A few corrections/additions to the video. First, having a Mobius screen is a pro due to its durability over non-Mobius e-ink screens. I’d consider this a secondary pro, but I know that for others this is a bigger deal and would be more of a primary pro. Rank for yourself accordingly. Second, I learned subsequent to recording this video that the Manta does allow for the connection of audio devices like earbuds or a speaker. However, a lack of a speaker on the device itself remains a secondary con given that many competing devices in the market do. Cheers!
Great video, Jeff - I think that the more flexible Mobius screen is also a factor in making the writing feel nicer on the Manta (than it is on the Nomad).
@@ewritable I think that also depends on how much pressure is put on the stylus. I don't put that much, so the give of the Mobius screen is less of a factor for me.
Jeffrey. Kudos sir. Your detail, breadth of examples and overall professional delivery makes this video series important viewing for anyone looking at an E-Ink device. I have been waiting roughly 18 months for the Manta and as a finance professional, couldn't think of a better device for my note taking, coaching, and board meeting files. Your thoughts helped underscore all of the reasons I chose the Supernote system over some of the more "glamourous" devices like the Remarkable Paper Pro. And as an Android user, I am used to having my peers be jealous of my knowledge and my tech. I expect that to continue once my remarkable friends get a chance to try the FeelWrite 2 screen and my HOM stylus. CHEERS SIR!
Jeff, your videos are so helpful. You actually saved me from buying a competitor's device during the segment on flow as it is my #1 need. I really appreciate the demo section to understand better how it could work for me.
Outstanding synopsis of the best and brightest features (and a few cons) of the new Manta! Thank you for this thorough review. THE KEY to the Supernote devices is given in the company's motto itself: "For those who write." IF your work requires a lot of writing, the Supernote is simply unsurpassed in what it offers. Too many people who are keenly interested in the relatively new e-ink technology seem to want a desktop replacement, and that is simply not what these devices are intended or designed for. They will not grind your coffee or wash your dishes, so if that's what you're looking for, go elsewhere. But if you want a fast, convenient, mobile, reliable tool to write down all your most important ideas as fast as possible, the Supernote is it! I wouldn't trade mine for 10 Booxes or the Remarkable or the Viwoods etc. If you WRITE, get the Supernote and be done with it. No need to look elsewhere.
The Supernote can have a full Google Play Store on it also. If you want to use it as a 'note taking only' device, then simply have self-restraint and don't download additional apps on it. I'd rather ME determine how I use the device than Ratta dictating to me and limiting how to use the device. going through the hassle of side loading is just rediculus. If they're going to give us the ability to put additional apps on it, then don't make us jump through hoops, just give us the damn Play Store.
There is no reason the Supernote can't have the Play Store. If you want to keep your device simple, then have self-restraint and don't download additional apps. It's that simple. Ratta has no problem with us putting additional apps on it, but make us jump through hoops via tedious side loading. That's not user-friendly. Just put the Play Store on it and let people use the device how they see fit.
There is no reason the Supernote can't have the Store. If you want to keep your device simple, then just don't download additional apps. It's called "self-restraint". Ratta has no problem with us putting additional apps on it, but make us jump through hoops via tedious side loading. That's not user-friendly. Just put the Store on it and let people use the device how we see fit.
it may not be that simple as just "enable play store". just because it's running android doesn't mean the play store will work at all, after all the custom OS parts.
Thank you for the extremely detailed review and concluding commentary. After spending quite a bit of time on the fence, I decided to make my purchase today. Ultimately, I couldn’t get past the potential data security issues associated with the Onyx family of devices. Whether these concerns are valid or not, they’re enough to make me personally feel more comfortable with Rata. I do hope an end-to-end encryption scheme will be introduced in a future update. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter in a future video. Best Regards,
Great summary - next up is Sync on these devices; RE: feedback, "Thank you for your feedback" comes to mind; good that you addressed your company feedback IMO
I “wore down” my Nomad screen in about 30 seconds by simply rubbing the heel of my palm over the surface of the screen a few times - instant “break-in”.
Jeffrey - another outstanding review. Your reviews continue to be my favorite on all of UA-cam. I am curious if you have any interest or plans in creating a video comparing the Manta with the Viwoods AiPaper and/or an update video on the AiPaper with the big software updates they’ve made. Since these two devices are the only 10.7” Mobius devices on the market, I’d love a more detailed comparison between the devices and to see if your opinions of the AiPaper have changed with the software updates. Thanks for creating such valuable content.
Jeffery, thank you for this. The most comprehensive video I have viewed on the Supernote Manta. My question is, can I use the same pen that I use on my A5X with the Manta?
Definitely helpful thank you. E-ink devices are getting so good now that once you have chosen one, unless money is no object, changing from one to another only seems to give marginal gains for the most part. The one thing that might get me changing from the Go 10.3 is a bigger screen size. I’m looking at you Note Air Max and RMPP. All the best to everyone for 2025.
I agree. That's the good news about this space. If you do your research, get the best device for you at the time of purchase, it can last you a really long time.
@@jeffreymoss @davidr1431 it's pretty difficult! I'm looking at getting into a eink note taking device and am looking at the go 10.3 and the manta. The price difference in the eu is between 420 vs 720 or so euros. That's significant money in either case. What format are notes? Are they readable by standard programs?
@@MrWiggenhammer Both use proprietary note formats that can only be read by their respective devices/software platforms. However, both also feature web and desktop apps where you can view your notes, assuming you leverage their cloud services. Boox has a bit of an advantage here in that they can convert notes to PDFs and then you can sync that to an outside cloud storage option. So, for example, I have my Boox devices sync'd to Google Drive and I can view (but not write) my notes there. I'm not familiar with any similar option on the Supernote platform, but if I am incorrect on that point, hopefully someone can post that here.
For me the possibility of the back getting scuffed because of the half-folio would be a huge issue as I am very fussy about keeping my things in great condition. Although, I do admire Supernote for having the courage to be different in their design thinking. I am unlikely to buy the Manta anyway, as the Nomad is the perfect carry-round size for my organisational needs and the Manta isn't quite big enough for my study book annotation/notemaking needs. A device around 11.5 inch to 12 inch is the perfect size for my use-case for studying needs, hence I reluctantly bought the RMPP for that. When Supernote brings out a larger size, I will give it serious consideration as I love the Supernote software.
Thanks for another very thorough reviews. I am currently thinking of switching from Viwoods AiPaper to Manta, one of the review is about the Viwoods’ software and writing feel. I do have a nomad and really love the writing feel but I needed a bigger one at that time. What’s your view on this?
I like both the Manta and the AIPaper. The Manta has much stronger reference functions, so if that's important, going that direction is a no-brainer. I do kind of like writing on the AIPaper more than the Manta, however. Not by a large margin, but the way writing pops on the screen and the pen types (I like to use calligraphy and fineliner styles) are really good. I like the Manta more for my professional work, and the AIPaper more for creating writing, but that's just me. The Supernote is the better device overall, as it's more functional.
Amazing review, now i am convinced. I'm only debating on whether i actually need the current half-folio or not. Could i just usen a good sleeve to protect the device? or do you recommend getting the half-folio?
I would think that the first component of an e-reader that you would want to replace would be the screen as these technologies progress, as we continue the quest for pure black on pure white. Not the motherboard or the battery. Hey, when Carta 1400 comes out, how about selling a compatible enclosure and I can move my motherboard and battery over to it? 😂 And maybe make it crystal this time?
Thanks for the review. You talk about sideloading Kobo app, will you test this? Mainly I would like to know if I can read and annotate my books which I bought via the Kobo store and currently read on my Kobo device.
You might want to ask about that on the Supernote subreddit. Here's one poster who talks about the experience on the Nomad: www.reddit.com/r/Supernote/comments/1covd4o/fyi_sideloaded_kobo_app_on_nomad_works_great/
There’s a mix of touch input freezing and touch input being ignored. For example, turning many pages with the buttons is impossible to do because they are ignoring the input until the page loads.
I have nomad and like it...but I really need infinite scrolling. Do you know if this has been added (haven't even used the nomad in a while because it's necessary for me)?
Great review as always, thanks. The number one issue i have with the boox devices, google cloud does not sync, so you have to download or upload files individually which is a serious pain. Do you know if PDF annotations done in the supernote, are synch with the PDF in google drive? In other words, will i be able to see the annotations when i open a PDF on my laptop from Gdrive? For me this is key and as stands neither Boox or Remarkable can't do the above. Synch your PDF and notes with 3rd party cloud storage
That's true, but you can set it up so that when you exit a note, it will upload to Google Drive automatically. You need to be on Wifi at the time of exiting the note to make that work, however. Going to Supernote, if you make annotations on a document, then export it on the device, then sync your files to google drive, then yes, you will see a PDF there with your Supernote annotations.
@@jeffreymoss Thanks, So the boox device, can automatically sync notes to google drive (although no maintaining the folder structure, just uploading all files to the same location) but when it comes to PDFs you have to export and then upload, download and organise your files individually as you need them. Having the same folder structure (file management) automatically sync its a big deal. Otherwise if you deal with loads of files it gets really confusing. I have a 10'' device but its too small for PDF reading so although im loving the eink experience, I'll be looking at buying something 12'' or 13'' screen size, but it will have to sync with 3rd party cloud solutions. Hopefully Supernote releases one in the near future.
*9:30** - Storage.* After two years I've got just over 1GB of free space on my A5X, which is why I've just ordered the A5X2 which offers the ability to add an SD Card. Yet I still have some concerns regarding how that SD Card is synced/backed-up... worse case scenario is that I have to tare off the back every few days and manually back the card-up to a computer or something, but then will it back-up _'the invisibles,'_ such as annotation files? Personally, I think the device should come with the option of larger internal storage, maybe we'll get that option when they offer replaceable motherboards with different specs?
I can't speak to that because I only write in English. But if you go to the Supernote subreddit, there will be someone there who can probably give some good feedback.
@atzeotze2256 Für die Texterkennung kannst du Sprachpackete runter laden. Das funktioniert gut. Bei meinem Boox Note air 2 funktioniert es etwas besser, finde ich.
my battle with the Ratta and the remarkable line is it better to have all the functions of supernote as far as headers and such or with RMK just downloading a planner aka my deep guide and therefore you get all those type functions of a Ratta plus added syncing between devices
another con has to be syncing between Ratta devices, Cal notes don't sync, PDFs you mark up don't sync and the note conflict issue is a major deal breaker
I kinda take issue with this "replaceable" battery thing Supernote claims to be doing. Have any of you reading this comment seen them selling batteries...? As of 4 February 2025, they don't sell them. Soooo...MAYBE this'll be a thing eventually. Just pointing this out because I think it's kind of a dishonest marketing claim on their part. Note: I have an A5X, so this isn't me hating on the device. Just saying, everything is replaceable with the right hardware. Maybe we give Ratta too much credit.
Yeah, I guess the tough thing about that is that one would not expect them to have a replaceable battery on sale at this point given the devices are so new. To post that now would send an odd message, I'd suppose. But to your point, it's not real until it happens, and I think some skepticism is valid.
I did a review on the reMarkable Paper Pro as well. To simplify things, a lot of people like reMarkable because of the easy learning curve, and the more focused and simpler UI. The Manta can do more, and provides more professional notetaking tools to work with. Both are excellent devices in their own way, so it depends on what you are looking for.
A few corrections/additions to the video. First, having a Mobius screen is a pro due to its durability over non-Mobius e-ink screens. I’d consider this a secondary pro, but I know that for others this is a bigger deal and would be more of a primary pro. Rank for yourself accordingly. Second, I learned subsequent to recording this video that the Manta does allow for the connection of audio devices like earbuds or a speaker. However, a lack of a speaker on the device itself remains a secondary con given that many competing devices in the market do. Cheers!
I consider durability/robustness as one of my primary pro. Excellent review, Jeffrey!
Great video, Jeff - I think that the more flexible Mobius screen is also a factor in making the writing feel nicer on the Manta (than it is on the Nomad).
@@ewritable I think that also depends on how much pressure is put on the stylus. I don't put that much, so the give of the Mobius screen is less of a factor for me.
Jeffrey. Kudos sir. Your detail, breadth of examples and overall professional delivery makes this video series important viewing for anyone looking at an E-Ink device. I have been waiting roughly 18 months for the Manta and as a finance professional, couldn't think of a better device for my note taking, coaching, and board meeting files. Your thoughts helped underscore all of the reasons I chose the Supernote system over some of the more "glamourous" devices like the Remarkable Paper Pro. And as an Android user, I am used to having my peers be jealous of my knowledge and my tech. I expect that to continue once my remarkable friends get a chance to try the FeelWrite 2 screen and my HOM stylus. CHEERS SIR!
Jeff, your videos are so helpful. You actually saved me from buying a competitor's device during the segment on flow as it is my #1 need. I really appreciate the demo section to understand better how it could work for me.
Outstanding synopsis of the best and brightest features (and a few cons) of the new Manta! Thank you for this thorough review. THE KEY to the Supernote devices is given in the company's motto itself: "For those who write." IF your work requires a lot of writing, the Supernote is simply unsurpassed in what it offers. Too many people who are keenly interested in the relatively new e-ink technology seem to want a desktop replacement, and that is simply not what these devices are intended or designed for. They will not grind your coffee or wash your dishes, so if that's what you're looking for, go elsewhere. But if you want a fast, convenient, mobile, reliable tool to write down all your most important ideas as fast as possible, the Supernote is it! I wouldn't trade mine for 10 Booxes or the Remarkable or the Viwoods etc. If you WRITE, get the Supernote and be done with it. No need to look elsewhere.
The Supernote can have a full Google Play Store on it also. If you want to use it as a 'note taking only' device, then simply have self-restraint and don't download additional apps on it. I'd rather ME determine how I use the device than Ratta dictating to me and limiting how to use the device. going through the hassle of side loading is just rediculus. If they're going to give us the ability to put additional apps on it, then don't make us jump through hoops, just give us the damn Play Store.
There is no reason the Supernote can't have the Play Store. If you want to keep your device simple, then have self-restraint and don't download additional apps. It's that simple. Ratta has no problem with us putting additional apps on it, but make us jump through hoops via tedious side loading. That's not user-friendly. Just put the Play Store on it and let people use the device how they see fit.
There is no reason the Supernote can't have the Store. If you want to keep your device simple, then just don't download additional apps. It's called "self-restraint". Ratta has no problem with us putting additional apps on it, but make us jump through hoops via tedious side loading. That's not user-friendly. Just put the Store on it and let people use the device how we see fit.
@@mrspeeddemon727 Get a Kindl.
it may not be that simple as just "enable play store". just because it's running android doesn't mean the play store will work at all, after all the custom OS parts.
Brillant review!
I am close to choose the Manta.
The Boox Note Max was before my number one.
Great video. Very informative and professional. Will be getting one soon.
Thank you for this in depth review, your rich experience with previous versions shows.
Excellent way to kick off the new year my friend. The reference and flow segments are excellent, couldn't agree more.
Nice and detailed overview. Thanks a lot for all your work.
Thank you for the extremely detailed review and concluding commentary. After spending quite a bit of time on the fence, I decided to make my purchase today. Ultimately, I couldn’t get past the potential data security issues associated with the Onyx family of devices. Whether these concerns are valid or not, they’re enough to make me personally feel more comfortable with Rata. I do hope an end-to-end encryption scheme will be introduced in a future update. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter in a future video. Best Regards,
Excellent review, very valuable... Happy New Year
Great series! I'm already waiting my pre-ordered Manta but the shipment will start by the end of the month in Europe!
your thorough videos are incredibly helpful!
Very thorough Jeff, awesome wrapup!
Another fantastic and thorough review of the e-ink tablet. Thanks, Jeff!
Great summary - next up is Sync on these devices; RE: feedback, "Thank you for your feedback" comes to mind; good that you addressed your company feedback IMO
I “wore down” my Nomad screen in about 30 seconds by simply rubbing the heel of my palm over the surface of the screen a few times - instant “break-in”.
Very helpful video. Thank you. Specially the "concept of flow" part.
Jeffrey - another outstanding review. Your reviews continue to be my favorite on all of UA-cam.
I am curious if you have any interest or plans in creating a video comparing the Manta with the Viwoods AiPaper and/or an update video on the AiPaper with the big software updates they’ve made. Since these two devices are the only 10.7” Mobius devices on the market, I’d love a more detailed comparison between the devices and to see if your opinions of the AiPaper have changed with the software updates.
Thanks for creating such valuable content.
Yeah, I think I'll do that. Esp. when Viwoods drops their next update or two.
Very good and thoughtful review! Excellent job!
Got a lot out of this very extensive review, thanks Jeffrey!
Another outstanding impressive evaluation, Thank you.
Jeffery, thank you for this. The most comprehensive video I have viewed on the Supernote Manta. My question is, can I use the same pen that I use on my A5X with the Manta?
Yep.
Definitely helpful thank you.
E-ink devices are getting so good now that once you have chosen one, unless money is no object, changing from one to another only seems to give marginal gains for the most part.
The one thing that might get me changing from the Go 10.3 is a bigger screen size. I’m looking at you Note Air Max and RMPP.
All the best to everyone for 2025.
I agree. That's the good news about this space. If you do your research, get the best device for you at the time of purchase, it can last you a really long time.
@@jeffreymoss @davidr1431 it's pretty difficult! I'm looking at getting into a eink note taking device and am looking at the go 10.3 and the manta. The price difference in the eu is between 420 vs 720 or so euros. That's significant money in either case. What format are notes? Are they readable by standard programs?
@@MrWiggenhammer Both use proprietary note formats that can only be read by their respective devices/software platforms. However, both also feature web and desktop apps where you can view your notes, assuming you leverage their cloud services. Boox has a bit of an advantage here in that they can convert notes to PDFs and then you can sync that to an outside cloud storage option. So, for example, I have my Boox devices sync'd to Google Drive and I can view (but not write) my notes there. I'm not familiar with any similar option on the Supernote platform, but if I am incorrect on that point, hopefully someone can post that here.
@@jeffreymoss If you use Obsidian, there is a plugin for the supernote. You can read all supernote notes with it.
For me the possibility of the back getting scuffed because of the half-folio would be a huge issue as I am very fussy about keeping my things in great condition. Although, I do admire Supernote for having the courage to be different in their design thinking. I am unlikely to buy the Manta anyway, as the Nomad is the perfect carry-round size for my organisational needs and the Manta isn't quite big enough for my study book annotation/notemaking needs. A device around 11.5 inch to 12 inch is the perfect size for my use-case for studying needs, hence I reluctantly bought the RMPP for that. When Supernote brings out a larger size, I will give it serious consideration as I love the Supernote software.
Thanks for another very thorough reviews. I am currently thinking of switching from Viwoods AiPaper to Manta, one of the review is about the Viwoods’ software and writing feel. I do have a nomad and really love the writing feel but I needed a bigger one at that time. What’s your view on this?
I like both the Manta and the AIPaper. The Manta has much stronger reference functions, so if that's important, going that direction is a no-brainer. I do kind of like writing on the AIPaper more than the Manta, however. Not by a large margin, but the way writing pops on the screen and the pen types (I like to use calligraphy and fineliner styles) are really good. I like the Manta more for my professional work, and the AIPaper more for creating writing, but that's just me. The Supernote is the better device overall, as it's more functional.
Amazing review, now i am convinced. I'm only debating on whether i actually need the current half-folio or not. Could i just usen a good sleeve to protect the device? or do you recommend getting the half-folio?
I don't see why that couldn't work.
I would think that the first component of an e-reader that you would want to replace would be the screen as these technologies progress, as we continue the quest for pure black on pure white. Not the motherboard or the battery. Hey, when Carta 1400 comes out, how about selling a compatible enclosure and I can move my motherboard and battery over to it? 😂 And maybe make it crystal this time?
I'm with you on the Crystal. And that's a good call out with just selling the shell. Maybe they will do that as well?
Thanks for the review. You talk about sideloading Kobo app, will you test this? Mainly I would like to know if I can read and annotate my books which I bought via the Kobo store and currently read on my Kobo device.
You might want to ask about that on the Supernote subreddit. Here's one poster who talks about the experience on the Nomad: www.reddit.com/r/Supernote/comments/1covd4o/fyi_sideloaded_kobo_app_on_nomad_works_great/
There’s a mix of touch input freezing and touch input being ignored.
For example, turning many pages with the buttons is impossible to do because they are ignoring the input until the page loads.
That's a limitation, for sure. For my part though, I just get used to it.
So your pros is what Boox already come with. Your con is what Boox already made. 😮😅
I have nomad and like it...but I really need infinite scrolling. Do you know if this has been added (haven't even used the nomad in a while because it's necessary for me)?
It hasn't been added at this time.
Great review as always, thanks. The number one issue i have with the boox devices, google cloud does not sync, so you have to download or upload files individually which is a serious pain.
Do you know if PDF annotations done in the supernote, are synch with the PDF in google drive? In other words, will i be able to see the annotations when i open a PDF on my laptop from Gdrive?
For me this is key and as stands neither Boox or Remarkable can't do the above. Synch your PDF and notes with 3rd party cloud storage
That's true, but you can set it up so that when you exit a note, it will upload to Google Drive automatically. You need to be on Wifi at the time of exiting the note to make that work, however. Going to Supernote, if you make annotations on a document, then export it on the device, then sync your files to google drive, then yes, you will see a PDF there with your Supernote annotations.
@@jeffreymoss Thanks, So the boox device, can automatically sync notes to google drive (although no maintaining the folder structure, just uploading all files to the same location) but when it comes to PDFs you have to export and then upload, download and organise your files individually as you need them. Having the same folder structure (file management) automatically sync its a big deal. Otherwise if you deal with loads of files it gets really confusing. I have a 10'' device but its too small for PDF reading so although im loving the eink experience, I'll be looking at buying something 12'' or 13'' screen size, but it will have to sync with 3rd party cloud solutions. Hopefully Supernote releases one in the near future.
*9:30** - Storage.*
After two years I've got just over 1GB of free space on my A5X, which is why I've just ordered the A5X2 which offers the ability to add an SD Card. Yet I still have some concerns regarding how that SD Card is synced/backed-up... worse case scenario is that I have to tare off the back every few days and manually back the card-up to a computer or something, but then will it back-up _'the invisibles,'_ such as annotation files?
Personally, I think the device should come with the option of larger internal storage, maybe we'll get that option when they offer replaceable motherboards with different specs?
Yeah, I'm curious what the motherboard options will be whenever that comes to pass. Additional storage options make a lot of sense.
So after the review……where does it rank? I saw your video of devices you reviewed in 2024. Just curious
I'd put this on top.
Are the handwriting functions also working with German handwriting?
I can't speak to that because I only write in English. But if you go to the Supernote subreddit, there will be someone there who can probably give some good feedback.
@ Thank you Jeffrey
@atzeotze2256 Für die Texterkennung kannst du Sprachpackete runter laden. Das funktioniert gut. Bei meinem Boox Note air 2 funktioniert es etwas besser, finde ich.
Boox has horrible customer service. I will never buy from them again. Enjoying the Manta so far!
my battle with the Ratta and the remarkable line is it better to have all the functions of supernote as far as headers and such or with RMK just downloading a planner aka my deep guide and therefore you get all those type functions of a Ratta plus added syncing between devices
another con has to be syncing between Ratta devices, Cal notes don't sync, PDFs you mark up don't sync and the note conflict issue is a major deal breaker
Thanks for calling that out. I use my Manta and Nomad for different uses, so I don't sync between them. So it's helpful to know this issue exists.
Pen loop. I suspect I'll be adding a stick-on second loop as I often do with my paper notebooks.
I was wondering why but then I realized I have seen images of this - to keep the pen straight
@MrWiggenhammer Right. Supported in two places.
Another secondary con is the device has rubber feet, but when you fold the half-folio back the rubber feet become useless.
I kinda take issue with this "replaceable" battery thing Supernote claims to be doing. Have any of you reading this comment seen them selling batteries...? As of 4 February 2025, they don't sell them. Soooo...MAYBE this'll be a thing eventually. Just pointing this out because I think it's kind of a dishonest marketing claim on their part.
Note: I have an A5X, so this isn't me hating on the device. Just saying, everything is replaceable with the right hardware. Maybe we give Ratta too much credit.
Yeah, I guess the tough thing about that is that one would not expect them to have a replaceable battery on sale at this point given the devices are so new. To post that now would send an odd message, I'd suppose. But to your point, it's not real until it happens, and I think some skepticism is valid.
Any advice how Manta compare to ReMarkable Pro?
I did a review on the reMarkable Paper Pro as well. To simplify things, a lot of people like reMarkable because of the easy learning curve, and the more focused and simpler UI. The Manta can do more, and provides more professional notetaking tools to work with. Both are excellent devices in their own way, so it depends on what you are looking for.