eBook Reader with pen: what are they?

Are digital reading devices changing their face? It would seem so.

After years of increasingly powerful and versatile, but essentially similar devices, the world of eBooks seems to be undergoing a new evolution.

We are talking about the so-called eBook Reader with pen, which, despite its uninviting name, could represent a turning point in a rather static device market conditioned by the overwhelming power of smartphones.

But what is it all about? Simple: we are talking about eBook Readers with features that are completely identical to those that this type of device has accustomed us to, such as an e-ink screen, LEDs for reading, and great battery life, but combined with the possibility of using a stylus.

So these are normal tablets, you might say, but the difference is substantial. We are not dealing here with a simple touch device capable of performing a large number of functions, but with an eBook reader that crosses the boundaries of ‘passive’ reading and allows you to enter an ‘active’ mode, namely that of writing. And it is precisely by combining reading and writing that this device could finally find a definitive place and break out of the boundaries that had been ascribed to it until now. To put it simply, it is no longer just a device for reading, but a true ‘digital notepad’ that could be even more useful in everyday life than a smartphone.

Leaving reflections aside for a moment, let’s get into the merits of these devices.

KINDLE SCRIBE

Once again, it was Amazon that attracted the attention, with the somewhat surprise presentation of a ‘revamped’ Kindle, called Kindle Scribe, with the feature, unlike all the company’s other eReaders, of being able to write thanks to an included stylus. Technical characteristics? A 300 ppi, 10.2-inch paperwhite display with anti-glare technology and a pen that does not require charging. In addition, you can choose the type of pen from Basic to Premium, with the latter also including a ‘grommet’ on the top and a customisable selection button.

There are, of course, all the ‘classic’ functions of a Kindle, i.e. the extensive Amazon catalogue and synchronisation with the Kindle app. The cost is EUR 369 with the basic stylus included and EUR 399 with the premium stylus (prices as of October 2022).

REMARKABLE 2

Released in June 2020, Remarkable 2 is the epitome of the writing tablet. Version number 2 contains considerable improvements compared to the first, but with the same philosophy: aiming for ‘paper-like’ writing capability. The screen is 10.3 inches and the edges are magnetic, one for the case and one for the stylus, which recharges on contact. The screen is monochrome, there is wi-fi and the battery lasts about two weeks. As with the Kindle Scribe, there is a choice of two types of nib, with the more expensive version containing the eraser on top. The price is around €349, to which must be added €79 for the basic nib and €129 for the plus nib (prices as of October 2022).

BOOX NOVA 2

Released in May 2020, this is an eReader that aims high. Equipped with a 7.8-inch screen, it is more pocket-friendly than the other two models and features a Wacom-branded digitiser for managing nib pressure levels. The screen can also vary the light colour from warm to cooler. The Boox Nova also has a microphone, but no speakers, so the audio function can only be used with Bluetooth headphones. The operating system is Android 9 and brings all its versatility to the use of this device, thanks to the possibility of downloading apps from the Google Play Store. The price? 418 euros with stylus and case included (prices as of October 2022).

BOOX NOTE 2

A decidedly deluxe (and expensive) version of the eBook reader with pen. Released in August 2022, unlike the others presented, it has a metal body and a 10.3-inch screen with glass coating. Here too, the brightness and screen tone are adjustable and there is a Wacom digitiser. A microphone and speaker are also present, while the operating system is Android 11. The price? 499 euros, including stylus, for this top-of-the-range device (prices as of October 2022).

These are just a few examples of eBook Reader with pen. The features of the top of the range bring them very close to their tablet ‘cousins’, but the e-ink screen guarantees perfect reading and writing, as well as extending battery life to several weeks.

If you are used to e-reading, but not yet ready to e-write, now might be the time.