Willie S.
The reMarkable Paper Pro is a digital notebook that promises to bridge the gap between the tactile joy of writing on paper and the convenience of modern technology. Launched in September 2024 by reMarkable, a Norwegian company known for its minimalist, focus-driven devices, this tablet aims to replace your scattered notebooks and printed documents with a single, sleek solution. With its larger color display and innovative features, it’s designed to help you take notes, annotate documents, and stay organized—all while mimicking the feel of pen on paper.
What sets the reMarkable Paper Pro apart is its commitment to distraction-free productivity. Unlike traditional tablets loaded with apps and notifications, this device strips away the noise, offering a clean slate for writers, students, professionals, and creatives who crave focus. It builds on the success of its predecessor, the reMarkable 2, by introducing a vibrant color E Ink display, a front light for low-light use, and an upgraded stylus experience, making it a premium tool for those who value handwriting in a digital age.
Since its launch, the Paper Pro hasn’t undergone significant hardware changes, but reMarkable continues to refine its software with updates that enhance usability and connectivity. The company behind it has carved a niche by prioritizing simplicity and purpose over multifunctionality, a philosophy that shines through in this latest offering. Whether you’re sketching ideas, marking up PDFs, or jotting down thoughts, the reMarkable Paper Pro aims to deliver an experience that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
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Is the reMarkable Paper Pro for You?
The reMarkable Paper Pro solves a specific problem: the need for a focused, paper-like writing experience in a world dominated by distracting screens. It’s ideal for people who rely on handwritten notes or annotations—think students highlighting textbooks, professionals reviewing contracts, or artists sketching concepts. If you’re someone who finds laptops and phones too cluttered for deep work, this device could be a game-changer.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a multipurpose tablet to browse the web, watch videos, or run apps, this isn’t it—its minimalist design is intentional, not a limitation. Budget-wise, it sits in the expensive category, appealing to those willing to invest in a premium tool rather than casual users seeking a budget-friendly option. Beginners will find it approachable, though, thanks to its intuitive interface and lack of complex features that might overwhelm a first-time user.
What We Like About the reMarkable Paper Pro
The reMarkable Paper Pro excels at delivering a writing experience that feels remarkably close to paper. The 11.8-inch Canvas Color display is a standout, offering crisp text and vibrant hues that make notes and sketches pop—whether you’re highlighting in yellow or drawing in blue. The new Marker stylus glides smoothly across the screen with minimal lag, thanks to a latency drop from 21ms in the reMarkable 2 to just 12ms here. It’s a subtle but noticeable improvement that enhances the natural feel of putting pen to paper. The addition of a front light is a blessing for late-night work sessions, casting a soft, adjustable glow that’s easy on the eyes without the harshness of a typical tablet backlight.
Organization is another strength. With folders, tags, and cloud syncing via the optional Connect subscription, keeping your notes and documents in order is effortless. The ability to convert handwritten notes to typed text is a handy feature, especially for sharing with colleagues or integrating into digital workflows. For those who love customization, the variety of templates—lined paper, grids, storyboards—adds versatility, making it as useful for brainstorming as it is for structured planning. It’s a thoughtfully designed tool that prioritizes focus and creativity over flashy gimmicks.
What We Don’t Like About the reMarkable Paper Pro
Despite its strengths, the reMarkable Paper Pro isn’t flawless. The color display, while impressive for an E Ink device, has limitations—colors can appear muted compared to LCD screens, and the refresh rate is slower than competitors using Kaleido technology, leading to occasional delays when switching pages or colors. This won’t bother most users, but it’s noticeable if you’re used to faster devices. The lack of app support is a double-edged sword; while it keeps distractions at bay, it also means you can’t integrate it with tools like Kindle or third-party note-taking apps, limiting its versatility for some.
Battery life is another area where it falls short of expectations. Unlike the reMarkable 2, which could last weeks, the Paper Pro’s front light and larger screen drain the 5,030mAh battery faster—expect a few days to a week with regular use. The proprietary Marker stylus, while excellent, requires charging and isn’t compatible with older reMarkable models, which might frustrate upgraders hoping to reuse accessories. Lastly, the premium price tag may deter those who don’t need the color or lighting features, especially when the reMarkable 2 remains a solid, more affordable alternative.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional paper-like writing feel | Muted colors and slower refresh rate |
| Large, vibrant color display | Shorter battery life than predecessor |
| Adjustable front light for low-light use | No app support or web browsing |
| Robust organization features | Expensive for a single-purpose device |
| Responsive, comfortable stylus | Proprietary stylus requires charging |
What’s Included?
The reMarkable Paper Pro Bundle with Folio comes with everything you need to get started:
- reMarkable Paper Tablet (11.8-inch)
- Marker Plus Pen with Eraser
- Folio cover (standard, not the Type Folio with keyboard)
- USB-C charging cable (1 meter)
- Quick-start guide
I’m pleased with what’s included in this bundle. The Marker Plus, with its built-in eraser, feels like a natural extension of the tablet, and the Folio cover adds a layer of protection without bulk—perfect for tossing into a bag. The USB-C cable is standard but functional, though I wish it were longer for more flexible charging setups. There’s nothing glaringly missing here, but a few extra Marker tips or a carrying pouch would’ve been a nice touch, especially given the investment. Overall, it’s a well-rounded package that feels complete out of the box.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 11.8-inch Canvas Color E Ink |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 (229 ppi) |
| Processor | 1.8GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 |
| RAM | 2GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 64GB internal |
| Battery | 5,030mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz, 5GHz), USB-C |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds (approx. 544g) |
| Dimensions | 10.8 x 7.8 x 0.24 inches |
| Operating System | reMarkable OS |
Features
Here are the primary features of the reMarkable Paper Pro:
- Canvas Color Display: 11.8-inch E Ink screen with 9 main colors and blending options.
- Adjustable Front Light: Soft, eye-friendly illumination for reading and writing in dim conditions.
- Marker Plus Stylus: Active pen with eraser, magnetic charging, and 12ms latency.
- Handwriting Conversion: Turns handwritten notes into typed text with a tap.
- Cloud Syncing: Access notes across devices with the Connect subscription (100-day trial included).
- Templates: Dozens of options, from lined paper to music sheets and planners.
- File Support: Reads PDFs and EPUBs, exports to PNG and SVG.
- Organization Tools: Folders, tags, and search for easy document management.
The features are a highlight of the Paper Pro. The color display adds a new dimension to note-taking, letting me highlight in multiple shades or sketch with variety, though the muted tones take some getting used to. The front light is a game-changer for evening use, striking a balance between visibility and comfort. The Marker Plus feels premium and responsive, and handwriting conversion works well if your penmanship is clear—mine’s decent, so I get about 80% accuracy. Cloud syncing is seamless with Connect, and the templates cater to every need I’ve encountered. My only gripe is the lack of broader file support; DRM-locked ebooks are a no-go, which limits its use as a reader. Still, for its intended purpose, the feature set is robust and well-executed.
Final Breakdown
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
reMarkable Paper Pro Bundle – Mosaic Weave | Includes 11.8” reMarkable Paper Tablet, Marker Plus… |
$749.00 |
View at Amazon |
8.5/10
The reMarkable Paper Pro earns an 8.5 out of 10 for its exceptional writing experience and thoughtful design, tempered by a few shortcomings that keep it from perfection. It’s a joy to use—the large, colorful screen, responsive stylus, and distraction-free environment make it a standout for anyone who lives by handwritten notes or annotations. The front light and organizational tools elevate it beyond its predecessor, and the build quality feels premium in hand. However, the battery life, slower refresh rate, and high cost hold it back from being a universal must-have. If you don’t need color or lighting, the reMarkable 2 might suffice for less.
I recommend the reMarkable Paper Pro to anyone who values focus and the tactile satisfaction of writing, whether you’re a student, professional, or creative. It’s not cheap, but its unique blend of analog charm and digital utility justifies the investment for the right user. If you’re on the fence, the 100-day satisfaction guarantee offers a risk-free way to test it out—just be prepared to fall in love with its simplicity.
