Digital notebooks have transformed the way we take notes, read documents, and organize ideas. Gone are the days of carrying heavy notebooks or flipping through countless pages. Instead, lightweight devices with e-ink technology now allow us to write, read, and annotate digitally while preserving the natural feel of paper. Among these devices, the Remarkable 2 and Kindle Scribe have emerged as two popular choices, each with unique strengths and target users. If you’re considering investing in a digital notebook, understanding the differences between these two is crucial for making an informed decision.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of the Remarkable 2 and the Kindle Scribe, highlighting their features, usability, and overall value so you can determine which device fits your needs best.
Overview of Remarkable and Kindle Scribe
The Remarkable 2, launched in 2020 by the Norwegian company reMarkable AS, focuses solely on delivering a distraction-free writing experience. Its minimalist design and paper-like feel appeal to those who want a digital device dedicated to handwriting, sketching, and note-taking without the interruptions common to other tablets or devices.
On the other hand, the Kindle Scribe, released by Amazon in 2022, blends eBook reading with note-taking capabilities. It serves as both a traditional Kindle eReader and a digital notebook, enabling users to write directly on eBooks, PDFs, and other documents. Its integration with Amazon’s vast Kindle Store and ecosystem makes it especially appealing for readers who want an all-in-one device.
Both devices use e-ink technology designed to reduce eye strain and mimic the look of real paper, but their design philosophies and ecosystems cater to different priorities.
Design and Build Quality
The Remarkable 2 stands out with its incredibly slim profile, measuring just 4.7 mm thick and weighing approximately 403 grams. Its lightweight build and matte finish give it a premium, tactile feel that closely resembles paper. The screen is a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels, providing crisp text and smooth writing.
The Kindle Scribe is slightly larger and heavier, weighing around 433 grams. It features a 10.2-inch monochrome E Ink display with 300 PPI (pixels per inch), known for high clarity and sharpness. Unlike the Remarkable, Kindle Scribe includes a front light with adjustable brightness, allowing comfortable reading in various lighting conditions. The design is sleek but bulkier compared to Remarkable, partially due to added functionality and Amazon’s design choices.
Both devices come with a stylus; Remarkable’s Marker Plus offers a near-paper writing experience with tilt detection and low latency, while Kindle Scribe’s stylus is responsive and designed to work well with Amazon’s note-taking features. Neither stylus requires batteries or charging, which adds convenience.
Writing and Note-Taking Experience
When it comes to writing, the Remarkable 2 excels with a latency as low as 21 milliseconds, making handwriting feel incredibly natural. The surface texture is slightly rough, closely mimicking the friction of real paper. Remarkable offers a variety of writing tools including pens, pencils, highlighters, and brushes with adjustable thickness and opacity. Users can select from different notebook templates like dotted, lined, grid, or Cornell notes, catering especially to students and professionals who want structure in their writing.
Remarkable’s handwriting-to-text conversion is robust, allowing users to easily convert handwritten notes into editable text and export them to Word or Google Docs. The device also supports layers for sketching and note organization, and zooming features make detailed work easier.
The Kindle Scribe offers a smooth and responsive writing experience, though some users find the surface less textured compared to Remarkable’s. It provides essential writing tools and several page templates but lacks some of the advanced customization found in Remarkable. Kindle Scribe’s handwriting-to-text function is helpful but less refined, occasionally requiring more correction.
One unique feature of Kindle Scribe is the ability to write directly on Kindle eBooks, PDFs, and documents via the Active Canvas technology, which saves notes alongside the content and syncs across devices. This integration benefits those who read and annotate extensively within the Amazon ecosystem.
Reading and Document Handling
Remarkable 2 is highly praised for its PDF handling and annotation capabilities. It offers features such as reflow and fit-to-width for PDFs, making reading more comfortable. Users can highlight text, add comments, and organize documents easily into folders. The device’s cloud syncing supports Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, facilitating seamless access and backup.
However, Remarkable lacks a backlight, so external lighting is necessary for reading in low-light conditions. It is focused more on note-taking and document annotation than being a primary eReader.
In contrast, Kindle Scribe shines as a reading device with built-in front lighting and support for Amazon’s vast Kindle Store. Its display is optimized for eBook reading, with sharp fonts and adjustable lighting for day and night use. Users can annotate eBooks directly, a feature not available on standard Kindle devices, which makes Kindle Scribe appealing for readers who like to take notes as they read.
Document management on Kindle Scribe is straightforward but less flexible than Remarkable. It primarily syncs with Amazon’s cloud, and file handling outside the Kindle ecosystem can feel limited.
Software Features and Ecosystem
The Remarkable 2 runs on a Linux-based operating system tailored for distraction-free note-taking. The interface is simple and minimalistic, avoiding apps or notifications that might interrupt focus. It offers cloud syncing and companion apps for desktop and mobile, allowing users to access and export notes conveniently.
Remarkable also provides an optional subscription called Connect, which adds features like unlimited cloud storage and handwriting conversion enhancements.
The Kindle Scribe uses Amazon’s Fire OS, giving it access to some apps from the Amazon Appstore, though this is still limited compared to traditional tablets. Its standout feature is seamless integration with Amazon services, including Kindle Store access, Audible syncing, and cloud storage.
Amazon has introduced AI-powered features for Kindle Scribe, such as notebook summaries and handwriting refinement, which help enhance productivity.
Battery Life and Performance
The Remarkable 2 offers an impressive battery life of up to two weeks under typical usage. Charging is via USB-C and generally takes a few hours. The device is stable and receives periodic software updates to improve functionality.
The Kindle Scribe promises an even longer battery life, lasting up to 12 weeks depending on usage. Its front light and additional features make this particularly notable. Charging is also USB-C, and performance is smooth with minimal lag.
Both devices perform reliably, though some users report occasional syncing delays with Kindle Scribe, likely due to its broader ecosystem.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Remarkable 2 comes with a higher upfront cost, generally priced around $400, with the Marker Plus stylus included or sold separately. The optional Connect subscription adds a recurring cost for additional services. Its premium price is justified by its focused design and superior writing experience.
The Kindle Scribe starts at a more affordable price point around $340 for the 16GB model, with higher storage tiers available. The included stylus comes in two versions: basic and premium, with the latter costing extra. Kindle Scribe’s integration with Amazon’s services offers excellent value for readers who want note-taking as a bonus feature.
Your choice here depends on how much you prioritize a specialized writing device versus an all-in-one reader and note-taker.
Ideal Use Cases: Which Device Fits Whom?
If you are an artist, designer, or someone who values a paper-like writing experience, the Remarkable 2 is your best choice. Its low latency, textured screen, and advanced note organization make it ideal for sketching and intensive note-taking.
For students and academics, both devices offer solid features, but Remarkable’s templates, zoom, and layering capabilities may give it a slight edge for organized study and research notes.
If you are an avid reader who annotates books and wants a device with backlighting for any environment, the Kindle Scribe fits well. Its seamless integration with the Kindle ecosystem and ability to write directly on eBooks make it convenient.
For professionals who need a blend of reading, annotating, and occasional note-taking, Kindle Scribe offers a good balance without the higher cost of a dedicated note-taking tablet.
Pros and Cons Summary
Remarkable 2 Pros:
- Ultra paper-like writing experience
- Excellent PDF annotation and organization
- Minimalist, distraction-free environment
- Strong handwriting-to-text conversion
Remarkable 2 Cons:
- No backlight (needs external light)
- Higher price and subscription fees for extra features
- Limited to note-taking and document reading
Kindle Scribe Pros:
- Backlit display for varied lighting conditions
- Integration with Kindle Store and Amazon ecosystem
- Ability to annotate eBooks and documents directly
- Longer battery life
Kindle Scribe Cons:
- Less textured writing surface
- Fewer advanced note-taking features
- Limited file management flexibility
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Conclusion
Choosing between the Remarkable 2 and the Kindle Scribe ultimately depends on your priorities. If your main focus is a natural, distraction-free, and advanced note-taking experience, Remarkable 2 is unmatched. However, if you want an all-in-one device that combines eBook reading with writing capabilities, especially within the Amazon ecosystem, Kindle Scribe offers excellent value.
Both devices represent the next step in digital notebooks and eReaders, each excelling in their niche. Assess how you plan to use the device daily, which features matter most, and which ecosystem aligns with your lifestyle. This approach will help you find the digital notebook that truly fits your needs.
FAQs
Q1: Is Remarkable better for handwriting than Kindle Scribe?
Yes, Remarkable offers a more natural, paper-like writing experience with lower latency and better handwriting-to-text conversion compared to Kindle Scribe.
Q2: Can Kindle Scribe replace a traditional Kindle eReader?
Absolutely. Kindle Scribe functions as both a note-taking device and a full-featured Kindle eReader with built-in front lighting for comfortable reading in all lighting conditions.
Q3: Do both devices support PDF annotation?
Yes, both Remarkable and Kindle Scribe allow you to annotate PDFs, but Remarkable provides more advanced tools and better organization options for document handling.
Q4: Are there any subscription fees for using Remarkable or Kindle Scribe?
Remarkable offers an optional Connect subscription for cloud storage and enhanced features, while Kindle Scribe does not require any subscription for its core functions.
Q5: Which device has better battery life?
Kindle Scribe generally offers longer battery life—up to 12 weeks—while Remarkable lasts about two weeks on a full charge, depending on usage.