Kindle Scribe Review: How Does It Measure Up For Note Taking & Sketching? 2024

The Kindle Scribe is Amazon’s entry into the e-ink note-taking tablet market, with a focus on note-taking, writing, note-organization, and even sketching.

I often get asked: “Is the kindle scribe any good?”. Our goal is to help you understand the Kindle Scribe and make an informed decision on whether it’s the right e-ink tablet for you.

We found that it’s hardware & features do allow it be a notable competitor to the Remarkable 2, Onyx Boox Note Air 2, and the Supernote; but we did experience some minor drawbacks that are important to note.

In this review, we’ll dive deep reviewing the Kindle Scribe and explore its design, display, note-taking capabilities, unique features, and much more.

Key takeaways

The main pro is that the Kindle Scribe has a large, clear display, but it isn’t a productivity tool, but it’s probably the best choice for those looking for a large e-ink device for reading with basic note-taking capabilities via a stylus pen.
Its main drawback is its inability to allow users to write directly on the book (Instead it uses sticky notes). It also doesn’t have a ‘convert handwritten notes to text’ feature, like the reMarkable 2 and other e-ink tablets do.
Amazon needs to make significant improvements to justify the higher price point when there’s devices like the MobiScribe Wave, Onyx Boox Note Air2, and several reMarkable 2 alternatives that have more advanced writing features.
Kindle Scribe costs $340 for the lowest storage model (16GB) and basic pen. Adding the premium pen will cost you an extra $30 (see Kindle scribe with premium pen). For the upgraded 64GB storage and premium pen, the Scribe will end up costing you $420 (not to mention accessories like the Folio cover/case aren’t included).

What is the Kindle Scribe?

The Kindle Scribe is an e-ink tablet designed primarily for note-taking, drawing, and reading. It’s closer to a reMarkable 2 or SuperNote than it is to a Kindle Paperwhite. While it shares some similarities with other e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Oasis, it differs in its focus on note-taking and drawing capabilities.

The Kindle Scribe ended up making the list of our 15 Best E-ink Tablets For Reading, Note Taking, And Annotation Review.

The inclusion of a premium pen, advanced organizational features, and compatibility with popular note-taking apps set the Kindle Scribe apart from traditional e-readers.

Kindle Scribe (64Gb)

Enhanced reading and writing experience with adjustable warm light, auto-adjusting front light, larger font sizes, and long-lasting battery life
Upcoming features: lasso select tools, handwriting conversion to text, and direct document sending from Microsoft Word (365 subscription required)
10.2 300 ppi glare-free Paperwhite display with Premium Pen for natural reading and writing experience
Take notes on Kindle titles, create notebooks, journals, and lists with various templates, and mark-up documents for easy organization and export

View on Amazon

Pros and Cons of Kindle Scribe

Let’s dive into the key pros and cons of this e-ink device before exploring the writing and drawing experiences it provides.

Pros:

High-quality e-ink display for comfortable reading and writing
Accurate stylus and responsive screen for basic note-taking (not advanced) and basic drawing
Integration with the Kindle ecosystem and popular note-taking apps
Extended battery life of 12 weeks, 3-4x of other competitor devices
Customizable warm light feature

Example of the device with hand writing on it that describes sticky notes underneath some text

Cons:

Likely not be suitable for professional artists or those who need advanced note taking
Lack of water resistance
Slightly heavier than some alternative e-ink tablets

My Experience with the Kindle Scribe for Both Note-Taking & Sketching

I was thrilled when my Kindle Scribe arrived, eager to explore its reading, writing, and drawing capabilities. As an avid reader, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable reading experience the device provided, which reduced eye strain and mimicked the feel of a physical book.

The writing experience was also adequate, with the stylus and responsive screen providing a natural feel and making it easy to organize my notes and ideas. Let’s dive into the specifics of each use:

Reading was comfortable

Introducing Kindle Scribe (64 GB), the first Kindle for reading and writing, with a 10.2” 300 ppi Paperwhite display, includes Premium Pen

Paper tablet for reading and writing!

View on Amazon

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.

As a user of the Kindle Scribe, I found the reading experience to be incredibly comfortable and enjoyable.

The e-ink display reduces eye strain and mimics the feel of reading a physical book. The warm light feature is an added bonus, allowing for a more customizable and comfortable reading experience in various lighting conditions.

Writing was responsive, but not advanced

Example of Kendall scribe writing and scribbling directly on a PDF

The Kindle Scribe’s writing experience is impressive, with the accurate premium stylus and responsive screen providing a natural, pen-to-paper feel. The extensive organizational features and integration with popular note-taking apps make it easy to keep track of notes and ideas.

Drawing was basic

While I’m not a professional artist, I found the drawing experience on the Kindle Scribe to be enjoyable and intuitive. The accurate premium pen and responsive screen allowed for detailed sketches and drawings.

However, professional artists or illustrators may prefer a device specifically designed for drawing.

Example of a drawing using a kindle scribe from a TikTok user

Above is an example a TikTok user that use the Kindle scribe to sketch.

As the E-ink device evolves it is able to sketch and draw better – this is speculated to have been done through software updates from Amazon and many users find it works quite well; I found the Onyx Boox Note air 2 to be more capable regarding sketching specifically, but the Kindle scribe does a great job.

If you’re an artist, you’re probably more interested in using a dedicated drawing tablet that doesn’t need a computer, though.

Kindle Scribe Review: Deep dive & how It compares to other E-Ink devices

I’ve had the opportunity to test and review numerous e-ink tablets (one of my favorites in the MobiScribe Wave Color), and I’m excited to share my insights on the Kindle Scribe.

Let’s dive into each aspect that will help you closer understand the Kindle Scribe so you can decide.

Is the Kindle Scribe Better for Notes or Drawing?

The Kindle Scribe excels in both note-taking and drawing functionalities. Its accurate stylus, responsive screen, and intuitive interface make it an excellent choice for users who need a device for both purposes.

However, some users may find that the Kindle Scribe is more optimized for note-taking (compared to drawing), due to its extensive organizational features and compatibility with popular note-taking apps… though, recent software updates have improved the drawing capabilities a bit from the version that came out of the box for me.

While the drawing capabilities are robust, professional artists or illustrators may prefer a device specifically designed for drawing such as a wacom device or a standalone drawing tablet.

Design and Build Quality

The Kindle Scribe features a sleek and modern design, boasting a 10.2-inch screen with a matte finish, making it comfortable for extended use. The device has page-turning buttons on the side, a power button on the top, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

In terms of design and build quality, the Kindle Scribe competes well with other e-ink tablets in the market. Its premium build quality is evident in the materials used, which give it a solid, durable feel.

One standout feature is the adjustable warm light, which allows users to customize the display’s color temperature for a more comfortable reading experience in various lighting conditions.

Display

The Kindle Scribe holds its own in this competitive space with its sturdy construction and attractive design. The Remarkable 2, for instance competes with the Kindle Scribe and has a (very) slightly larger 10.3-inch display and comes with a slimmer profile.

Other devices, like the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 also feature a similar 10.3-inch screen and a unique asymmetrical design, while the Supernote A5x has a slightly smaller 10.1-inch display.

Note: These .1 differences in display sizes were so miniscule when I tried them each – that I didn’t feel the difference.=

The Kindle Scribe’s e-ink display utilizes the latest Carta technology (10.2 inch screen), delivering crisp and clear text for an enjoyable reading experience. Its high-resolution screen offers 300 DPI (dots per inch), which is above par compared to the read only devices like the Kindle Oasis and Paperwhite models.

When compared to other e-ink devices, the Kindle Scribe’s display is quite competitive. The Remarkable 2 has a similar resolution at 226 DPI, while the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 boasts a slightly higher resolution of 227 DPI.

The Supernote, on the other hand, offers a comparable resolution to the Kindle Scribe, which competes nicely. In terms of display quality and resolution, the Kindle Scribe is a strong contender in the e-ink tablet market and doesn’t slack in this department.

Note-Taking and Drawing Features

The Kindle Scribe shines in the note-taking and drawing department. Its premium pen offers a natural writing experience with accurate and responsive input. The built-in eraser on the pen’s end, coupled with shortcut buttons on the device, allows for seamless editing and navigation.

Unique: The device’s software also provides a sticky note feature, making it easy to jot down quick ideas or reminders – Most e-ink devices don’t have this. For example, it’s something you’d need to download on the Remarkable 2 using a custom Remarkable template, which didn’t work as seamlessly as I’d hoped when I tested it regarding sticky notes.

Compared to other e-ink devices, the Kindle Scribe stands out with its impressive note-taking and moderately decent drawing capabilities. A few things to note though:

If you want color notes and drawings, you’ll probably want to test the Mobiscribe Wave color rather than the Kindle Scribe since the Kindle Scribe is mainly built for note taking, but has some sketching capability with the new software updates that continue to be released by Amazon.
If you’re primary focus is note taking (and not web browsing or using additional apps), then Kindle scribe has you covered, but if you need something for drawing and sketching, the Onyx BOOX Note Air 2 or it’s plus model is objectively the best for this.

The Remarkable 2, for example, has a similar writing experience to the Kindle Scribe, but lacks a built-in eraser on its basic pen (can get it on the Marker Plus). The Onyx Boox Note Air 2 offers comparable features, but the Kindle Scribe’s sticky note functionality gives it an edge. The Supernote provides a decent writing experience but doesn’t quite match the accuracy and responsiveness of

Unique Features

One of the unique features of the Kindle Scribe is its integration with the Kindle ecosystem, allowing users to access their Kindle library and take handwritten notes directly on their e-books.

This seamless connection between reading and note-taking offers a significant advantage over other e-ink tablets. Additionally, the Kindle Scribe supports a variety of file formats, including PDF, EPUB, and graphic novels, further enhancing its versatility.

The Kindle scribe also has a very impressive battery life, with 12 weeks of use on a single charge, out performing every single e-ink tablet for note-taking to date.

This sets it apart from other e-ink tablets, such as the Remarkable 2, which offers up to two weeks of battery life, and the Onyx Boox Note Air 2, which typically lasts around 3-4 weeks. The Kindle Scribe’s extended battery life is definitely a massive advantage for users who require a long-lasting device.

Limitations

The main limitation of the Kindle Scribe is the inability to write directly on the book as well as the lack of ‘convert handwriting to text’ functionality. Despite its many strengths, the Kindle Scribe does have a few limitations. One drawback is its lack of an IP rating, meaning it isn’t water or dust-resistant like some of its competitors, such as the Kindle Paperwhite. This may be a concern for users who plan to use the device in various environments or around water.

Another limitation of the Kindle Scribe is its slightly heavier weight compared to other e-ink tablets. The Kindle Scribe weighs 433 grams, while the Remarkable 2 comes in at 403.5 grams, and the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 at 420 grams. Though this difference might not be significant for some users, it’s worth considering if portability is a priority.

Comparison to Other E-Ink Devices

When comparing the Kindle Scribe to other popular e-ink devices, it’s clear that each device has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Remarkable 2 excels in its slim design and focus on a distraction-free writing experience but falls short in battery life and file format compatibility.

The Onyx Boox Note Air 2 offers highly advanced writing and sketching features with a unique design and versatile software, but its battery life is inferior to the Kindle Scribe and it also costs a bit more. The Supernote provides a decent writing experience and user interface, but its lower resolution display and lack of unique features leave it trailing behind the competition; particularly regarding the display.

For users who prioritize note-taking, drawing, and seamless integration with the Kindle ecosystem, the Kindle Scribe is an excellent choice. However, those who require a water-resistant device or prioritize a lightweight design may want to consider other options.

User Experience

In terms of user experience, the Kindle Scribe excels with its intuitive interface, ease of use, and excellent battery life. The adjustable warm light feature ensures a comfortable reading experience, while the responsive touch screen and accurate stylus make note-taking and drawing a breeze. The device’s shortcut buttons and sticky note icon further enhance its usability – as mentioned before.

Compared to other e-ink devices, the Kindle Scribe’s user experience is on par with its competitors. The Remarkable 2, Onyx Boox Note Air 2, and Supernote all provide intuitive interfaces and satisfying writing experiences, but the Kindle Scribe’s unique features and extended battery life give it a slight edge.

Price and Value

The starting price for the Kindle Scribe, which includes 16GB of storage and a basic pen, is $340. If you want to upgrade to the premium pen, it will cost an additional $30 (refer to the “Kindle Scribe with Premium Pen” option). If you opt for the highest storage option of 64GB and the premium pen, the total cost of the Kindle Scribe will be $420. There are also bundle packages that include a folio, but cost more.

The Kindle Scribe’s price point is competitive in the e-ink tablet market. While it’s slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, the device’s unique features, integration with the Kindle ecosystem, and impressive battery life justify the higher cost. When considering the value the Kindle Scribe provides to users, it’s a worthy investment for those seeking a versatile e-ink tablet for basic note-taking, basic drawing, and all types of reading.

If price is an issue and you already have an iPad, then you could use Goodnotes or Notability apps for note-taking. See our post on How to use features on Goodnotes (Hyperlinks and elements)

Additional Features

In addition to its core features, the Kindle Scribe offers compatibility with various devices and platforms. Users can easily transfer their notes and sketches to other devices or cloud storage services, ensuring their work is accessible from anywhere.

The device’s compatibility with popular note-taking and organization apps like Evernote and OneNote increases its appeal to users who want to streamline their workflow.

The Kindle Scribe also provides accessibility features for users with visual impairments or specific reading preferences. These include adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech functionality, and the ability to invert colors for a more comfortable reading experience.

User Reviews

User reviews of the Kindle Scribe from online retailers and other sources have been largely positive. Users have praised the device’s seamless integration with the Kindle ecosystem, its battery life, and the high-quality display. The accuracy of the stylus and the intuitive interface have also been well-received by users.

However, some users have noted the lack of water resistance and the slightly heavier weight as drawbacks.It’s also known that the writing experience is not as robust as the reading, meaning the Kindle scribe excels as a reading device with standard writing and annotation capabilities, but not just for writing like other options do. It’s essential to consider these factors when deciding whether the Kindle Scribe is the right choice for you.

Kindle Scribe Vs. traditional Tablets (iPad)

When comparing the Kindle Scribe to other tablets, it’s essential to consider the unique features of e-ink tablets. E-ink tablets, like the Kindle Scribe, offer a more comfortable and natural reading and writing experience, mimicking the feel of physical paper.

This is different from traditional tablets like the iPad, which use LCD or OLED screens that can cause eye strain over extended periods. View our post on the E-ink Tablet Vs IPad: Choosing Between the two for more on this.

If you prioritize a device specifically for note-taking, drawing, and reading, the Kindle Scribe may be a better choice than a traditional tablet. However, if you require a device for more general multimedia consumption or computing tasks, a traditional tablet might be more suitable.

Also see: Fire HD Vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which Is Better For Reading?

Conclusion and Recommendation

In summary, the Kindle Scribe is an impressive e-ink tablet that offers an electronic approach to note taking, reading, drawing, and reading experience. Its unique features, such as the integration with the Kindle ecosystem and extended battery life (12 weeks on one charge), set it apart from its competitors.

As mentioned earlier, its lack of water resistance and slightly heavier weight may be a concern for some users, but the largest limitation is that it lacks the capability to write directly on the book and instead requires sticky notes.

When considering the requirements of different types of note-taking users, the Kindle Scribe is an excellent choice for those who prioritize an effortless reading and note-taking experience, as well as compatibility with a wide range of file formats and devices.

Is the Kindle Scribe Worth It?

When considering whether the Kindle Scribe is worth the investment, it’s essential to evaluate the features and capabilities of the device against its price point. For users who need a high-quality e-ink tablet that offers excellent note-taking, drawing, and reading experiences, the

Kindle Scribe is undoubtedly worth considering.

Its integration with the Kindle ecosystem and compatibility with a wide range of file formats and devices make it a versatile choice for many users. However, if you require a water-resistant device or a lighter-weight option, you may want to explore alternative e-ink tablets.

Kindle Scribe Review: How does it measure up for Note taking & Sketching?