Don't Buy The reMarkable 2 - Get an iPad and Apple Pencil instead!

[@paperlessmove]

🚀✨ Join the Paperless Movement for FREE and start building your Productivity System TODAY: plmv.world/start4free

[@cabe0018]

OK, I was skeptikal too, but I bought the reMarkable 3 years ago and in short, I absolutely love it. For me, the remarkable is my sidekick in office meetings, travel, e-reading, note taking, lesson delivery and idea sketching. I also have recently bought the ipad air with the pencil. I love the iPad air too, but I was surprised to see that it did not and cannot ever replace my reMarkable. I use the iPad air to work on documents, deliver lessons, travel as well as R&R. I know everyone has their own opinion, but my verdict is very simple: iPad Air and reMarkable are two diffent things used for different applications. You would not buy a reMarkable if you want to use your device as an "all-in-one" and you would not buy an iPad if you are concerned about distractions or annoying notifications while you work. If I have to criticize something about the reMarkable it would be the very weak processor which would make reviewing large documents a bit of a pain. However, if you gave me a choice to either get rid of the iPad or the reMarkable, I would keep the reMarkable without hesitation.

[@almondish5911]

how do you export your PDF annotations from remarkable? does readwise or kindle app are supported by remarkable?

[@JustinMacsMoon]

@@almondish5911 No, Readwise or Kindle app are not supported. the reMarkable 2 is just barebone with no app. It is like notebook with nothing on it.

[@successformations8231]

That last sentence was powerful.

[@minerva4545]

I use two iPads for class and work, never get any notifications. You can control that, you know? There is a Focus section in the iPad settings with a customizable Do not disturb function. Someone said the remarkable is like a notebook, but actually, it's less than a notebook because you can't even highlight on a remarkable. The highlighting, template, color, etc functions for taking notes on an iPad are endless. It makes both notetaking and re-reading my notes very enjoyable. If I want to supplement a note with a useful image or a capture of a document I am reading I can easily do that too.

[@Z_3D]

I hate taking notes on the ipad. My writing is great on the samsung tablet with the stylus from wacom but the apple pencil is like a toy in comparison when it comes to note taking.

[@josemorella2265]

You make good points,. I don't like the new subscription model, but I have to admit that, for me, the ipad idea is not good because of two things: first, my eyes are much better using an e-ink screen. And second, in a normal tablet you are a second away from facebook, reddit, youtube and any other kind of flow killers.

[@paperlessmove]

Agree on both! This is why I got the reMarkable again. But other than most people, I wasn't planning to use it for serious note-taking. Hardware is great! Software / Firmware is the issue... :(

[@cappuccinofrosties]

Yes it’s true, but there’s also the option of not installing facebook, reddit, youtube, and those flow killer apps.

[@trentgilliam5192]

Just set up different focus modes on the iPad. For me, I turn on “work” focus mode or “research” focus mode. It’s a great feature that lets you limit apps and notifications. When I’m done, I simply turn off focus mode and catch up with any notifications. It’s pretty much distraction free, The rest is up to personal discipline.

[@josemorella2265]

@@paperlessmove Yes, I totally can see big room for improvement in software. I hope we see some of that in the future.

[@imapone]

As someone who's ADD - how did I get on KZbin just now? Oh, b/c of a popup on my laptop when I'm supposed to be sending an email - the Remarkable is great b/c it's the ultimate notebook. I have had mine a little over a week and I haven't taken notes in an old fashioned notebook or added any loose papers to my desk since it arrived, which is exactly what I need. I was eyeballing the Mobiscribe which has Google (so Kindle) but I couldn't get down with the smaller form factor.

[@Joe_Brig]

The reMarkable is like writing on paper with a pencil. The iPad is like writing on glass with a plastic stick. That's the end of the comparison for me. No amount of additional functionality can overcome the most important usability feature of a note taking device.

[@Don-qe7hn]

Writing on the iPad Pro with matte screen protector. 👎 Time to try out the remarkable 2.

[@El_Goofo]

He missed the whole point of the reMarkable. Plus you know, the extreme price difference.

[@yamiteru4376]

Ok you write the notes on paper-like screen but what then? How do you organise them, how do you move them, what do you do with them after?

[@ericsandstrom3073]

@@yamiteru4376 This was my big take away from this video. If the user experience is awesome, but then your notes are stuck on the device, with no search, I may as well use a notebook. The user experience becomes the same and it cost me $1, vs the base price plus all of the add ons like the eraser and folio.

[@smoothie9931]

Apparently you can buy screen protectors that have paper texture, if you wanna check that out.

[@OwensB]

I’ve owned several iPads, had the pencil and used it often. The remarkable is a writing and drawing device. Not a tablet…. There is no comparison between the two, other than the fact the iPad has apps and can surf the web. The remarkable is designed for note takers, artists who want to hone their skills, and ebook readers who want to read on the go. At 299.00 it is a bit pricey. I agree. I use my remarkable way more than I used my iPad for note taking, so much so I sold my iPad, I use my iPhone in conjunction with the remarkable. It’s a compliment to your phone, tablet, or pc.

[@paperlessmove]

Thanks for sharing your use case. It’s good to see you have a system you can use it in 👍

[@Joverine]

Where is it 299? It’s near 1000 with the upgraded pencil and booklet style case in Canada :(

[@JoeHendersonOfficial]

There is a comparison. Its price.

[@JoeHendersonOfficial]

@@Joverine is 599 is US

[@sbiswas0227]

How exactly do you read on it? By individually transferring pdf documents, yes. But what about books etc like on kindle. Not sure it is much of a reading device, but definitely an exceptional writing device.

[@milantenbosch]

I really love the remarkable for note taking for my study. It really puts me in a good flow and i'm never distracted by it. It also quite frequently updates and comes with completely new features. Its definetly not optimal and the pairing is slow, but for my purposes I really really like it. (Have been using it for 7 months now)

[@joeking433]

I assume you work for Remarkable?

[@milantenbosch]

@@joeking433 Lol I wish

[@Justin.Danford]

It stinks because I continually see this hardware and think "this is for me, I need this, this thing is perfect," but then I check to see if the software/functionality is any better and it always seems to get WORSE. How hard would it be to just sync files over cloud fluidly and provide handwriting conversion in a $299 package? They'd sell more units, and they already have the suite of peripherals that would supply an added revenue stream. No one is buying the peripherals if they don't buy the unit, and other than a homerun design and core concept, there is no reason to buy this unit and subject yourself to the downsides. The whole thing is almost a backwards marketing campaign for iPads. The remarkable idea makes people realize they want a paperless note-taker device but don't want to shoulder remarkable's issues, so they go to the competition. What a horrible business strategy. I'm actually surprised Apple hasn't bought the company, improved the obvious issues, axes the subscription model and sold the thing as "iPad-ink" or something.

[@AlxndrHQ]

💯

[@ClickerFest]

I think the Huawei Matepad paper might be the latest solution

[@yuu9258]

I'd love that I Pad ink thing. Would really love.

[@chenoob]

That Apple point is low-key genius. With the sheer power of something like ios on this device, it will knock the socks of every e reader+ note taking device.

[@alex7633]

@@chenoob yes but then they'll sell less ipads and they don't want that

[@TalaashDotCom]

I mean, these two are not comparable. One is for note taking and the other is for multi-media functions. The whole point of remarkable is being distraction free while writing or doing any work or studying

[@jdcarling]

I love my remarkable 2 and use all day everyday for work. I had moleskines for 20 years and now am on year 2.5 of my remarkable journey and it keeps getting better.

[@thenutcracker2921]

I have an iPad Air Pro (believe it’s a 2) and will tell you I’m getting the Remarkable 2 as well. It’s strange to fork out so much for so little but what many will tell you is that after having an iPad we still gravitate back to pen & paper. This is because it feels better and has ZERO distractions. When I’m being creative I need focus and feel. The Remarkable gives all the advantages of paper with the added bonus of storage. Would I like to have the option of color? Yes, but when I jot down notes or sketch all I need is B&W. If the Remarkable 3 adds color will I buy that as well? Probably.

[@b.w.6615]

what the hell is an iPad Air pro ?

[@samuraimath1864]

What I learnt over time is that "input" (making the notes in a place that inspires you) is much more important than "control" (categorizing the notes). If a note doesn't even exist, it won't add value to you for sure. If it exists, there is already a small chance it'll be useful to you in the future. And if you come up with a system to categorize and tag them, that probability goes up substantially. If the "control" gets in the way of the "input" by tying you to a few systems that don't inspire you to make notes in the first place, it defeats the whole purpose. So, go out and make notes in the place that inspires you to make notes. Then, figure out the "control" problem by coming up with a good knowledge management system.

[@basicallymid]

I'm getting a ReMarkable because I go through so many notebooks at work and I just want one place to hold everything lol. I think I'm ok with the limited capability because I literally just want a digital notebook. Like, extra features are great, but I'm not looking for a tablet. I'm just looking for a limitless notebook where I can review older notes when needed and keep everything in one place. We'll see when it's delivered though...

[@paperlessmove]

Let us know how you like it! However, the biggest disadvantage of reMarkable that you cannot search through your handwriting.

[@christosbinos8467]

Wait for the Huawei matepad!

[@ClickerFest]

@@christosbinos8467 I'm thinking about this too. Wondering if I should wait for competition or advancements. Opinions?

[@TheVorst]

Yes you can search, if you have the latest software and the Connect cloud service@@paperlessmove

[@andreaskrieger4002]

you search your notes as you have filed them. when i read my notes, specially if they are old, i take my time to re-read the whole thing in order to let sink in what i wrote about. this not a tool for searching quickly through notes during a meeting. i dont share my notes with people. they are intended for me to work with at a later time, but when they are all in one place, filed by category as i enter them, i am sure they exist in that one place and i can use them. Its a infinite notepad.@@paperlessmove

[@padmakin]

I agree with you. But as a student in my first year of college I used an apple tablet and paid extra for the keyboard and everything. I would often get distracted by other apps on the apple tablet during my studies. Getting a remarkable helped me a lot. I think it's the best thing for college. On top of that when I sold the apple tablet, keyboard, pencil and cover I had enough money to buy a good laptop now in my 3rd year it was the best decision I ever made.

[@samuraimath1864]

Agree 100%. A good laptop and a distraction free e-ink tablet for writing are the killer combo.

[@jaf0761]

Totally agreed with you. I was thinking about buying one, but then I saw the connect thing. The technology of the electronic paper may be good, but the why they should charge me for using my already paid dropbox account? Came on...

[@orangespill]

Thankyou for this review. I am not going to buy this now. I would never had imagined a device which is so out of sync with what most users expect. 8 per month, no sync, and no global search. Fascinating. Thanks again, you saved me a considerable amount of money.

[@paperlessmove]

You are very welcome! 👍

[@orangespill]

@@paperlessmove I bought a boox Nova Air Instead. Met most of my needs. Thanks again

[@iambobwhoru]

Had to get in early. I get it for free since I was an early adopter and what do you mean by no sync? It has wifi, an app and cable transfer. The no global search can be a bummer, but I have everything in folders.

[@erickbourdin4039]

Hi Tom Wow the ever lasting debate …. Apple/windows, Mac/surface, paper book/eReader, digital art/traditional painting …. I am heavy user of reMarkable 1 (no need for version 2) for Notes taking in an environment where security regarding cloud services etc is very sensible ! I also like my iPad Pro with GoodNotes … Procreate in my personal life. Even if I admit that rM is not the best ever in software and services vs price, I think you are severe about reMarkable … an iPad does not replace a PC, an rM tablet does not replace an iPad … I remember the bad comments about Notability subscription … we are living the same for reMarkable … My reMarkable replaces piles of paper Notes books paperpads YES it replaces papers and papers … and documents are stored into folders/books … Keep your passion about paperless movement and productivity Regards Erick

[@paperlessmove]

Thanks for your great feedback, Erick! I like the rM for the same reasons as you mentioned. But the issue with the subscription they added are severe compared to what Notability did, as I also tried to point out in the video. :)

[@MikesPOV]

Great info. Thanks!

[@tovsteh]

The Remarkable isnt trying to compete with your regular tablets, its trying to be ultimate notebook for your mind without the distractions. It forces you to work with what you have and does so in a very comfortable and simplistic way, and loosing the bright screen feels lovely. Its changed my focus and headspace when it comes to work/art projects.

[@Seitenwerk]

All that (except the e-ink display) can be had with a nipped including the paper like look and feel. Wh would anyone pay 400$ upwards for a "tablet" with no capabilities and integrations? I am not talking about endless apps etc of course, as I fully understand the "focus" idea behind this concepts, but tablet like the remarkable don't even have a integration of basic things like calendar etc for the most relevant services. its basically only a notes taking tablet that costs as much or more as an iPad. At the same time it's also a worse book reading e-ink tablet as it doesn't even support DRM content. That means most of the ebooks or other files cant be opened. So what's left? For 200$ or less the tablet would be a good fit. For 400$ or above it doesnt even make sense even if you really really want the simplistic paper like note experience.

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

SEARCH is a requirement... if you're storing 900 pages , how to find anything without Search ? Thanks for the warning of subscription serices - it's a waste !

[@Bibliotics]

This is a very good review of the product. The fact that it doesn’t actually sync with one drive is killer for me. I completely agree that I don’t need a million copies to be made.

[@iggysfriend4431]

It does sync with Google Drive, One Drive and Drop Box.

[@krasimirdimov4778]

Same for me !

[@connor1174]

Love the new sync with One Drive feature. Personally, I have both the iPad and the Remarkable 2 and I use them in a complimentary way. I know that given the prices of both of the devices one can find themselves in an either/or dichotomy. In which case, yes, get the iPad with the pencil. But it should be noted that comparing the Remarkable 2 to the iPad (or any other tablet) is a bit of a false dichotomy. I would say, for me, definitely a both/and. The Remarkable 2 simply is meant to capture a slice of the market that wants to work with greater focus.

[@Danokh]

But in their ads they make seem like it's an included feature, but you actually have to pay a monthly subscription to access it

[@chenoob]

@@Danokh they are fucking scamsters

[@graemea]

I have an iPad Pro for classical guitar playing, on a stand, and it is perfect, but I experimented with the iPad holding by hand for choir singing i.e. rehearsing, and it is far too heavy. So, that is the reason I am looking now at e-readers.

[@samdimus]

Maybe Kindle Scribe is what you want ? I'd call it a self-sufficient alternative to the Remarkable. I'm looking now 10 inches e-readers too and realized that only Kindle Scribe can be a good choice with enough functionality. It is the e-reader and handwriting notebook at the same time, there is nothing superfluous in it and its performance does not raise questions, unlike Remarkable.

[@JohnBeauchemin]

I have an iPad and a Remarkable 2, and I prefer the Remarkable for taking notes.

[@minerva4545]

And I liked taking notes on an iPad Air so much that I went and got the big iPad Pro too. Just look up any iPad notetaking video on youtube, the options are endless.

[@gozikaomezi]

thank you for your comment, i have the remarkable 2 that i love, but i am also getting the ipad, for all my reading apps. and i was thinking the ipad will make the RM redundant

[@ektaaasar]

Is there issues with the lag time as some are mentioning in comments & also with the repair services as I read regarding the same. Could you pls guide on this?

[@goofy_xf6223]

@@ektaaasarwhat lag? It’s a digital device. It’s not gonna be instantaneous

[@goofy_xf6223]

@@gozikaomezitake notes with the iPad then take notes with the RM. the iPad isn’t purpose built for notes

[@eaturk1]

I charge my remarkable once a month and read books with no eye strain. Remarkable ALL THE WAY! By the way, if you have a random unprocessed handwritten note in your buried in Google Drive that you need to edit later, you really need to rethink your day to day productivity/workflow system. Remarkable does one thing better than anything else, get notes on to paper. After that, you need to file and process what you wrote. That's why it's GREAT, it IS a piece of paper. The most simple thing ever has become digitized. That's why it's so powerful. You don't need hundreds of apps cluttering that experience. iPads serve a completely different purpose.

[@paperlessmove]

Well said! Thanks for sharing 🙌

[@anupamasingh888]

I have to charge it everyday :(

[@wsterquino]

Hello, I’m about to buy the remarkable 2 + the pen 2. But after watch you video I changed my mind. But I would like to ask you what model of Apple iPad I could buy it instead of remarkable 2? Thanks!!!

[@paperlessmove]

It depends on what you need it for! Especially the size matters depending on the applications you want to use. Many are happy to take notes on an iPad Mini 6, while others prefer to get the max size 12.9 iPad Pro for drawing. I think the best of both worlds would be the iPad Air + Apple Pencil 2

[@rolih6]

Apple ipad air 5 with pen

[@wsterquino]

@@rolih6 Well I bought the remarkable 2 + pen. I paid €649 in Finland. It is working well. I can organize my notes and put the pdf files together. The last update it is possible to add more pages in your pdf file. It helps to make comments in some documents. I can upload the pdfs using the Remarkable app, the sync update between the cloud and device, its not good but works. I am satisfied !

[@carylittleford8980]

I'm far far more productive and focused using my remarkable instead of my iPad and pencil. It's mainly due to the battery life and how it works so fantastically outdoors. When I settle down for a creative time I seek the outdoors and am not forced indoors on sunny days to have to use the screen on most any normal tablet. It's transformative.

[@Mixed_pop_up_TV]

I got a Remarkable 2 because it's the best writing & with epaper, the best reading experience. It's the best tool for the job. It's a great knife where the iPad is a Leatherman & does a lot more but isn't a great knife. I found I had to just adapt my workflow a little to make it work for me.

[@Mixed_pop_up_TV]

I have an iPad as well. :)

[@denisepinet9472]

I bought the remarkable 2 and will be sending it back. You can't work on any file that you have in google drive once you put it in remarkable. I bought it for the text conversion but its a hit and miss. I bought it so I can transfer all my genealogy into remarkable. It doesn't convert like you have the page its all in one line or all together. Can't use an external keyboard with it either. Will be sending it back. I love my Ipad but wished the battery would last longer. I ordered a supernote just waiting for delivery.

[@mandenDK]

Thanks. Was almost ordering the Remarkable, but I certainly hesitate after considering their “subscription” game.

[@writeitup3080]

Definitely very timely for me. I've been eyeing a Remarkable for a while but not taken the plunge and an Ipad feels a bit more attuned to different functionalities but is more expensive. Thanks, Tom for making my decision easier!

[@imapone]

I just got the Remarkable 2 and I'm loving the fact that it ISN'T a tablet. It syncs up really easily with my Google Drive for $5/ month ( and $100 off upfront cost). I like that it's easy on the eyes and my eyes get tired looking at my computer and phone screens all day. I've really enjoyed uploading pdfs and annotating them. I'm a little ADD so I don't need another tablet I can browse the internet and social media on.

[@iambobwhoru]

Honestly, I use the Remarkable 2 for work and absolutely LOVE it. Everyone is always looking/ask what it is and I 100% recommend it. I can use it because of the fact it ISN'T a tablet. It has become part of my workflow and I would be lost without it now. Also, I don't have ANY apple products, so an Ipad would be basically pointless for me, especially since I wouldn't even use 99% of the features.

[@ShivaSio]

@@imapone I hate hate hate hate hate that you have to pay $5 a month for something like uploading files to google drive, and doesn't even sync them, just copies. Such a scam to charge a monthly subscription for something that should be included. The fact that it had a subscription is why I finally decided not to get one.

[@jrodriguez8216]

Thanks for the great video, I was almost ready to buy this expensive equipment. I do not like a subscription model.

[@matthewdh123]

I have a phone, a fancy one. And a laptop. Quite fancy too. Also have a bunch of sticky notes and notebooks. That's where the remarkable became interesting to me, putting all of that mess in a pretty little thing. I already have all the bells and whistles of an IPAD else where.

[@iphoneupdate]

You cant compare the two, different tools for different tasks. Have the latest Ipad Pro... but still write with my RM 2.

[@abdulsalamsstyle9933]

You've completely changed my mind. I've seen many reviews, but no one have mentioned the Contras you told. Thanks very much, you've save me a lot of money. Big thumbs up and subscription

[@paperlessmove]

You are welcome! Thanks for the kind feedback 🙌

[@dattman1986]

Got this device for work purposes about a month ago, and it has quickly become much more useful for me than my iPad.

[@LightStylePro]

I just bought another Composition Book from Walmart ($1.35 USD). This 100-sheet notebook will last me 6 months for my daily notetaking during work meetings. The "data" is always accessible, with important information highlighted with florescent markers for fast retrieval. No backup issues. Covers allow for quick access over years of information. If I really want to document or share, my printer has a built-in scanner for PDF or JPG creation. I like the wide ruled pages to keep things aligned horizontally. This is not an art book. It's a notebook. Anyway ... please give real paper, pen, markers, and highlighters serious consideration. They never break! No warranty period. No subscription plan. No distractions. 100% Private! 100% hack proof! Real "Composition Books" with real pens and markers are also SERIOUS COMPETITION!

[@vmizzell]

Dollar General pens and Dollar General Composition books! That's how I wrote my novel. I also used a Samsung Tablet with a keyboard.

[@horseypeeps5382]

The point of an E-ink tablet is to focus on a small subset of tasks, distraction-free. It is not meant to be an Ipad like device, and comparing the two is apples to oranges. If someone doesn't take notes daily (and actually uses them), then an E-ink Tablet is not for them. I sync my notes across digital storage and to Evernote (I don't use Remarkable).

[@DrMcFly28]

I gave up on Remarkable because of this video but just when I was eyeing the alternatives I noticed they revamped their subscription model, making many things free and dropping the price from 7.99 to 2.99. Now I'm conflicted again. :(

[@bigboss9150]

I appreciate your blunt honesty. We need more reviewers like you. Glad to say, though, 2 years later and the ReMarkable 2 has evolved and gotten much better.

[@illigitimus3451]

Don’t let this put you off the R2, I have the iPad and pen, Which I find quite poor at note taking, the quality of notes was difficult to handle when dealing with copious note taking. I had the opportunity to use a friends R2 and it revolutionised my work life.

[@marcusalexander2768]

Tom, please make a video where you review the best e-ink tablets that true WRITERS should consider buying. I want a tablet where I can truly replace paper, by writing full length novels/scripts on. Hand writing conversion is probably the most important feature that I'm looking for, which is even more important than "feel" when writing. The second most important feature, to me, would be the tablet having the ability down download documents to either Microsoft Word or Apple Pages. Import/export formats are very important for writers, because they greatly reduce the workflow for getting the "rough" writing into a format acceptable to pubishers.

[@rknaik76]

Thanks for your unbiased review. I was about to go for an impulse buying, just saved myself 300 quids. I will continue using my iPad pro. Thanks ..

[@googleking5780]

I was just about to buy remarkable 2 but wanted to know more about the synchronization. Thanks for making it clear I wouldn’t consider buying it till they figured this out. It’s not worth for this price point.

[@MikeErtl]

Actually you miss out the number one reason for using it, you can make notes late at night without screen induced lack of sleep. For note taking in meetings if you are a heavy note taker used to fountain pen and note books this keeps the notes private, keeps the joyful writing experience and searching in the grid view and tags turns out to be faster than actual books. I sense you come from a software or engineering background where short shared notes are everything, whereas for a senior manager sharing tools are already out there, this is for private notes but weighing much less. For the right person the Remarkable is far more useful than iPad, so I guess ask yourself if you regularly fill notebooks and enjoy writing and hate screens at night, then the Remarkable fits the bill.

[@houstonr]

I don't think there is a backlight to take notes in the dark?

[@oferlaufer]

Thanks!

[@paperlessmove]

Thanks so much for your support 💚

[@DianneSullivan]

Many thanks for your review which has stopped me buying a remarkable 2. The paper-like feel was the big attraction but as important for me is the ability to do frictionless syncing with a variety of information management and storage apps eg google drive, one drive - the subscription not to mention the duplication of files instead of real syncing has completely put me off. I'll wait until their software model improves.

[@stevebrown3625]

Tom, I am looking for a device to help me solve to work flow problems/use cases. Ideally, a small-medium sided tablet that allows for these two functions: 1) To do list • My to do list is highly dynamic and a critical function to my business responsibilities. I currently take a paper pad around with me and manage it manaually, often times needing to recreate a new page when I run out of space that is half a page long • I want to replicate this digitally, so when an item is done, its removed from the page. o Feature: I want to be able to prioritize certain tasks so I don’t get overwhelmed and can just focus on the most important tasks as a way of working through my list • At night or when I just have my phone, I’d like to be able to add to this to do list and sync with my new tablet. • Note: I think I can do this on the Microsoft surface pro and probably an ipad, but I am looking for something less expensive and more discreet, if possible. I also want to be able to see my to do list all the time and not have to login/turn on/unlock. 2) Free form notes • When it’s appropriate, I take notes on a laptop in business meetings in a robust one note environment. Things are well organized there • When a laptop is not appropriate, I want to take notes on this same device. I want it to be easy to get these notes as a PNG into one note. Is there a single device that will allow for these two use cases?

[@jd_617_yktv2]

I think it's a matter of what you're using it for. I use it for my class work and personal notes. This, by far, is the best investment I've ever made towards note taking. I literally just needed a device to centralize my notes and does nothing else. And remarkable does just that. As someone with ADD I will 150% get distracted if I bought an iPad and end up on youtube or Amazon in the middle of my studies. Ipad notes is cool but the feels very weird and I personally find it distracting to use. I'll end up either using the keyboard or just finding some paper and a real pen, which would defeat the purpose. Obviously if you need a device that's more business oriented that's able to seamlessly share data and communicate with coworkers this isn't the device for you. But if you have trouble organizing your notes and need something simple and strictly for note-taking with real feel handwriting, then this is a worthy investment.

[@coldbrew6104]

Thankfully somebody with a brain

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

For personal reasons I have left the Apple world. Are there any other similar tablets from other companies?

[@paperlessmove]

Depends on the reasons why you left Apple devices. If it is security, then there are no alternatives imo.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

@@paperlessmove Oh, never mind. Brad Colbow covered all the tables in all the price ranges here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHaxgmCKgaeMrKs So now I'm *SUBSCRIBED* to his channel.

[@maxw5229]

When it comes to creativity it is not just about collaboration. This is a great part of it - but sometimes it is about getting your headspace right by just focussing without any distractions, notifications, pings, and other people working on the same stuff in real time. Many of the other points you mentioned are really a dealbreaker, you are right. Just my 2 cents.

[@minerva4545]

You've never seen the Focus tab in the iPad settingss? There is a Do not disturb function there, with several settings, and you can create modes with a set of specific settings. I am baffled by the repeating 'but distractions' comment. I take my notes in an iPad air and an iPad Pro, and distractions are not an issue at all.

[@alainportmann1470]

Thanks

[@larryFWD]

Wow, glad I saw this before getting it. I love writing all over the place and the idea of taking notes digitally with pretty much zero latency just seemed like the perfect solution for me. So it is sad to see that reMarkable haven't thought things through properly. Every deal breaker highlighted in this video are valid!

[@anthem4333]

“Every deal breaker are valid” 🤣

[@larryFWD]

Let me know guys when remarkable come up with an updated version that addresses these niggles. Cheers

[@Gooch1989]

I agree. It's not worth it for the price

[@coledeviney]

I left a VERY long comment I was going to edit but i cant find it, so im just goin gto say a maxed out remarkable is 497 while the most basic pro and apple pencil is 1228. even with the subscription service, it would take about 75 months for it to cost the same as the ipad.

[@paperlessmove]

Thanks, Cole! I am sorry about the previous comment. KZbin keeps deleting comments automatically without asking, which is very annoying, for and for me… In regards to your comment above, I would argue that the basic iPad with Apple Pencil 1 is enough to beat the maxed out reMarkable by miles when it comes to functionality and accessibility of my data on other devices. I don’t think it should be compared to the iPad Pro, which is total overkill for most use cases (such as note-taking). The biggest advantage of the Pro would be screen size. But to get the best of both worlds, I always recommend the base model of iPad Air and Apple Pencil 2.

[@nadiaswann7043]

Amazing. They make a 3min add selling rubbish made look good and you have just convinced me different in 57sec. Thank you mate you saved me $350. Need more honest videos like this!

[@DigiDriftZone]

I was resisting for years and finally got one last year, I haven't touched my apple pencil in months but I use my Remarkable2 all the time.

[@jenviencek8455]

This video really helped me land a decision. I got woo'd by the reMarkable for its simplicity. It came Sunday and I really have been impressed for how amazing it feels like writing on paper. But I have been so stuck on THE PRICE. It's $100 less than an iPad. This video put me over the line of deciding to go grab an iPad Air today and spend the rest of the week evaluating both. That said, I got home to send my PDFs from the reMarkable to my iPad and after 5 went through successfully, the others just STOPPED SENDING. I had to download the reMarkable phone app to finish. Such a bummer. To your point it's really just a piece of paper. It's BRILLIANT e-ink but that's all it is and I can't stomach that when an iPad also does xyz.

[@daniel_peixoto]

I was planning to buy it, to keep track all notes that I am taking on all meetings but without a good usability and file management... Is a no! Unfortunately

[@boele0707]

Thanks for the honest review. The "sync" is really important for me. No having a REAL sync made me step away from this. If Remarkable makes some changes (real sync, no subscription, search in my notes, unlimited and real syncing between pad and dropbox, sharing to others, opening various file types without having to change to pdf), i would be more interested as I am still looking to replace my paper notebooks for a real good paper-like notebook which has the advantages of a electronic notebook.

[@isabelgil6062]

Does IPad convert hand-written notes into typed ones?

[@MatthewRosario]

Thanking goodness I watched this video! I was initially impressed with and inspired by remarkable’s “presented capabilities” and, despite the steep price, was willing to explore whether or not it was a worthy investment for my writing. After watching this honest and thorough video from someone who clearly knows about going “paperless” my answer is a clear NO on remarkable. It’s pretty evident that the team behind remarkable is simply looking to pull a “gotcha” on unwitting consumers who don’t understand their productivity needs and don’t understand remarkable’s true real-world application abilities. Thanks so much for this man! You saved me so much money and hassle!

[@paperlessmove]

Hello Matthew! It's great to hear that Tom was able to assist you in saving money. In fact, we have even more opportunities to save money AND time. Our Paperless Movement membership can help you achieve just that! One of our members once shared that being a part of our community is like receiving a time refund. Because he was able to save 7 hours per week by taking our ICOR Mastery course, and we believe we can help you do the same. Our team is dedicated to teaching you how to take better notes, find information efficiently, and turn it into streamlined actions so that you can focus on what really matters. In addition, our founders, Tom Solid and Paco Cantero, are also here to support you every step of the way. We'd be excited to have you join our community today! paperlessmovement.com/join

[@obertscloud]

No I highly suggest getting a Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro with pen more free options -

[@robbystillwagon5716]

Is there apps that you would recommend for the iPad that re-creates a notebook like feature.

[@JJULLER]

What if I don't fucking like apple products? The companies ethical standards started to nose dive after Steave Jobs died, and unless they do something that can really impress me, I'm taking my business else where..

[@WindTechInsights]

I wish you happy youtube watching, and playing games on your iPad :) Remarkable is for people who want to concentrate on a subject, fill out exercise books without managing chaos in their room with papers laying around... Remarkable is great, I would never replace it with an over hyped iPad. Remarkable is perfect for self studying. iPad is for entertainment.

[@svlagonda7417]

I wouldn't buy a Remarkable (RM2) simply because its not that good as a note taker. Great for drawing/illustration because of that pencil on paper feel, but for note taking, focus and 'flow', the Supernote A5X (and forthcoming A5X2) is noticeably better than the RM2.

[@juliussakalys9600]

Straight to the point and no BS. Just the way I like it. Keep it up!

[@paperlessmove]

Appreciate the feedback, Julius!

[@lexcorgus2057]

And if you suffer from visual fatigue, which iPad is better?

[@steeveshealth]

Thank you for the review! I wonder if the lack of connectivity, incompatible file formats, and monthly "connect" fees are things they are considering changing? Have you submitted a review to them and heard anything back?

[@mech-tech4779]

Great video, very valid points, I was thinking the same thing, when Saw the price, + the subscription service. Not worth the price, you can get an iPad and the Mate screen protector display that feel like paper, and you are good to go.

[@agfromcalifornia1191]

Wow so glad I watched this! I wanted one of those, but not anymore unless they make some significant changes, and the subscription is crazy for something it should do on its own. Thank you for this video!

[@paperlessmove]

You are welcome 🙌

[@chaburchak]

This was a very helpful video. Just this afternoon I had a Remarkable 2 in my Amazon cart along with several accessories. But I did some last minute research, including this video, and I think you saved me about $500. I think I can get what I'm after note-wise on the iPad that I already have. And if I want distraction-free, I can always disconnect from wi-fi...

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

I'm getting a supernote (basically a remarkable but with developers that listen to their consumers and communicate often) or a boox note air (not as paper-like as the remarkable or supernote, but with ability to read on the kindle app and read articles online).

[@janetsunshine8689]

I bought s Supernote A5 and it stopped working after 8 days

[@vmizzell]

Naive question here. Is there a device which will convert my handwriting to print so I can go from e-ink to a word processor without having to type?

[@katieweiher]

This is exactly the review I was looking for. You hit on all my questions and were super clear. Definitely going with an iPad. Thanks!

[@elishaclark8594]

I already have an IPad and was trying to find out what the difference was and if I should spend more money on this remarkable. I have not tried notes on my iPad. Now that i have seen this video I’m going to try it first before looking back into the remarkable. I want to be able to search my notes.

[@ImRajja]

yes, it is too expensive.. and new subscription model.. OMG.. unbelivable .. why should I pay to save in my google drive.. waste of money

[@gregclare]

I was tempted by the reMarkable2. But a bit research showed that, although it was an interesting piece of hardware with great potential, it was totally lacking in the software / firmware implementation. A great product is one that marries well designed hardware and software. One without the other is just, well, nothing to write home about!

[@paperlessmove]

Amen! 🙌

[@tovsteh]

How was it lacking in the software / firmware implementation?

[@giovannifm]

I like the reMarkable, I wanted to get something that didn't have apps I can get distracted on, it's refreshing to just write and not feel like clicking on KZbin or other apps. I love mine since I like to "unplug" and enjoy doing so.

[@DaveGalligher]

Great review. Many of the questions I had (syncing, editing notes after moved to the cloud, sharing, searching, etc.) were answered. Unfortunately, I just don't believe this product (Remarkable) is ready for prime time.

[@TommyBahamy]

Thanks for the review. I was about to pull the trigger but the $8 monthly for poor google drive integration is nonsense.

[@antoniodominion9892]

Thank you for sharing that information with us! I appreciate that you are an independent reviewer and are not guided by sponsorships. Take good care and have a happy holiday season! ~Antonio Dominion

[@paperlessmove]

You are very welcome, Antonio!

[@sanddeeprudhra5597]

OMG! So True..! You just saved me from using my 18% credit-card to buy this thing🙄 Thank you so much for this review, why hasn't anyone pointed this out?

[@ralfonsojr]

This is an excellent review. I was starting to think I needed one of these but I am so happy with my iPad. I really need to improve using it in a way to be more productive. Thank you for this review.

[@freedomfighter5222]

Why on earth don't you test the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 or the Supernote A5X ? They have much better organization and management of notes while still keeping the wonderful E-ink writing experience - as well as being great Ebook readers (especially the Boox Note) ??? E-ink screens are SO MUCH better for your eyes!!!

[@paperlessmove]

Thanks for this suggestion! I‘ll have a look! 👍

[@enriqueroitman5825]

Thank you for your honest perspective. I was considering buying a Remarkable for the paper like feeling. As you pointed out, having a holistic approach to productivity is important. Subscription model is fine if there is value added behind. I did not know that those basic features you mentions were subscription based. Yes, a rip off is a very kind way of describing the Remarkable go to market strategy. Remarkable seams to be a very nice paper like user interface with lack of overall productive approach to knowledge management.

[@sambitmukherjee1713]

Remakable 2 is great as a paper replacement for doing mathematics. So any engineer / mathematician / physicist / data scientist / economist who need to write math (or draw graphs) will find it super useful. The paper feel is amazing. Writing on the iPad sucks - it feels like writing on glass.

[@ericjackson2915]

Great review! I'd seen advertisements for reMarkable - seemed pretty cool, but in light of your review definitely a bad option. I've been an iPad user for several years, and although I love the ability to take notes with a wide variety of applications (apple notes, onenote, evernote, etc), it's never the same feel as writing on paper - even with Paperlike as you've indicated. But not liking the feel with respect to paper is a small annoyance in view of its overall functionality. Thanks for the review/warning!

[@RetiringInReverse]

Adding a Paperlike screen protector to the iPad makes the screen have texture and completely changes that feel.

[@kradops]

but can the user get accesss to the data by connecting the remarkable to a laptop using the type C ?

[@cepcolato]

Super transparent and honest review, thanks for breaking down the functionalities and limitations of Remarkable 2, Tom!

[@paperlessmove]

You are very welcome, Carlos!

[@gilron3621]

Thanks Tom, I did buy it and my view is that without search capabilities it is not making any sense! I can't name a note, for meeting or anything else. It doesn't allow to search for a note or a word in a note - this is really bad. The stuff you mentioned about the cloud synch and the subscription is adding to the whole thing and leading to the conclusion - do not go remarkable

[@reginaldjayne8006]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful. You articulated every concern I had (and many I should have)! I’ll wait to buy until there is a Tom Solid endorsed ReMarkable.

[@paperlessmove]

Wow, appreciate your kind feedback 🙌

[@nomer440]

I thought you were being pedantic first but no your solutions are so next level and precise. I appreciate that

[@Tappygillmore]

Probably the best review of anything I’ve seen. I was genuinely going to buy one then found this. Love the idea of it but conversion to text was important for me and I’m not paying monthly to do that. Ripp-off

[@BWiggs-xh6ne]

It syncs four free to your Google drive or dropbox I don't think you have to get the subscription service

[@EdvardBenson]

Hey Tom, I understand what you are saying. I never thought about using the reMarkable for knowledge management or something similar as I never deemed it to be able to fulfil such tasks. Although it is one dimensional and limited in its use I believe you are still able to create neat and useful systems on the reMarkable, which do not require any direct connectivity. I have to admit though, that the "sync" options which they are providing are just not useable at all and the plans they are providing are questionable. I hope they'll put in some work to further improve those features because as you said, "no one was waiting for that".

[@paperlessmove]

Appreciate your great feedback, Edvard! Very interesting to see other user‘s perspective on that 🙌

[@iambobwhoru]

What Sync options aren't useable? Wifi? Cable transfer? Upload from phone?

[@Ficohaker]

@@iambobwhoru that is not the definition of sync, when you create a file the idea is you want to have it fully done and one click away on any device and up to date, having to copy paste and transfer files just is inefficient

[@davidkeosa1580]

Regular paper notebook: $4 dollars. Ball point pen: .99 cents. Encapsulating your thoughts via ink for all eternity with no electricity or battery or data corruption -- priceless.

[@lkreinmiller-author]

Cheaper to buy an iPad and Apple Pencil. If you use the iPad strictly for business, just remove every app that doesn’t enhance your business. Distraction free but with all the functionality of sharing and storing.

[@paperlessmove]

Agree 👍

[@ConstantineIsslamow]

Thank you for your honest feedback. Cheers

[@patrickx2420]

Remarkable is a scam...at once billed as that piece of technology designed to streamline and simplify and then adulterating it with subscription costs that are necessary to maintain if you want the device to remain functional to any practical degree. For that I would say do not buy it, but eventually the lag between loading files and the searching for where you put that file soon puts the analogue old-school paper notebook and ink pen neck-to-neck with the Remarkable if not puts the paper notebook ahead. Do not buy.

[@tykebe]

Great points. Almost bought the Supernote for nearly $600. For a $100 more I ended up with an iPad Pro that does A LOT more.

[@russell2952]

Wacom pens are passive and they have buttons.

[@LaakeaYoshida]

I have to say, despite the ease on the eyes, the R2 just has limited utility. I had a chance to use one and despite me really liking the experience, it simply feels too one dimensional

[@iambobwhoru]

I mean it is replacing tablet paper and for that it is EXACTLY what I needed. I use it for work and use it everyday since I got it back in Nov 2020. I would highly recommend it for workflow, but it really doesn't serve a purpose for anything else.

[@lenniusmc]

Okay, Which is the best iPad to buy 11 or 12 inch. Also what is the best memory size. 512g or 1tb. Or should I go 2tb?

[@MacDork]

Thanks for your unbiased, insightful review; I will definitely not buy this. You gained a subscriber today.

[@paperlessmove]

Welcome to the Paperless Movement, MacDork! 🙌

[@MacDork]

@@paperlessmove Thanks! I've tried several paperless diagram/note apps and have a few favorites, but I'm not yet fully converted away from typing. I'm currently using Obsidian as my single source of truth.

[@paperlessmove]

@@MacDork I am using Obsidian too. :) There is no need to go away from any of these tools. Stay tuned, I'll release a new video today that will address exactly this topic. :)

[@bookishb]

i loved my device but the screen got scratched with in a month of having it and it cost like 100 or more to get replaced through them. I was so upset. I just got a mini ipad with apple pencil for my birthday and love it

[@jdj2986]

Thank you for this. For all I like about the paper-feel and easy note taking of Remarkable I could not bring myself to buy it because it makes managing your notes way harder than it should be. Especially for $500-$600! If it was $150 I might have bought it a long time ago

[@Mr_Web]

Im personally fitted an anti-glare film to my Samsung S6 and it's like writing on paper. Then I can use the Note app and have everything I need like folders and files 👍while allowing me to access my emails and other apps