I’ve now spent about four months using the reMarkable Paper Pure after years of using the reMarkable 2 as part of my everyday work.
That distinction is important. I’m not coming to the Paper Pure as someone trying a paper tablet for the first time. I already had years of habits built around my reMarkable 2—taking meeting notes, organizing projects, reviewing documents, traveling, and generally using it as a distraction-free place to think.
So when I switched to the Paper Pure, I was less interested in the specification sheet than I was in a simpler question:
Would I actually notice the difference during my workday?
After a few months of use, the transition to the reMarkable Paper Purehas been incredibly smooth. Before I get into specifics, I’d like to tell a funny story.
When I transitioned to my new reMarkable Paper Pro, I still had my old trusty reMarkable 2 on my desk. After a couple weeks of use with my new eink tablet, I accidently grabbed my reMarkable 2 (which had been in airplane mode). I didn’t think twice and started taking notes. When I went to check notes from a recent customer meeting, I freaked out when I couldn’t find the note (on the old tablet). I checked my.remarkable.com and the note was some how there. That’s when I realized that I’d be accidently using my old (and unsycned) tablet).
I tell that anicdote to say that the user experience between the reMarkable 2 and the reMarkable Paper Pure is incredibly similar.
Things I did notice:
- Writing experience is more responsive
- Battery life is MUCH improved
- Faster processing when changing notebooks (this one is my favorite improvement)
- The form factor is almost exactly the same as what I loved about the reMarkable 2
Why I Moved from reMarkable 2 to Paper Pure
I’ve been using the reMarkable 2 since 2021 in almost everyday use. In that time, I’d changed iPhones and headphones a few times. But my reMarkable 2 was the stalwart of my briefcase.
I tried the Paper Pro and even other tablet brands. But I wasn’t convinced. The large size and addition of colors didn’t work for me.
When the Paper Pure came out, I knew I had to give it a shot. With all of the software updates, my trusty remarkable 2 wasn’t keeping up.
The Biggest Difference: Paper Pure Just Feels Faster
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed after moving from the reMarkable 2 is responsiveness.
That’s difficult to communicate on a specification sheet, but it’s something you notice when you’re using the device throughout a workday.
The writing experience
Even though I loved the EMR writing experience from the reMarkable 2, I’ve noticed that the updated process places ink on the screen more quickly and closer to the tip of my stylus. I didn’t think I was missing out, but now having embraced the new device, I love it.
This is also a good place to discuss whether “faster” necessarily means “better.” You’ve spent years writing on the reMarkable 2, so compare the actual feel rather than simply declaring the newer technology superior.
Moving between notebooks is noticeably faster
This sounds like a small thing.
After four months, I don’t think it is. At least how I use my reMarkable.
I use my reMarkable across multiple notebooks daily (e.g., daily to do, strategic projects, customer notebooks). During a typical day, that means I’m constantly jumping from one place to another.
On the Paper Pure, I’ve found that switching between notebooks is noticeably faster. This is critical for me and I’ve found myself using the two finger swipe more often because the process just works better.
Battery Life: One Difference I Definitely Notice
One of my favorite things about the reMarkable 2 was that I rarely had to think about its battery.
That was particularly valuable while traveling. Unlike my phone or laptop, my reMarkable wasn’t another device that I felt compelled to plug in every night. But after five years of use, I was down to charging my reMarkable 2 multiple times per week.
Additionally, I found that I really had to toggle airplane mode on and off to maintain the battery. With the change to the Paper Pure, I generally just leave airplane mode off.
The OEM reMarkable Cover Didn’t Work for Me
One accessory that hasn’t survived my four-month experiment is reMarkable’s own cover.
I’ve tested quite a few reMarkable 2 cases over the years, and I’ve learned that what makes a case attractive isn’t necessarily what makes it useful in an actual business environment.
I need a cover that is attached to the table and is easy/quick to open & close. The OEM cover from reMarkable simply didn’t meet my needs.
Instead I’ve been playing with the KuRoKo and Cobak covers and have loved them both.
