Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Which Device Is Best for Journaling?

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Written By Daniel

Avid journal writer and founder of JOURNLING.

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If you’re in the market for a new digital journal device, you may be considering the Remarkable 2 and the Amazon Kindle Scribe. Both devices are designed to help you digitize your notes and make them more accessible and organized. However, they have some key differences that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other.

The Remarkable 2 is a dedicated note-taking device that has been praised for its paper-like feel and ease of use. It features a 10.3-inch E Ink display, a stylus for writing and drawing, and a long battery life. The device is designed to be distraction-free, with no apps or other features to get in the way of your note-taking. This makes it a good choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a simple, efficient way to take and organize notes.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe, on the other hand, is a more versatile device that can be used for both note-taking and reading. It features a 7.8-inch E Ink display, a stylus for writing and drawing, and access to the Amazon Kindle store. This means that you can use the device to read books, magazines, and other content in addition to taking notes.

While it may not be as focused on note-taking as the Remarkable 2, it offers more flexibility and may be a better choice for those who want a device that can do more than just take notes.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe are crucial factors to consider when choosing between the two devices. In this section, we will compare the dimensions, weight, and build material of each device.

Dimensions

The Remarkable 2 is thinner than the Kindle Scribe at just 4.7mm compared to 5.8mm for the Scribe. The Remarkable 2 also has a larger screen size, measuring 10.3 inches compared to the Scribe’s 9.7 inches. This larger screen size may be more comfortable for extended reading or writing sessions.

Weight

The Remarkable 2 is lighter than the Kindle Scribe, weighing in at just 404g compared to the Scribe’s 433g. This makes the Remarkable 2 more comfortable to hold for extended periods of time, especially when taking notes or drawing.

Build Material

The Kindle Scribe is made from 100% recycled aluminum and features a USB-C port for charging. The Remarkable 2, on the other hand, is made from a combination of metal and plastic materials. Both devices feel sturdy and well-built in the hand, but the Scribe’s use of recycled materials may appeal to those looking for a more eco-friendly option.

Display

When it comes to digital note-taking, having a good display is crucial. In this section, we will compare the display of Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe. 

Size and Resolution

The Remarkable 2 has a 10.3-inch E Ink display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels, while the Amazon Kindle Scribe has a 10.3-inch E Ink display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels. Both devices have the same size and resolution, which means that you will have a similar experience when taking notes or reading on both devices.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a display is the number of times per second that the screen is redrawn. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the display will look when you are writing or drawing. The Remarkable 2 has a refresh rate of 21ms, while the Amazon Kindle Scribe has a refresh rate of 25ms. This means that the Remarkable 2 will be slightly smoother when you are writing or drawing, but the difference is not significant.

Backlight

The Remarkable 2 does not have a backlight, which means that you will need to rely on external lighting when using the device. On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle Scribe has a built-in front light, which allows you to read and take notes in low-light conditions. The front light is adjustable, so you can adjust the brightness according to your preferences.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, both the Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe have long-lasting batteries that can keep up with all your note-taking needs.

The Remarkable 2 has a 3000 mAh battery that is designed to last around two weeks before you’ll need to charge it up again with a USB-C cable. This is a significant improvement from the first generation Remarkable, which only had a battery life of a few days. 

The Kindle Scribe is marketed to have a battery life of up to 10 hours of continuous use, but this can vary depending on your usage. If you are using the Kindle Scribe solely for note-taking, you can expect the battery to last longer than if you were using it to read books or browse the internet.

One of the benefits of the Remarkable 2 is that it has a standby mode that can extend the battery life even further. If you are not using the device, it will automatically go into standby mode to conserve battery power. 

Overall, both devices have impressive battery life that can last for days or weeks depending on your usage. The Remarkable 2 has a slight edge when it comes to battery life, but the Kindle Scribe is still a reliable choice for those who need a device for note-taking on the go.

Storage and Connectivity

Storage Capacity

When it comes to storage capacity, the Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe differ significantly. The Remarkable 2 has a built-in storage of 8GB, which is enough to store around 100,000 pages of notes. Additionally, it also offers cloud storage, which allows you to store all your notes and documents on the cloud, freeing up space on your device. On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle Scribe comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is four times more than the Remarkable 2. This means you can store more books, magazines, and other files on your device.

Connectivity Options

Both the Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe offer different connectivity options. The Remarkable 2 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to transfer files wirelessly to your device. It also has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle Scribe also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but it has an additional cellular connectivity option. This means you can download books and other files even when you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network. In terms of file formats, the Remarkable 2 supports PDF and ePUB files, while the Amazon Kindle Scribe supports a wider range of file formats, including PDF, MOBI, TXT, and HTML. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to reading and storing files on your device. Overall, both devices offer sufficient storage and connectivity options for most users. However, if you need more internal storage and want the option to download files without Wi-Fi, the Amazon Kindle Scribe might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize cloud storage and want a device that is optimized for note-taking, the Remarkable 2 might be the better option.

Ease of Use and Navigation

When it comes to ease of use and navigation, both the Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the user interface and navigation features for each device:

User Interface

The Remarkable 2 has a simple and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate. The device has a minimalist design with only a few buttons and a touch screen display. The home screen displays your notes and documents, and you can access different menus by swiping from the left or right side of the screen. The device also has a quick settings menu that you can access by swiping down from the top of the screen.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe also has a simple user interface that is easy to navigate. The device has a touch screen display with a home screen that displays your notes and documents. You can access different menus by tapping on the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen. The device also has a quick settings menu that you can access by swiping down from the top of the screen.

The Remarkable 2 has a few navigation features that make it easy to use. You can use the touch screen display to navigate through your notes and documents, and you can use the physical buttons to turn pages or zoom in and out. The device also has a search feature that allows you to search for specific notes or documents.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe also has a few navigation features that make it easy to use. You can use the touch screen display to navigate through your notes and documents, and you can use the physical buttons to turn pages or zoom in and out. The device also has a search feature that allows you to search for specific notes or documents.

Overall, both devices have simple and intuitive user interfaces with similar navigation features. However, the Remarkable 2 has physical buttons that some users may find more convenient, while the Amazon Kindle Scribe has a larger touch screen display that may be more comfortable to use.

Reading Experience

If you’re an avid reader, the reading experience is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between the Remarkable 2 and the Amazon Kindle Scribe. Here’s what you need to know:

Supported Formats

The Amazon Kindle Scribe supports a wide range of formats, including AZW, AZW3, DOC, DOCX, HTML, MOBI, PDF, PRC, TXT, and more. This means you can easily read most ebooks, documents, and articles on the device.

The Remarkable 2, on the other hand, has more limited support for formats. It can read PDF, EPUB, and MOBI files, but it doesn’t support DOC, DOCX, or TXT files. This means you may need to convert some files before you can read them on the device.

Reading Features

Both the Remarkable 2 and the Amazon Kindle Scribe offer a range of reading features to enhance your experience. Here are some of the key features:

  • The Amazon Kindle Scribe has a built-in light for reading in low-light conditions, and you can adjust the brightness to suit your preferences.
  • The Remarkable 2 doesn’t have a built-in light, but it has a high-contrast display that makes it easy to read in any lighting conditions.
  • The Amazon Kindle Scribe has a range of font sizes and styles to choose from, so you can customize the reading experience to your liking.
  • The Remarkable 2 has fewer font options, but it does allow you to adjust the line spacing and margins for a more comfortable reading experience.
  • The Amazon Kindle Scribe has a dictionary built-in, so you can easily look up words as you read.
  • The Remarkable 2 doesn’t have a built-in dictionary, but you can use the device to take notes and look up words online.

Overall, both devices offer a solid reading experience, but the Amazon Kindle Scribe has more features and broader format support. However, if you’re primarily reading PDFs and want a device with a high-contrast display, the Remarkable 2 may be a better choice for you.

Price and Value for Money

If you’re considering purchasing a digital note-taking device, price is likely to be a significant factor in your decision. The Amazon Kindle Scribe and Remarkable 2 are both high-end devices with premium features, but they come at different price points.

The Remarkable 2 is a more expensive option, with a starting price of $399 for the 8GB version and $499 for the 16GB version. The Marker and Marker Plus styluses are sold separately, with the Marker priced at $99 and the Marker Plus at $149. This brings the total cost of the device and stylus to $498 and $648, respectively.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe, on the other hand, is a more affordable option, with a starting price of $339.99 for the 16GB version. The Basic Pen is included with the device, but if you want the Premium Pen, you can get it for an additional $59. The 32GB and 64GB versions of the Kindle Scribe also include the Premium Pen.

While the Remarkable 2 is more expensive, it does offer some additional features that may make it worth the extra cost. For example, it has a larger screen and supports handwriting recognition, which can convert your handwritten notes to text. It also has a longer battery life than the Kindle Scribe.

However, the Kindle Scribe is still a high-quality device that offers excellent value for money. It has a smaller screen than the Remarkable 2, but it’s still large enough to take notes comfortably. It also has a more user-friendly interface and is easier to set up and use than the Remarkable 2.

Ultimately, the choice between the Amazon Kindle Scribe and Remarkable 2 will depend on your budget and specific needs. If you’re looking for a premium device with advanced features and don’t mind paying a premium price, the Remarkable 2 may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance and features, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is a great choice.

Conclusion

You’ve now seen how the Remarkable 2 and Amazon Kindle Scribe compare in terms of their features, design, and performance. Both devices are great at what they do and offer unique benefits to their users.

If you’re looking for a device that’s more versatile and adaptable, the Kindle Scribe is the way to go. It offers a more diverse range of multimedia capabilities. However, if you want a focused and dedicated writing experience that mimics the feel of pen and paper, the Remarkable 2 is the better option.

“Journaling is an act of self-discovery that can lead to meaningful changes in all aspects of your life.” – Harriet Lerner, Psychologist and Author.

No matter which device you choose to journal with, the most important step is to just start. Open the door to self-exploration and start your journaling journey today.

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