reMarkable Paper Pro Review: Actually Worth it?
Film & Animation
Introduction
For the past three years, I’ve used my reMarkable 2 nearly every day. It's where I articulate my thoughts, sketch UI designs, and take rough meeting notes. The device goes everywhere with me and has become an essential part of my toolkit. Therefore, the prospect of a better, more premium version is intriguing. The new reMarkable Paper Pro sets out to fulfill that promise, but is it actually better in a noticeable, significant way? I’ve been using this device intensely, and I’m ready to share my thoughts to help you determine if it’s worth it for you. If you already own a reMarkable 2, is the upgrade worthwhile?
Before we dive into the details, let me introduce myself. My name is Brandon, and I’m a product designer passionate about helping people enhance their focus and creativity. I'm currently building Playlist, a digital planner designed to help modern humans manage multiple tasks while maintaining focus on what truly matters. I recently released it in beta, and I would love your help testing and refining the product. If that interests you, check the link in the description to join the beta.
Physical Characteristics
It’s been just over four years since the reMarkable 2 was released, and the wait for the new device has been long. On the surface, the devices look quite similar, but almost everything inside the Paper Pro is different from its predecessor. This transition required an enormous engineering effort from the reMarkable team and presents a significant risk; however, does it still retain the essence of a reMarkable?
Upon picking up the reMarkable Paper Pro, you’ll instantly notice its sturdy build quality. This device feels as though it could easily be mistaken for a product developed by Apple. The unibody aluminum frame gives it a premium finish, and it feels at home alongside my MacBook Pro. The Paper Pro is approximately 30% larger in screen size compared to the reMarkable 2—a benefit when writing but a trade-off in portability. The added size and weight of the aluminum chassis make it less portable than the reMarkable 2, resembling more of a tank compared to its predecessor, which feels more like a toy.
Interestingly, the device's thickness is another noticeable difference; it measures 5.1 mm versus 4.7 mm on the reMarkable 2. While this may not seem significant on paper, it is perceptible during use. For example, I frequently use the folio when I'm on the go and take the device out for desk use to minimize the gap between the device and my hand. With the folio doubled over, the thickness can feel like 10 mm, as opposed to the listed 5.1 mm. It's a subtle difference but one worth noting.
Screen Quality
At the core of the Paper Pro is the new Canvas Color screen, which is a heavily modified version of E Ink’s Gallery 3 display. This model is the first production Eink color screen devoid of color filtering and represents a significant upgrade over the monochrome K screens typically employed in other devices. Historically, K screens came with more drawbacks than benefits when compared to their black-and-white counterparts, but Gallery 3 marks a notable improvement.
However, there are trade-offs, particularly concerning white and black points, which combine to create the overall contrast. When compared with the reMarkable 2, the Paper Pro’s screen presents a more gray hue instead of a bright white. The reMarkable cleverly matches the bezel's color to the screen color for a uniform appearance, but there’s a noticeable difference in white point. Similarly, blacks are not as deep on the Paper Pro. Although it may seem subtle, the difference becomes pronounced when dealing with large blocks of color like UI buttons or the on-screen keyboard.
Despite the reduced contrast, the screen feels noticeably more responsive than the reMarkable 2. When drawing or writing in color, initial strokes display in a dark grayish tone. Once completed, the color is rendered, which mimics the responsiveness typical of writing with a pen, making the experience smooth and intuitive.
Writing Dynamics
One of the most critical aspects of a digital writing device is the writing experience itself. To achieve this on the Paper Pro, reMarkable has shifted to an active stylus, which means your existing Wacom EMR styluses will no longer be compatible. This new stylus requires a battery and clips to the side of the device for charging.
Why the change? The active stylus accommodates a new front light feature that shrinks the display stack, placing your writing closer to the pen tip for a more intuitive feel. The handwriting feels fluid and eliminates previous issues like magnetic interference at the edges. However, some minor curvature is noticeable on longer lines.
The new active stylus has some practical implications. Given that it operates on a battery, you’ll want to ensure it’s charged frequently, changing your typical workflow where you may have left pens lying around. The nibs are also redesigned, offering a more pencil-like sound and feel than the previous models. In this regard, the tactile experience has improved significantly, especially for those who prefer not to customize often.
Front Light
While we touched on the front light earlier, it deserves further discussion. The addition is a welcome change, allowing usage in low-light environments where it was previously challenging. However, the front light is somewhat underwhelming. It lacks brightness, which can be a drawback. Additionally, the warmth adjustment feature is nonexistent, leading to a consistent blue hue that is more noticeable at higher brightness settings.
Is it Worth It?
Now for the crucial question: is the reMarkable Paper Pro worth the investment? Coming in at $ 579, it’s not a cheap device. If you’ve tried the reMarkable 2 and found it lacking, the Paper Pro likely won’t dramatically change your experience. However, if you’re contemplating spending $ 399 on the reMarkable 2, the Paper Pro is a substantially more capable and future-proof alternative.
For current reMarkable 2 users, while the Paper Pro is a larger, better, and more premium device, it may not be the ideal upgrade. The Paper Pro caters to a new segment that benefits from features like color rendering and is particularly advantageous for those involved in drawing or UI design. If your primary use case revolves around black-and-white writing, this upgrade may not justify the cost.
If your current reMarkable 2 feels sluggish and you're eager for an upgrade but can’t wait for the upcoming reMarkable 3, consider alternatives like the Book’s Go 10.3. This device offers a sharper display but lacks the remarkable software that facilitates a distraction-free experience.
In conclusion, the reMarkable Paper Pro is an impressive device with numerous upgrades, but whether it's right for your specific needs depends on how you will use it.
Keywords
reMarkable 2, reMarkable Paper Pro, review, upgrade, Canvas Color screen, writing experience, active stylus, front light, battery life, UI design, digital planner, product design.
FAQ
Is the reMarkable Paper Pro worth upgrading from the reMarkable 2?
- It depends on your specific needs. If you primarily use the device for black-and-white writing, the upgrade may not be justified. However, if you draw or sketch often, you’ll benefit from the new features.
What are the main differences between the reMarkable Paper Pro and the reMarkable 2?
- The Paper Pro features a larger Canvas Color screen, a new active stylus, a front light, and improved build quality, among others.
How does the writing experience differ between the reMarkable 2 and Paper Pro?
- The writing experience on the Paper Pro is fluid and more responsive, thanks to factors like the new stylus and the display stack setup.
Is battery life better on the Paper Pro?
- The Paper Pro has a larger battery (5000 mAh compared to 3000 mAh in the reMarkable 2), but overall battery life doesn’t show a significant improvement in practice.
What’s the price of the reMarkable Paper Pro?
- The reMarkable Paper Pro is priced at $ 579.