The e-paper tablet market has been experiencing rapid growth, with several brands competing for the top spot. The MobiScribe Wave Color is one tablet that offers note-taking, note-sharing, sketching, and organizing notes digitally.
Competing with devices such as the reMarkable 2, Supernote, Boox Note Air 2, and other e-paper devices, the MobiScribe Wave Color brings color to the table at a reduced price point, maintaining a minimalist notebook feel.
Related: MobiScribe vs reMarkable
In this review, I’m going to cover my experience with the MobiScribe Wave models as well as the pros, cons, and features of the device. I’ll also compare how it holds up to other e-paper devices and what different versions there are available.
Related: MobiScribe vs SuperNote
What are the main differences between the MobiScribe Wave Color and the MobiScribe Origin?
As the older model, the MobiScribe Origin lacks some features that the Wave Color now provides. One major improvement is the search function: the Wave Color allows users to search not only note titles but also typed or handwritten words within a note.
Related: SuperNote A5x/A6x vs reMarkable 2 (In Depth Comparison)
Of course, having color on an e-paper device in a way that works so well is the primary advantage here. This is a significant step forward for the MobiScribe brand. However, one missing feature from the Wave Color is the ability to pinch-zoom in the notes app, a feature present in the PDF-annotation app.
Different types of Mobiscribe Wave devices
There are three different types of MobiScribe Wave devices: MobiScribe WAVE – Color ($320.00), MobiScribe WAVE – Color Kaleido 3 ($349.00), and MobiScribe Wave – Black & White ($285.00).
Related: BOOX Note air 2 vs SuperNote A5x/A6x (Hands-on Comparison)
The Color Kaliedo 3 has more vibrant colors and a better overall output from the display, which is a step up from the Wave Color and the B & W version. There is also an older model called Mobiscribe origin.
MobiScribe Wave Color – In-Depth Review for Note taking, writing, and sketching
The MobiScribe Wave is a cost-effective alternative in the e-paper tablet industry, featuring a distinctive blend of color display, layers, and a note taking experience that mimics the reMarkable 2 and Supernote. Let’s dive into the specifics.
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Advantages of MobiScribe Wave
The MobiScribe Wave Color provides an enjoyable note-taking and writing experience. The Wacom EMR 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity give users precise stylus control for both writing and sketching. The addition of color allows for more creativity in note-taking, while the layers feature provides depth and organization.
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Drawbacks of the MobiScribe Wave
- Lack of pinch-zoom functionality in the notes app: This feature is currently available only in the PDF-annotation app.
- Display quality: While the Color Kaleido 3 offers a better display, the standard Wave Color model still works for most who simply need color in their notes.
Related: Best digital writing pads
Note Taking & Writing experience
- Layers in Notes: The MobiScribe WAVE enhances note-taking functionality by allowing users to add layers to their notes. This feature helps users keep track of their progress on ideas or add depth to their drawings.
- Bluetooth & Speakers: With integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, the MobiScribe WAVE offers versatility. Users can connect keyboards, earbuds, and enjoy podcasts or audiobooks.
- Waterproof: The MobiScribe WAVE is waterproof, making it suitable for use at the pool or beach, without worries about spills or losing a paper notebook.
- Display: The 7.8-inch color e-ink screen delivers 6 colors in the notes app and 4096 colors in other apps and the e-reader, as well as when adding images to notes.
- Lightweight and portable design: The MobiScribe WAVE Color is easy to carry wherever you go.
- Advanced handwriting recognition technology: Convert handwritten notes into digital text for easy searching and editing.
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Design and Build
The MobiScribe Wave features a sleek and minimalist design that focuses on delivering a user-friendly experience. With dimensions of 5.84 x 7.6 x 0.32 inches, the tablet is compact enough to fit in your bag or backpack, making it highly portable. Its lightweight construction allows for easy handling and long hours of comfortable use.
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The build quality of the MobiScribe Wave is sturdy and reliable, ensuring the tablet can withstand the rigors of daily use. The device is also waterproof, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental spills or exposure to water, making it suitable for use at the beach or poolside.
Display & Screen
The MobiScribe Wave Color comes equipped with a 7.8-inch Kaleido Plus color e-ink display, offering 468×624 pixels resolution and 100 PPI in color mode. The tablet supports 6 colors in the notes app, 4096 colors in apps and the e-reader, and when adding images to notes. The e-ink technology provides a comfortable reading experience similar to traditional paper, reducing eye strain and allowing for prolonged use.
Related: What is e-paper Technology?
One of the standout features of the MobiScribe Wave is its precise stylus control. The WACOM EMR technology provides 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, giving users greater control over their writing and drawing experience. This precision ensures that every stroke is captured accurately, allowing for detailed note-taking and sketching.
Hardware & performance
The MobiScribe Wave is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.5GHz processor and comes with 4GB of system RAM. These specifications ensure smooth and efficient performance, allowing users to switch between notes, note sharing, apps and tasks with mostly no lag or delay.
Related: How to use Layers on the Remarkable 2
The tablet also boasts 64GB of internal storage, providing ample space for documents, notes, and sketches. The device runs on Android 12, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface that most users will find easy to navigate; but it is a bit different from the reMarkable 2 and Supernote UI.
The tablet’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity options ensure seamless integration with other devices and peripherals, such as keyboards or earbuds.
Features of the MobiScribe Wave
The MobiScribe Wave offers an impressive array of features that make it an attractive option for those in search of an e-ink note-taking device. Some of the notable features include:
- Layers in Notes: The tablet allows users to add layers to their notes, making it easy to track progress on ideas or add depth to drawings.
- Bluetooth & Speakers: The integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity allow for the connection of keyboards or earbuds, as well as the ability to listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
- Waterproof: The device is waterproof, ensuring protection against spills or exposure to water during use.
- Handwriting Recognition: The advanced handwriting recognition technology converts handwritten notes into digital text, making it easy to search and edit notes later on.
- Unlimited Cloud Storage: Users can access unlimited cloud storage for their notes and documents, ensuring their data is safe and accessible from anywhere.
- PDF Files: The MobiScribe Wave supports PDF files, allowing users to annotate and edit documents directly on the device.
- Ebook Reader: The tablet doubles as an ebook reader, supporting various formats and offering a comfortable reading experience.
Alternatives to the Mobiscribe
The MobiScribe Wave presents a competitive option in the e-paper tablet market with its unique combination of color display, layers, and Bluetooth connectivity at a lower price point. It is an ideal choice for users who prioritize these features and are looking for a minimalist, affordable notebook replacement. However, other alternatives may be more suitable for those who require a larger screen, more extensive third-party app support, or a more premium writing experience.
While the MobiScribe Wave offers a unique combination of features, particularly its color e-ink display and lower price point, it’s essential to consider other alternatives in the e-paper tablet market. Here are some notable competitors:
reMarkable 2
The reMarkable 2 is a well-known e-paper tablet renowned for its minimalist design, exceptional writing experience, and focus on note-taking and sketching. It boasts a larger 10.3-inch monochromatic e-ink display with a high refresh rate, providing a paper-like feel when writing. However, unlike the MobiScribe Wave, the reMarkable 2 does not have a color display or Bluetooth connectivity. It is also more expensive than the Wave.
Supernote A5X/A6X
The Supernote A5X and A6X are two different form factors of the same device, with a 10.3-inch and 7.8-inch display, respectively. Both offer a unique writing experience with a ceramic nib stylus that mimics the feel of pen on paper.
They also feature advanced PDF annotation and organization tools, making them ideal for professional and academic use. However, like the reMarkable 2, these devices lack color display capabilities.
Onyx Boox Note Air 2
The Onyx Boox Note Air 2 is a feature-rich e-ink tablet with a 10.3-inch monochromatic display, Bluetooth connectivity, and support for a wide variety of third-party applications due to its Android-based operating system.
It offers an excellent writing experience with its Wacom stylus and advanced note-taking features, such as layers and handwriting recognition.
Although – it doesn’t have a color display like the MobiScribe Wave, it offers more versatility in terms of software and functionality.
Sony Digital Paper DPT-RP1
The Sony Digital Paper DPT-RP1 is a premium e-paper tablet with a large 13.3-inch monochromatic display. It is designed for professional use, with features such as advanced PDF editing and annotation, and seamless integration with cloud storage services.
While it provides an excellent writing experience and high-resolution display, it lacks the color capabilities and affordability of the MobiScribe Wave.
Our thoughts when reviewing these two e-Paper tablets
When comparing the MobiScribe Wave to its competitors, it’s clear that the device’s lower price point and color display set it apart.
While it may not have all the advanced note-taking capabilities and features of some other e-paper tablets, the MobiScribe Wave delivers a minimalist notebook feel
