The Supernote Nomad, also known as the A6 X2, is the latest offering from Ratta in their line of e-ink tablets, which I have been a fan of since I saw the A5X. This compact device aims to bridge the gap between traditional paper notebooks and digital technology, providing a writing experience that feels natural while offering the benefits of digital organization and storage. With the new size, the Supernote brand has found its calling and is quickly becoming one of my favourite pieces of technology for 2024.
At first glance, the Supernote Nomad is a relatively unassuming little device. Measuring 191.85 x 139.2 x 6.8 mm and weighing just 266 grams, it’s clear that portability was a key consideration in its development. The device sports a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels and 300 PPI, ensuring crisp and clear text and images.
The Supernote Nomad has a unique typing feel thanks to the FeelWrite 2 screen protector. This self-healing film is designed to provide a paper-like texture for a more natural typing experience. The film is also anti-glare, making it easier to use in a variety of lighting conditions. The Nomad is available in two colour options: Crystal and White. I had the pleasure of testing the white version, but for those who love the look of technology, the Crystal edition has a transparent back panel that reveals the internal components of the device, adding a unique aesthetic touch. The White edition offers a more traditional look with a clean and simple appearance.
“The Supernote Nomad has a unique typing feel thanks to the FeelWrite 2 screen protector.”
From the moment I unboxed the small e-ink tablet, I was struck by how it all felt. The Supernote Nomad is designed for people who value the tactile experience of writing on paper but want the convenience and organizational capabilities of digital technology, and that attention to detail shows. I am old and love the feel of writing on paper, but the Supernote Nomad is well suited to students who need to take extensive notes during lectures, professionals who attend numerous meetings and need to keep track of action items, writers and creatives who prefer to handwrite their ideas, and anyone who wants to reduce their paper consumption and digitize their note-taking process.
For review, I got the Supernote Nomad itself, a protective folio case, and the Heart of Metal Pen 2. It was this pen that sealed the deal of enjoying Supernote Nomad so much. The pen feels like a high-end ballpoint or fountain pen, at least until you open it.
It has a good weight in the hands, a solid lid, and feels built to last, but it is the fine-tip stylus that helps give that notebook-like feel I can not get enough of. While there are plenty of e-ink tablets on the market, few have a stylus that feels this good or this well thought out. It is a perfect transition if you are moving from traditional notepad writing, and frankly, it looks incredibly sharp, all while being very functional.
“The Supernote Nomad supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, EPUB, Word, TXT, PNG and JPG. “
The Nomad runs on a custom Android-based operating system called Chauvet. This specialized OS is optimized for e-ink displays and focuses on providing a smooth writing and reading experience. The primary function of the Nomad is note-taking, and it excels in this area. The device supports pressure-sensitive writing with 4096 levels of pressure, allowing for varied line thickness and a more natural writing feel.
The Supernote Nomad supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, EPUB, Word, TXT, PNG and JPG. This versatility allows users to import and annotate different types of documents, making it useful for both work and leisure reading. The Nomad offers several tools to help users organize their notes. These include the ability to create folders, use keywords for easy searching and link between different notes and documents.
Users can sync their notes and documents with popular cloud storage services, ensuring their work is always backed up and accessible across devices. The 2700 mAh battery can last for weeks on a single charge with moderate use, making the Nomad an excellent companion for travel or extended work sessions—perhaps the best battery yet.
The Supernote Nomad (A6 X2) offers several improvements over its predecessor. The device is now equipped with an RK3566 quad-core 1.8GHz processor for faster performance and a smoother writing experience. With 4GB of RAM, the Nomad can handle more complex tasks and multi-tasking with ease. The new FeelWrite 2 film provides an even more paper-like writing experience. It all adds up to a tablet that is responsive and made for note-taking, and it does it incredibly well.
Did I mention that the Nomad has a user-replaceable battery and the ability to add storage via a microSD card, extending the life and usefulness of the device? I am amazed at how many things have improved since the last iteration of the Supernote I looked at. Even the ability to change the battery gives the tablet features that some of the big players in the tech world should take note of. The tablet also has a gyroscope that allows the screen to rotate automatically, giving users more flexibility in how they interact with the device. The company has put the time into building an amazing note-taking tablet, and it shows.
While I have had the reMarkable 2 as my go-to note-taker for some time now, the Supernote Nomad stands out in its quest to be the best possible note-taker you can find. The combination of the FeelWrite 2 film and ceramic nib stylus provides a unique writing feel that many users prefer to other e-ink tablets. The modular design and replaceable battery make the Nomad a more sustainable choice, potentially lasting many years with proper care. Unlike some competitors that try to be all-in-one devices, the Supernote Nomad focuses on its core functionality. Ratta’s commitment to providing regular software updates further enhances the functionality of the device, adding new features and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance.
“Unlike some competitors that try to be all-in-one devices, the Supernote Nomad focuses on its core functionality.”
In what is a relatively new market, it is shocking to see such a divide in the way digital note-taking is tackled. Compared to its main competitors, the reMarkable 2 and the Onyx Boox Note Air 2, the Supernote Nomad offers a compelling balance of features and affordability. The Nomad is smaller than both the reMarkable 2 and the Note Air 2, making it more portable and easier to carry. Many users report that the Nomad provides a superior writing experience thanks to its FeelWrite 2 film and ceramic nib stylus.
The Nomad’s battery life is comparable to its competitors, lasting for weeks on a single charge. While the reMarkable 2 offers a more minimalist interface and the Note Air 2 offers a full Android experience, the Nomad strikes a balance with its focused yet feature-rich Chauvet OS. Competitively priced, the Supernote Nomad is a smart choice for those looking for a high-quality digital note-taker without breaking the bank.
I went into the Supernote Nomad review expecting just another e-ink tablet, but somehow, this little tablet grew on me. It offers a compelling option for those looking for a digital note-taking device that closely mimics the feel of writing on paper. Its compact size, long battery life, and focus on providing an excellent writing experience make it a strong contender in the e-ink tablet market.
It may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, but its commitment to core functionality and continuous improvement through software updates makes it a device worth considering for students, professionals and anyone looking to digitize their note-taking process. It has earned its place among my travel essentials, and I can’t recommend it enough.
