reMarkable 2: The Future of Note-Taking

For the best writing and sketching experience on an E Ink screen, the reMarkable 2 stands out. It's also one of the best-looking tablets I've tested. However, without front lighting, it's only usable during the day or with room lights on, limiting its function as an e-reader. This limited use makes its high price hard to justify.

reMarkable 2 Specifications

Feature	Details
Software	Codex (Linux-based)
Light	None
Screen size	10.3 inches
Resolution	226ppi (1872 x 1404 dots)
Processor	1.2GHz dual-core ARM
RAM	1GHz
File support	PDF and EPUB only
Battery	3,000mAh
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, USB-C
Display type	2nd generation Canvas (modified E Ink display)
Water protection	None
Dimensions	188 x 246 x 4.7 mm (7.4 x 9.6 x 0.19 in)
Weight	403.5g (0.89 lb)

Brief Overview

The reMarkable 2 launched in March 2020. Despite this, it remains a top e-paper tablet. The company has focused on improving the second-generation model through firmware updates rather than releasing a third version.

When we updated our original 2020 review in August 2022, the reMarkable 2 had already seen significant improvements. It had new features like a document drawer, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive integration, screen sharing, and notes for PDFs and ebooks.

In December 2022, reMarkable released firmware version 3.0, further enhancing the tablet and leading us to update the review again.

The core of the device remains the same, designed for creating and syncing ideas to the cloud for access anywhere. The added features over the years make it the best note-taking tablet available. 

Some newer features I like include checkboxes on to-do lists that automatically strikethrough tasks, support for the Type Folio announced in March 2023, and handwriting-to-text conversion. This accessory turns the reMarkable 2 into a fantastic E Ink laptop, though the lack of a browser limits its use.

The eraser on the Marker Plus stylus is now more precise. With no input lag, it is the best e-paper tablet for signing documents. This makes the reMarkable 2 a great digital sketch pad.

This might be the slimmest and most elegant 10-inch tablet I've reviewed. The sleek design is enhanced by the tiny power button and the silver-grey trim on one side, giving it a premium appearance. I like the matte finish on the rear that hides most fingerprint smudges and the small pads that protect the back panel.

Without a bookstore or access to other applications, the reMarkable 2 is mainly for note-taking, and it excels at this. Patience and time are necessary to discover all of its useful features. reMarkable has tutorials and guides on the device and online, but they only cover the basics.

The lack of front lighting for the screen is a major drawback. This means you cannot use it to read in bed with the lights off, which is something I enjoy but cannot do with the reMarkable 2.

It is also an expensive device, making it unaffordable for many users, especially considering the cost of accessories like replacement pen nibs.

Pricing and Accessibility

• Announced in March 2020.

• The launch price for the tablet and pen bundle was £399 / AU$679 / $399.

• The list price with the pen is £379 / AU$618 / $399. In Australia, it is sold as a tablet only for AU$499.

The reMarkable 2 and the Marker (basic pen) bundle costs AU$618 / £379 / $399. You can buy it from third-party authorized retailers or directly from the brand. The Marker Plus bundle, which has an eraser on the top of the stylus, costs AU$698 / £419 / $449.

At this price, the tablet may be a hard sell for some. It is more expensive than the entry-level iPad, which offers more functionality with its color screen, full multimedia support, and App Store access. 

The Amazon Kindle Scribe and the Kobo Elipsa 2E offer not just note-taking but also access to bookstores on a front-lit screen. They are priced at AU$549 / £329 / $339 and AU$629.95 / £349.99 / $399.99, respectively, and have more onboard storage.

For artists and note-takers, the reMarkable 2 provides a unique and focused experience. It does not do as much as Apple's tablet, but what it does, it does incredibly well.

When the reMarkable 2 launched in 2020, it was only available directly from the company as part of a bundle with a Marker (the stylus). This is still the case in the US and the UK. However, in Australia, customers can purchase just the tablet for AU$499. 

The reMarkable 2 works with other capacitive styli, so buying the tablet alone and pairing it with a cheaper third-party pen might be a more affordable option. However, the writing experience may not be as good.

Design and Display Quality

• Minimalist, sleek design  

• Screen lacks lights  

• Only 4.7mm thickness

Once, the reMarkable tablet was a unique note-taking e-paper device. Now, it faces competition from Onyx, Amazon, and Kobo. However, the reMarkable 2’s design is still considered the best. It is one of the most beautiful e-paper tablets with a minimalist look.

Measuring 187 x 246 x 4.7 mm, this tablet is still the slimmest globally, with a weight of 403.5g. It is 30g lighter than the Amazon Kindle Scribe but a bit heavier than the Kobo Elipsa 2E at 390g.

In real use, the weight difference is negligible. Its white bezels and dark silver aluminum frame give it a lighter feel compared to the bulkier Kobo. Although the Kindle Scribe also has a metal body, it looks plain next to the stylish reMarkable 2.

Switching to an aluminum frame from plastic, the reMarkable 2 can now use the newer keyboard folio, magnetic accessories like snap-on covers.

The back panel has four small rubber feet to prevent slipping when writing on a table. A USB-C port is on the bottom left corner, and a small power button is on the top-left edge.

The flush screen is a 10.3-inch modified monochrome E Ink Carta display, named Canvas by reMarkable. It’s optimized for stylus use.

Boasting a 226ppi resolution, it offers decent sharpness, although it doesn't match up to the Kindle Scribe's 300ppi E Ink Carta 1200 display. However, it’s easy on the eyes, with a slight friction that feels like writing on paper.

The reMarkable tablet lacks screen lighting – there are no LEDs, so it can’t be used in the dark like other e-ink tablets.

A stylus called the Marker is included with a bundle purchase and magnetically attaches to the top of the right bezel or the right edge. It has a fine texture for grip, and the more expensive Marker Plus has an eraser on top. 

Both pens are comfortably long and thick, well-weighted for extended writing. However, like a real pen, their tips wear out. Each pack comes with 10 replacements, needing change every three to seven weeks, or longer if not used constantly. This can be an additional cost.