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We have all been in those meetings where people are looking at their phones, banging away at a laptop, trying to take notes, and generally not fully engaged. Digital distractions are a massive hurdle for any meeting, and taking notes on paper, while keeping you more engaged, creates additional work and often abandoned stacks of paper that are never to be seen again.
About two years ago, I tested the reMarkable 2, a tablet that looked like a hybrid between a Kindle and iPad that was purpose-built for those who love writing on paper but wanted a digital solution for notetaking, reading, creative doodles, etc. Since then, the reMarkable 2 has become my essential sidekick for recording, filing, and creating organized digital files for all my notes, ideas, sketches, and more. Over the last few years, the software team at reMarkable has continued to evolve the operating system and UI, so unlike most tech, this tablet has improved with age.
Now we have the next iteration of the reMarkable tablet that delivers even more tech and some incredible upgrades that make this a true Mk 3 evolution. The reMarkable Paper Pro is here; I already love it. I’m also awarding it the Magnetic Magazine Editor’s Choice for its forward-thinking design and flawless performance; this device brings the world of analog and digital together flawlessly.
The latest and greatest pro model delivers on everything I loved about the 2 and ups the ante. The reMarkable Paper Pro builds on its predecessor, the reMarkable 2, taking it to new heights with many upgrades that will impress even the most discerning creatives. Let me walk you through its key features, share how it stands out from the reMarkable 2, and explain why it’s the ultimate creative tool that improves efficiency and overall engagement in meetings.
Paper with Digital Powers
The first thing you will notice is the feel. The reMarkable Paper Pro is purpose-built to feel like a pencil/pen on paper, and no other product comes close. The difference between the feeling of reMarkable 2 is not dramatic. Still, there is a slightly more realistic feel with Paper Pro and a refined accuracy that is almost a perfect replication of a real pencil. For those accustomed to the smooth drag of a pencil or pen on real paper, Paper Pro makes this functionality a need, not a want, once you try it.
It has nine distinct writing tools, giving you options like a ballpoint pen, marker, mechanical pencil, or even a paintbrush, all of which mimic their real-world counterparts. These tools go beyond aesthetics—they allow artists and writers to experiment with style and approach while enjoying the convenience of undo, cut, copy, and paste. The tools respond to pressure and speed, providing the same responsive control you’d get on paper but with the flexibility of a digital environment.
Canvas Color Display
One of the most impressive upgrades in the reMarkable Paper Pro is the new Canvas Color display, a feature missing from the reMarkable 2. For those of you that want to take notes and have no need for color, the 2 is still a very worthwhile machine. With nine colors to choose from—and the option to blend to create countless more—you can make your work as vibrant or nuanced as you’d like. For artists, this means more possibilities for sketches and notes that don’t look washed out.
For writers and note-takers, it’s a helpful feature for differentiating between ideas or sections in your notes. I can color-code ideas, highlight specific passages, and even annotate in different colors, which is incredibly useful for structuring and organizing my work.
Adjustable Reading Light for Comfort
Whether I’m reviewing notes late at night or early in the morning, the adjustable reading lighton the reMarkable Paper Pro is very helpful. It’s designed to be subtle and eye-friendly, minimizing harshness and making long reading sessions easy on the eyes.
The light is calibrated to reduce strain, allowing you to keep going for hours without discomfort. This feature alone sets it apart from the reMarkable 2, which lacked any lighting option—limiting its usability in low-light settings. This is especially helpful for when you are reading ebooks on a plane, or any other low lit area.
Folders, Tags, and Search—An Organizational Dream
For creatives who juggle multiple projects, the reMarkable Paper Pro’s folders, tags, and search functions are clutch. It’s incredibly satisfying to have everything in one place and organized exactly how I like it. You can tag notes for easy retrieval, search within your handwritten notes, and organize them into folders. This feature is especially helpful for writers managing various drafts, ideas, and research materials.
Mobile and Desktop Apps for Easy Access
One of the top concerns for any digital note-taker is accessibility. With the mobile and desktop apps, you can access your notes from virtually anywhere. I love being able to review ideas on my phone during commutes or jump onto my computer to continue from where I left off. It’s all synced in the cloud, meaning I never have to worry about manually transferring files or losing a crucial document.
The reMarkable Paper Pro is built for a connected workflow, which is a critical need for anyone balancing multiple devices.
Note: The cloud service requires a $2.99 monthly subscription fee with a free trial. I highly recommend this if you use it as much as I do.
Handwriting-to-Text Conversion—A Single Tap Away
For writers and professionals constantly moving between handwritten notes and typed text, the handwriting-to-text conversion feature is impressive and surprisingly accurate, even with caveman cursive. However, you will begin to feel your handwriting gets better with more use, as the cleaner it is, the more accurate the text-to-type feature is. With just a tap, my notes transform from scrawled handwriting into clean, typed text. This is especially valuable during brainstorming sessions, where ideas come faster than I can type, allowing me to stay fully engaged.
So, Why Choose the reMarkable Paper Pro Over the reMarkable 2?
If you’re wondering if the reMarkable Paper Pro is worth the upgrade, let me answer with an emphatic yes. Here’s why:
Enhanced Display: Adding the Canvas Color display offers a richer, more dynamic experience. Whether you’re marking up a document or working on art, using multiple colors without sacrificing the paper-like feel makes the Paper Pro a clear winner.
Built-in Lighting: No more depending on external lighting. The reMarkable Paper Pro’s adjustable light makes it versatile for any setting, giving it an edge over the reMarkable 2’s lack of illumination.
Handwriting to Text: While the reMarkable 2 did offer handwriting-to-text conversion, the Pro’s version is faster, more reliable, and integrated smoothly, making it feel like a natural extension of the device.
Summary:
As a writer, editor, and marketing professional, I find the reMarkable Paper Pro ideal. It’s not just a digital notebook; it’s a comprehensive, thoughtful tool that respects the creative process and gets my head in the meetings. Writers can draft, organize, and edit seamlessly. Artists can sketch, color, and blend with ease. And for professionals managing multiple projects, the organizational tools and cloud accessibility are invaluable.
The device supports your workflow rather than forcing you to adapt to it. The tactile feel, improved functionality, and high-quality display make it the best “digital paper” version out there. For anyone who values creativity and needs a device that keeps pace with them, the reMarkable Paper Pro is a no-brainer.
In conclusion, the reMarkable Paper Pro lives up to its name, bringing together the familiarity of paper with the power of digital tools. Whether you’re jotting down quick notes or sketching out complex designs, it feels like an extension of your hand, enhancing every step of the creative journey. This one truly stands out as someone who’s tried every tool and tablet on the market. It’s clear why it’s our Editor’s Choice—it just gets everything right.
Pros: Color display, faster overall, more onboard memory, and improved feel
Cons: The price for all this is high, so if you are just a notetaker, head for the reMarkable 2, as it’s fantastic for this functionality. The subscription fee might be a bummer to some.
Get the reMarkable Paper Pro Here
The reMarkable Pro also has some great accessories that are key and something I would highly recommend. For those using it more as a pencil/pad writing tool to get off the keyboard, the book folio is all you need. It features a magnetic attachment for your pad, and the Marker Plus attaches magnetically to the side of your reMarkable Pro and is held in place by a leather magnetic loop on the folio to prevent you from losing it, which the reMarkable 2 does not have.
The Type Folio is perfect for hybrid users who want both handwriting and keyboard interface. The Type Folio is slightly thicker with a full keyboard that feels like a laptop and features the same loop to hold your pen in place.
Book Folio $179
Type Folio $229
Marker Plus $50
Ever since I was a little kid, I have been obsessed with media. It sounds strange, I know. When I was just 9-years-old, I created a newspaper and offered my mother the job of editor, which she happily accepted. Distribution was small but that didn’t deter me—I had the Citizen Kane virus. And then at age 23, I started another publication called BPM CULTURE Magazine (eventually dropping the word "Culture"), which evolved into a media company called Overamerica Media Group. I found myself in the media business because I love sharing information—telling great stories, sharing ideas and most importantly, informing people about great music! Like most ‘creative types,’ I dabbled in just about everything—from DJing, to producing, and even to creating a record label. And my list of other interests (hobbies) goes on and on; I will leave that for my autobiography. After Overamerica, I spent some time on the client side in fashion, then consulting for various start-ups, only to lead me back to where I started—a start-up media company. It all happened over dinner one night, a friend said why don’t you start up another magazine about EDM—Magnetic was born.
