reMarkable Starter Bundle – reMarkable 2 is The Original Paper Tablet | Includes Black and White 10.3” Writing Tablet, Marker Plus Pen with Built-in Eraser
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AI Verdict
A 4.7mm thin, 10.3-inch grayscale E Ink tablet with 8GB storage, designed for distraction-free handwriting, reading, and PDF annotation.
This device is a strong fit for a very specific user: someone who prioritizes a distraction-free, paper-like writing experience above all else. Its 10.3-inch grayscale display and 4.7mm thinness are tailored for focused note-taking and document review, not general tablet use. The limited 8GB storage and lack of backlight mean it won't replace a versatile tablet or e-reader for everyone.
If you need more than just a digital notebook, look for devices with a color E Ink display, expandable storage, or integrated backlighting.
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- The 4.7 mm thin chassis makes it highly portable.
- The E Ink display and textured surface deliver a pen-on-paper writing sensation with minimal lag.
- Offers up to 2 weeks of battery life, enabling extended focused work sessions.
- Lacks an app store, pop-up ads, or notifications, creating a distraction-free environment.
- Allows direct writing on PDFs and converts handwritten notes to typed text.
- The Marker Plus pen includes a built-in eraser and attaches magnetically to the tablet.
Cons
- The 10.3-inch grayscale E Ink display lacks a backlight, making it difficult to use in low-light conditions.
- Full cloud sync and storage require a Connect subscription after a 100-day trial.
- The 8 GB storage (approximately 6 GB usable) is non-expandable and can be limiting for extensive document libraries.
- The device's interface can feel slow, and the software has limited customization options for pen sizes and templates.
- The screen is sensitive to magnets, which can cause pen precision issues if exposed to strong magnetic fields.
Dimension Scores
The 1872x1404 resolution on a 10.3-inch grayscale E Ink screen provides sharp text, but the absence of a backlight limits its utility in varied lighting.
The device offers a fluid writing experience with minimal lag, but menu navigation and general interface responsiveness can feel slow compared to other digital devices.
With up to 2 weeks of battery life, it significantly surpasses most tablets, allowing for extended periods of use without frequent recharging.
It integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive for document transfer and offers cross-device syncing via its own apps, but lacks broader app support or direct Kindle integration.
Best For
- Focused note-taking and journaling without digital distractions.
- Reviewing and annotating PDFs for academic or professional work.
- Digital archiving of handwritten notes with cloud synchronization.
- Reading long documents and e-books in a paper-like format.
Not Recommended For
- Users who require a color display or a backlit screen for reading in the dark.
- Individuals needing extensive app functionality, web browsing, or multimedia consumption.
- Those who prefer a device with expandable storage for large media collections.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want to avoid ongoing subscription costs for core features.
Watch Out For
- The Connect subscription is required for unlimited cloud storage and syncing across devices after the initial 100-day free trial, which some users find an unexpected ongoing cost.
- The screen lacks a backlight, meaning you can't read or write comfortably in dimly lit environments without an external light source.
- The 8GB internal storage is fixed, and users have reported only about 6GB is actually usable, which can fill up faster than expected with many PDFs or notebooks.
- The device's E Ink display, while paper-like, can feel sluggish with menu navigation and page turns compared to traditional tablets.
- The Marker Plus pen, while functional, is prone to damage if dropped, and replacement tips are consumables that need to be purchased.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08HDL3XJR |
| Brand | reMarkable |
| Color | Gray |
| Series | RM113 |
| Language | English |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Item Weight | 14.2 ounces |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Manufacturer | reMarkable |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Processor Brand | ARM |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Card Description | LCD |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Item model number | RM113 |
| Screen Resolution | 1872x1404 |
| Product Dimensions | 11.02 x 0.79 x 0.04 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 2048 Levels |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1872 x 1404 Pixels |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11.02 x 0.79 x 0.04 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Standing screen display size | 10.3 Inches |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 2 weeks |
What Buyers Say
Users consistently highlight the reMarkable 2's exceptional paper-like writing feel as its standout feature, often describing it as the closest digital experience to pen and paper. Many appreciate the distraction-free environment, noting the absence of apps and notifications helps maintain focus. However, a recurring point of contention is the mandatory Connect subscription for full cloud synchronization after the trial period, which some feel is an unnecessary ongoing cost. The lack of a backlight is another frequent complaint, limiting its usability in low-light settings.
“Okay, so it really does feel like paper, which is wild, but seriously, no backlight? And then they want me to pay monthly for cloud storage? It's like they give you half a product and then nickel and dime you for the rest. Still, I write so much more now.”
Common Praise
- The writing surface provides a tactile friction that closely mimics writing on actual paper.
- The absence of apps and notifications creates a highly focused environment for note-taking and reading.
- The device's 4.7 mm thickness makes it incredibly portable and easy to carry.
- Handwritten notes can be converted to typed text, and users can write directly on PDFs.
- Battery life frequently lasts for 10 days or more on a single charge with regular use.
- The Marker Plus pen's built-in eraser is intuitive and convenient for corrections.
Common Complaints
- The display does not have a backlight, making it unusable in dark rooms without an external light source.
- The Connect subscription is required for unlimited cloud features, which feels like an extra charge for essential functionality.
- The 8 GB storage is not expandable, and some users find it restrictive for their document needs.
- The software can be slow, and the interface lacks advanced features or customization options for pen types and templates.
- The screen's sensitivity to magnets can lead to pen precision issues if a magnetic folio or other strong magnets are too close.
Ownership Tips
- The Marker Plus pen tips wear down over time, especially with heavy use, and need to be replaced periodically.
- While the device is thin, some users find it heavier than a traditional paper notebook.
- Third-party pens like the Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo are often recommended as alternatives to the Marker Plus, offering similar functionality without the premium price, though they may not be magnetic.
- Uploading documents like Kindle books requires a manual process via cable or cloud services, as there's no direct app integration.
- The 'paper feel' is achieved through a textured screen, which some users describe as a 'thumpy felt tip pen' rather than a pencil, but still enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the reMarkable 2 have a backlight for reading in the dark?
No, the reMarkable 2 features a grayscale E Ink display without a backlight, so you'll need an external light source for low-light conditions.
Is the Marker Plus pen included with the tablet?
Yes, the Starter Bundle includes the reMarkable 2 tablet and the Marker Plus pen with a built-in eraser.
Do I need a subscription for cloud storage and syncing?
Yes, unlimited cloud storage and seamless syncing across devices require a Connect subscription after a 100-day free trial. Without it, inactive notebooks may stop syncing after 50 days.
Can I install other apps like Kindle or web browsers?
No, the reMarkable 2 operates on a Linux OS and does not have an app store, web browser, or support for third-party applications like Kindle.
How much storage does the reMarkable 2 have?
It comes with 8 GB of internal storage, with approximately 6 GB available for user content, and it is not expandable.
Buying Guide
When looking at a digital paper tablet like this, you're buying into a specific workflow. It's not a tablet for entertainment or a full-featured e-reader with a backlight. You're paying for the tactile sensation of writing on a screen that feels like paper, and a distraction-free environment. Understand that its simplicity is a feature, not a bug, but it also means sacrificing common tablet functionalities like color, apps, and expandable storage. The subscription model for cloud sync is also a key consideration for long-term use.
screen_size (10.3 Inches)
This is the physical size of your 'paper' workspace. A 10.3-inch screen is roughly the size of a standard letter-sized notebook, giving you ample room for notes and document review without feeling cramped, similar to having a full page to write on.
resolution (1872x1404)
This determines how sharp text and lines appear. A higher resolution means your handwriting and PDF text will look crisp and clear, much like high-quality print on paper, preventing pixelation that can strain your eyes.
storage (8 GB)
This is how much space you have for your notebooks and documents. 8 GB might sound small compared to other tablets, but for text-based notes and PDFs, it holds thousands of files. Think of it like how many physical notebooks you could store in a small drawer.
battery (2 weeks)
This tells you how long you can use the device before needing to recharge. A 2-week battery life means you can take it on trips or use it daily for extended periods without worrying about finding an outlet, much like a traditional notebook never runs out of 'power'.
Alternatives
If this doesn't quite fit, search for e-ink tablets with integrated front lights or backlights for reading in the dark, or devices with color E Ink displays if you need to view color content. For more general tablet functionality, look for devices with a full operating system and app store.
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