Chapter 1: Introduction to reMarkable 2

I experimented with numerous notetaking tools over the years, but none matched the efficiency of traditional pen and paper—until I stumbled upon the reMarkable 2 on Instagram. Instantly captivated, I felt an urgent need to possess it, regardless of whether I truly required it. In this article, I will explore the reMarkable 2 from the standpoint of educators and lifelong learners.

Learning is a fundamental human drive, and to facilitate this, reading is essential. However, retaining everything read is a challenge, necessitating note-taking. Whether diving into a book, attending a lecture, or brainstorming groundbreaking ideas, the impulse to jot down thoughts is ever-present. The loss of insights from those who failed to document their reflections is incalculable. Notetaking's most significant benefit is the nostalgic joy of revisiting those notes in the future.

Once notetaking becomes routine, individuals often find themselves becoming more organized, taking pride in their appearance, making their beds, and transferring thoughts from sticky notes into beautifully crafted notebooks. They may even indulge in a variety of pens and pencils—tools that enhance the notetaking experience.

One of my cherished activities is capturing fleeting thoughts. When encountering new information or topics of interest, I quickly note them down to avoid forgetfulness. Later, I delve deeper into these subjects, which fosters a greater understanding. Notetaking is also a boon for writers, as it enriches articles and can even transform their direction entirely.

Over the past twenty years of blogging, notetaking has been my steadfast companion. It has:

• Driven me to constantly innovate and generate new ideas.
• Helped forge connections between disparate thoughts.
• Ensured that even long-forgotten ideas are never lost.
• Simplified the learning process for the topics I am passionate about.

In essence, notetaking has been pivotal in nurturing my intellect.

As my interest in technology grew, I sought tools that would maximize productivity. For instance, after evaluating various options, I discovered that the most effective tools for teaching mathematics included Paper by WeTransfer and an iPad. I also found that reading was most enjoyable on a Kindle.

Until recently, my Moleskine notebook was irreplaceable for notetaking. However, that changed when I encountered an advertisement for the reMarkable 2. Although I typically ignore ads, this one captured my heart with its sleek design, and I envisioned its potential benefits for education.

Despite my enthusiasm, the price of the reMarkable 2 initially deterred me. I needed a compelling reason beyond simple note-taking to justify the investment. After thoughtful consideration during my commutes, I conceived a revolutionary idea for enhancing the Calculus curriculum in schools. I envisioned utilizing the reMarkable 2 to teach AP Calculus, enabling students to take notes and complete assignments seamlessly.

Before delving deeper into its functionalities, let’s first discuss the reMarkable 2 itself.

Chapter 2: Unboxing the reMarkable 2

I received my reMarkable 2 exactly one month ago, and while my expectations were sky-high, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed using it.

When the package arrived, I felt an overwhelming urge to express my gratitude to the delivery person for bringing me this incredible tool, but he was gone before I could. I eagerly opened the box to reveal not only the reMarkable 2 but also two specialized pens, interchangeable tips, and two elegant sleeves.

To fully appreciate the reMarkable 2, investing in its accessories is essential. While the tablet is priced at $299, I highly recommend purchasing the pen and sleeves for an optimal experience. Without the Marker, you won't unlock the full potential of notetaking and drawing. Additionally, without the Folio sleeve, concerns about damage may detract from your experience, making the extra investment worthwhile.

The reMarkable 2 offers two sleeve options: a gray Folio for $79 and a Book Folio ranging from $129 to $169, which allows for use without removing the tablet. The leather version, particularly in black, exudes sophistication.

As for the pens, you can choose between the Marker for $79 and the Marker Plus at $129, which features a built-in eraser for convenience. Both pens attach magnetically to the tablet, though the magnets could be stronger, as I often find myself retrieving them from the bottom of my bag.

Now, let’s highlight the tablet itself. The reMarkable is comparable in size to a traditional notebook, making it easy to carry. It features a 10.2-inch e-ink display, which is gentle on the eyes and readable in bright sunlight while consuming minimal power, providing weeks of battery life on a single charge.

While the reMarkable 2 should not be compared to an iPad, which functions as a versatile computer, it serves as an efficient e-ink display notebook. The iPad caters to a broader audience, whereas the reMarkable is tailored for those seeking to enhance their productivity. It allows for focused work without the distractions that come with multi-purpose devices.

One of the reMarkable's most compelling features is its handwriting functionality. The unique texture of the Marker creates an experience akin to writing on real paper, reminiscent of my beloved Moleskine. Having tested various tablets, I confidently assert that reMarkable delivers the best experience.

While many brands claim to replicate the feel of pen and paper, reMarkable stands out as the only one that truly succeeds. My previous attempts with other tablets often ended in disappointment.

For a writer like myself, notetaking is a daily necessity. Previously, I relied on my iPhone or Moleskine, both of which had their limitations. The reMarkable 2 perfectly bridges the gap, offering seamless computer integration and keyword search capabilities within notes. For instance, searching "Calculus" retrieves all related notes, provided the handwriting is legible.

It's worth noting that highlighting on the tablet appears in black and white, but when uploaded to the app, it displays in yellow, which can be quite useful. Additionally, reMarkable utilizes optical character recognition, converting handwritten notes into editable documents if the handwriting is neat.

From an environmental perspective, the reMarkable 2 also contributes to reducing paper waste, making it a responsible choice in today’s climate-conscious world.

Chapter 3: Implementing reMarkable 2 in Education

As a teacher, I have reservations about students completing assignments solely on computers. A lack of handwritten notes can hinder their success. Therefore, I plan to provide reMarkable tablets for my Calculus students. Their maturity and respect for property make them ideal candidates for this initiative.

With the reMarkable, students can take notes directly on assignments I prepare in advance. Once completed, they can effortlessly send their work to me via Google Drive, streamlining the process for everyone involved. The potential to administer Calculus exams using reMarkable is also an exciting prospect.

In conclusion, the reMarkable 2 excels in accessing saved documents, highlighting key information, and quickly sharing notes via email or cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. These features are invaluable for a Calculus educator.

Furthermore, accessing images or text from the internet is straightforward with reMarkable, and notes automatically sync to the app when connected to the internet.

The first video, "Remarkable 2 for Writers: Unboxing & Demo," showcases the tablet's features and unboxing experience, providing a closer look at its potential.

The second video, "This Paper Tablet is a Minimalists' Dream - reMarkable 2 (2023)," highlights how the reMarkable 2 aligns with minimalistic approaches to notetaking and productivity.

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