior stylus technology and lag-free responsiveness provide the best overall writing experience outside pen and paper.
Note Organization
Both options digitize your handwriting into shareable files accessible across devices. But fundamental differences in their core user experience impact practical organization.
The reMarkable interface centers around digital notebooks with section dividers. Dynamic templates enable creating specialized pages for meeting minutes, sheet music and more. Familiar editing tools also allow refining notes after the fact, with conversion to text for word processing. Its first-party ecosystem remains streamlined yet powerful for managing handwriting.
Rocketbook relies entirely on the companion mobile app post-writing, with notebooks functioning solely as analog input devices. Scanned pages sync into common cloud services or the Rocketbook archive. But Expect minimal structure beyond tagging notes or grouping them into basic folders.
Mobile-first users already immersed in tools like Evernote may embrace Rocketbook’s simplicity. But if leveraging notebooks as task management or project collaboration hubs sounds appealing, reMarkable 2 offers a more tailor-made experience.
Winner: reMarkable 2 – Its specialized OS provides better native tools fine-tuned for interlinked, searchable notes. More analog-focused users get by fine with Rocketbook’s minimal app digitization.
Connectivity
Both reMarkable and Rocketbook transfer written work into digital formats for storage, accessibility and sharing online. But their respective techniques vary vastly.
As a self-managed device, reMarkable 2 supports various connectivity protocols (Wi-Fi, USB-C) for syncing notes both automatically and on-demand. Its partner integrations also enable transparent pushing to popular cloud tools like Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive with account linking. Or export notes individually via email. Regardless of destination, keeping files organized through reMarkable OS itself remains straightforward.
The Rocketbook ecosystem orbits entirely around its mobile companion app. Written pages require manual scanning via phone camera before digitization. But handy visual cues automatically sort, tag and route them into your existing cloud storage solution afterward. Effective enough for quick backups without unnecessary complexity. Yet moving or managing content outside Rocketbook tools provides little accommodation.
Those valuing direct device connectivity for uninterrupted workflow may prefer reMarkable 2. But Rocketbook holds its own for streamlined analog-digital bridge functionality many deem sufficient.
Winner: Tie. Both achieve online accessibility using divergent approaches suiting different preferences.
Template Flexibility
Do preset dot grid pages suffice? Or would fully customizable digital templates prove more practical?
Out the box, Rocketbook comes with seven paper style varieties: dot grid, lined, blank, planner, weekly planner, monthly planner and meeting notes. Convenient enough for general use. But modifying templates or adding niche page layouts impossible. You work within predefined constraints.
reMarkable 2 offers similar notebook-style presets fine for quick notes. But its standout template features enable crafting completely unique pages. Add graphs, charts or advanced multi-column tables. Design architectural schematics or sheet music with specialized staff lines. The drag-drop editor even supports inserting images and website links as references or inspiration while working. Now those D&D character sheets become feasible!
For most users, Rocketbook’s simpler page options work fine day-to-day. But creative pros, students or hobbyists crafting highly-specific diagrams and documents will discover reMarkable 2 template flexibility invaluable.
Winner: reMarkable 2 – Building fully custom templates from scratch is a power user’s dream.
Portability
Hauling a digital device, case and accessories undoubtedly requires compromising the grab-and-go spontaneity provided by pocket notebooks with bundled pens. But technology progresses closer toward that nostalgic convenience.
At 403 grams, reMarkable 2 strikes an impressive balance between generous 10” screen real estate and lightweight thinner frame with chamfered edges. Tossing it alongside laptop and tablet gear should feel unintrusive for many commuters. Its Marker tips snap securely into place magnetically when not hand. And a range of first-party folios offer ample protection when stuffed inside full backpacks.
Slim 8.5” x 11” Rocketbooks weigh even less – a paltry 120 to 380 grams depending specification. Plus any slender FriXion pen fits neatly within the cover. For those focused purely on portability, it’s tough beating this analog-digital hybrid combo.
However, digital devices consolidate functions allowing you to leave more items behind. By incorporating display, storage, connectivity and editing hardware within one unit, reMarkable 2 replaces countless traditional supplies even if marginally heavier than Rocketbook.
Winner: Rocketbook – When extreme portability is priority #1, Rocketbook can’t be beat. But reMarkable 2 grants superior versatility despite slightly narrowing the mobility gap.
| Battery Life | reMarkable 2 | Rocketbook |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (Typical) | 2 Weeks | N/A (Uses Phone Battery) |
| Charging Method | USB-C | N/A |
Battery Efficiency
Maximizing uptime proves essential for spontaneous note capture inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere. Slow draining batteries bolster reliability when creative juices start flowing.
By incorporating energy-sipping e-paper panels without a power-hungry backlight, reMarkable 2 survives over two weeks per charge while averaging an hour daily use. Such exceptional efficiency means you can stash it inside bags awaiting the moment inspiration strikes knowing ample standby time remains. And if you ever do run low while working, quick top-ups via USB-C restore hours of runtime within minutes.
As a purely analog platform, Rocketbook requires no charging whatsoever. But digitizing pages depends wholly on your smartphone’s camera and processing power. Frequent scanning and syncing to archive handwriting through their app could accelerate battery drain by 10-20%, especially on older models. And unlike reMarkable 2’s rapid internal recharging, phones may require dedicated external packs as supplementation for longer days.
Winner: reMarkable 2 – With 2 weeks runtime per charge and rapid internal USB-C top-up capabilities, it offers vastly superior standalone support for writing and digitization.
Durability
Saving money long-term requires hardware surviving years of regular use, not just months. Both present compelling cases for economical longevity despite diverging materials.
Rocketbook’s superbly simple construction – dot grid paper and plastic cover – seems potentially fragile at first glance. But well-built units endure perfectly fine inside backpacks and bags with reasonable care. Proprietary Pilot FriXion ink also wipes cleanly off specialized pages using damp cloth corners for literal erase-and-repeat reuse over 32 times per Rocketbook’s estimates. You may refresh notebooks more frequently by choice. But hardly required from degradation assuming proper maintenance. Torn or wrinkled pages replaced cheaply.
By contrast, reMarkable 2’s intricate hardware and single proprietary screen naturally inspire more delicate handling. Glass displays shatter instantly with one wrong drop after all. However, few reviewers report issues even tossing it among textbooks and laptops thanks to thoughtful design accents like rubberized edges protecting against side impacts. And the nib-based Marker stylus lasts long between affordable replacements while avoiding tearing which could destroy Rocketbook pages.
Both achieve impressive lifespan through clever engineering rather than ruggedization. But reMarkable should functionally outlast Rocketbooks with careful use measured in years instead of months.
Winner: reMarkable 2 – Meticulous construction gives reMarkable 2 the edge for longevity assuming reasonable owner care.
| Price | reMarkable 2 | Rocketbook |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | $399 | $15-$35 |
| Storage Upgrade to 32GB | +$50 | N/A |
Cost Considerations
Affordability heavily impacts purchase decisions in the paperless space considering cheaper physical alternatives remain ubiquitous. By those measures, a clear dichotomy exists here.
A baseline reMarkable 2 retails just under $400. While pricey as a tech gift or impulsive trial, it delivers immense value-per-dollar for voracious note takers, artists and technical professionals. Those without clearly defined use cases may find the premium sticker price difficult justifying though. Especially students or casual meeting attendees. Accessories like first-party case folios, extra Marker tips and extended warranties further compound costs over its lifecycle. But infrequent optional purchases.
Economical Rocketbooks stay true to their name starting around only $15 for starter kits. Building a decent digital archive requires buying multiples which still barely scratch typical digital paper budgets. And aside erasable FriXion pens, you’ll enjoy virtually no recurring expenses besides replacement units every few years as pages wear thin with heavy wiping. Uncomplicated analog-digital fusion without financial overcommitting.
Winner: Rocketbook – If budget matters most, Rocketbooks deliver a quality paperless experience an order of magnitude cheaper than reMarkable 2.
Verdict
Analyzing the paperless solutions side-by-side reveals two polished approaches toward modernizing handwritten notes…albeit optimized for vastly different needs.
For those undeniably preferring authentic pen-to-paper realism, Rocketbook nails the basics at unbeatable value. Smart notebooks keep your writing permanently accessible online through dead simple mobile scanning with hardly any learning curve. Maybe you just need quick paper backups without fully digitizing workflows. If so, Rocketbook could sufficiently bridge analog habits into modern spheres affordably.
On the other hand, serious creative professionals, students or perpetual note takers with high portable digital versatility demands should consider the reMarkable 2 tablet despite steeper pricing. Its unmatched responsiveness empowers quicker note jotting and intricate sketching alike through best-in-class stylus implementation. Tailored templates enable unfettered customization suited to any workflow. And fulsome OS features put robust organization at your fingertips while converting handwriting into actionable data. Yes, it costs substantially more upfront. But that premium hardware and software foundation facilitate efficiency unimaginable through traditional mediums.
There you have it! A comprehensive feature breakdown between the reMarkable 2 and Rocketbook digital paper platforms. Hopefully the detailed side-by-side analysis gave clarity whether one suits your own priorities. Both deliver immense practical value as obesity solutions albeit through distinct approaches.
Did we miss any important considerations influencing your decision? Share your questions and insights below to keep the paperless conversation going!
