ReMarkable Paper Pure Tablet Review: Back to Basics

I like that the ReMarkable Paper Pure kept the thicker side bezel, which the pricier Paper Pro and Paper Pro Move don’t have. It’s a perfect resting spot for my thumb to grab it and start writing, and it responds to rotations, so you can use it comfortably whether you’re right- or left-handed (the stylus will only attach to the long side without the thicker bezel, though, which is a little inconvenient for lefties). It has a fast response time and a smooth writing experience that, like ReMarkable models before it, feels incredibly paperlike with a touch of texture and resistance without making it feel slow or gritty to write on. ReMarkable says that the writing experience from the Paper Pro was brought over to the device, and the two did feel similar to write on. Besides the pen-to-tablet experience, though, using these two devices feels very different with the weight and size differences, especially when you’re holding the device up to write on.

Photograph: Nena Farrell

I don’t mind that the ReMarkable Paper Pure skipped out on a color screen, especially since ReMarkable has two other devices that offer one. I am disappointed that it doesn’t have a front light, but in the daylight, the Paper Pure’s screen actually looks brighter since it’s designed to be brighter and whiter than before to look more like a piece of paper. ReMarkable says it’s the best white on the market, and compared to its own lineup it’s a clear improvement. Still, the lack of front light may be a bummer if you’re likely to use this in a darkened classroom or similar type of setting.

A big pro for the Paper Pure over ReMarkable’s color-screen models, and even the older ReMarkable 2, is the battery life. These devices usually had about two weeks of battery life, but ReMarkable says that the Paper Pure will have three weeks. It’s still not as much battery life as you’d get on the Kindle Scribe, but it’s a nice improvement.

Platform Push

Photograph: Nena Farrell

There are some new ReMarkable software features coming out in tandem with the Paper Pure. It’s not only coming to that device, since ReMarkable’s devices are on a single platform, so any ReMarkable device you have or get should include these features. There are two main new features: a calendar integration, and convert and share.