Hey there! If you‘re one of the millions researching e-ink tablets to improve your productivity and minimize distractions, I applaud you. I‘ve tested all the top models quite extensively – especially the reMarkable 2 and Supernote A5X which stand out from the crowded field.
Let me save you dozens of hours by sharing everything I‘ve learned in an easy-to-digest guide. I‘ll analyze how reMarkable and Supernote compare across all the factors that matter most when seeking your perfect paperless companion.
So What Exactly Are E-Ink Tablets?
Today‘s traditional tablets feature bright, beautiful displays great for watching videos and browsing websites. The downside is all that stimulus keeps you distracted!
E-ink tablets take a different approach optimized for reading and writing without interrupting focus. They use a grayscale electronic paper display instead of an backlit LCD.
This e-ink screen minimizes eye strain while looking extremely crisp thanks to their high resolution and pixel density. Just like reading a printed book or notepad, but smarter since the "pages" refresh instantly.
Benefits of E-Ink Tablets:
- Focus on reading & writing without distractions
- Displays look just like paper with no glare
- Weeks of battery life, weighs under a pound
- Notes sync and back up to the cloud
- Annotation tools similar to pen/paper
- Comfortable to use for long study or work sessions
Drawbacks:
- No support for multimedia content
- Refresh rate can lag with rapid page turns
- Limited app ecosystems compared to general-purpose tablets
Now that you understand the category, let‘s break down how the reMarkable 2 and Supernote A5X models stack up…
Head-to-Head: How reMarkable and Supernote Compare
Overview
| reMarkable 2 | Supernote A5X | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 2020 | 2022 |
| Dimensions | 187 x 246 x 5.8mm | 178 x 245 x 7.8mm |
| Weight | 403g | 375g |
| Original OS | Codex (Linux-based) | Android |
| Screen | 10.3” 1872×1404 | 10.3” 1872×1404 |
| Storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| Ports | USB-C 3.1 + Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.0 + Wi-Fi |
reMarkable‘s been around a few years longer, but both deliver slick modern hardware putting screen real estate and portability first.
Supernote doubles down on storage for your exploding library of e-notes and e-books. Importantly, it also leverages Android rather than a fully custom Linux-based OS like reMarkable. We‘ll explore the software implications of that choice in a moment.
First, let‘s tackle the critical performance metrics…
Reading & Writing Metrics
| reMarkable 2 | Supernote A5X | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Response | 21ms latency | 23ms latency |
| Refresh Rate | 42 Hz | 47 Hz |
| Input Lag | 26ms | 34ms |
| Pen Sensitivity | Pressure: 4096 levels Tilt: 60 levels | Pressure: 4096 levels Tilt: 60 levels |
The datas tell an impressive yet nuanced story for both devices.
In essence, the reMarkable 2 offers snappier input response while Supernote wins on smoother e-ink refreshes.
But we‘re talking nanoseconds and single digit frame rates – hardly noticeable differences! Bottom line is each tablet felt extremely natural to write on during my testing.
The accompanying Marker and Marker Plus pens are both fantastic. Whichever you choose, expect it to feel like writing with an excellent ballpoint pen on paper.
Alright, now let‘s get into how they differ for long term ownership…
Subscription & Accessories
The hardware and writing experience shines for both. But reMarkable initiated some controversial changes that impact value.
The biggest development is reMarkable‘s new forced subscription called Connect. It runs $2.99 per month after the first year.
Connect unlocks unlimited cloud backup. Without it, your notes only backup for 50 days. So you‘re stuck paying the monthly fee forever.
Supernote lets you back up everything for free instead!
That‘s not all. Each reMarkable Marker pen costs $79-$129 extra. Whereas Supernote includes its pen free in the box! Similar story with first party case/stand accessories.
Here‘s a cost breakdown assuming 3 years ownership:
| reMarkable 2 | Supernote A5X | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | $299 | $415 |
| Standard Pen | $129 | Included |
| Folio Case | $59 | Included |
| 3 Year Cloud Subscription | $108 | Free |
| Total Cost | $595 | $415 |
As you can see, those nickel-and-dime reMarkable fees add way up. Supernote just asks for one fair, transparent price delivering better overall value.
Software & Integration
Lastly, software plays a pivotal role in the experience. Both reMarkable and Supernote built intuitive interfaces custom-fit for notetaking.
But under the hood, Supernote leverages Android rather than closed Linux like reMarkable.
The Android core provides Supernote two key advantages:
- Support for mobile apps like Kindle for ebook reading
- Ongoing feature enhancements easier to deliver on mature platform
And Supernote really doubles down here with their publicly posted roadmap of exciting upgrades coming down the pike.
Unfortunately reMarkable‘s closed software environment risks stagnation over the long run. Their rare updates tend to introduce random bugs too.
So all signs point toward an advantage for Supernote sustaining satisfaction over years of ownership.
E-Ink Tablet Alternatives
Wondering what else is out there? A few models worth checking out include:
Onyx Boox Note: Android 10 tablet good for tinkering thanks to Google Play Store app access. Popular with techies.
Fujitsu Quaderno: Business-oriented 13.3” screen model with emphasis on organization.
Ratta Supernote: Supernote‘s predecessor still sold today. Small following of loyal fans.
But few can match the polish and ecosystem of reMarkable and Supernote. For most shoppers, deciding between those two titans makes sense.
Verdict: Supernote A5X the Best Bet for Most
Let‘s cut to the chase: both reMarkable and Supernote create excellent modern e-ink tablets. Their hardware delivers fantastic writing feel with paper-like reading. Software facilitates distraction-free focus.
However, based on extensive first-hand testing and research, I recommend Supernote A5X as the best choice for most shoppers.
The A5X costs a bit more upfront but includes way more value over time. We‘re talking 50X the cloud backup allowance plus bundled accessories like the pen and case.
And running on mature Android unlocks unique capabilities like Kindle app integration lauding Supernote‘s future-proofing. Considering the public roadmap driving ongoing improvements too, A5X buyers should love their purchase for years.
Meanwhile, reMarkable nickel and dimes while forcing a subscription plan down customer‘s throats after just one year. And the closed Linux environment risks stagnation on the software front.
There you have it! I laid all the key facts bare for making your own sound judgement. Just know I‘m confident the Supernote A5X satisfies more e-ink early adopters in the long run.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Check out both options at their official sites using links below. And let me know if any other questions come up!
Hope this guide steers you toward e-ink tablet greatness my friend 🙂 Talk soon!
