How to Decide If the reMarkable Paper Pure Is the Right E Ink Writing Tablet for You
Introduction
If you’re in the market for a dedicated E Ink writing tablet, you’ve likely heard of reMarkable. The company made waves in 2017 with its first model and again in 2020 with the reMarkable 2. Now, in 2025, reMarkable has unveiled the Paper Pure, a $399 E Ink tablet designed solely for note-taking, document annotation, and drawing. But with such a focused device, it’s essential to know if it fits your workflow. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the evaluation process so you can make an informed decision.
What You Need
- An understanding of your typical note-taking or drawing tasks
- Access to the reMarkable website or a retailer for comparison
- Knowledge of the previous reMarkable models (optional but helpful)
- A clear budget for your tablet purchase
- Patience to evaluate alternatives if needed
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify Your Primary Use Case
Before considering any device, list what you’ll actually do with it. The reMarkable Paper Pure is purpose-built for writing, reading, annotating PDFs, and sketching. It does not run apps, browse the web, or send emails. Ask yourself:
- Do I need a distraction-free writing experience?
- Will I annotate documents often?
- Am I a visual thinker who draws or diagrams frequently?
If you answered yes to most, the Paper Pure might be a strong candidate.
Step 2: Understand reMarkable’s Product History
reMarkable’s first tablet (2017) was a proof-of-concept; the second (2020) refined the design and software. The Paper Pure is the third generation, replacing the reMarkable 2 entirely. Key differences include a faster processor and improved screen refresh, but the core philosophy remains: a focused writing tool. Knowing this evolution helps you gauge whether the Paper Pure is a meaningful upgrade or just iterative.
Step 3: Analyze the Price and Value
At $399, the Paper Pure sits in a premium bracket among E Ink devices. Compare it to:
- Kobo Elipsa 2E (around $399) – offers e-reading and note-taking
- Boox Note Air3 C (around $479) – Android-based with more features
- Amazon Kindle Scribe (around $339) – integrates with Amazon ecosystem
The Paper Pure’s advantage is its simplicity and superior writing feel thanks to no glass layer. If you value that tactile experience, the price is justified.
Step 4: Evaluate Limitations
No device is perfect. The Paper Pure lacks:
- Color display (black-and-white E Ink only)
- App store or web browser
- Backlight (some models have no front light, though check specs)
- Cloud integration limited to reMarkable’s own service
If any of these are deal-breakers, consider competitors. But if you want minimal distractions, accept these trade-offs.
Step 5: Check Compatibility with Your Workflow
reMarkable tablets sync with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android via the reMarkable app. You can transfer documents, read notes, and even convert handwriting to text. However, the Paper Pure does not support third-party note apps like OneNote or Notion. Make sure your data flow is supported.
Step 6: Test the Writing Experience (If Possible)
The best way to decide is to try it. Many electronics retailers have demo units. Pay attention to:
- Pen latency and pressure sensitivity
- Surface texture (paper-like feel)
- Screen refresh during fast writing
If you can’t test, read detailed reviews from trusted sources like Liliputing or TechRadar.
Step 7: Decide on Accessories
reMarkable offers a Marker (pen) and a Book Folio as accessories. The pen is included in some bundles? Actually, the basic model comes with the Marker; a Marker Plus with eraser is extra. Budget an additional $50–$100 for a cover if you plan to carry it. The Paper Pure itself is 8.4 x 6.3 x 0.2 inches and weighs about 0.9 lbs, making it portable but still needing protection.
Step 8: Finalize Your Decision
After Steps 1–7, you should have a clear picture. If the Paper Pure aligns with your needs, proceed to purchase. If not, revisit alternatives. Remember: the Paper Pure is not a general-purpose tablet; it’s a specialized tool. Being honest about your needs is key.
Tips for Success
- Start simple: Don’t overload the Paper Pure with dozens of notebooks initially – use it for one project first to see how it fits.
- Learn the gestures: reMarkable has intuitive swipe gestures for page turns and tool switching – practice them to increase efficiency.
- Back up regularly: Sync with the cloud after each session to avoid losing work.
- Update firmware: reMarkable periodically adds features via software updates; check for updates monthly.
- Consider a screen protector: Though the display is durable, a matte screen protector can enhance the paper feel (though it may reduce clarity slightly).
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to decide if the reMarkable Paper Pure is your next E Ink companion. Happy writing!