ReMarkable 2 vs. iPad Mini: Is the Price Drop Worth It?
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The Rise of the ReMarkable 2
With over a million units sold, the reMarkable 2 has certainly carved out a niche for itself in the digital note-taking market. However, my initial review last year was less than flattering. While the hardware design is impressive and offers one of the finest writing experiences available, its pricing strategy left much to be desired.
Despite its appealing design, the reMarkable 2's cost was a significant barrier, especially with the additional expenses tied to its Connect service.
Why I Opted for the iPad Mini
The reMarkable team initially priced their tablet at £399, which seemed steep but could be justified given its quality. However, the need to purchase a stylus—either the Marker or Marker Plus for £79 or £129—added to the expense.
At that point, things were heading into absurd territory. The reMarkable 2 would only sync notes with your computer for 50 days without a subscription to the Connect service, which was available at either £4.99 or £7.99 monthly for enhanced features.
Is the ReMarkable 2 a True Competitor for the iPad Mini?
Fast forward to 2023, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. The reMarkable 2 is now priced at £299, with refurbished models available for £279. This is a much more reasonable price for the device, and the stylus prices have been reduced to £59 and £109 for the Marker and Marker Plus, respectively.
The Connect service has also undergone significant changes, moving to a single subscription model that offers a year of service free with tablet purchase, followed by a £2.99 monthly fee for unlimited cloud storage and full desktop syncing.
In this video, we explore the differences between the reMarkable 2 and iPad Mini 6, assessing their strengths and weaknesses in note-taking.
A Cost Comparison: ReMarkable 2 vs. iPad Mini
When you purchase a reMarkable 2 with a standard Marker and one year of free Connect service, the total comes to £358. In contrast, an iPad Mini paired with a second-generation Apple Pencil and a Paperlike screen protector will cost around £742.
The gap in pricing has grown significantly, making it essential to consider what you truly need from a device.
Understanding the Differences
I've previously been criticized for labeling the reMarkable 2 as a tablet, though the company itself does refer to it that way. Despite its built-in web browser, the reMarkable 2 serves a different purpose compared to the iPad Mini, which remains the reigning champion of tablets.
If you're looking for a versatile device that excels at note-taking, the iPad Mini is worth the investment. The reMarkable 2, while a fantastic note-taking tool, may not meet broader needs.
The Target Audience for ReMarkable 2
In my original review, I posited that the reMarkable 2 was best suited for serious digital note-takers. The updated pricing makes it a more sensible choice for this audience. If you fall into this category, you can invest with confidence, reducing the risk of buyer's remorse.
It's encouraging to see the reMarkable team respond to feedback and adjust their pricing strategy, making this exceptional writing tablet more accessible. If you don’t require the full capabilities of the iPad Mini, the reMarkable 2 stands as the premier note-taking device on the market.
This video discusses why one might prefer an iPad and Apple Pencil over the reMarkable 2, highlighting features and user experiences.