Remarkable 2 Vs Ipad For Note Taking Is The Paper Feel Really Worth Losing Apps

In an age where digital tools dominate productivity, two devices stand out for note-takers: the reMarkable 2 and the iPad. One promises a writing experience that mimics real paper, while the other offers unmatched versatility through its app ecosystem. The central question isn’t just about specs or price—it’s about philosophy. Is the tactile, distraction-free writing on the reMarkable 2 truly superior to the dynamic, app-rich environment of the iPad? And more importantly, when it comes to serious note-taking, is the paper-like feel worth giving up the power of apps?

This article dives deep into both devices, comparing their strengths and weaknesses from a practical, user-centric perspective. Whether you're a student, professional, creative writer, or lifelong learner, understanding this trade-off can shape how you capture ideas for years to come.

The Core Philosophy: Minimalism vs. Multifunctionality

The reMarkable 2 was built with a singular mission: to replicate the analog experience of pen-on-paper in a digital format. Its e-ink display refreshes like turning a page, its stylus glides with minimal friction, and there are no notifications, no games, no email—just writing, reading, and sketching. This intentional minimalism creates a focused environment ideal for deep work.

In contrast, the iPad—especially when paired with the Apple Pencil—is a general-purpose device. It runs thousands of apps, from Notability and GoodNotes to Microsoft OneNote and Adobe Fresco. You can switch between taking lecture notes, annotating PDFs, watching reference videos, and responding to messages—all within minutes. But that flexibility comes at a cost: distraction.

“Digital minimalism isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters without noise.” — Cal Newport, author of *Digital Minimalism*

The reMarkable 2 eliminates noise by design. There’s no app store, no web browser (beyond limited experimental features), and no ability to sideload third-party software easily. Meanwhile, the iPad thrives on connectivity and integration. For users who value focus above all, the reMarkable 2 may be transformative. For those who need seamless transitions between tasks, the iPad remains unmatched.

Writing Experience: Paper-Like Feel vs. Precision and Feedback

The most praised feature of the reMarkable 2 is its writing feel. Using a matte screen protector and proprietary stylus (which doesn’t require charging), the device produces a subtle friction that closely resembles writing on actual paper. There’s no backlight, reducing eye strain during long sessions, and the lack of screen glare makes it usable in direct sunlight.

On the iPad, especially models with ProMotion displays, the Apple Pencil offers pixel-perfect accuracy and palm rejection so advanced you can rest your hand naturally on the screen. Haptic feedback gives a slight “tap” sensation upon contact, enhancing control. However, the glass surface feels slick and artificial compared to textured paper—even with third-party matte screen protectors.

Tip: If you prioritize natural handwriting flow and spend hours writing daily, the reMarkable 2’s tactile feedback may significantly improve comfort and endurance.

One common complaint about iPads is fatigue after extended writing due to the slippery surface and visual brightness. The reMarkable counters this with a low-glare, non-emissive screen that many users describe as “calming.” However, it lacks pressure sensitivity and animation smoothness, making sketching or diagramming feel slightly delayed.

App Ecosystem: Functionality Gaps and Workflow Trade-offs

This is where the divide becomes steepest. The iPad supports powerful note-taking apps that go far beyond static pages. With GoodNotes, you can record audio synced to your notes, search handwritten text using OCR, organize notebooks with tags, and integrate cloud storage across platforms. Apps like Notability allow voice memos, embedded images, and even video clips directly in your documents.

The reMarkable 2, by comparison, has almost no third-party apps. Its native software handles basic annotation, handwriting, and document import (PDFs, EPUBs). While it syncs via cloud and integrates with services like Google Drive and Dropbox, automation is limited. There’s no search within handwritten notes—a major drawback for researchers or students managing large volumes of content.

Feature	reMarkable 2	iPad + Apple Pencil
Handwriting Search (OCR)	No	Yes (in supported apps)
Voice Recording Sync	No	Yes (Notability, GoodNotes)
Third-Party App Support	Nearly none	Extensive
Cloud Integration	Basic (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)	Deep (iCloud, cross-platform)
PDF Annotation Tools	Limited markup options	Highlight, strikethrough, shapes, freeform
Distraction Level	Minimal	Moderate to High

If your workflow relies on multimedia integration, searchable archives, or complex organization, the iPad clearly wins. But if your primary goal is uninterrupted thinking—such as journaling, drafting essays, or mind mapping—the absence of apps on the reMarkable can become a strength.

A Real-World Example: The Law Student’s Dilemma

Sophia, a second-year law student at the University of Michigan, used an iPad for her first year. She appreciated being able to highlight case briefs, take margin notes, and record lectures. But she found herself frequently switching to messaging apps, checking news updates, or getting sidetracked by notifications during study sessions.

In her second year, she switched to the reMarkable 2. While she missed the ability to search handwritten notes and sync recordings, she reported a noticeable increase in concentration. “I’m not tempted to open anything else,” she said. “It feels like I’m back in the library with a legal pad—only now everything is backed up and organized.”

She compromised by using both: the reMarkable for active reading and outlining, and her old iPad for research and audio review. Her grades improved, not because of technology, but because her attention stayed locked on the task.

Portability, Battery Life, and Long-Term Usability

Both devices are lightweight and portable, but differ in key areas. The reMarkable 2 weighs 393g and measures 21cm x 28cm—similar to a standard notebook. Its battery lasts 2–3 weeks under normal use, thanks to the energy-efficient e-ink display that only consumes power when the screen refreshes.

The iPad (10th gen, 10.9”), by comparison, weighs 477g and has a much shorter battery life—about 10 hours of continuous use. While still excellent for a full day’s work, it requires nightly charging for heavy users. The screen also emits blue light, which some find disruptive during evening note sessions.

Tip: For travelers, field researchers, or anyone needing days of uninterrupted use without access to power, the reMarkable 2’s battery efficiency is a decisive advantage.

Another consideration is longevity. Apple typically supports iPads with OS updates for 5–6 years, after which performance may degrade. The reMarkable 2 receives firmware updates, but its closed system means fewer changes over time. Some users appreciate this stability; others worry about future compatibility.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Device for Your Needs

Follow this decision framework to determine which device aligns best with your habits and goals:

1. Assess your primary use case: Are you mainly writing, sketching, and reading? Or do you need to combine notes with research, audio, and collaboration?
2. Evaluate your susceptibility to distraction: Do you often check social media or messages when working? If yes, a minimalist tool like the reMarkable 2 could help.
3. Consider your organizational needs: Do you rely on searching past notes or syncing across devices? The iPad excels here.
4. Test writing duration: If you write for more than 90 minutes at a time, consider ergonomics and screen fatigue. E-ink reduces strain significantly.
5. Budget for accessories: An iPad requires a case, screen protector, and ideally the Apple Pencil (~$129). The reMarkable 2 includes the stylus and works well out of the box.
6. Determine long-term support: Will you want new features over time (iPad), or prefer a stable, consistent tool (reMarkable)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the reMarkable 2 replace my iPad entirely?

For pure note-takers, readers, and writers who value focus, yes—it can serve as a full replacement. However, if you depend on apps like Slack, Zoom, or reference tools like Wikipedia, you’ll likely still need another device for those functions.

Does the iPad feel unnatural to write on?

Initially, yes—many users report a “slippery” sensation on the glass screen. But with a high-quality matte screen protector (like those from Paperlike or Zagg), the friction improves dramatically, offering a closer approximation to paper.

Is the reMarkable 2 worth $299?

Its value lies in what it removes, not what it adds. If constant distractions hinder your productivity, the peace of mind and focus it enables can justify the cost. For casual users or those needing robust digital workflows, the iPad offers better return on investment.

Conclusion: Balancing Sensory Experience Against Digital Utility

The reMarkable 2 and the iPad represent two opposing visions of digital productivity. One champions sensory authenticity and mental clarity; the other embraces functional richness and adaptability. Neither is objectively better—the answer depends on your priorities.

If you crave the quiet rhythm of pen on paper, thrive in distraction-free environments, and mostly engage in linear writing or reading, the reMarkable 2 delivers an unparalleled experience. Its paper-like feel isn’t just marketing—it’s a deliberate engineering achievement that fosters presence and depth.

But if your work involves layered thinking, multimedia inputs, collaborative editing, or frequent searching and organizing, the iPad remains the superior choice. Losing the apps means losing capabilities that modern knowledge workers rely on daily.

The truth is, many people don’t have to choose. A growing number use both: the reMarkable 2 for deep writing and reflection, the iPad for dynamic tasks and integration. In this hybrid model, each device plays to its strengths.

🚀 Ready to optimize your note-taking? Try a week with only one device—either completely app-free or fully connected—and observe how your focus, output, and satisfaction change. Share your experience with others exploring this same decision.