Chapter 1: The Shift from Paper to Digital

Have you ever considered whether you prefer writing on paper or utilizing a digital device for your creative endeavors? Is it possible that different stages of the creative process demand various tools? Magnus Wanberg, the CEO and founder of ReMarkable, pondered this dilemma as he observed that many writers still choose paper over modern tablets, despite the convenience of technology. He concluded that paper remains “the ultimate tool for thinking” (ReMarkable 2022).

Paper is known to enhance focus, stimulate our minds, and liberate our thoughts, allowing creativity to flourish without interruptions (ReMarkable 2022). This enduring preference has kept companies like Typo, Officeworks, and Kiki. K in business, even as they face the challenges associated with traditional paper usage.

Wanberg's vision was to design a tablet that mimics the qualities of paper—essentially creating what he termed ‘smart paper.’ About a month ago, I found myself purchasing the ReMarkable 2 on a whim, intrigued by its potential to lighten my load and replace the cumbersome backpack I carried daily.

I am not here to promote the brand; rather, I genuinely appreciate their product and wish to share my experience so you can explore it for yourself. Many writers encounter similar challenges when crafting their work, and I believe ReMarkable addresses those issues effectively. Previously, my backpack contained several pens, a large notebook, a small notepad, a handful of loose papers filled with jotted ideas, my laptop, and its charger—all aimed at capturing fleeting moments of inspiration and aiding in the editing process. Now, the only item occupying my bag is the ReMarkable.

Imagine attempting a hike with a hefty backpack—nobody would willingly choose that burden. While the ReMarkable may not be as “thin as paper” or “light as air” as its marketing suggests, it certainly is lighter and more compact than my traditional notebook, making it incredibly portable.

Inspiration can strike at odd hours—say, at 2 AM—or perhaps a vivid dream compels you to write it down. You face two unappealing choices: switch on the light to rummage for paper or pull out your laptop, both of which can disturb your peace. The ReMarkable features a screen akin to a Kindle, making it ideal for writing at any hour.

Who has successfully organized every piece of paper they’ve written on? If you have notebooks filled with ideas, how do you efficiently reference them? I once transformed my bedroom into a makeshift library, labeling stacks of papers, purchasing folders, and piling notebooks, yet somehow still lost pieces of my work. My room became a chaotic mix of stationery, a veritable sea of paper. The ReMarkable, however, is fundamentally a tablet that stores everything you write, eliminating the fear of losing important notes.

This device converts handwriting into text and PDFs, enabling easy printing and sharing via email. Notably, it doesn’t bombard you with notifications, emails, or social media distractions, allowing you to harness the benefits of technology while sidestepping its pitfalls.

In conclusion, I can write from virtually anywhere with reduced physical strain, on a device that feels like paper, allowing my creativity to soar. Organizing, saving, and distributing my work has never been easier or more efficient.

While the device comes with a hefty price tag, accessories like the pen and case are sold separately. However, they do offer pre-owned devices (returned within 100 days without issues) at a lower price, and you can return the product within that same timeframe for a full refund.

I also highly recommend Notion, a project management and note-taking tool that has significantly improved how I organize my writing and weekly tasks. I now maintain multiple drafts in the ReMarkable while using Notion as a digital library for future reference. This system has greatly enhanced my efficiency as a writer.

Just for laughs, I could have embraced David’s humorous suggestion: “You need two folders on Notion, Doa. The first for all the love poems about me and the second for those that express irritation.” I rolled my eyes and promptly disregarded it.

What are your thoughts on this device? Does anyone else use it for their work?

Chapter 2: The ReMarkable 2 in 2024

Considering if the ReMarkable 2 is worth the investment in 2024? This video explores its functionalities and whether it lives up to the hype.

Thinking about purchasing the ReMarkable 2? This video reviews the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.