Is the ReMarkable really worth $500 ($400 + the $100 pencil which seems like a requirement)? For that amount you're getting a low end iPad which has greatly wider use cases. I understand that for the "paper on pencil" feel an iPad is no where near... but then again you can also just write using real paper and pencil.
Clearly I'm not the target demo, so what are the real target markets?
It's an ideal "work support" device for what he does, vs an iPad which can do everything _if_ you find a good app, but still won't do those things as well, and is full of distractions like notifications and other anti-productivity cruft.
To be fair, the iPad is only as anti-productive as you want to make it. The default is distracting, but those notifications can easily be turned off or not installed.
I think the main draw for the Onyx over a reMarkable is that you get access to full fat Android and all the apps in the Google Play store. An iPad still provides more functionality since it can watch videos and take pictures (my tablet has no webcam, speakers, etc.), but for reading (books, web, HN, Reddit, webcomics, etc.) the eInk screen is just so much nicer.
I also run the Android version of Microsoft Office and use it with a Bluetooth keyboard as a typewriter.
Bigger than a Kindle, syncs with phone/laptop, doesn't feel like screen time.
For me it replaced a small whiteboard, printer paper, planner, and sketchpads.
If you do storyboarding, wireframing, process mapping, planning, or frequent note taking, it's brilliant.
To my knowledge, it's the best thinking tool available.
Edit: it's also brilliant for meeting notes.
Also, anything backlit is a non-starter for me. Too much screen time and I love working outside.
I'm sure it's great, but for something sold as, as far as I can tell, a notebook replacement, it's... a little crazy it seems? Like, no amount of better is gonna be $570 better than my paper notebook.
If I really need to annotate PDFs, is the ReMarkable really $600 better than the tablets they're literally giving away for free these days?
If I really need to run arbitrary software on something that I can also use to read and annotate PDFs, is the ReMarkable really competitive against an entire Core i5 laptop with a touchscreen and stylus?
Yes, the ReMarkable has a one of a kind writing experience. I'm not arguing it's not better in certain aspects than the alternatives. But the premium here seems absolutely nuts.
If you like to read outside in the sun, then an iPad is not an option. This is where eInk shines, in my opinion. I have a Kindle and it’s so enjoyable to read on in full sunlight. Exactly the opposite of an iPad (or any light-emitting display for that matter).