Looking to see how the iPad Pro, Air, and mini compare versus the reMarkble 2 e-ink tablet? Tablets have become a staple of our day-to-day lives, but which one is the best for you?
Are you a fan of the iPad’s sleek user interface and enhanced performance? Or are you looking for something with less distractions and a minimalist feel, like the ReMarkable 2?
Related: Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Which is better? (Comparison)
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two tablets to help you decide which one is right for your needs: the iPad vs remarkable 2. We’ll look at their differences in hardware, software, display, accessories and note-taking capabilities. So grab your pen and paper and let’s get started – it’s time to decide between the iPad Pro or reMarkable 2!
See our guide: E-ink Tablet vs iPad: Choosing between an E-Book reader and a Tablet
Key Takeaways – Side by side comparison
| Feature | reMarkable 2 | iPad |
| Purpose | Dedicated notepad | Note Taking is secondary. |
| Display | e-ink display, works well in sunlight | LCD screen |
| Battery Life | Longer battery life (4 weeks on one charge) | Significantly shorter battery life, less than half a day. |
| Backlight | No backlight, works in sunlight | Backlit screen, difficult to view/use in sunlight. |
| Paper-like feel | More paper-like writing experience | Less paper-like writing experience |
| Color support | Limited to monochrome | Supports color in drawings and notes |
| Multitasking | Encourages multitasking | Allows for more focused note-taking |
| Eye strain | May cause less eye strain | May cause more eye strain |
| Outdoor use | Easier to use in direct sunlight | More difficult to use in direct sunlight |
| Additional features | Designed primarily for note-taking and reading, | Can serve as a full tablet for browsing, watching videos, and playing games, handwriting-to-text conversion, etc. |
The reMarkable 2 is specifically designed to reduce distractions. With fewer apps and notifications compared to iPads, users can dedicate more attention to note-taking and sketching, making it a perfect tool for individuals who prioritize concentration and productivity.
Related: Remarkable 2 Review: Is it worth it? (In-Depth Guide)
When I plan to read or write before going to bed using the reMarkable 2, I usually turn on my bedside lamp and set it to 20% low light… and it provides sufficient light to use it.
However, if I have a show on in the background, the television itself almost always emits enough light that I can usually carry on with my reading or writing on the reMarkable 2.
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The lighting is the real issue, so keep in mind – the boox note air 2 is a similar device to the reMarkable, but it has a front light and is worth considering as well, see our post: Boox Note Air 2 vs reMarkable 2
Let’s look at each of the key differences in detail:
- Device Purpose: iPad is a versatile tablet with various features and apps, while the reMarkable 2 is a dedicated notepad for a distraction-free experience.
- Display: reMarkable 2 has an e-ink display that works well in sunlight, while the iPad uses an LCD screen.
- Battery Life: reMarkable 2 has a longer battery life compared to the iPad.
- Backlight: reMarkable 2 does not have a backlight, making it less suitable for use in low-light conditions, while the iPad has a backlit screen.
- Paper-like feel: Users report that the reMarkable 2 has a more paper-like writing experience compared to the iPad.
- Color support: The iPad supports color in drawings and notes, while the reMarkable 2 is limited to monochrome.
- Multitasking: The iPad encourages multitasking, which can be distracting, while the reMarkable 2 allows for more focused note-taking.
- Eye strain: Some users find the reMarkable 2’s e-ink display causes less eye strain compared to the iPad’s LCD screen.
- Outdoor use: The reMarkable 2 is easier to use in direct sunlight without overheating or draining the battery, compared to the iPad.
- Additional features: The iPad offers more features, such as handwriting-to-text conversion, and can serve as a full tablet for browsing, watching videos, and playing games. The reMarkable 2 is designed primarily for note-taking and reading.
Related: Is The Apple Pencil 2 Worth It? (The Truth)
Advantages of using the iPad Air, Pro or Mini rather than a reMarkable
One of the primary benefits of using the iPad Air, Pro, or Mini is access to Apple’s App Store. As these devices run on iOS software, users can choose from millions of apps for a variety of purposes, including productivity, entertainment, and communication. This versatility makes iPads suitable for a wide range of users.
Another advantage of the iPad Pro and Air is compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which provides a highly precise drawing and writing experience. The Apple Pencil is designed for seamless integration with the iPad, and the combination is well-suited for artists, designers, and note-takers alike.
Related: Is the ReMarkable 2 good for drawing? (In-Depth Guide)
iPads also support handwriting recognition, which allows users to easily convert their handwritten notes into text. This feature is beneficial for those who prefer to handwrite notes but want to save them in a digital format.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Finally, iPads boast powerful hardware that can handle multitasking, gaming, and streaming media. With powerful processors, ample storage, and high-resolution displays, iPads are capable devices for both work and play.
Related: Best apps to convert handwriting to text
Advantages of using the reMarkable 2 over an iPad
The reMarkable 2‘s 10.3-inch monochrome digital paper display offers a paper-like experience for writing and sketching. The device is specifically designed to mimic the feel of writing on actual paper, making it an excellent choice for those who value a natural writing experience.
The reMarkable 2’s e-ink display enables users to work in direct sunlight without any issues. Unlike iPads, which can be difficult to read outdoors due to glare, the reMarkable 2 is highly readable in a variety of lighting conditions.
Related: Mobiscribe Wave vs reMarkable 2: Both e-Paper Tablets Compared
The reMarkable 2 also boasts a significantly longer battery life than iPads, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge. This extended battery life allows users to take notes, sketch, and read documents without worrying about running out of power.
Know that – the reMarkable 2 is designed to minimize distractions. With fewer notifications and apps than iPads, users can focus more on note-taking and sketching, making it an ideal tool for those who value concentration and productivity.
Related: iPad vs Laptop
reMarkable 2 vs iPad Pro & Air – Differences
If you’re looking for a tablet focused solely on note-taking, sketching, and reading without distractions, the reMarkable 2 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a more versatile device with access to a wide range of apps, the iPad Pro & Air might be a better fit. Let’s dive into the differences
Related: MobiScribe Wave Review – Is this e-paper tablet worth it? (Color, B&W, Kaleido)
Note Taking experience of both devices
The iPad offers access to various note-taking apps through the App Store, which can be used with the second-generation Apple Pencil to create a natural handwriting experience. Users can choose from a wide selection of apps to suit their specific note-taking needs and preferences.
Related: 32+ Best Remarkable 2 Templates (+ Custom & How to make your own)
On the other hand, the reMarkable 2 is tailored to provide a near pencil-on-paper feel with its e-ink display and Marker stylus. For users who prioritize a paper-like writing experience, the reMarkable 2 is a perfect fit.
Related: How to use Layers on the Remarkable 2 (Full tutorial)
How the iPad and reMarkable work as a notebook side by side difference
iPads can be used as digital notebooks, offering access to note-taking apps and synchronization with cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud. Users can organize, categorize, and store their notes digitally for easy access and sharing.
Related: BOOX Note air 2 vs SuperNote A5x/A6x (Hands-on Comparison)
The reMarkable 2 is designed specifically for note-taking, sketching, and sharing. It features an e-ink display and a simplified user interface, making it an excellent device for those who want a dedicated note-taking tool without unnecessary distractions.
Related: Boox Note air 2 Plus vs ReMarkable 2 (Full Comparison)
Display & Hardware compared
iPads are known for their vibrant and high-resolution displays, which make them suitable for media consumption, gaming, and web browsing. These devices offer sharp visuals and accurate colors, providing an immersive user experience.
Related: Is the ReMarkable 2 good for drawing? (In-Depth Guide)
On the flip side the reMarkable 2 boasts a 10.3-inch monochrome digital paper display that delivers a natural and
User Interface differences
The user interfaces of the reMarkable 2 and the iPad Pro & Air are quite different. The iPad Pro & Air features a colorful, intuitive touchscreen interface, powered by Apple’s iOS, which allows users to easily access apps, documents, and settings with a few swipes or taps.
Related: Best GoodNotes Alternatives for Note-Taking
However, the reMarkable 2 has an e-ink display with a minimalistic monochrome interface designed primarily for note-taking, sketching, and reading.
Related: Notability vs GoodNotes
Design & Feel
The design of the reMarkable 2 and the iPad Pro & Air differ significantly. The iPad Pro & Air offers a sleek, aluminum finish for a premium look, with a vibrant Liquid Retina display for creating beautiful graphics.
Note that the reMarkable 2 has a lightweight and slim design, with an e-ink display that produces sharp monochrome images with no glare, making it ideal for reading or taking handwritten notes.
Related: 7 Best Stylus Pens for the iPad Air (Drawing, Writing, Notes)
Stylus & accessories
The reMarkable 2 comes with its own Marker stylus, which is designed to provide a realistic writing experience, with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.
Related: Notability alternatives: most comparable (Free and Paid)
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro & Air, supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which also offers a smooth and natural handwriting experience, but with the added benefit of integration with various apps available on the App Store.
Using the reMarkable for note taking (in detail)
The reMarkable 2 is specifically designed for note-taking, sketching, and reading. Its 10.3-inch monochrome digital paper display provides a paper-like feel when writing or sketching with the Marker.
The tablet’s responsive performance ensures an almost instantaneous transfer of pen strokes to the screen, closely mimicking the experience of writing on actual paper.
The reMarkable 2 is specifically designed for note-taking, sketching, and reading. Its 10.3-inch monochrome digital paper display provides a paper-like feel when writing or sketching with the Marker.
The tablet’s responsive performance ensures an almost instantaneous transfer of pen strokes to the screen, closely mimicking the experience of writing on actual paper.
In addition to the paper-like feel, the reMarkable 2 offers features such as customizable templates, layers, and the ability to convert handwritten notes to text. The tablet syncs with the reMarkable Cloud, allowing you to access your notes and sketches from other devices.
Alternative computer tablet devices like the iPad that compete with the reMarkable 2
Besides the iPad Pro & Air, other alternatives to the reMarkable 2 include Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series and Microsoft’s Surface Go. The Galaxy Tab S series offers the advantage of Android OS, access to Google Play Store, and a high-quality AMOLED display.
The Surface Go, on the other hand, runs on Windows 10, making it suitable for users who prefer a more desktop-like experience.
Keep in mind – that none of these alternatives offer the same unique e-ink display and paper-like writing experience as the reMarkable 2. For users who prioritize note-taking and sketching above all else, the reMarkable 2 may be the better choice between the iPad and alternative devices.
