Supernote Nomad (A6X2): Final Verdict

[@academii]

Super helpful Jeffrey. You helped me make a decision. I believe I'm going to wait for the A5x2 version. Thank you!

[@imacexpress]

Jeff - I appreciate your thoughtful summary. I’ve been using my A5X for a few years and now purchased an A6X2. PRIMARY CONS - Unresponsive touch menus- I have this very occasionally. Seems like a threshold/sensitivity issue. Hopefully can be tweaked in SW. Nothing NEAR as bad as what you experienced on your video. Very concerning frankly. That’s returnable. - Never gonna have front lighting on SN. I’ve grieved but also celebrated the great battery life. The display is a nice white paper in decent lighting so I’ve come to terms with it. - I’ve never had a 7.8 inch note taking device aside from my moleskin. I like it. It’s less intimidating to pull out and jot notes than my A5X and an easier carry. But thats just opinion. The Landscape makes note taking quite easy as well. (You touch on that as well) SECONDARY CONS - Totally agree on the color of the push-up stylus. The stylus is great. Lightweight very functional and I actually prefer it over my HOM. BUT, the color was frankly just a rush situation. Kinda embarrassing for them IMHO. - I’ve never really been into typing with E-ink. I get it. But I’m interested in the cognitive connection with actual handwriting. I can type any time, anywhere (it seems) but a nice handwriting experience (electronically) is best served with the SN. - Color is not ready. I have a BooxNoteAir3C. It’s impressive, but I can drain it in half a day. - I love the recessed power button. Brilliant. I see your point but accidentally tripping your button is worse. Also side mounted power input is a hassle with this type of case. The top does make more sense-especially if they use the rear connector in the future for an accessory. - Automatice PDF conversation would be nice. It’s very good on Boox. Seems pretty easy to achieve. Ratta listens. My summary: I purchased the A6X2 because it’s smaller and a real take anywhere. I love SuperNote because it works best for my Notetaking needs. This is LONG term value and platform device (ie: stable). Enough can never be said about their real lead in sustainable, extendable use devices. The landfills are full. We can do better with Ratta. Thanks again Jeff for your commentary and insight!

[@jeffreymoss]

Thanks! To the touch issue, it's more intermittent than the video might suggest. I probably could have done a better job in describing that. The video was to demonstrate the problem in action, but I can see how that can also make the problem look worse than it is. It's certainly there, and it sounds like it's there for me more often than for you, but even for me the issue comes and goes. I appreciate your thoughts overall, but that's a great observation regarding the power button in particular. I hadn't thought about that.

[@alljustatoms]

Thanks for all the great info and opinions all throughout the year. Happy Nee Year!

[@salmanaqvi9922]

Hi Jeffery, Marvelous + Superb! I must say you really did such a reMarkable research and input your pin point decisively details that would be really helpful for a non technical or first time user can make a purchase easily. That’s amazing. Thank you! God bless you and your family. Have a healthy HappyNew Year.

[@blakerupert4920]

incredibly comprehensive and clear review. thank you!

[@tmac2705]

So comprehensive and great production quality, Jeff! Thanks for your hard work putting this detailed video together

[@sumkam9374]

This is a great review. You covered almost everything that someone would have to know about the Nomad.

[@justjonoutdoors]

Battery drain is SO subjective! In my prior job, I would charge my reMarkable 2 about twice every three weeks. In my current job, I rarely go more than 3 days, so yes, it’s all about how you use the device!

[@h.hristov]

I didn’t know it had screen sharing! This is so cool to have

[@Andrew-hu9ke]

Awesome and very useful review, thank you🙏

[@Change-1820]

Jeffrey, as always, I enjoy your reviews. I didn't see this asked, so please pardon me if I missed it. You mention that you cannot view real-time updates to notes or PDFs in the Supernote on another device. I think you are 100% correct on third-party services, but on the Supernote Cloud, you can see this and I believe it is viewable as a PNG or PDF based on user selection. Just thought I would share. Also, I believe the Nomad and even the A5X beta version have auto sync. Thanks again for a great review.

[@jeffreymoss]

Great call out.

[@karlmunford7000]

Great video, very concise and informative. Regarding battery drain, I'm burning through a charge faster than your figures and that maybe because of something you haven't measured, nor indeed can without a whole load of tests. What I'm talking about is what you have hinted at, and thats how you use the device. I'm guessing the manner in which some of us use the device burns through a charge faster than other use cases, for instance, I not only note take but during my research am jumping throughout other notes, to ePubs and PDFs ... creating links, highlighting and searching etc... fast and all the time while adding to this, constantly opening and closing the cover which _'may'_ add to the power drain as it is woken, put to sleep and woken again and again. And the amazing navigation the Supernote offers means you really can jump around very fast, all of this is difficult to calculate regarding battery drain, but must be a factor. Using the slider to move through pages isn't my preference, and I certainly hope they haven't used that for creating links as it would be a mess, but maybe with reading I'd get used to it. As many others, I'm waiting for the A4X2 if its reasonably _'highly priced',_ but not if it forces you to sync your entire device to the cloud. Again, thanks for taking the time to put the video together, thats allot of work and is appreciated.

[@jeffreymoss]

Yeah, any work that constantly refreshes the screen will accelerate the battery drain. To your point, I run my tests in isolation to try to estimate the battery drain of various elements/aspects of the device. If you start to string together more complicated, but not unreasonable, actions, it will change the profile of the battery drain. As a reviewer, that's near impossible to simulate, given all the potential combinations of how people might use the device. I just try to get as close as I can. I think my profiles will be more meaningful as I test more devices, which will in turn provide more reference points. That's something I'm working on this month. We'll see how it goes. Always appreciate the kind words.

[@airlinemac]

Great comprehensive video. Many thanks

[@palomamas6748]

Great review. Do you know if you can draw a straight line like in other devices? Also, it would be great to see a detail explanation about the calendar. Thanks

[@jeffreymoss]

I'm actually going to cover the calendar in the next video! In terms of the line, there is shape recognition where you draw a line and then hold it at the end, and it creates a clean line. Is that what you are referring to?

[@telockett9850]

I agree on the stylus. I think they should have kept their standard pens options and colors but I think because it wasn’t selling as well so the HOM2, I agree they seem to either be testing out the response before they offer other colors and/ or driving to HOM2.

[@Rsmin]

Noticed the same thing with my A6X2 and button pushing. I have just started using the stylus every time

[@xxxauraxxxxx]

Weird. I do not have this problem at all. I just thoroughly tested this to make sure. Maybe it's because I have small fingers? The only thing that doesn't respond every single time is when I swipe down on the left sidebar to pull up the quick access menu. I think it's because I do it too lightly sometimes. Just tried it a few times with a bit more of a firm touch and had no issues.

[@rush48192]

I do have the side bar issue sometimes also when swiping down, but nothing with button press yet anyway

[@tobefree3718]

V helpful review. Obviously not an incentivised advertorial like most youtube reviews, which is great. Im amazed they release a device with buttons not working, but i guess thats a software issue that will be fixed. Screen sharing seems pointless in real life use. Cream pen, sloppy aesthetics as you say. Why on earth would they release this sub par aesthetics, seems v counter to the brand image. Great review.

[@rescueferret8834]

Many teachers use screen sharing when they lecture

[@LWeOAreVOneE]

The crystal version also has a greatly added wait time to the white version. Some people ordered theirs mid february and still haven't had their crystal Nomad shipped.

[@jeffreymoss]

I think the crystal form is worth it, so I'm not surprised at that.

[@jdub1139]

This video was very helpful. I’m new to the E Ink Tablet scene and just now thinking seriously about getting one for work. I only need it to take and store my notes and that’s it. Now the question is do I move forward and buy the Nomad or hold off until the A5 X2 is released? Decisions decisions. Thanks

[@jdub1139]

My Nomad arrived yesterday and I must say it’s awesome. Your video really helped in the decision process. Thank you!

[@timuti]

Hey ! I’d like to buy Nomad, but just worrying about the size. I will use to take notes in the meeting. Are u happy with its size ?

[@jdub1139]

@@timuti Yes, I’m happy with it. When it arrived, at first glance I thought it would be too small, but that’s really not the case as it takes up less room on my desk and I’m able to capture all my notes. I’ve been using it now for a couple weeks and very glad I bought it.

[@Baykah21]

I would appreciate a homescreen as simple as it may seem.. but so far its been a good experience with my nomad

[@inveele]

Great video. When you share the screen, does colored writing appear in true colors or in gray ?

[@jeffreymoss]

It will reflect whatever color you use on the device. Right now that ranges from White to Light Grey to Dark Grey to Black.

[@imacexpress]

Jeff- I’m adding an important comment regarding the TRANSITION to an A6X2, or using them simultaneously with our A5X models. First, I read quite a bit and really enjoy the digest function on the SuperNote. It’s a standout feature that in fact tipped the scale. But upon syncing my files using the SuperNote cloud, the Digests did not sync. SuperNote support suggests this will be addressed with an update when A5X gets the updated firmware. Second, notes created on the A6X2 cannot be opened on the A5X, yet. This too appears to be waiting on the A5X firmware update as well. Browsing the Reddit area for Beta updates, it seems there is ALOT of work to be done. I have not applied for Beta Updates. Often I do, but I feel confident in Ratta schedule and want to work with stable releases. So Stand along things are pretty smooth, but going back and forth between models at this time is a bit of fence straddling.

[@jeffreymoss]

Great feedback! Thanks for keeping me in the loop on that.

[@angrycatplans]

Thanks for the hint about the wifi connectivity. I had no idea it drained the device so much. About the stylus I agree it's not very aestheticly pleasing with that colour but it does seem so much better than the one that came with the decive a few years back. They even send you an extra cap becaue it came off so easily. Also the ridges on the older pen was a huge minus in usability. This new pen is on my things to buy at some point. Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed watching it.

[@theladyfuria]

great video! what do you recommend for a new e-ink user? I'm tempted to A5x2 or A6x2 - not sure if I'll adapt with the a6 size , and the delay of the a5x2 has been annoying a bit - but also thinking maybe a colour device like Boox. I want to use for notetaking, drawing and reading books and mangas, sometimes comics but not my priority. I'm a music teacher if that helps. Thank you so much!

[@jeffreymoss]

I feel like you might be better off with a Boox, given the reading part of your use case. Two devices to consider are the Go 10.3 which is B&W with no front light, and the Note Air 3 C which is color. Both are great. I've done videos on each, so check out my review videos for more details. Supernote is a powerful device, but is best for notetaking and not as much for reading (although you can sideload documents). Boox has access to apps, which might be useful in your situation.

[@bruceclovis]

Thank you Jeffrey. You are probably not going to upgrade your Supernote A5X to the next model when it is released. Are you going to replace the original screen protector on your current device with the new Feelwrite 2 screen protector ? I am less concerned with the aesthetics of the push up pen than its functionality. I do like that it can be clicked to withdraw the nib inside the pen where it is protected if the pen drops onto the hard ground, unlike the HOM pens. Does it rattle at all when you use it ? Anyway, thanks again for your comments.

[@jeffreymoss]

No, I think the new screen protector is fine but it's not a strong point for me. I like the original and new screen protectors equally at this point. The push-up pen does rattle a bit; it's not too loud but you definitely notice it.

[@nubbinthemonkey]

I think I could make use of this device a lot over the course of a day. It's small enough to have on me at all times. I even ordered it then cancelled it. It's just too expensive for what I'd use as a jotter. Considering going the Boox route to function as device for study, reading, writing, and jotting ideas down.

[@FawadBilgrami]

Did you try recalibration of the pen? For me, I did it for testing something else but i can see my device responds better than yours, when pressing the side menu

[@jeffreymoss]

I'll give that a try. You never know . . . .

[@Lixinbiz]

Thanks for the review! How does it compare to the Kindle Scribe? Both have 300 ppi, but is one crisper than the other? How about performance and writing feel?

[@jeffreymoss]

I actually have a hard time noticing a difference between 227 and 300 ppi (that will be explored further in the third of my Kobo Elipsa review series in Feb/Mar), so I may not be the best person to comment on that. But to answer the question, no, I don't notice a resolution difference. Both are pretty snappy overall. Both sound pretty good when writing and it's hard to describe the feel but I think they perform equally well. I think the critical difference to focus on is that the Scribe has a basic (albeit good) writing app while the Supernote's is much more sophisticated. I really see the Scribe as a read first and then write kind of device (think journaling or diary), while the Supernote is much more of a professional writing tool. To get into the details of that, check out my visual tour of the Nomad and you can see all the functionality there.

[@gavinwebb]

With regards the drawing app --- can it function as an infinite type canvas for mind mapping purposes?

[@jeffreymoss]

Not infinite, but it can zoom out to 50% and then zoom in to 150%, so it gives a decent range.

[@rush48192]

The IOS is what reviews need to express more then anything, supernote just needs to add a shape tool and no other device will be close when it comes to notes

[@jeffreymoss]

There aren't a lot of features Supernote needs to add to catch up to competitors. A shape tool is one of them, extended canvas with zoom another, voice recognition to create text would be a good third. There are a few other details I could add, but those seem to be the big ones. As it is, Supernote is only second to Boox in terms of the breadth of features.

[@rescueferret8834]

What do you mean IOS?

[@steverolfeca]

Critical question: how does the Nomad’s battery drain compare to your experience with the Scribe and reMarkable 2?

[@jeffreymoss]

Unfortunately, I don't know. I've only done deep battery tests on the Mini C, the 3C, and the Nomad this year. In 2024 I'll be sure to do this with every device I review. I should probably go back and do tests on the more important devices as well, including the two you note, but I don't have a time table on that.

[@liketheduck]

Any thoughts on the future security of Android 11 (the base operating system of Supernote) now that official Google support has ended? Especially with sidelining, not having security updates is concerning.

[@jeffreymoss]

That's outside my realm of expertise, I'm afraid. I guess the only thought I have is that given the niche market of eink devices, I don't see them being an attractive target for malware, etc. Doesn't mean it can't happen, but I think the probability is lower with these devices.

[@andieluke1366]

Hi Jeff, wondering if you could help with a couple of questions I haven't been able to find answers to amongst all the YT videos and reviews. 1. As I understand it, one can search a handwritten note _without_ converting it to text beforehand. Does this search capability include the handwritten _digest_ ? 2. When you use digest in landscape mode, then rotate the Nomad to portrait, do the handwritten digests get wonky or do they scale appropriately? 3. If you convert a handwritten note to text, can you save it under a different file name, and thus retain the original file in handwriting? My use case is handwritten draft, but edit in Word. I've been transcribing my manuscripts manually into Word and wonder if Supernote could circumvent that. Thanks!

[@jeffreymoss]

Unfortunately, I don't use the digest. I would recommend going to the Supernote subreddit and posting your questions there. It's a good community and someone will be able to help answer these. What I can say regarding handwriting notes, is if you select that note type when creating the note, it's always converting the text in the background. So yes, a conversion is not needed in order to search. A slight time delay is required, however. I seem to recall that you can't search for handwriting in a digest, but I'm not 100% sure about that. When you convert handwriting and then export notes, it either goes to a TXT file for a DOCX file. So the original note file isn't changed as part of this process. Thus, the answer to your third question is yes. I think I covered the non-digest questions. Let me know if I missed anything.

[@andieluke1366]

​@@jeffreymoss Thank you! That was very helpful. I forgot one more question: If I take handwritten notes in landscape (and scroll down for the bottom half of the page), can I then rotate to portrait view (albeit I assume with the writing now scaled down in size), or would it be stuck in landscape? I prefer the portability of Nomad, but need the width of A5X(2) for writing space. Again, many thanks!

[@jeffreymoss]

@@andieluke1366 In Landscape mode, the note displays the top and then you have to scroll down to the bottom (I think you know this based on your question, but I just wanted to be clear about that point). So if you go to the bottom and write something on that last line, then change it to portrait mode, now the note will fit entirely on the screen and you can see what you wrote on the bottom. So no, you are not stuck in either mode.

[@andieluke1366]

​@@jeffreymossthat is awesome. Thank you so much for taking the time to confirm this. Really appreciate it!

[@ug1166]

Hi Jeffrey - Thanks -your reviews are excellent. I am an accountant looking for a device to make notes and save them in client folders. Currently, I use Moleskin note with a Roller ball pen- can this device have a similar feel when I write my short notes -Many Thanks

[@jeffreymoss]

I'm actually not familiar with the Moleskin product, so unfortunately I am unable to comment.

[@rush48192]

My biggest issue is syncing 2 supernotes together. It just doesn't currently work. Maybe when they update the software for all devices

[@jeffreymoss]

Yeah, after filming this video I became aware that reading notes from the old device onto the new one is not currently possible. Like you, I have to believe they will address this with a software update.

[@joepalmer2101]

How about a crystal stylus?

[@jeffreymoss]

That's a great idea! And with the extra mechanics involved in the push-up stylus, it would be quite interesting.

[@kated442]

I’m buying the nomad now, instead of waiting for the new model, because I really want to get started with Eink and a bigger device won’t fit in my usual coffee shop bag.

[@jeffreymoss]

It's a good device. Honestly, there are a lot of great eink notetaking devices out there. I think that's partly what makes reviewing these things fun. You'll enjoy the Nomad.

[@santaclaus1711]

Make a review of supernote a6x2 vs boox go 10.3 please.

[@jeffreymoss]

Ok, I'll comment on that in a future video.

[@odonski9611]

The stylus is likely off-color due to sourcing issues. Honestly it's likely they sourced that pen and then just put their own ceramic nib in it. Supernote focuses on designing their notepads, not pens, so it would make sense for them to procure pens. With that assumption, we know it's hard to have perfect compatibility amongst vendors, making it likely supernote just couldn't source pens that matched the color. To fix this, they need to develop closer relationships with their suppliers, specifically the supplier(s) of these pens.

[@LWeOAreVOneE]

I like the cream color of the stylus, but I also don't care much about matching. 🤷

[@Skkj0802]

Is this worth buying if i already have a5x?

[@jeffreymoss]

I don't plan to replace my A5X. The upgrades are nice, but not a necessity. If they release a device with a 13" screen, I'd consider upgrading to that.

[@Korruptor711]

Is it still unresponsive when using fingers?

[@jeffreymoss]

It seems better now. Not sure if that's due to updates or if its the screen "breaking in". But yeah, it's much more responsive now.

[@user-di5rm9ee1p]

Tnx bro.

[@eduardoespinosa5299]

This is my first Eink device and I really enjoy the features of this product. There is a lag that’s pretty noticeable on the nomad. Especially on that keyboard. It takes about 2 seconds for registration. I also wish that my annotations would show the pages I annotated. Also pinch to zoom doesn’t work for me :( EDIT: Pinch to zoom should work on Epubs !

[@rescueferret8834]

What do you mean annotations should show what you annotated?

[@rescueferret8834]

I think pinch to zoom can be difficult on EPUBs because that usually means you're changing the font size and the device has to re-render everything, which the Supernote isn't very good at doing quickly.

[@DanaCamp-i3w]

Interested is selling the Nomad you demoed?

[@jeffreymoss]

Naw, I keep all my 'current' devices in case they get firmware updates, etc. That way I keep on top of changes in these devices.

[@absolu222]

Have you experienced issues with the icons not opening on all positions on just on the left side on the A6X2?

[@jeffreymoss]

Yes, I've experienced it on the right and top. I haven't tried the bottom. It's quite strange, sometimes the touch input is responsive, and then suddenly it isn't.

[@Cons2911]

The u responsive menu, maybe it’s due to palm rejection?

[@enzomasci5218]

I think that a device that's been create to take notes shouldn't have this problem in any case

[@jeffreymoss]

It isn't an issue for me on the A5X which also has palm rejection, so I'm not sure about that.

[@Cons2911]

@@jeffreymoss but a6x2 has a different material right, the new one

[@Cons2911]

@@enzomasci5218 true

[@jeffreymoss]

@@Cons2911 True. That's why I was wondering if the Feelwrite 2 screen might be a contributing factor. Hard to say, but certainly possible.

[@beldin1301]

The problem i have ,i just want a good note taking and sketching idea pad but nearly 400£ is ridiculous because these things only last a few years and they are nearly as expensive as a laptop. they are only good for sorting notes and ideas , otherwise , a normal pen and paper notepad will do . i am on my 3rd kindle with the led's but the problems in getting books loaded is crazy , with them disappearing and then reappearing ,if this pad had the lights where you can read as well it would go towards some justification but at the moment , even though i could easily afford it , i think i would be wasting money, oh by the way great review

[@enzomasci5218]

That unresponsive menu is horrible

[@jeffreymoss]

I remain hopeful for a software fix.

[@rush48192]

A5x2 is a year or more out, if they can get at least 300 dpi on the larger device it will be an upgrade for me

[@jdub1139]

The website says it’s due in Q1. Is that not true?

[@jeffreymoss]

Q1 is an estimate. My thinking is that we will see the A5X2 in the first have of 2024 for sure. Q1 is certainly possible though.