The reMarkable 2, an innovative E-ink-based paper tablet lauded for its paper-like writing experience, has officially launched in India. The second-generation device from Norwegian startup reMarkable builds upon the strengths of the original while adding meaningful upgrades like a sleeker design, improved latency, and new software features.
Overview of the reMarkable 2
The reMarkable 2 sports a 10.3″ monochrome E-ink display with 226 DPI resolution and a responsive “canvus” layer designed to emulate writing on paper. With an impressive 21ms latency that makes writing feel instantaneous, the tablet aims to replace paper for notes, sketches, documents and more.
Other key features and upgrades of the reMarkable 2 include:
- Thinner and lighter design at 4.7mm thick and 404g
- New ergonomic Marker stylus with replaceable tips
- Improved CPU and more RAM for snappier performance
- New Suite of reMarkable Canvas desktop and mobile apps
- Enhanced templates for note-taking and document editing
- Lower starting price of $399
Table comparing reMarkable 1 and 2
| Feature | reMarkable 1 | reMarkable 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.3″ 226 DPI | 10.3″ 226 DPI |
| Latency | 55ms | 21ms |
| Dimensions | 6.7mm thick, 350g | 4.7mm thick, 404g |
| Stylus | Standard stylus | Ergonomic Marker stylus |
| Hardware | Less powerful CPU/RAM | Improved CPU/RAM |
| Software | Original suite | Enhanced suite + new apps |
| Starting Price | $499 | $399 |
The reMarkable sits in its own niche between E-ink e-readers and LCD/OLED tablets. It eschews complex software in favor of a streamlined experience focused on reading, note taking and sketching. For those seeking an electronic alternative to paper that doesn’t strain the eyes or get bogged down with distractions, the reMarkable 2 makes a compelling case.
India Launch Marks Continued Global Expansion
The launch in India indicates reMarkable’s growing global footprint beyond its native Norway. After initially releasing only in Norway in late 2017, the startup expanded to various European countries in 2018 and then to the United States and Canada in 2019. This careful rollout strategy allowed it to refine its supply chain and logistics before launching in the massive Indian market.
India represents a major opportunity for reMarkable thanks to several factors: high demand for education and business devices, increased remote work driving need for paper replacement, steady economic growth expanding the middle class. Local manufacturing partnerships will also allow reMarkable to better serve what it calls its “third home market.”
CEO and founder Magnus Wanberg stated: “India and South Asia’s economic growth means we see a lot more potential users that reMarkable can have relevance for over the coming years. Writers, thinkers, business folks, and creatives of different kinds in the region will hopefully find our paper tablets helpful.”
The launch also coincides with growing scrutiny over electronics waste and planned policies like Right to Repair. Given reMarkable’s focus on sustainable materials, repairability and long lifetime compared to traditional tablets, it seems strategically positioned to grow its eco-conscious customer base in regions like India.
What The Future May Hold for reMarkable
On the product side, reMarkable will likely continue refining its hardware and software suite. Rumors already swirl regarding a color E-ink model, expanded templates and tools, and refinements to styling. But the company stresses that simplicity, focus and high build quality will always drive their product ethos over adding the latest bells and whistles.
As far as its business, reMarkable must balance its early cult following with mainstream expansion. For now, it seems content growing organically rather than chasing rapid, unprofitable growth like some hardware startups. It may eventually offer lower cost models to make E-ink tablets more accessible to students and other entry-level users.
On the software side, partnerships and integrations will increase relevance. Imagine bi-directional sync with cloud storage services, ability to transmit documents to an e-reader, or APIs for third party annotation apps. The possibilities are plentiful.
No matter what the future holds, the India launch seems positioned to raise reMarkable’s global profile even higher. As the world goes increasingly digital, a human-centric device like reMarkable offers some welcome balance. And the growth opportunities in India and abroad appear ripe for this Norwegian startup.
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