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ReMarkable
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 First generation reMarkable tablet with sleeve and pen | |
| Manufacturer | reMarkable |
|---|---|
| Type | e-reader |
| CPU | 1 GHz ARM A9 CPU[1] |
| Memory | 512 MB DDR3L RAM[1] |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Display | 262 mm (10.3 in) electronic paper display, 1872 × 1404 pixels (1.333:1 (4:3) aspect ratio |
| Input | Touchscreen with 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, stylus without battery |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz),[2] Micro USB 2.0[1] |
| Power | Non-removable 3000 mAh lithium-ion battery[1] |
| Dimensions | 177 mm × 256 mm × 6.7 mm (6.97 in × 10.08 in × 0.26 in) |
| Weight | 350 g (12 oz) |
| Website | remarkable |
The reMarkable is an E Ink writing tablet for reading documents and textbooks, sketching and note-taking that attempts to fully replicate paper writing.[3] Developed by a Norwegian startup company of the same name, the device is geared towards students, academics and professionals.[4][5]
The reMarkable uses electronic paper reading display and tablet computer writing system.[6]
History
[edit]The company was founded by Magnus Wanberg and started product development in Oslo in early 2014. It has collaborated with Taiwanese company E Ink.[7] Development was started in 2013[8] and a crowdfunding campaign launched in late 2016.[9] Pre-orders began in 2017.[10]
Operating system
[edit]ReMarkable uses its own operating system, named Codex. Codex is based on Linux and optimized for electronic paper display technology.[11]
Community support
[edit]As Codex is based on Linux and an open source ecosystem, it has gained community projects and 3rd party software for it. The device is accessible through SSH, allowing the installation of 3rd party software.[12] Many packages are accessible through Toltec, a community-maintained free software repository.[13] The Cloud system has been reverse engineered and an open source alternative has been created.[14]
Alternative operating systems
[edit]An alternative free operating system, Parabola-rM, has been made to replace Codex.[15] Parabola-rM aims to turn the device into a full-fledged computer, allowing typical desktop Linux applications to be run,[16] with the caveat that this is not a supported configuration.[17]
Subscription
[edit]In October 2021, a connect plan was launched which required a monthly subscription for its Connect Lite plan or its full Connect plan with unlimited cloud storage.[18] This was withdrawn in September 2022. Some of the original features that were withdrawn, such as integration with file hosting services, were made available to all ReMarkable owners, with a single Connect plan price with a reduced price.[19][20]
Reception
[edit]Of the first generation of the tablet, Remarkable 1 (or ReMarkable RM100 as known by its model number), launched in late 2017, suffered some criticism due to sluggishness when loading and unloading files.[21]
The Bad Voltage podcast stated, the lack of integrations with other software limits the device's usefulness for taking notes for some users,[22] and there is no official third-party app ecosystem, but the ability to add software via unofficial hacks offers interesting possibilities.[23][24]
The second generation Remarkable 2 was released in May 2020, and a review by Wired, stated it "excels at taking your handwritten notes, but it doesn't do much else well."[25] Other media outlets have seen the lack of a distraction or ability to do much else as positives.[26]
-
A PDF file on the reMarkable annotated with the passive pen -
Size of the reMarkable tablet compared to A4 and A5 sheets of paper -
Second generation reMarkable 2 with Wikipedia Article about reMarkable
Successors
[edit]The second generation reMarkable 2 was announced on March 17, 2020.[27] It was marketed as the 'World's Thinnest Tablet' (measuring 187 x 246 x 4.7 mm[28]).[29]
A third generation reMarkable Paper Pro was announced on September 4, 2024.[30] This version features a colour electronic paper screen with an in-screen reading light called a frontlight. Sales began immediately after the announcement.[31].
The Remarkable Paper Pro Move, a smaller 7.3-inch digital tablet, was announced on September 3, 2025. Sales began immediately after this announcement.[32]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d reMarkable | The paper tablet - Technical specifications
- ^ RM100 reMarkable paper tablet Test Report WiFi reMarkable AS
- ^ Hands on with the reMarkable, the closest thing to paper since paper
- ^ reMarkable paper tablet for sketching, writing: PHOTOS - Business Insider
- ^ "Review: ReMarkable 2 tablet a fine business tool".
- ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (2020-08-27). "The reMarkable 2 is the latest attempt to turn your paper notepad digital". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ^ "This $530 tablet is better than a book or a sketchpad — it looks, feels, and acts just like paper". Business Insider.
- ^ The ReMarkable is a Tablet That Feels Like Paper | Digital Trends
- ^ ReMarkable Hands-On: The First E-Ink Drawing Tablet Is a Wonder to Behold
- ^ Remarkable Raises $12 Million in Pre-Orders, Gets Positive Early Buzz in the Press | The Digital Reader
- ^ Henry T. Casey (15 September 2017). "reMarkable Tablet Review". Laptop Magazine. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
reMarkable uses Codex, its own OS. This is a custom version of Linux that's optimized for low-latency e-paper.
- ^ "tech:ssh [reMarkableWiki]". remarkablewiki.com. Retrieved 2022-10-10.
- ^ "Toltec". 2022-10-10.
- ^ Känel, Dobrin von (2022-10-10), rmfakecloud, retrieved 2022-10-10
- ^ "Parabola-rM". 2022-10-10.
- ^ Linder, Brad (2022-10-10). "Turn the Remarkable ePaper tablet into a Linux PC with Parabola rM".
- ^ Remmel, Davis (2020). Parabola on reMarkable: A Guide (PDF).
- ^ Liszewski, Andrew (13 October 2021). "reMarkable's E Ink Tablet Now Requires a Subscription to Access Its Best Features". gizmodo.com. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
- ^ Liszewski, Andrew (2022-09-20). "reMarkable Lowers Subscription Fees For its E Ink Tablet While Making More Features Free". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ^ "reMarkable announces major expansion of software ecosystem and changes to subscription service" (Press release). reMarkable. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ Liszewski, Andrew. "The reMarkable E Ink Tablet Is Way Too Good For Its Software (and Price)". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
- ^ Langridge, Stuart; Bacon, Jono; Garcia, Jeremy (21 January 2021). "Poetry in Notion". Bad Voltage. 5 minutes in. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ Langridge, Stuart; Bacon, Jono; Garcia, Jeremy (21 January 2021). "Poetry in Notion". Bad Voltage. 36 minutes in. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "remarkable-hacks". rM Hacks on Github. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ Louryn Strampe (9 September 2020). "Review: reMarkable 2". wired.com. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
- ^ "ReMarkable 2 Review: No-frills productivity and creativity without distractions". Daily Mirror. 24 January 2023.
- ^ Introducing the World's Thinnest Tablet, reMarkable 2, BusinessWire, March 17, 2020
- ^ August 2020, Gerald Lynch 27 (27 August 2020). "ReMarkable 2 tablet review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Chris Taylor (27 August 2020). "ReMarkable 2 review: A magic legal pad from the future". mashable.com. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
- ^ reMarkable (2024-09-04). reMarkable Paper Pro | Launch event. Retrieved 2024-09-08 – via YouTube.
- ^ "reMarkable Paper Pro". remarkable.com. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ "reMarkable Paper Pro Move". remarkable.com. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
External links
[edit]
ReMarkable
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding and early years
reMarkable AS was founded in 2013 in Oslo, Norway, by Magnus Wanberg, a civil engineer with a passion for technology, alongside a small initial team. The company emerged from Wanberg's observation that despite the proliferation of digital devices, many professionals and students still preferred traditional pen and paper for note-taking due to its natural feel and lack of distractions. This insight drove the establishment of reMarkable as a startup dedicated to developing a distraction-free digital alternative that captures the essence of writing on paper.[4][5] The initial vision centered on leveraging E Ink technology to create a device that replicates the tactile experience and focus-enhancing qualities of physical paper, addressing the shortcomings of conventional tablets like iPads, which often introduced notifications, apps, and backlighting that hindered concentrated work. Wanberg, frustrated by digital distractions during his university days, aimed to build a tool that prioritized productivity without the overload of multimedia features. This minimalist approach was core to the company's early philosophy, emphasizing a pure writing and reading surface to foster deeper thinking.[6][7] To support prototype development, reMarkable secured early seed funding totaling approximately $10 million across two rounds from investors including StartupLab. These funds enabled the team to refine their technology and focus on hardware innovations like low-latency stylus input on an E Ink display. By 2016, the company had developed its first prototype, a slim tablet designed without apps, notifications, or backlighting to maintain the authentic paper-like sensation, which was soon showcased through a crowdfunding campaign that highlighted its potential as a dedicated digital notebook.[8][9]Key milestones and expansions
The reMarkable 1 tablet was announced in November 2016 and began shipping to customers in late 2017, marking the company's entry into the market with a focus on distraction-free digital note-taking.[1] Early shipments faced some delays due to production scaling, extending into 2018 as the company addressed supply chain logistics for global distribution.[10] In 2019, reMarkable secured $15 million in Series A funding led by Spark Capital, which supported product development and operational expansion, including preparations for the next-generation device.[11] The reMarkable 2 was officially announced on March 17, 2020, and released for pre-order shortly thereafter, with shipments commencing in August 2020; this thinner, more responsive model helped drive further market adoption amid the shift to remote work.[12] Although specific facility expansions in Oslo were not tied directly to 2019, the company continued growing its headquarters operations there to accommodate increasing staff and R&D needs.[13] From 2020 to 2022, reMarkable navigated significant supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including component shortages and logistics delays that affected electronics manufacturing globally, yet the company maintained production and distribution momentum.[14] The user base surpassed 1 million devices sold by May 2022, bolstered by expanded retail partnerships such as availability through Best Buy in the US and various European retailers, enhancing accessibility beyond direct online sales.[15] That same month, reMarkable achieved a $1 billion valuation following an undisclosed funding round, reflecting strong investor confidence in its niche positioning.[15] Key developments from 2023 to 2025 included the launch of the reMarkable Paper Pro on September 4, 2024, introducing the company's first color E Ink display for enhanced document viewing and note-taking in a slim 11.8-inch form factor.[16] This was followed by the reMarkable Paper Pro Move on September 3, 2025, a more portable 7.3-inch color variant designed for on-the-go productivity.[17] In June 2025, software update version 3.20 rolled out, delivering a faster user interface and performance optimizations across compatible devices.[18] In September 2025, version 3.22 introduced handwriting search (beta), a moveable toolbar, and new formatting options.[19] These advancements supported continued international growth, with the company relocating to a new purpose-built campus in Oslo in early 2024 to foster innovation for up to 1,000 employees.[13]Products
reMarkable 1
The reMarkable 1, the company's inaugural paper tablet, was announced in November 2016 and launched in September 2017 as a distraction-free device designed to emulate the experience of writing on paper.[1] It features a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1872 × 1404 pixels at 226 DPI, providing a high-contrast, glare-free reading and writing surface without a backlight for natural daylight use.[20] The tablet includes a textured back surface to enhance the paper-like tactile feel during handwriting, and it pairs with a pressure-sensitive stylus offering 2,048 levels of sensitivity for variable line thickness based on applied force.[21] At 350 grams and 6.7 mm thick, its slim aluminum chassis prioritizes portability while maintaining durability for everyday note-taking.[20] Hardware-wise, the reMarkable 1 is powered by a 1 GHz ARM A9 processor with 512 MB of DDR3L RAM and 8 GB of internal storage (approximately 6.5 GB available after OS allocation), sufficient for handling documents and sketches without the bloat of traditional apps.[20][22] Battery life supports up to one week of moderate use on a single charge from its 3,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion cell, charged via micro-USB, though actual duration varies with usage intensity.[23][22] Connectivity is limited to Wi-Fi for syncing files to the cloud or desktop/mobile apps and a micro-USB port for direct transfers and charging, with no Bluetooth or cellular options to minimize distractions.[24] Core capabilities center on digital note-taking and document interaction, including handwriting recognition that converts notes to typed text for searchability and export.[1] Users can annotate PDFs and EPUBs with the stylus, organize notes into folders and notebooks, and perform basic sketching with selectable tools like pen, highlighter, and eraser.[20] The device runs on Codex, a custom Linux-based operating system optimized for low-latency writing (around 60 ms response time), focusing solely on productivity without web browsing, email, or multimedia playback.[20] As the foundational model, the reMarkable 1 lacks color support, frontlighting for low-light environments, and native cloud synchronization, the latter requiring a paid Connect subscription for automatic backups and cross-device access introduced post-launch.[23] These omissions, while limiting versatility compared to later iterations, underscored its minimalist philosophy, emphasizing focused, analog-inspired work over multifunctional computing.[1]reMarkable 2
The reMarkable 2, launched in September 2020, serves as the successor to the original model, emphasizing refined hardware for a more paper-like writing and reading experience. It features a 10.3-inch E Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1872 × 1404 pixels at 226 DPI, delivering sharp monochrome visuals without backlighting to minimize eye strain. The device's slim profile measures just 4.7 mm thick and weighs 403 grams, making it highly portable while maintaining a premium, minimalist aesthetic.[1][25] Key performance enhancements include a 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM processor paired with 1 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, allowing for smoother navigation and note-taking compared to its predecessor. Writing latency has been reduced to 21 milliseconds, providing near-instantaneous pen response that closely mimics real paper. Storage can be expanded through cloud integration via the company's Connect subscription service. The battery offers up to two weeks of usage on a single charge, supported by a 3000 mAh Li-ion cell and USB-C charging for faster replenishment.[25][26] The included Marker Plus stylus introduces tilt sensitivity for natural shading and an eraser tip for intuitive corrections, with magnetic attachment to the tablet's side for secure storage. This design philosophy prioritizes distraction-free focus, with the device available in a clean white finish to complement its understated form factor.[26][25]reMarkable Paper Pro and later models
reMarkable Paper Pro (2024)
Launched on September 4, 2024, the reMarkable Paper Pro is the company's flagship color e-ink tablet, featuring an 11.8-inch Canvas Color display based on E Ink Gallery 3 technology. It supports up to 20,000 colors with nine primary writing colors plus blending, and includes an adjustable front reading light. Key specifications:- Display: 11.8-inch, 2160 × 1620 resolution, 229 PPI
- Processor: 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53
- RAM/Storage: 2 GB RAM, 64 GB storage
- Battery: ~5,030 mAh, up to 2+ weeks mixed use
- Weight/Thickness: 525 g (1.16 lbs), 5.1 mm thick
- Stylus: Marker included (Marker Plus optional with eraser)
- Other: Low-latency writing (<12 ms), palm rejection, PDF/EPUB annotation, handwriting-to-text conversion (MyScript), cloud sync via Connect subscription
reMarkable Paper Pro Move (2025)
Released on September 3, 2025, the Paper Pro Move is a more portable variant retaining the same software and Canvas Color display technology but in a smaller form factor suited for on-the-go use. Key specifications:- Display: 7.3-inch, 1696 × 954 resolution, 264 PPI (sharper due to smaller size)
- Processor: 1.7 GHz dual-core Cortex-A55
- RAM/Storage: 2 GB RAM, 64 GB storage
- Battery: ~2,334 mAh, up to 2 weeks (faster charging: 0-90% in <45 min)
- Weight/Thickness: 230 g (0.51 lbs), 6.5 mm thick – pocketable
- Stylus: Marker included
Comparison
Both models share identical software features (distraction-free OS, handwriting conversion, file sync via app/USB/email/Drive/OneDrive with Connect, color tools). The primary differences are size and performance:- Workspace vs Portability: Paper Pro offers more screen real estate for professional workflows; Move prioritizes mobility.
- Performance: Paper Pro's quad-core processor handles large files faster.
- Battery: Similar endurance, but Move charges quicker.
- Price (early 2026): Paper Pro starts ~$629; Move ~$449–$499.
Software
reMarkable OS architecture and features
The reMarkable OS is a custom operating system built on a Linux kernel, incorporating open-source components for core functionality while featuring a proprietary user interface layer designed to minimize distractions. The reMarkable OS is built on a Linux kernel, with versions varying by device: 4.14.x for the reMarkable 1 and 2, 6.1.x for the Paper Pro, and 6.6.x for the Paper Pro Move as of 2025.[27] The architecture deliberately omits an app store and multitasking capabilities, emphasizing a focused, distraction-free environment that prioritizes note-taking and reading over general computing tasks.[28] The OS also includes an official Software Development Kit (SDK) and Developer Mode, which enable developers to create and sideload custom graphical applications optimized for the device's paper-like experience. However, due to the minimalistic design and lack of support for third-party software installations, traditional integrated development environments (IDEs) such as VS Code or IntelliJ cannot be installed on the reMarkable tablets, including the reMarkable 2 or Paper Pro. Hardware limitations further restrict development workloads, including slow e-ink display refresh rates (approximately 350 ms in black and white mode) unsuitable for interactive coding features like syntax highlighting or debugging, and an ARM-based processor with limited RAM (e.g., 2 GB LPDDR4 on the Paper Pro).[29][30][31] Key features of the OS include advanced handwriting recognition powered by neural networks, which converts handwritten notes to typed text with over 95% accuracy for English handwriting.[32] This system supports a template framework for creating structured notebooks, such as planners or worksheets, allowing users to select from predefined or custom layouts for organized writing and sketching. Additionally, the OS provides a multi-layer annotation system, enabling up to five distinct layers on documents like PDFs and ebooks for separating notes, highlights, or drawings, with options to hide, reorder, or delete layers as needed.[33] Export functionalities allow seamless conversion of content to PDF or SVG formats for sharing or further editing outside the device.[28] Software updates have progressively enhanced the OS's capabilities. Version 2.0, released in November 2019, introduced the template system to streamline notebook creation.[19] OS 3.0, launched in early 2023, added intuitive gestures such as two-finger scrolling for navigation and single-finger swipes for quick actions like selecting pages or zooming.[34] Version 3.20, released in June 2025, enhanced UI responsiveness for smoother interactions.[18] The September 2025 update to version 3.22 introduced Handwriting Search (beta) for handwritten and typed content, a movable toolbar, and new formatting options like numbered lists.[35] Security is integrated into the OS's core design, featuring end-to-end encryption for notes and documents during cloud synchronization, ensuring data remains protected in transit and at rest.[36] The offline-first approach allows full functionality without internet connectivity, with optional cloud sync providing secure backups only when initiated by the user.[37]Community modifications and alternatives
Since its launch in 2017, the reMarkable tablet has fostered an active open-source community focused on extending its capabilities through unofficial software enhancements and hacks, with development efforts prominently hosted on GitHub starting around 2018.[38] This community has produced a range of tools, including reMarkable-recovery, which enables advanced firmware recovery and tweaks by allowing users to enter recovery mode via custom USB connections for reflashing or troubleshooting bricked devices.[39] Other notable contributions include the Toltec repository, a community-maintained package manager that facilitates the installation of third-party software packages directly on the device's Linux-based system.[40] Community hacks, such as those from the ddvk project, enable SSH access and the installation of lightweight Linux software like vim, though full graphical IDEs do not run effectively due to hardware constraints; these modifications risk voiding warranties and causing device instability.[41][42] Popular modifications often involve expanding the tablet's functionality beyond its minimalistic design, such as installing full Linux distributions like Parabola GNU/Linux to enable desktop environments, web browsing, and application execution.[43] These installations typically require SSH access, custom kernels, and hardware modifications like adding a microSD slot, allowing users to run games such as Doom or productivity tools, though they carry risks of voiding the warranty and potential device instability.[44] Additionally, community scripts for custom gestures, such as the remarkable-touchgestures project, enable multi-touch interactions like two-finger swipes to simulate hardware buttons for page turning or navigation, enhancing usability without altering core firmware.[45] Alternative operating systems and applications have also emerged from this ecosystem, with KOReader standing out as a widely adopted open-source e-book reader optimized for the reMarkable's e-ink display.[46] KOReader supports advanced features like EPUB, PDF, and DjVu rendering with customizable fonts, highlighting, and night mode. It was installable via SSH on reMarkable 1 and 2 models, and has been extended to the Paper Pro through community ports.[47] With the release of the reMarkable Paper Pro, the community has developed new tools leveraging Developer Mode, which enables SSH access and custom software installation. Developer Mode is enabled in Settings > General > Paper Tablet > Software > Advanced, but triggers a factory reset, voids the warranty, and reduces device security.[48] When Developer Mode is enabled on the reMarkable Paper Pro, SSH access is available over USB by connecting the device to a computer and using the commandssh [email protected]. The required password is displayed on the device under Settings → General → Help → About → Copyrights and Licenses in the General Information section. SSH over WiFi (WLAN) is disabled by default for security reasons; to enable it, connect via USB first and run the command rm-ssh-over-wlan on within the SSH session. This addresses common "connection refused" errors when attempting wireless access without prior configuration.
Key recommendations in 2026 include xovi, a universal extension framework for modifying the UI and running extensions (e.g., rm-hacks-xovi ports for gestures, ghosting fixes, pen tools).[49][50] KOReader remains popular and is now installable via xovi/AppLoad, with community reports of successful setups despite some issues. Harmony offers low-latency sketching with procedural brushes, available via rmkit.[51] Other notable mods include xovi-qmd extensions (e.g., brightness tweaks, page size overrides, gesture enhancements), remux (a multi-tasking launcher), and Syncthing (for file synchronization).[52][53] The awesome-reMarkable GitHub repository curates these projects, with updates as recent as February 2026.
Experimental efforts to port other systems, such as full desktop Linux variants, remain limited to earlier models due to hardware constraints and ongoing development challenges.[54]
The reMarkable company discourages these modifications, emphasizing that unauthorized changes may void the limited warranty and increase risks of bricking the device through failed updates or incompatible software.[55] Community forums and guides, such as those on remarkable.guide, provide detailed installation instructions and troubleshooting resources to mitigate these risks, supporting a dedicated group of enthusiasts engaged in ongoing development.