I’ve Used the reMarkable Paper Pro for Two Weeks. While It May Seem Incredibly Limited, This Is Actually Its Greatest Strength

I’ve spent a couple of weeks with the reMarkable Paper Pro, and I still feel a sense of surprise each time I take it out of the case. It’s funny how a device designed to replicate the analog experience of paper can still evoke a feeling of novelty.

Perhaps it’s the fact that reMarkable has introduced color, or maybe it’s the slightly larger screen size, which is nearly 12 inches. It could also be the reduced thickness and all the other features that encourage you to write and draw on it without distractions.

Overall, the remarkable Paper Pro has a unique quality that sets it apart.

reMarkable Paper Pro Specs

First Impressions

Upon unboxing the reMarkable Paper Pro, the first thing that caught my attention was its lightness and slim profile. While it isn’t small, it only weighs 1.16 pounds. It’s both sleek and sophisticated. Although the back design isn’t particularly attractive, it conveys a sense of quality that somewhat justifies its high starting price of $579, which can often be higher depending on the configuration you choose.

The initial setup process is straightforward, as expected from a device with limited functions. In less than five minutes, I was ready to start writing, exploring the various brushes and tools available.

This leads to my first surprise. The colors of the reMarkable Paper Pro are significantly different from those on a typical tablet. They’re soft and muted, reminiscent of painting with watercolors on recycled paper. While some people appreciate this aesthetic, it doesn’t resonate with me. I personally wish there was a bit more vibrancy. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal taste.

Writing by Hand

Using the reMarkable Paper Pro for writing is a different experience. It’s neither better nor worse than its predecessor, the reMarkable 2–it’s simply distinct. The new Marker stylus features a slightly harder tip that glides more smoothly over the screen. Some users may miss the resistance offered by the previous model, given that it better simulated the friction of real paper. Personally, I prefer this softer texture.

From the start, one aspect that captivated me was the way colors appear while writing. There’s a slight delay between the moment you draw a line and when the color fully settles on the screen.

At first, I thought this might be just lag, but I soon realized that it’s an animation designed to simulate the effect of ink drying before your eyes or graphite settling. The effect is quite mesmerizing and adds a layer of naturalness to the writing experience, especially compared to the immediacy of an iPad Pro and other tablets.

Pleasant Surprises…

The front backlight is a much-needed addition. While some argued that the reMarkable 2 was sufficient without backlighting, I honestly couldn’t understand that perspective. The reMarkable Paper Pro does come with backlighting, though it’s intentionally dim. It’s just bright enough to allow note-taking in low-light conditions.

Although I wouldn’t typically take the reMarkable Paper Pro to bed for note-taking, there are unusual scenarios where the backlight significantly affects usability. For instance, I encountered this situation on a night flight when the cabin lights went out, and it was nearly impossible to see anything. Without the backlit screen, I wouldn’t have been able to use it effectively.

The great battery life of the reMarkable Paper Pro isn’t exactly surprising, but after becoming accustomed to devices that require nightly charging, it’s nice to have days of use without needing to recharge.

The new Marker does require charging. However, it charges magnetically within a bezel, similar to the Apple Pencil, so running out of battery is never a problem.

…and Compromises

Naturally, the reMarkable Paper Pro isn’t perfect. It’s a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose rather than an all-around tablet. Its pricing, however, competes with that of multifunctional tablets that can perform many tasks beyond what the Paper Pro offers.

The e-ink screen has its drawbacks, such as noticeable lag when turning pages and loading documents. Additionally, while the limited color options can be beneficial, they appear dull compared to the vibrant displays found on LCD and OLED panels.

At a price starting at $579 (with additional costs for accessories like the Marker Plus, official case, and Type Folio keyboard), you could opt for an iPad Air or a similar Android tablet.

However, this highlights the essence of the reMarkable Paper Pro. It’s designed to excel in a specific area, focusing on providing a paper-like experience while minimizing distractions typical of tablets.

Day-to-Day Use

I don’t usually write by hand in my day-to-day life, so I needed to create a new routine to test the reMarkable tablet.

1. A friend asked me to read his unpublished book and provide feedback, which was a perfect opportunity to take handwritten notes.
2. I’ve also been using it to outline long articles and jot down the main points for my podcast script.
3. Additionally, I’ve taken notes in meetings with it and later synthesized the content in my Notion app.

The absence of distractions (no notifications, no apps, and any other temptations) makes it much easier to stay focused on the task at hand.

The organization of documents is very intuitive, although I wish there were some more advanced features. For instance, I would like to be able to create subcollections within folders and link notes together. These are capabilities that many modern note-taking apps already support (such as Notion, Craft, and Notes).

In addition, synchronization with other devices works seamlessly via the reMarkable app, making it easy to access notes from my phone or computer and send files directly to the device. I can even take a photo of a paper document, which can then be converted into a PDF. From there, I can work on it using layers, which is fantastic.

Who It’s For and Who It’s Not For

After using the reMarkable Paper Pro for some time, it’s clear that it’s not suitable for everyone.

❌ If you’re looking for a multifunctional device to take notes, watch movies and series, browse the web, check emails, listen to music, and read, many other great options are available, often at a lower price.

✅ If you frequently take handwritten notes, regularly read and annotate documents, and appreciate a writing experience that closely resembles that of a traditional notebook (free from distractions), the reMarkable Paper Pro may be a worthwhile investment for you.

reMarkable Paper Pro, Xataka's Opinion

The reMarkable Paper Pro is an intriguing device occupying a very specific market niche. While it’s not perfect (its price and occasional e-ink lag can be frustrating), it excels at what it’s designed to do. At the same time, it effectively avoids what it wasn’t designed for and minimizes distractions while working.

What impressed me the most isn’t a single feature but how the entire device creates a coherent and satisfying experience. It encourages use. It’s magnetic and inviting for both writing and thinking. In a world where technology often serves as a distraction rather than a thoughtful aid, this device is something to celebrate.

Is the reMarkable Paper Pro the future of digital writing? Probably not, given that laptops and tablets are still too convenient. However, it offers a compelling perspective on how technology can enhance and preserve an experience as analog as handwriting rather than merely replacing it.

While it may not become a mainstream device, it masterfully fulfills the role of the niche it targets. I personally may not be part of that niche, but in some ways, I’ll miss it.

Image | Xataka

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The device has been loaned for testing by reMarkable. You can check how we test new products at Xataka On and our Corporate Relations Policy.