Best E Ink Tablets Of 2024
I’ve been using an e-ink tablet, specifically the reMarkable 2, for a few years.
This type of device—characterized by its black-and-white e-ink screen and stylus—sits between a traditional notepad and a tablet like an iPad.
When I use the reMarkable in public, many people don’t seem to recognize or care that it’s more than just a notepad. This is part of its charm; it feels less intrusive than an iPad or laptop.
However, those familiar with e-ink tablets often ask about my experience: how well it functions, what it’s used for, and whether it can replace an iPad.
E-ink tablets excel at replacing paper-based tasks but fall short of computing needs. They function best when viewed as digital paper with unlimited pages.
While some models can sync notes with other devices and convert handwriting to text, they are less versatile than whole tablets.
Despite this, e-ink tablets can be pricey—starting around $400 for devices like the reMarkable 2 and Only BOOX’s Note Air 3 and about $240 for the Kindle Scribe.
In contrast, the iPad begins at $350 and offers broader functionality. Thus, if you’re considering an e-ink tablet, it’s crucial to have a clear purpose.
What do e-ink tablets excel at?
Enthusiasts of paper appreciate the various functions of lined, blank, and gridded pages, as well as dedicated notebooks and planners.
One of the standout features of the reMarkable is its ability to provide all these paper types in a single device, with additional versatility through custom PDFs. Given this, here’s how I predominantly use my e-ink tablet.
Brainstorming
Most of my writing is done on my computer, except for brainstorming sessions.
Whether generating new ideas or outlining an article’s structure, I find that using a pen and paper at a table is more effective than working on my laptop.
There are a few reasons for this preference. First, my computer is full of distractions.
Second, brainstorming involves non-linear thinking, which is better suited to the freedom of pen and paper.
I can jot down ideas anywhere on the page, draw connections with arrows, and create a more fluid thought process.
This open-ended, focused writing method is ideal for me, and an e-ink tablet fits this approach perfectly.
Reading and Annotating Documents
Occasionally, I need to delve into academic texts or detailed articles.
Although I could read these on a computer, I understand the material better when I read away from my screen.
Previously, I would print out documents for this purpose, but now I use my e-ink tablet. I upload the PDF to the tablet and use the highlighter and pen tools to make annotations.
When I return to my computer, all my notes are synced and ready.
Taking Notes in Meetings
I used to be the person typing away in meetings, which made a lot of noise and created a barrier between me and the other participants.
Using an e-ink tablet instead feels less intrusive. I can jot down notes while remaining fully engaged in the discussion.
My notes are synced to my computer afterward, and I can easily convert them to text if needed.
Organizing My Daily Schedule
While I appreciate digital to-do lists and calendar apps, they only sometimes meet my needs for outlining daily and weekly tasks.
That’s where the day planner templates on my e-ink tablet come in handy.
These templates let me efficiently plan out my workday and week with physical writing, which is more effective.
I also use a PDF day planner that leverages PDF link functionality, allowing seamless navigation between different days, weeks, and months and accessing notes associated with specific dates.
Managing My Dungeons & Dragons Game
I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons but find that digital tools for character management fall short compared to traditional paper sheets.
Paper can be cumbersome, especially since I often need to replace worn sheets. My e-ink tablet solves this issue by offering a durable and flexible alternative.
I can easily add pages and keep a dedicated document with all my character’s details, such as race, class, and spell information, eliminating the need to reference the Player’s Handbook during sessions constantly.
Limitations of E-Ink Tablets
E-ink tablets fall short for tasks beyond their primary functions. Regarding activities typically handled by conventional tablets, e-ink devices often need to be improved or more capable.
Fundamental limitations include the absence of color—unless you opt for an expensive color e-ink model, which still produces muted and dull colors.
These tablets are generally unsuitable for video streaming or gaming; newer models with higher refresh rates can technically manage these activities, but the experience still needs improvement.
Additionally, they still need to replace dedicated note-taking applications fully.
Searching and Indexing Capabilities
While I keep a daily journal, I don’t use my reMarkable for this purpose.
This is partly due to habit, as I’ve been using Obsidian for years, but also because I value the ability to search and index my entries.
E-ink journals need more built-in indexing for handwritten notes, which makes it challenging to search through them efficiently.
You can convert handwriting to text, but this often needs to be revised to use an e-ink device and might be simpler if you just typed directly.
App Integration
Many e-ink tablets need to improve their ability to run apps or browse the internet.
While some models, like the Boox Note Air 3, support Android apps, the e-ink technology generally leads to a subpar experience with issues such as slow scrolling, low-quality images, and ghosting.
E-ink tablets excel when used as digital paper, but an iPad might be a better choice if app functionality is crucial.
File Sharing
Transferring files from an e-ink tablet can be cumbersome. While optical character recognition can convert handwritten notes into text or send images of your notes, these methods are only sometimes efficient.
Typically, these processes require a computer for cleanup or file management, making it easier to start with a computer if quick sharing is essential.
These limitations do not diminish the usefulness of e-ink tablets, but they highlight that these devices are best suited for specific tasks.
Your experience may differ based on your needs, but understanding these constraints can help you make an informed decision before investing in one.
Jim’s passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”