Remarkable Paper Pure Review: The Best Digital Notepad for Writing Like Real Paper

Why the Remarkable Paper Pure Feels Like Writing on Real Paper

The Remarkable Paper Pure is the latest digital notepad from Remarkable, designed to replicate the feel of writing on traditional paper. Unlike tablets with smooth glass screens, the Paper Pure features a black-and-white E Ink display with a textured finish that mimics the tactile sensation of pen on paper. While the lack of built-in lighting limits its use in low-light environments, this tradeoff enhances the writing experience by ensuring every stroke feels directly connected to the stylus tip.

The Paper Pure is a follow-up to the Remarkable 2 and builds on the brand’s reputation for premium digital notepads. It competes with other E Ink tablets, including color variants, but stands out for its focus on writing performance and durability.

Key Features and Upgrades Over the Remarkable 2

The Paper Pure introduces several improvements over its predecessor:

• Faster performance: A dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM (up from 1GB) make navigating the UI and opening documents noticeably quicker. Large ebooks and PDFs open about half a second faster, though smaller documents see less dramatic improvements.
• More storage: The base model now includes 32GB of storage, up from 8GB in the Remarkable 2.
• Enhanced stylus: The Marker Plus stylus features a dedicated eraser button and wireless charging when attached to the tablet’s side. It’s no thicker than the Remarkable 2’s stylus and attaches more securely.
• Improved screen: The third-generation Canvas screen uses E Ink’s Carta 1300 panel, offering 20% more contrast and a brighter appearance than the Remarkable 2’s display. However, it retains the same 1,872 x 1,404 resolution and 226PPI as its predecessor.
• Durable design: The new design feels sturdier and more resistant to wear and tear.

Stylus Performance: Marker Plus vs. Apple Pencil Pro

The Marker Plus stylus, included in the $449 bundle with the Sleeve Folio case, offers a writing experience that rivals traditional pen and paper. While its latency matches the Remarkable 2’s stylus and isn’t as responsive as the Apple Pencil Pro, many users find the overall experience superior for note-taking and sketching.

Pricing and Availability

The Remarkable Paper Pure is available in two configurations:

• Base model: $399, includes the Marker stylus and 32GB of storage.
• Bundle: $449, includes the Marker Plus stylus, 32GB of storage, and the Sleeve Folio case.

Both versions are available for purchase directly from Remarkable’s website.

How the Paper Pure Compares to Competitors

The Paper Pure’s E Ink display and focus on writing make it a strong contender in the digital notepad market. However, its 226PPI resolution is lower than what you’ll find on many modern tablets, including Remarkable’s own color screen devices. While small text remains crisp and legible, it doesn’t match the sharpness of high-end e-readers like the Kobo and Kindle, which offer 300PPI displays.

The lack of built-in lighting is a notable limitation, restricting its use to well-lit environments. Despite this, the Paper Pure excels in delivering a writing experience that closely resembles pen on paper, making it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and creatives who prioritize note-taking and sketching.

Final Verdict: Is the Remarkable Paper Pure Worth It?

The Remarkable Paper Pure is a compelling upgrade for anyone seeking a digital notepad that feels like real paper. Its improved performance, storage, and durability make it a strong choice, though the lack of lighting and lower resolution may deter some users. If you value a premium writing experience and are willing to trade convenience for authenticity, the Paper Pure is one of the best options available.