Ceramic nib, weight make for exceptional writing experience for Supernote Manta
Closest thing to pen on paper that I've tried.
The Ratta Supernote Manta tablet is the closest thing to pen on paper that I've tried. And I've tried them all: Remarkable, Boox and Kobo.
Just got my hands on the Supernote Manta. It's my first Supernote device, and it's quickly apparent why it has such a strong fan base.
Here are my initial impressions.
Overview
Unlike the just-released Remarkable Pro that incorporated a colour e-ink display, the Supernote Manta kept away from colour, doubling down with the latest Carta 1300 panel.
Ratta basically retained all the features that its fans liked about it:
- No backlight.
- Ceramic nib stylus.
- Distraction-free writing tablet.
- Free cloud sync, Supernote Partner app.
Specs:
- 32GB storage.
- 10.7-inch screen (300ppi).
- Micro-SD card slot (up to 2TB).
- Replaceable battery, motherboard.
Photo Caption: Styli from top to bottom: Lamy AL-Star EMR (I swapped the body); Ratta's Heart of Metal 2 with ceramic tip; Remarkable Pro's Marker Plus; Apple Pencil 2.
It's in the details
I've had extended experience using multiple e-ink writing tablets: Remarkable 2, Remarkable Pro, Boox 10.3, Boox Air 3C, even the Kobo Elipsa 2E.
There's something fundamentally different with the Manta; here are 3 features which I think makes it stand out in a crowded market.
- Ceramic nib stylus
Where competing brands focused on reducing latency, Ratta went with a thinner 0.7mm ceramic nib that you don't have to replace.
With the Manta, Ratta also paired it with a new "FeelWrite 2" textured film. The combination results in a writing experience that bowled me over much like when I tried the Remarkable 2 for the first time.
- Light weight
With the Manta, Ratta opted to go with a half folio that attaches via hooks instead of magnets. The result? The Manta with its official case weighs a mere 480 grams.
Comparison (with bundled/official cases):
- Remarkable Pro: 805g
- Remarkable 2: 625g
- Boox 10.3: 618g
I think this is a brilliant decision. Suddenly, I want to bring the Manta everywhere.
- Better than real paper
Like the Remarkable, the Supernote Manta comes with the ability to sync your notes between smartphones (Android, iOS) and desktops (macOS, Windows). This is free with the Supernote and works well.
What could be improved
Of course, the Supernote Manta isn't perfect. I feel that its UI isn't as refined in looks, though the platform is incredibly stable.
And while it supports the sideloading of Android apps, doing so is relatively complicated right now, though work is ongoing to improve it.
Finally, users can replace the Manta's built-in battery and motherboard. However, I don't see them available for order right now.
