E-Ink tablets have garnered interest for their promise of merging the satisfying tactility of traditional notebooks with the conveniences of digital tools. Enthusiasts of pen and paper might find these devices particularly captivating, given their potential to store information digitally while offering an experience akin to physical notebooks. The evolution of E-Ink technology has been notable in recent years, with color E-Ink tablets gradually becoming available. This article reviews various E Ink tablets to evaluate their performance, convenience, and the best options currently on the market.
Editor’s note (September 2024): reMarkable has launched its third-generation E-Ink tablet, the reMarkable Paper Pro, which features a color display and starts at $579. This new model boasts a refined design, improved internals, and a color screen. An update on this guide will follow after testing the Paper Pro.
Are E Ink Tablets Worth It?
E Ink tablets cater to a niche audience. They appeal to users who prefer paper-like displays over LCD panels commonly found on traditional tablets. Additionally, they serve those seeking a more authentic writing experience or a distraction-free device. However, these devices don’t run the same operating systems as regular tablets, thereby limiting their functionality. Moreover, even those that allow downloading traditional apps, such as Chrome or Instagram, do not offer an optimal browsing experience due to the inherent qualities of E Ink displays, including noticeable refresh rates and lower color quality.
One significant distinction arises regarding iPads, all of which support stylus input and numerous reading apps. While iPads offer multitasking capabilities, their access to email, social media, and the broader internet can be distracting. Conversely, most e-readers lack stylus input, which might be a drawback for users who prefer annotating books or marking up documents.
What to Look for in an E Ink Tablet
Latency: The writing experience is crucial and largely influenced by the display’s refresh rate and the stylus’s latency. Most tablets tested showed minimal to no latency, although some performed better than others. It is also advisable to ensure that the preferred tablet includes a stylus.
Reading: Consider how much reading will be done on the device. E Ink tablets come in various sizes, usually larger than standard e-readers, facilitating easier writing. The display’s size might affect comfort during prolonged use. Compatibility with different file types is also significant, as devices from companies like Amazon or Kobo generally offer better experiences due to their existing e-book ecosystems.
Search Functionality: The ability to search through handwritten notes and markups varies between models. Amazon and Kobo devices save locations of notes and highlights, facilitating easy reference. Other tablets might support text search and handwriting recognition, translating scribbles into typed text.
Sharing and Connectivity: E Ink tablets often emphasize distraction-free usage but still need to offer some connectivity. Options such as Wi-Fi, cloud syncing, companion mobile apps, and email export are common. However, direct integration with digital note-taking systems like Evernote or OneNote is usually absent, positioning these tablets as supplementary tools for such apps.
Evaluation of Specific Products
reMarkable 2: This device presents an ideal balance of features for an e-paper tablet. Its design facilitates writing and reading with little latency. It supports PDFs and ePUBs, with file addition options through desktop logins, mobile apps, and cloud services like Google Drive. A notable feature is the "Read with reMarkable" Chrome extension for sending articles to the tablet. The reMarkable Connect subscription enhances functionality with unlimited cloud storage and syncing, albeit at an additional cost. The reMarkable 2 is priced at $399 for the tablet alone and $499 with the Marker Plus.
Amazon Kindle Scribe: With a 10.2-inch screen and minimal writing latency, the Kindle Scribe leverages Amazon’s e-book ecosystem. The device supports note-taking, although current limitations restrict annotations in Kindle books. It is priced at $369.99 for the 16GB model, including a premium pen.
Supernote X: Known for its excellent writing experience, the Supernote X supports various file formats, making it versatile. It offers features like handwriting recognition and template customization but feels slightly inconsistent in some aspects. The device is priced at $532 with a pen and folio.
Boox Note Air 3: Running the latest Android version, the Boox Note Air 3 supports numerous Android apps and offers expansive functionality. It includes a stylus and is priced at $400, positioning it as a versatile option for those needing a cross-functional device.
Kobo Libra Colour: This model integrates color display and stylus support, allowing for comprehensive annotations and note-taking. Although not bundled with a stylus, it remains an attractive option at $219. Its seven-inch display and user-friendly interface highlight it as a notable E Ink tablet.
Other E Ink Tablets Tested
Lenovo Smart Paper and Onyx Boox Tab Ultra: While offering robust hardware and features, these models either come at a high cost or are tied to limited companion services, reducing their overall flexibility compared to top picks.
TCL NXTPAPER 14 Pro: This tablet uses a hybrid display technology focusing on eye comfort but has yet to be fully reviewed or priced.
Overall, E Ink tablets serve particular needs effectively, with each model offering unique strengths depending on user requirements, from dedicated note-taking to versatile e-reading experiences.
