- Industry-leading handwriting feel
- Improved responsiveness
- Superior display quality
- Stunning aesthetic design
- Absence of a backlight is a significant drawback
- Lack of typing support
- Software integrations require refinement
The success of reMarkable’s Paper Pure hinges on its ability to serve a diverse audience. It must stand as a worthy successor to the 2020 reMarkable 2, the e-paper tablet that established the brand’s reputation. The device needs to appeal to a broad consumer base, or at least the widest possible segment for a niche product like this. Additionally, it must attract corporate clients seeking a reliable tool for distributing to large teams.
- No backlight is a big miss
- No typing
- Software integrations need work
- Class-leading handwriting
- Better responsiveness
- Nicer display
- Gorgeous design
I drafted those expectations seven days prior to reports that reMarkable was downsizing its staff and dismissing CEO Phil Hess. According to Norway’s E24, reMarkable is grappling with declining demand and increasing expenses due to the global economic climate. The Paper Pure carries a lot, in fact everything, on its shoulders as it launches globally today. We can only hope the company’s focus on enterprise clients doesn’t alienate everyday users.
Hardware
Over the past few years, reMarkable has developed its premium lineup with the Paper Pro and Move. While not explicitly stated, it seems both were more expensive than intended due to current market conditions. The flagship Paper Pro, for instance, costs more than a high-end MacBook Neo. The Paper Pure aims to bring those high-end lessons to a wider audience.
The Paper Pure is a monochrome e-paper writing tablet with a 10.3-inch screen, designed and priced to attract newcomers. However, the company is also targeting the enterprise market. It measures 7.4 x 8.9 x 0.2 inches and weighs 0.79 pounds, with a thick left bezel that allows for a comfortable grip. Despite being the more affordable option, it shares the same sleek design language as the Paper Pro series.
Under the hood, it features a 1.7GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A55 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 3,820mAh battery. reMarkable claims the battery lasts three weeks with daily use of one hour. The 10.3-inch “Canvas” display is a custom E Ink Carta 1300, offering a whiter background and better contrast than the reMarkable 2.
A notable feature is the new Marker, which evolved from a passive stylus in earlier models to an active stylus for the Paper Pro and Move, reducing latency. Like the Pro models, the Marker charges wirelessly when attached magnetically to the right side. The textured screen surface ensures a consistent, paper-like writing feel. Full disk encryption and secure boot are also included to appeal to corporate IT departments.
Turning the device over, you’ll see exposed plastic Torx screws on the back plate, part of reMarkable’s effort to improve repairability in line with EU regulations. The Markers are also repairable, with easy battery access. However, the company lacks the parts infrastructure for third-party repairs and prefers to handle them internally.
reMarkable’s design is meticulous, paying attention to details others might overlook. The chamfered edges are difficult to achieve in plastic, but the company found a solution. Recycled magnesium is used in the frame core for strength without added weight. The build is rigid with no flex, and the join lines are nearly invisible due to precise manufacturing.
Unfortunately, one omission is particularly frustrating. Unlike the Pro models, the Pure lacks a display backlight, repeating the flaw of the reMarkable 2. While the absence was understandable then, it is now unacceptable. Low light conditions make the device difficult to use, which is fine for bright offices but problematic for evening use. reMarkable stated the lack of a backlight is “an intentional choice to provide the most paper-like experience for those who prioritize deep thinking, primarily in well-lit office environments.”
The reMarkable 2 and Paper Pro supported pogo pins for Type Folios, but neither the Pro Move nor the Pure support this. I asked if this indicated plans to open Bluetooth for third-party keyboards, but the response was non-committal, emphasizing that typing is not a current priority. Perhaps reMarkable views keyboards as a distraction from its pen-centric philosophy, or maybe the company assumes nobody types anything anymore based on corporate trends.
Another missing accessory is a wraparound folio, found on other devices. Instead, users get a stylish carrying sleeve in green, pink, or dark blue. The sleeve is well-made with magnets to secure the flap and wake the device. While not a full folio, the case is attractive enough to use proudly.
In-use
The reMarkable Paper Pure is undoubtedly one of the finest e-paper writing tablets I’ve used. The writing experience mirrors the Paper Pros, offering a highly polished feel. The display is excellent, and I believe it handles page turns and refreshes faster than previous models. Given the device’s purpose, color is unnecessary, and I didn’t miss it, which was surprising, but color isn’t essential for note-taking and editing.
I’d argue the Paper Pure is superior to the Paper Pro Move, which I found too small. The Move may have diverted engineering resources from this project. The Pure is perfect for leaning back and jotting down thoughts. It also serves as an excellent e-reader that doesn’t strain the eyes, and is great for journaling and sketching early project ideas.
reMarkable’s approach to AI is deliberate: no generative AI features. Instead, machine learning analyzes handwriting and, when documents are uploaded to reMarkable’s sharing platform, generates AI summaries and extracts action items. Uploading files to platforms like Miro allows AI to digitize writing and diagrams. These are practical uses that enhance workflow without replacing human thought.
Core functionality remains unchanged. Users create notebooks with various paper styles and templates, import .PDF and .EPUB files for reading and editing, and can edit text using the on-screen keyboard. Clear handwriting can be converted to text, and notes are searchable. Completed work can be shared as .PDFs via email, Google Drive, Slack, or other third-party apps.
reMarkable supports native .DOCX import, editable with the stylus. Exporting to a computer provides an AI summary of recommended changes. However, like PDF and EPUB exports, users must manually copy-paste these amendments into their original documents. This workflow seems inefficient, especially given the company’s enterprise focus.
A new enterprise feature is calendar integration, allowing users to create and file meeting notes for specific events. Recurring meetings are grouped in one workbook. However, the feature doesn’t automate day-planning busywork. A small ecosystem of creators sells custom .PDF planners, prompting reMarkable to launch Methods, a more dynamic system. Yet, it lacks the cohesive thinking needed, such as automatically populating the planner with calendar data.
Screen sharing with a computer is now more versatile, via USB-C or wirelessly to the web client for presentations. A clever feature allows the stylus to act as a laser pointer with a fading light trail when hovered over the display, useful for highlighting without altering the workbook.
Unfortunately, these innovations are so corporate-focused that regular users might feel sidelined. The device itself is enjoyable, but the surrounding ecosystem is increasingly problematic. The friction in moving documents on and off the slate, and the extra workflow steps, are only charming in isolation.
Price
The reMarkable Paper Pure is available for pre-order today, with the base model and marker priced at $399. Spending $50 more gets the Paper Pure, Marker Plus, and carrying sleeve for $449, which is a better value. Additionally, users may not fully utilize the hardware without the annual subscription, costing $3.99 per month or $39 per year.
Wrap-up
The reMarkable Paper Pure is another excellent hardware offering from a company that excels at making tools. I appreciate many aspects, and it successfully provides a distraction-free thinking space. The writing experience feels close to paper, unlike the weightless feel of other tablets. I expected a downgrade in display quality and responsiveness but found improvements over flagship models.
I wasn’t exaggerating when I preferred this to the Paper Pro Move, which is more portable but less useful. I can see myself carrying this device everywhere as both an e-reader and notebook. If reMarkable improved calendar integration, it could replace my paper Bullet Journal. I see many ways this device could improve my life, if only it were more flexible.
Until now, this inflexibility was part of the company’s intentional, slow-moving philosophy. But as it pitches to big business, focusing on efficiency, it loses credibility. This lack of flexibility detracts from the Paper Pure’s score, as it needs a better ecosystem. Fortunately, aside from the backlight, most issues are software-related, which are easier to fix.