reMarkable 2 tablet review: worth it in 2023?
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- čas přidán 7. 12. 2022
- The reMarkable 2 is a fantastic note taking device. But is this productivity tablet worth the $300 price tag? Probably not.
Get the Remarkable Essentials bundle here: amzn.to/3R6lzQ2 - Věda a technologie
Correction on the integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft - that ability IS included without a subscription… the subscription is only for Remarkable’s cloud storage ability.
Might be worth pinning to the top. That could be a deal breaker
From the review that seemed like the main sticking point to move back to pen/paper, does knowing this functionality work without a subscription change the conclusion at all?
@@DigiDriftZone for my purposes, no. But I use other apps for note taking both personally and professionally, which the Remarkable does not sync with. There's extra work invovled in moving things to my current ecosystem. The Connect app seems to work well for a lot of users, allowing notes to be synced across mobile and desktop devices, but it's a bare-bones document app, rather than the one-stop-solution that I need. A selling point to some, a drawback to others.
@@BrianFrey1 That's a very good summary, this is indeed both a pro and a con. Personally I am looking to reduce distractions and I'm a developer so getting stuff to/from the tablet into any ecosystem is a few lines of code, so I am considering one. My main hesitation is the reMarkable 3 may come out this year.
@@BrianFrey1what other apps do you use? And what other (if any) note-taking technique do you have? #Asking4Help
surprisingly enough it feels soooo refreshing to listen to an honest reviews. Nowadays almost every video about a product is in some way or another sponsored and you end up not able to trust really the review. Thanks for interesting, nuanced feedback on an intriguing product
Made me feel the same
Literally explained everything in the first 10 seconds. Amazing
lol!!!!
Well not everyone wants an ipad. I would take any other solution before settling for an apple device.
@@GaryLangEngrand throughout the whole video he says he’s going to stop using it in place of just pen and paper.
@@colorona8456
Yea because Apple is the only company that makes tablets
But isn't the selling point is no distraction. iPad has so much distraction
I am literally the ideal audience: I am an artist and have ADHD. Analogue is huge for me but at this point in my career (in my 30s), I'm drowning in notebooks that have too many ideas in too many places. I love the writing experience, the lack of apps help me focus, and being not backlit protects my eyes from strain and protects my over-excitable nervous system from all the stimulus overload that comes with most screens over time. But if you've already gone deep with a different note service or application, I can see how it might now be worth it. Ideal for a move from purely analogue to... less analogue. Lol.
same, I'm not an artist, but I study History and Philosophy so I am inundated with pdfs. I actually have an iPad pro 12 inch but I wanted something that isn't going to distract me. I don't use any notetaking apps anyhow beacause the same issue happens, too many options and my ADHD brain gets overwhelmed XD Just ordered mine and should recieve it on Monday :) did you end up getting one?
Does it ever cross your mind to - not tell the world that you have a diagnosis?
@@Snoogle2Does it ever cross your mind to not be an a$$?
Thanks, I'm an adhd artist too and have had the writing habit to process my thoughts all my life. The journals kept piling up and I eventually transcribed the highlights and now have 25 years of summarized notebooks in Word docs. At least they are searchable. I tried to stop writing in notebooks, and currently use software called The Journal, which I love for summarizing, but it doesn't help in processing my thoughts as much. I've come to the conclusion that writing out step by step plans is the only way I'll be able to finish projects. Looking at notes on the computer is okay, but only after I have hashed out my plans in handwriting. A $600 pen? No way. I can type, I can dim the screen, and I love the feeling of a real pencil. I'll keep using a hybrid system, but for grocery lists, nothing beats Google Keep.
@@Snoogle2Its almost like that humankind likes to share. Interesting right?
Thanks for your honest review. You finally end my obsession to this item! I owe you for saving me from wasting my money. ❤❤❤
After dwelling over whether this device is worth the price at $900 CAD (device, case and marker with eraser), for weeks. This review was all I needed to see. If this device was no more than $250 CAD all in, I would have already purchased one for myself and one for every member of my creative team. But $900 is absolutely insane.
FYI: I just spent $460 for remarkable 2 + better stylus + $20 for case from Amazon.
YEP! Agreed.
hi @@Scottlp2 - which stylus you are using ? can you give me a link ?
Dang, not lying. Just checked Amazon Canada and it's $863 for the bundle. If this was an actual full fledged Android tablet with the Play store, then maybe.
@@luckycatdad8369yeah I was pretty shocked that it's this useless otherwise. I thought I could at least use a browser to download the files on the device itself.
This way I have to have a laptop and this thing with me, everytime I want to read a document..?
I'm a big fan of the device. I use it for school and have the equivalent of multiple binders on it. I convert powerpoint lectures to pdf and annotate directly on them. It's perfect for my current use case.
But now there is the Kindle Scribe that does all of this and more, and links to your Kindle books, etc for the same amount of $$.
There is absolutely no point to getting this now that Amazon has Kindle Scribe in various storage sizes (32gb and up) in the same price range and links to all your Kindle books, etc. Don’t waste your money on this!
@FunAtDisney Not so sure. The kindle is not cheaper and it has a much smaller screen. I like the idea of a backlight though.
@@sean2044If you look at the specs they are almost identical in size. The Kindle screen is 10.2, the Remarkable is 10.3. The Kindle is 9.0 x 7.3” in total size, the Remarkable is 9.6 x 7.3”. So the physical size of the Kindle is smaller by a bit, but considering the screen size is basically the same, that is what counts Yes the Remarkable is less expensive at $299, however that is 8gb of storage. The Kindle starts at $239 for 16gb and the basic pen, for 32gb and the premium pen it is $389. So when you compare that they are again pretty identical in cost per GB of storage. Bottom line for me is that the Kindle is a proven device with literally billions of dollars of backing and fully integrates 100% with all your Amazon stuff, etc. and seems to import more formats. The Remarkable just cannot match that, even at $40 cheaper.
@@FunAtDisney The kindle also doesn't have any handwriting to text functionality and it isn't on their coming soon list either.
Thank you sir for such a well-rounded but fair review. This was my first time on your page and on my experience today I've subscribed immediately!
This is the review I was looking for. Brilliant, clear, concise and confirmed the answers to the questions I had. Thank you!
Ohh! Paaji tusi ethhe bhi?
I work at Best Buy. Got a good deal on one and wanted to give it a shot. The moment I realized it didn’t have a backlight was the moment I realized I am most likely going to return it.
It's literally an e-ink display, the entire technology is based around not using a backlight and appearing like paper. That's really on you for not doing basic research before buying a product.
Thank you for your review. Answered every question I had about this product. Back to ipad pro I go.
Thank you! I was on the fence, but now with some of the concerns you had makes total sense.
Personally, not having a backlight is a plus - my paper pads don't come with one and I don't see a need for Remarkable to have one either, even at $300 a pop. However, I do intend to melt down both eraser pen and a folio case - they must contain some sort of precious metals based on the price Remarkable is charging for them...
i get where you stand on the backlight but what happens if you are in a situation where the lighting is the best?
@@curiousentertainment3008 I have no idea where you might be where you urgently need to write things down but has such poor lighting that you would have been unable to do so using a pen and paper. And if you are in that situation, just quickly put it on your phone instead. You shouldn't be taking tons of notes or working on a novel in poor light conditions anyway (backlight or no backlight), your eyes will thank you.
But I mean.. you can always turn off the backlight.. it’s a no brainer to add it
😂facts!
I like the organization that can come from this. Papers always end up ripped and I gotta search for the right notes . Especially in a full notebook it can be a pain. I still may consider getting this for college.
You answered every one of the questions I had and saved me $$$. Thanks!
Enjoyed your review. Very professional and not biased which is something that is hard to find these days. Also no CZcams adds for remarkable reviews. Such a coincidence for all CZcams reviews of remarkable!!!
Thanks for such a straightforward brass tacks review!
This is the review I’ve been waiting for. Thank you.
Great video. This had all the points I was looking to address and you nailed them on the head
Thank you for your honest review, much appreciated!!
Im already a huge fan of your style, thanks a ton for an honest review mate
Thanks so much for this honest review. I own a Boox Air and have been wondering if I should have gotten a reMarkable 2. After hearing some of the shortcomings of the device, none of which are present in the Boox Air, I feel much better about my purchase.
Agreed - and just for the hell of it - I dug out my Fujitsu Lifebook that had been dormant for - count /em - greater than twelve(12) YEARS, connected power supply and fired it up - and it ran. Processor and operating system totally out of date and incompatible with anything today but the incredibly robust OneNote and Journal software still ran like a top and the pen writing was fully functional - and let me tell you - the writing experience is still more paper than anything out there. I briefly tested an early reMarkable owned by a friend and I can tell you the paper like feel and continuity of the Lifebook with Journal and OneNote was, and is still equivalent. I do think some of the note taking and organizing features of reM are superior, no doubt, but nothing I couldn't duplicate using OneNote and/or Journal. Even if not, though, there's nothing about reM2.0 that's worth spending more than what I can buy a Lenovo 2 in 1 tablet with detachable keyboard for...or even a Surface.
I came here just to find out if I can download ebooks and PDfs and you answered that question in your video! Thanks!
Thanks! This review is almost exactly what I wanted to know about this product.
Thank you for an honest review! I have a colleague that uses one and it always intrigued me. I just looked up the price, and you comments on the digital functionality have caused me to pause. Side note- This is a well done video and I enjoyed it.
I love your honesty and totally se your point. I cleared all’ Of ma doubts in 5 mins! Thanks for sharing this
Thank you i was almost about to pull the trigger on this thing.
I've been looking into getting this product for more than a year. But haven't been willing to get it because of the price point. I'm a high school teacher and found myself writing lesson plans on scrap paper and sticky notes (it was just quicker and easier as I already have 15 tabs open for the various websites I'm using). At the end of the year my lesson plans were a mess and i just threw them away in the end. If I get this, thats what I would use it for.
Need more reviews like this!
Thanks for the reviews. This helps me decide on getting this. I take notes and lists on paper despite being in the Apple ecosystem. I like the fact that it’s as simple as having the paper but can organize all in one place.
Great point about it not having a backlight, I didn't think about that.
That would be a helpful software feature to avoid duplication with up-to-date notes across all notes. Apple notes synchronize across all devices without duplicating them.
Great video! Concise and to the point, but also entertaining!
Finally! Honest feedback and review! Actually, a hidden gem in CZcams!
I appreciate the review and the comments below. I too take a TON of notes for business. Does this have the capacity to save or sync to my laptop either on my hard drive on my laptop or in my Google drive?
Thanks for the honest review. It helped a lot!
Too many reviewers are not honest and promote products for monetary gain .
Thank you for explaining the limitations with the cloud and syncing process. This is the deal breaker for me!
I have a tablet and MacBook and use my remarkable for taking notes and doing readings I actually love it so much and it really helps me focus also I use a portable keyboard with it rather than the pen. For me it's an add on product with my key work products and work station a visually less invasive and organic device that doesn't overstimulate or over complicate the brain with visual stimuli
Saw a colleague using one of these the other day. Was thinking of getting one, glad I watched this first. I’ll stick to my note pad. Thanks for sharing.
Great review, thank you. I have been thinking of getting it for my wife who takes notes manually on a daily basis and goes through notebooks effortlessly. But that thing about paying to store notes is a deal breaker. We have our own cloud and this thing isn't compatible.
Again, thanks for the short and concise review.
Thanks for your honest review
How do you not have more subscribers? Awesome review and you just saved me $600
I was thinking about buying that remarkable tablet until I watch this. That was very useful thank you
I use one as a glorified to do list...and I love it! It's used every day, simply pick-up and write anytime. No opening an app or messing around. Has saved me so much time.
Thanks for the clear info!
Great review, in remarkably such a short time. I feel as if I got all I need to know.
Thank you for this review. The fact that the pen has proprietary tips that wear out quickly is all the information I need to steer clear of this thing.
Love this review. Thank you!
Thanks for your review!
Thank you. This is what I needed.
What I'm considering it for is writing. Writing novels, short stories, etc. I'm interested in knowing if I write something, can an editable file be sent to word or Google docs. If so, I'm sold. I don't like typing the first drafts of my stories. That's what interests me about this
You can convert your handwriting to text on the device (quite astoundingly reliably!) and either copy and paste the text from the notebook on the companion desktop app to word, or email it to yourself as a text. :)
Hands down - this is the best video I’ve ever watched reviewing a product. A perfect balance of listing out the pros and cons and giving your true opinion.
Someone from my company showed up with one of these last week and encouraged all of us to get one. I too use a legal pad or just type my notes onto a pdf since my handwriting sucks. I think I’ll just stick with what already works for me lol.
Hahaha
Very good video, thank you. I was thinking of getting one for Christmas, but I won't after this review!
Great review, thank you. *BUT NOTE:* the Remarkable 2 evidently does not input a web article or document with the diagrams and with the capability for me to make handwritten annotations on those diagrams. (Please correct me and explain if this is inaccurate.) That is the main customer usage model I was looking for in a note-taking tablet - more important to me than just input of handwritten notes.
Super helpful review- Thank you.
a very honest review! One of my professors had one and I felt like a needed one as well, but I am still debating myself whether to get it or not.
The main benefit I see from this is that even though I also like to take notes on a physical paper, sometimes I just like to add something to that idea but I've already had progressed on some others in the following pages, and it is hard to predict how much room to leave in this case, so having a folder or a binding that can be extended limitless like on e-paper seems like a go. Maybe I'll wait just a little when I save more money.
Get an iPad lol
@@johnsonpau1833they’re insanely expensive
@@brookefesta ipad air is pretty good value
@@johnsonpau1833 I can’t afford the iPads 😅 it sucks but oh well. I get by with notebooks so I can’t complain
@@johnsonpau1833 thanks!
very useful review, based on experience and not assumption based on specs only. good job.
Dear Dream Killer, you're right about all the nonsense. These companies always have to push it that step further to make using their products costly and annoying. I'm still debating on buying this, but if I have to pay for their cloud service to be able to do what I want with my notes forget it. Also, how long the tips last scare me. Maybe I'll just buy an old iPac it PDA.
This is even same with iPad, you need to buy the cloud storage after free tier on a graduated price. remarkable offers unlimited storage with a fixed price.
Look at the comment guy posted, he amended about the cloud thing, idk if that changes what you’re talking about
I genuinely appreciated this review. I have been debating this purchase for a while since I take an absurd amount of notes for work, school and projects. Thank you for your honesty. N.
It's an awful review. It's a great device.
@@troutymontrealI'm glad you stated why. very helpful 👍🙂
@@troutymontreal You are correct. I LOVE the R2!
@@Ensource Yeah, I mean, I enjoy the device too, but he could have said why. The main thing is that it's a device that does one thing and does it really well: writing. It's from that angle you need to approach it. I think you're actually someone who could benefit from it. I do wish the price point was lower since it's a hard sell because it lacks a lot of the ancillary features of other devices. It's a case-by-case thing, I suppose.
It is a good tech and only time will tell how much it will evolve. It is aesthetically looks amazing and has the qualities of working efficiently without too much going on like a Tablet. But for now, I would stick with my iPad, it just that iPad is the best in it's class.
I love honest reviews!
Thanks bro. Saved me time and money. Good review.
Good review, very unbiased which is nice. I cannot understand your gripe about the backlight though. I currently use a pen and pad (or many pads) and I’ve yet to meet someone with a backlit notepad. Im not sure what kind of environment you’re talking about where a professional would need to take notes in complete darkness, and if that environment did exist I would imagine that a backlit device would cause some disruptions.
not to mention using a backlit device like that for extended periods of time is also just bad for the eyes. Essnetially, avoid using anything for reading/writing in poor lighting.
Very honest review. Thank you.
Really depends on your line of work. For academics, this is marvelous. Loved it
I am using the remarkable for years. I can not understand why everyone is so much stressing, that it feels like writing on paper? It does not in my opinion. Writing on paper is an haptic experience that differs in its self in a big variety depending on the paper and the pen that is used... the remarkable is something that provides a writing experience on its own... one has to try it and use it for a while to figure out, wether it suits or not.... I dont like how much what i mention above is repeated, as if it becomes true through the number of repetitions...
@brian Frey What kind of sound bar/ speaker is that in the back? @
Great review! I've been on the fence about this product. An iPad will better suit my needs.
This is exactly the review I needed to see today. Thank you for saving me $500!
thank you Brian for your honest review. definitely not having one. it should go back to the drawing board with all the pros that you exposed.
thank you for the honest review. I wanted this product to replace using paper for note taking, and you exactly answered my question. which is can i easily search for my notes. can i sinc it easily. or it is gona be an extra task ... thank you this was really an honest review
Fire ending, crazy how that didn’t cross my mind
thank you for your honest review - this changed my mind (I almost clicked "buy"). What's the point of giving me functionality to have digital handwriting, if the only thing I can do effectively is keep in on the same pad I wrote them in??? - NO!! The ENTIRE point of digitizing my handwritten notes is to share them and convert them. Sad.
Very good realistic review. Too many reviews for this sort of thing just basically read the product description to the camera. With any purchase, half of the deciding factors are economic ones that many reviews gloss over or skip all together. Thank you
I am glad you mentioned the price. The ridiculous price is the only reason I stuck to pen and paper. At least Kindle Scribe can serve as a reading device.
I'm interested in one of these but none of them are available in stores here in Canada. I'm not spending this kind of money unless I can try one out
Umm does your yellow pad have a back light? 🤷♂️
I'm with you on this one. The yellow legal pad boots instantly, never needs an update and the battery never goes flat...game over LOL
Well, I wanted my yellow paper to be less yellow, more leaning towards orange, and all the red pens ran out of ink over time, so I have to replace them, completely, not only the nib, and when it’s dark, I can’t read what I’ve written, the red on yellow is even harder to read than a black pen on white paper, but the white paper….
Anyway, I get your point and I’m not RM fanboy. It’s overly expensive and the features are too limited. But it seems it almost does what they promised.
However, the video convinced me to remove the RM from my basket a minute ago. The RM2 will probably be replaced with the RM3 soon. Still no RM2 price drops though.
Minimalism has its price, it seems.
Thanks for your review
I have an iPad, MacBook, kindle etc AND I have a visual impairment. I love the background of this device because it helps read documents and type without the added brightness. However, a backlight/ warm light like a kindle would have been nice. I’m still very torn on keeping
It practically did come out ten years ago. I just had a middle aged lady do an ad for this device on her stream. I just wondered if this is a tool for old people. Do young people go on from grade school using paper notes? I know some kids are prohibited from getting a digital device until a set age but are they using paper in real life? They've had iPad and iPhone exposure from the crib.
great review, thank you
so grateful for your honest review. I almost bought it for my husband's birthday. he's a geotechnical engineer, always writing but with even as simple as how quick the pen wears out, might be a dealbreaker..
Yeah I’m confused why the pen tips would wear out
@@debomb721because money
Great review, saved me a load of money.
Thank you for changing my mind.
I wasn't going to buy it and your review proved me right! Thank you.
I'm 68. I think this is ideal for me. I am borderline OCD. I have 5 notepads beside me right now. Think I can find the notes for anything specific in less than a minute(more like 5) !?
When I go on my MesoAmerican tour I love idea of making notes.
Great review, thank you.
Love the ending! Sometimes we just drool over new tech for no apparent reason. The new shiny features make us forget what we often lose in the switch. Don't wanna glorify all old tech, but sometimes we are a bit irrational. :)
I normally would agree with you on that, but I’m sick of having mountains of notebooks and not knowing where a wrote a specific note, I think having an electronic way to take pen notes is a good idea. I’m just unsure of the remarkable product itself tho
@@debomb721 Yes, I agree with you as well. But you also found a legitimate reason for an electronic note taking device, instead of just "new and shiny". :)
I usually take my everyday notes in an app called Clear (new 2nd beta edition) and take all my work notes on a physical note pad on my desk.
@@debomb721 Aspects of the Bullet Journal method might help you! You give each notebook an index which you populate as you make notes... Game-changer :)
Hey! My wrist is always on the paper, does it affect the writing?
Will still buy it. I've tried it and it's really fun to use for us with creative minds.
Is the “upgraded pencil worth the money? Seems like a significant cost just to feel like a real pencil?
Excellent presentation. You should however re post with the correction, so those who don't read the intro will not miss it
does it have integration with one note ?
Wow that's all I had to see to not ever buy a Remarkable device, at least until the pricing model changes.
Thanks Brian !!
I don't really use apple or tablets in general but I do draw and take A LOT of notes for work. If it's just for work and drawing do you think its worth it? My boss has one and so far loves it.
Yes, generally it's a great device for specific use cases. They don't lie about their device. They say it's specifically for notes, sketching, drawing, etc, and nothing else. They don't pack it with too many other features because you tend to end up with devices that try everything, and succeed at little. That being said, it's accessories are overpriced so if you can find cheaper alternatives online, get those instead.
Does it have storage? And how much? Or do I have to transfer everything to my computer?
I came here because i hought one 3 days ago havent gotten it yet so im doing some homework as i like taking notes and doodling but sometimes those notes get lost so if this Remarable device for me will do wonders especially if i have it with e nd something comes to mind and i dont have a paper or pen with me for fear of forgetting the thought i can immediately write it down and paying for a cluod service for like 4-6 dollars a month is no big deal ... i relly appreciate your thought on this ,,,i will be leaving my review on this once i receive mine next week
note that Google Drive and the like is free. Only their cloud services is paid-for.
Great review Brian, I love it ❤️. I get it, its a nice paper feel like tablet. But you can literally (especially as a student) get a samsung galaxy tab s6 lite, which is most of the time cheaper, especially now, for less than £250 brand new, and it already comes with a stylus in the box, and is a normal tablet, so you can do everything on it. And if people want a paper like feel, just get a matte screen protector, maybe it wont feel the same as a remarkable tablet, but its close and effective. Tbh i am an owner of the remarkable tablet, and I regret buying it, its cool at first, but judging the device itself costs £300, you also have to spend a minimum of £60 for the basic pen (not talking about the ridiculous £120 pen) which is nothing more than a scam, just has an eraser on the 2nd side. And im gonna compare this to the tab s6 lite i have (alongside my tab s8 as well). Mainly focusing on the tab s6 lite, its a great tablet, costs £230 brand new (2022 version) and can do so much more. Plus the spen has a button mapped that when you press and hold it, the pen will act as a quick eraser. Not saying everyone wants to go for samsung, but if you are a student and doesnt care much about the company and their ecosystems, genuinely dont go for the remarkable, its kind of a waste of money, and even though it has an amazing battery life, and feels like the traditional pen and paper, you will end up charging a tablet every night anyways, so the battery is not an issue. Or just stick to the traditional paper and pen, its a much better option. Because lets be honest, most people upgrade products every 2 or 3 years anyways, so lets say you get the cheapest notepads (£1 ones for example), it will last you for about a month (depending on how much you write daily), and after 2 or 3 years go by, you will spend a max of £50 on all the writing necessities (just talking about notebooks and pens), it might not be that great for the environment and a great use of space, but all I can say its a lot cheaper than the tablet. But of course its your money and you can do whatever you want, but to be honest, this is my opinion and i do not recommend the remarkable tablet to pretty much anyone, unless you are a person not fond of new technology and only gonna be using your devices for reading books and writing. Sorry for the long comment, thanks for reading 🙌
Good breakdown.
However one thing that basically trumps everything else for me personally is of the Remarkable being "easy on the eyes".
I'm someone who has to work on screen all the time, professionally.
My eyesight has been negatively affected (regardless of trying to take regular breaks).
Do you think anything else can offer that advantage without being, as you've rightly stated, so overpriced?
@Mai Ali well yes, i do agree that remarkable is easy on your eyes, but still doesn't justify the high cost, when e-ink displays should not be so costly since they are a basic panel displaying in just black and white. I believe the remarkable is a really great device for work, but it should definitely be a lot cheaper and accessible to more people 😀
@@kamilsblogs5158 Indeed, the price point is one of the hangups.