Remarkable paper pro digital notebook review

To truly understand the reMarkable Paper Pro digital notebook, you need to zoom out a bit and look at the whole picture, especially its place next to the popular reMarkable 2. Forget everything you thought you knew about digital note-taking, because the reMarkable Paper Pro is shaking things up with a color E Ink display and some seriously thoughtful design choices. It’s not just an incremental update. it’s a reimagining of what a distraction-free digital canvas can be, offering a blend of traditional paper feel with modern digital convenience that could genuinely change your workflow. Whether you’re a student drowning in textbooks, a professional sketching out big ideas, or someone just trying to cut down on paper clutter, this device promises a focused, engaging experience. Before we get into all the nitty-gritty, if you’re already thinking about upgrading your setup, you can check out the reMarkable Paper Pro and its accessories, like the Marker Plus or various folio cases, on Amazon.

What’s the Hype? The reMarkable Paper Pro in a Nutshell

So, what exactly is the reMarkable Paper Pro, and why are people talking about it? Imagine the core philosophy of the reMarkable 2 – that beautiful, almost uncanny feeling of pen on paper – but with a significant upgrade: color. The reMarkable Paper Pro is the company’s latest iteration, building on the success of its monochrome predecessors. It’s designed to be your ultimate digital notebook, moving away from the “do-it-all” tablet mentality and focusing purely on reading, writing, and thinking without distractions.

The biggest headline feature is, without a doubt, that color E Ink display. This isn’t your vibrant iPad screen. it’s a more subdued, eye-friendly color that brings a new dimension to note-taking and document review. Think of it like a newspaper or a magazine, but digital. You can now highlight in multiple colors, sketch with a broader palette, and view PDFs with color diagrams or images that truly pop, albeit in a more muted, paper-like way. This makes it a fantastic tool for anyone who deals with color-coded notes, complex diagrams, or colorful academic papers, as it prevents the constant need to switch between devices.

Beyond the display, the Paper Pro aims to refine the experience. It offers an adjustable reading light, a feature notably missing from the reMarkable 2, making it usable in various lighting conditions from bright offices to dimly lit cafes. Plus, some reports suggest it boasts a faster charging speed, getting you from 0 to 90% in about 45 minutes, compared to the reMarkable 2’s 120 minutes. It’s a device that’s still about focus, but with enhanced capabilities to make that focus more comfortable and versatile.

Design and the ‘Paper Feel’ – A Color Evolution

When you first pick up the reMarkable Paper Pro, you’ll likely be struck by its premium build quality and incredibly thin profile. The reMarkable 2 was already known for being super thin at just 4.7 mm, fitting easily into any bag or briefcase. The Paper Pro continues this design ethos, though its screen size has reportedly grown to 11.8 inches, offering a more expansive canvas for your thoughts compared to the reMarkable 2’s 10.3 inches. This larger size, combined with its slimness, makes it feel like you’re carrying a substantial, high-quality notepad rather than a piece of tech.

The cornerstone of any reMarkable device is its paper-like screen, and the Paper Pro doesn’t disappoint, even with the addition of color. The display maintains that matte, glare-free texture that mimics real paper, providing a tactile friction when you write that makes the digital experience feel surprisingly analog. This isn’t a slick, slippery tablet screen. it’s designed to provide resistance, giving you a sense of control and familiarity that digital artists and avid note-takers truly appreciate.

What’s new here is how that paper-like feel integrates with color. Instead of a monochrome E Ink Carta display, the Paper Pro utilizes a color E Ink panel. While this might introduce slight differences in the “feel” due to the underlying screen technology some users on Reddit noted the Paper Pro pen feeling “slippery” compared to the RM2, implying a less textured surface, possibly due to a textured glass vs plastic film, the core goal remains the same: to minimize the digital barrier and maximize the focused, paper-first experience. The design remains minimalist, with no distracting apps or notifications, ensuring that when you pick up the Paper Pro, you’re there to get work done. For those who prioritize a premium feel, getting a good folio case is always a smart move to protect your investment.

The Writing Experience: Pen on Digital Paper Pro

This is where the reMarkable Paper Pro truly stakes its claim, just like its predecessor. The writing experience is often cited as the primary reason people fall in love with reMarkable devices, and the Paper Pro aims to elevate it. When you put the stylus, or “Marker,” to the screen, there’s a satisfying friction that genuinely feels like pen on paper. The near-zero latency means your strokes appear almost instantly, without that frustrating lag you might encounter on other digital tablets.

The Marker itself is a marvel of simplicity. It doesn’t need charging or pairing, and it attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet, so it’s always ready. You typically have two options: the standard Marker and the Marker Plus, which adds a built-in eraser on the back, mimicking a traditional pencil. Many users, including myself, find the Marker Plus to be a must for its natural, fluid workflow. The reMarkable offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, allowing for a wide range of strokes, from fine lines to broad shading, much like a real pencil or paintbrush.

With the Paper Pro, the addition of color ink options is a huge step forward. While the screen itself renders in muted, paper-like colors, these colors come to life when you view your notes on the companion mobile or desktop apps. This means you can use different colors for headings, highlights, diagrams, or annotations, making your notes much more organized and visually engaging. You still get access to a variety of writing tools like a ballpoint pen, fineliner, pencil, highlighter, and even a calligraphy pen, each with different thickness settings.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the textured screen, while fantastic for writing, means pen tips will wear down over time. This is just part of the experience, similar to how physical pen nibs wear out. It’s a small trade-off for that authentic feel, but it’s wise to keep a pack of reMarkable pen tips on hand. Some users on Reddit have also mentioned that the Paper Pro pen might feel “slippery” or that the tip is more fragile than the normal Marker, so definitely consider reading recent reviews or trying it out if possible.

Beyond Notes: Features for Productivity

The reMarkable Paper Pro, like the reMarkable 2, isn’t just about writing. it’s a productivity powerhouse designed to help you organize your thoughts and documents.

Organization: Keeping Things Tidy

One of the standout aspects is its effortless organization system. You can create an unlimited number of notebooks, sort them into folders, and use tags to categorize your work, making it incredibly easy to find what you need. I remember my first time trying to organize all my scattered paper notes, and the reMarkable system felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s designed to replace all your physical notebooks, journals, and sticky notes, putting everything in one place.

A truly remarkable feature is the handwriting-to-text conversion. This tool can transform your handwritten notes into typed text with surprising accuracy, which is super handy for sharing notes or integrating them into digital documents. While it works best with reasonably neat handwriting, it’s a feature that many professionals and students find invaluable. You can then email this converted text directly from your device.

Reading & Annotation: Your Digital Library and Editor

The Paper Pro shines as a document reader and annotator. It supports PDF and ePub formats, allowing you to import textbooks, articles, or reports and interact with them just as you would with physical paper. You can highlight passages, write notes in the margins, and draw directly on the pages. This is especially useful for students reviewing academic papers or professionals marking up contracts.

With the Paper Pro, you also get an adjustable reading light, which is a huge improvement over the reMarkable 2, making it comfortable to read in any lighting conditions without eye strain. The ability to use multiple layers for annotations is a clever touch, letting you write comments or corrections on separate layers that you can hide or show at will, which is fantastic for reviewing or collaborative work. You can even add blank “note pages” directly into PDFs or ebooks if you need more space for extensive notes or brainstorming.

Connect Subscription: Unlocking the Full Ecosystem

To get the most out of your reMarkable, the Connect subscription is something you’ll want to consider. While you can use the device without it, Connect unlocks several powerful features that enhance the overall experience.

For about $2.99 per month or an annual plan, Connect offers:

• Unlimited cloud storage and automatic syncing: This ensures all your notes and documents are safely backed up and accessible across your reMarkable, and its mobile and desktop apps. Without Connect, cloud syncing is limited, and files might stop syncing if not opened for 50 days.
• Integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive: This makes it super easy to access and save your files directly from these popular cloud services.
• Mobile and desktop note-taking: You can create and edit notes directly within the reMarkable apps on your other devices, not just view them.
• Screen sharing: This feature lets you use your reMarkable as a digital whiteboard, which is excellent for presentations or online meetings.
• Extended warranty: Connect subscribers often get up to three years of protection for their device.

New users often get a 100-day free trial, giving you plenty of time to see if Connect is right for you. While some users have expressed frustration about features like handwriting conversion moving behind a paywall which happened after the reMarkable 2’s initial launch, the subscription model helps fund ongoing software development and cloud services.

reMarkable Paper Pro vs. reMarkable 2: A Direct Showdown

This is probably the comparison many of you are here for. The reMarkable 2 has been a beloved device for years, and the Paper Pro is the new kid on the block. So, how do they stack up?

Display: Color vs. Monochrome

This is the most obvious and significant difference. The reMarkable 2 features a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink Carta display, which is fantastic for a distraction-free, black-and-white experience, truly mimicking paper. The reMarkable Paper Pro, however, sports a larger 11.8-inch color E Ink display, capable of rendering tens of thousands of colors. While these aren’t vibrant tablet colors, they are a must for anyone who needs to differentiate elements with color, whether for diagrams, highlighting, or simply making notes more engaging. If your work relies on color, the Paper Pro instantly becomes a much more versatile tool.

Size & Portability

The reMarkable 2 is known for its compact 10.3-inch screen and lightweight 404g design, making it highly portable. The Paper Pro, with its 11.8-inch display, is physically larger, offering more screen real estate. While still incredibly thin, that extra size might make a difference for those who prioritize fitting it into smaller bags. For larger projects, the Paper Pro’s extra space could be a significant advantage.

Writing Feel: Subtle Nuances

Both devices offer an unparalleled paper-like writing experience thanks to their textured screens and low-latency styluses. However, some Reddit users have noted a subtle difference in the writing feel. Some found the Paper Pro’s pen to be “slippery” compared to the reMarkable 2, suggesting a slightly different screen texture or pen tip design for the color display. The reMarkable 2’s screen uses a plastic film cover lens, while the Paper Pro’s is made of textured glass, which could account for this difference in feel. It’s not necessarily better or worse, just different, and personal preference will play a big role here.

Features: Adjustable Light and Charging

The Paper Pro brings some much-requested hardware improvements. It includes an adjustable reading light, something the reMarkable 2 famously lacks, which means you can use the Paper Pro comfortably in low-light environments. Additionally, the Paper Pro is said to have faster charging capabilities, significantly reducing downtime. These quality-of-life features make the Paper Pro more adaptable to various environments.

Price

Generally, the reMarkable Paper Pro is priced higher than the reMarkable 2. The reMarkable 2 typically starts around $299-$399, not including accessories. The Paper Pro has been seen listed for around $679 for the tablet with the Marker Plus. This price difference reflects the newer technology, especially the color E Ink display and additional features. When considering the price, remember that essential accessories like the Marker stylus and a folio case are usually separate purchases for both devices, and the Connect subscription adds a recurring cost for full functionality. For current pricing, always check retailers like Amazon’s reMarkable store directly.

Pros and Cons: What Users Are Saying Including Reddit Insights

No device is perfect, and the reMarkable Paper Pro is no exception. Let’s break down what people love and what they wish was better, drawing on common themes from reviews and popular discussions, including those on Reddit e.g., “remarkable paper pro digital notebook review reddit,” “remarkable paper pro digital notebook reviews and complaints”.

Pros: What Makes it Great

• Color E Ink Display: This is a huge win. For those who need color for diagrams, highlights, or reviewing documents, the Paper Pro offers a much richer and more visually organized experience than its monochrome predecessors. It opens up new possibilities for creative work and academic study.
• Exceptional Writing Experience: Despite potential subtle differences from the reMarkable 2, the core paper-like feel, low latency, and pressure sensitivity remain top-tier. It’s still one of the best digital writing experiences out there, making you feel like you’re writing on actual paper.
• Distraction-Free Environment: Just like the reMarkable 2, the Paper Pro is purpose-built for focus. No social media, no endless notifications, no web browser unless using the “Read on reMarkable” browser extension for articles. This minimalist approach is a huge plus for anyone looking to truly concentrate on note-taking, reading, or brainstorming.
• Adjustable Front Light: A much-needed addition, the adjustable light makes the Paper Pro usable in any lighting condition, from a brightly lit office to a dim airplane cabin. This significantly enhances its versatility.
• Robust Organization Features: The ability to create endless notebooks, use folders, and tag documents makes managing your digital notes a breeze. The handwriting-to-text conversion is also a highly valued feature for digitizing notes.
• Excellent for PDFs and Ebooks: Annotating documents and reading ePubs on the large, glare-free screen is a pleasure. The ability to add infinite margins or blank pages within documents is particularly useful for in-depth study.
• Long Battery Life: With up to two weeks of battery life, you can go for extended periods without needing to charge, which is a major advantage for portability.

Cons: Where It Could Improve Including Complaints

• High Price and Accessories: The Paper Pro is a significant investment. The tablet itself is pricey, and then you need to factor in the cost of the Marker stylus and a protective folio. The optional Connect subscription also adds to the overall ownership cost. Many Reddit users have voiced concerns about the cumulative expense, especially comparing it to more versatile tablets.
• Connect Subscription Necessity: While optional, many “premium” features like unlimited cloud storage, full app syncing, and handwriting-to-text conversion are locked behind the $2.99/month Connect subscription. This has been a point of contention for many users, as features that were once free or perceived as part of the initial purchase are now recurring expenses.
• Limited Functionality / No Apps or Browser: This is a feature, not a bug, for some, but a significant drawback for others. The reMarkable ecosystem is closed. there’s no app store, no web browser beyond a “Read on reMarkable” extension, and no multimedia support. If you want a device that can do more than just note-taking and reading, you’ll feel limited.
• Pen Tip Wear: While part of the paper-like experience, the constant need to replace pen tips can be an annoyance and an ongoing cost.
• Screen Durability Potential: While generally robust, some users on Reddit have reported issues with screen calibration errors or the device dying after a year, though these seem less common. The shift to textured glass for the Paper Pro’s screen might affect its long-term durability or scratch resistance compared to the reMarkable 2’s plastic film.
• PDF Annotation Limitations: While great for basic annotations, the reMarkable’s method of creating an image layer over PDFs means that highlights and notes aren’t always easily readable by other PDF readers without additional processing, limiting its “academic” usefulness for some. Complex PDFs with heavy images can also render slowly.
• “Slippery” Pen Feel for Paper Pro: As mentioned, some users, especially those coming from the reMarkable 2, found the Paper Pro’s writing surface to feel slightly more slippery, which might detract from the “paper feel” for some.

Accessories That Complete the Experience

To truly make your reMarkable Paper Pro or reMarkable 2 a complete system, you’ll probably want to invest in a few key accessories. These aren’t just extras. they enhance protection, functionality, and the overall user experience.

• The Markers: While the standard Marker gets the job done, many swear by the Marker Plus. Its built-in eraser on the back makes corrections feel incredibly natural and efficient. If you’re serious about your digital handwriting, the upgrade is often worth it. You can find both reMarkable Markers and Marker Plus styluses on Amazon.
• Folio Cases: Protecting your device is paramount, especially given its premium price. reMarkable offers its own Book Folios and Folio Keyboard Type Folio, which attach magnetically and provide a sleek, integrated look. There are also plenty of excellent third-party folio cases available on Amazon that offer great protection at a more budget-friendly price. Make sure you get one designed for the larger 11.8-inch Paper Pro if that’s your device!
• Type Folio Keyboard: If you find yourself needing to type longer notes or documents, the Type Folio is a fantastic addition. It’s a folio case with a built-in, slim tactile keyboard that allows you to switch seamlessly between handwriting and typing. It’s designed for distraction-free typing, though some users find the key travel and palm rest area could be improved for extended sessions. You can look for the reMarkable Type Folio if you want that hybrid experience.
• Extra Pen Tips: As mentioned earlier, the textured screen will wear down your pen tips over time. Having a pack of replacement tips is essential to maintain that optimal writing feel and ensure consistent performance.

These accessories, while adding to the initial cost, can significantly improve how you use and protect your reMarkable Paper Pro, making it a more versatile and durable tool for your daily routine.

Is the reMarkable Paper Pro Right for YOU?

Deciding if the reMarkable Paper Pro is the right tool for you really comes down to your specific needs and workflow. This isn’t a tablet for everyone, and it’s certainly not trying to be an iPad replacement.

• You’re a student or academic: If you spend a lot of time reading and annotating PDFs, especially those with color diagrams or charts, the Paper Pro’s color E Ink screen will be a must. Its ability to replace multiple physical notebooks and keep all your research organized in one place is invaluable.
• You’re a professional who brainstorms, sketches, or takes extensive notes: Architects, designers, writers, project managers – anyone who relies heavily on handwriting, drawing, and visual thinking will appreciate the Paper Pro’s authentic feel and distraction-free environment. The color adds another layer of expression to your ideas.
• You’re looking to reduce digital distractions: If traditional tablets and laptops lead you down a rabbit hole of notifications and endless browsing, the reMarkable Paper Pro offers a sanctuary for focused work. It’s built for deep thinking and concentration.
• You appreciate the “pen on paper” experience: If you love the tactile feel of writing on paper but crave the organizational benefits of digital, this device delivers it better than almost anything else. The added colors just make it richer.
• You deal with a lot of PDF documents with color elements: Reviewing contracts, marking up presentations, or studying colorful reports becomes much more effective with the Paper Pro’s display.

However, if you’re looking for a device that:

• Has a vibrant, full-color display for watching videos or browsing the web.
• Can run a wide array of third-party apps.
• Acts as a general-purpose computing device.
• Comes with a low price tag.

Then the reMarkable Paper Pro might not be your best fit, and a traditional tablet might serve you better. It’s a specialized tool, and its value is highest for those who can fully leverage its unique strengths. For those who fit the bill, it’s truly a remarkable device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the reMarkable Paper Pro a significant upgrade from the reMarkable 2?

Yes, for many users, the reMarkable Paper Pro is a significant upgrade, primarily due to its color E Ink display and adjustable reading light. While the reMarkable 2 offers a fantastic monochrome writing experience, the Paper Pro’s ability to render colors makes it much more versatile for tasks involving diagrams, color-coded notes, and reviewing documents with visual elements. The adjustable light also improves usability in various lighting conditions. However, the core writing feel might have subtle differences, and it comes at a higher price point.

Does the reMarkable Paper Pro really feel like writing on paper, or is that just marketing hype?

It’s genuinely close to the real thing, not just hype. The reMarkable Paper Pro, like the reMarkable 2, uses a unique textured screen material that creates a tactile friction when you write with the Marker stylus. This, combined with near-zero latency, makes the experience feel incredibly natural, much like a pen or pencil on paper. While it’s not 100% identical, it’s widely considered one of the best digital approximations available. Some users on Reddit have noted the Paper Pro pen feeling slightly “slippery” compared to the reMarkable 2, but the overall consensus remains positive for its paper-like quality.

Do I need a subscription for the reMarkable Paper Pro?

You can use the reMarkable Paper Pro without a subscription, but the Connect subscription $2.99/month or annual equivalent unlocks crucial features like unlimited cloud storage, automatic syncing across devices and apps, integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, and the handwriting-to-text conversion feature. Without Connect, cloud storage is limited, and some features might not be available or fully functional. Many users find the subscription essential for a seamless workflow.

Can I read and annotate PDFs and ebooks on the reMarkable Paper Pro?

Absolutely! The reMarkable Paper Pro is excellent for reading and annotating both PDFs and ePub ebooks. You can highlight, write notes in the margins, and draw directly on documents. The larger 11.8-inch color display is particularly beneficial for viewing complex PDFs with diagrams or charts, and you can even add extra blank note pages within your documents for more extensive annotations.

What are the main complaints about the reMarkable Paper Pro digital notebook?

Common complaints about the reMarkable Paper Pro, often echoed in “remarkable paper pro digital notebook reviews and complaints” and “remarkable paper pro digital notebook review reddit” discussions, include its high price and the additional cost of essential accessories like the stylus and case. Many also express frustration over the necessity of the Connect subscription for full functionality, feeling that some features should be included in the initial purchase price. The device’s limited app ecosystem and lack of a web browser are also frequent points of critique for users expecting more versatile tablet functions. Additionally, the need to replace pen tips due to wear and a reported “slippery” writing feel for some users compared to the reMarkable 2 are sometimes mentioned. Lava studio all in one guitar amp review

Is the reMarkable Paper Pro good for artists or sketchers?

Yes, the reMarkable Paper Pro can be a fantastic tool for artists and sketchers. Its pressure-sensitive Marker stylus 4096 levels, near-zero latency, and the textured screen provide a very natural drawing experience. The addition of a color E Ink display in the Paper Pro is a significant benefit, allowing for more expressive and detailed sketches, even if the colors are more muted than a traditional digital display. The ability to use layers for drawings and sketches is also incredibly useful for complex artwork.