ThereMarkable Paper Pro, like thereMarkable 2, is a capable enough e-reader for PDFs and eBooks, but it shines as a tool for writing. Most people use it as a way to take notes, but with the right accessories, and the tablet’s built-in software features, you’re able to take just about any idea from an outline to first or second draft fairly easily. And you can add your own color illustrations if you really want to.
When it comes totablets, reMarkable’s devices aren’t exactly unique in this regard, but they are more focused on getting work done than just about any other option out there. When I want to get some writing done, that focus is something I need. It’s hard to achieve the same level of focus on a Kindle Scribe or a Boox when both devices are also intended to be used for media consumption. With that in mind, here are the five features that make the reMarkable Paper Pro a great tool for writing.
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1The Marker Plus feels like a real pencil
reMarkable’s updated stylus just feels better
reMarkable does a good job of creating textured screens and styluses that capture the feeling of writing on paper. That’s one of the biggest things I’m chasing when I’m using a device like this for writing: The appropriate about of resistance. The redesigned Marker Plus that you can purchase with the reMarkable Paper Pro is a big part of what makes that work.
The stylus features a built-in eraser, the ability to wirelessly charge when it’s attached to the side of the tablet, and most importantly, a thicker nib that feels much more like a pencil or pen than the thin point of the reMarkable 2’s stylus. Besides feeling better, the new nibs also last longer. It also makes my handwriting look like my handwriting, which helps when I’m going back to check my notes.
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2The reMarkable Paper Pro’s templates are a notebook replacement
Lines, grids, and more
Typically, when I’m working on a new idea, my first pass isn’t organized at all. But going back, I usually appreciate having some kind of structure. That’s why I like using one of the built-in templates reMarkable offers. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than paper with lines or grids, but it can really help me not make a mess. Beyond the templates that come on your device, which cover everything from lined paper to storyboards, you’re able to also get a variety of other options directly from reMarkable.
There are plenty of third-party PDF templates to explore on sites like Etsy, if you need something specific.
The company’s reMarkable Methods library includes planners, calendars and other templates that you can download directly to your device if you pay for a Connect subscription. One of the benefits of using a reMarkable is you can also change templates between pages of your notebook if you need it.
How I moved from an iPad to a ReMarkable Paper Pro
Streamline and strip down your tablet experience by taking your iPad files, books, and notes to a reMarkable Paper Pro.
3Handwriting conversion is good enough for a rough draft
The remarkable Paper Pro can convert chicken scratch
Anything you write on your reMarkable tablet can be converted to editable text at any point while you’re writing it. It’s not a perfect system –I’ve complained about this before– but it’s incredibly useful in the process of editing and rewriting your work. The reMarkable Paper Pro needs to be connected to the internet to convert anything, but provided you are, the process only takes around a minute, max.
It’s great thatE Ink tabletscan store reams and reams of handwritten notes, but ultimately, if you need to do anything with what you write, it needs to be converted. That the reMarkable Paper Pro can do that without any extra work is a real plus.
The biggest problem with the reMarkable Paper Pro is converting handwriting to text
E Ink tablets stumble when you have to take your scribbles into the world of usable text.
4reMarkable’s Type Folio is laptop-esque
It’s hard to get a better typing experience on a tablet
Once I convert my handwriting to text, I usually prefer to edit and expand on it with reMarkable’s Type Folio cover for the Paper Pro. It’s delightful to type on, the key travel of the keys feels like a normal keyboard rather than a tablet accessory, and it’s spacious enough to not force you to radically alter your typing style to get work done.
Combined with the reMarkable Paper Pro’s focused operating system and design, it’s easy to pound out some text. The Type Folio is expensive as accessories go at $229, but it’s gotten me through plenty of first drafts.
How I deep clean my grime-covered mechanical keyboard to make it look like new
Spring is here, and it’s finally time to tidy up my desk and keyboard.
5The reMarkable app keeps your writing in sync
You can use cloud services, but this is simpler
When you need to get files on or off your reMarkable Paper Pro you either need to connect a cloud service account or use the reMarkable app. The companion app does a great job of making it simple, and it’s become my preferred method rather than futzing with Google Drive. You can add PDFs and EPUBs just by dragging them into the app, and you can create typed documents directly in the app and finish them on your reMarkable. It works on mobile, too.
The only real downside is having to pay for a Connect subscription to not have to worry about my storage space.
When I want to finish a draft of an article I’m writing, I just download it off of the reMarkable app and put the finishing touches in a desktop word processor. The whole process is seamless. The only real downside is having to pay for a Connect subscription to not have to worry about my storage space. A small compromise, but worth it in my book.
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If you’re a writer, you need a reMarkable Paper Pro
The reMarkable Paper Pro is expensive, but if you’re able to afford it, the tablet has plenty of features that are beneficial to writers. You can build a real workflow around a reMarkable that lets you write in a focused environment, but doesn’t get in the way of you getting work done.
reMarkable Paper Pro
reMarkable’s Paper Pro is a color E Ink tablet with backlighting that has all the features you need to take an idea from conception to first draft.
