Skip to main content

My First 3 Years With the Supernote A5X: Part One - Research

Three Years Ago

Three years ago, I received a device that truly transformed my life. This may seem like hyperbole to some, but there are many times in our lives that technology enhances and optimizes our workflow. Think of the innovation of the personal computer (Mac or Windows, pick your favorite), the introduction of Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, and eventually Google Docs, the invention of the spreadsheet, or the iPhone and later Android. We are living in unprecedented times with AI and other tools on the march. 

It's amazing to step back and just look at the technology landscape over the years. So, why I am so excited about a device that in some ways is much less flashy, capable, and with far less functions than the ones in the previous paragraph. Well, let me tell you. It is because the Supernote A5X and other e-ink tablets are striving to do something that no PC, phone, or device has really tried to do. Instead of changing the way human beings work, it is attempting to make the way they have always done it better. For me, this is a huge distinction. 

Don't misunderstand, I am constantly engaging with technology and believe that we should always be pushing forward to maximize human potential. However, I think there are also some things that are fundamental and can be done without the constant need to be "connected." In this first in a series of blog posts, I will share how I researched and decided on the A5X.

Research

If you are considering entering the world of e-ink, I would suggest exploring as many devices as possible. However, even before starting to watch videos, think through the following questions:
  • What is the primary reason for wanting an e-ink device?
  • What current tasks or workflows are you trying to replicate or enhance?
  • Are you looking for something with a simplified user interface or a powerhouse device?
  • Is there something other devices do better and going in you know would be sub optimal on an e-ink device?
These questions were very important for me. At the time, I had really four channels that I watched on YouTube to get the best advice I could:
Consuming all the content you can is crucial. After all, e-ink devices are not cheap and they are not all readily available to have a hands-on demo. In fact, most of them are purchased based on trusting the reviewers. This was especially the case for me. I was only able to purchase the device because of a bonus I received that year from my employer. It is worth noting that when I say expensive, it is not as expensive as an iPad or top of the line Galaxy Tab, but then again you have to temper your expectations for what the features and capabilities are. In that regard it is still a niche market and you will pay a premium price. 

After watching extensive reviews, I chose the Supernote A5X as my device, and frankly I could not be happier. Here are the reasons at the time for me choosing the device:
  • I needed to replace my paper notebooks (need met)
  • I needed a way to access notes digitally (need met)
  • I needed a way to search and organize notes on the go (need met)
  • I needed something that would sync with OneDrive (not met at the time but on the roadmap)
  • I needed something with long battery life (need met)
  • I needed something that looked professional and was portable (need met)
  • I needed something that could grow and evolve with me (need met)
Since buying the A5X, I have found other YouTube channels that are providing good resources, from multi-device to singular device reviews. Some of my favorites are:
As you can see, there abundant resources and I would definitely encourage you to take your time and find the right reviewers that speak to you and can help you make an informed decision. If you are interested explicitly in the Supernote, you can also review my channel for those resources as well as information on other issues and topics around organization and change.

In the next post, we will talk about using and getting the most out of your Supernote. I will share my experience after three years of almost daily use. Until then, I hope you will check out some of my other articles and my YouTube channel. Remember, all it takes to be an agent of change is to bring your point of view to the table. 

If you are considering a Supernote, please use the affiliate link below. This does not raise the price of the device, but does provide me a small commission:

https://tinyurl.com/2p9ttt48


Labels:

Comments

  1. AlejoMay 13, 2024 at 2:53 PM

    Hey Ed,

    I'm a software engineer and I've been considering the Supernote to keep track of meetings and clients requests.

    Would you say the A6X2 is enough for this or should I wait for the new A5?

    Thank you for the great content.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ed FinnMay 13, 2024 at 9:40 PM

      Thank you for the comment and question. I would suggest watching my discussion with my son Trey. He is a design engineer and found the A6X2 very useful. Other than that, I would suggest what some others have done which is to cut a piece of paper to size and practice drawing, sketching, or writing on it to see what is more comfortable for you. Also, if you are going to be engaging with PDFs, the experience on the A6X2 was not the best for me in that case. However, some others have found it fine. Here is a link to the conversation with Trey:

      https://youtu.be/Oy8IMzH6414

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One Week with the Supernote Manta

Note: This was originally published on my Patreon page as a members-only discussion and is now being shared in the new year. I also did a follow-up video that you can access below: Well, it’s Officially been one week since I received and opened the Supernote A5X2 Manta. You can see my unboxing video above. I have to admit that the device has been a joy to use so far. My content came over seamlessly from my A5X and the writing feel is almost identical. As a heavy user of the Supernote platform, I want to share my first thoughts after one week of use. We will start with the opportunities and move on to improvements. Opportunities Software Consistency - This is something that is easily fixed. I know that in the lead up to the Manta release, Ratta was releasing software updates direct, without first doing beta releases. While I understand the pressure to just "get it done," I think that came at a price. Here are just a few things that are currently not consistent:   Touch Input  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Supernote A6X2 as a Reader

In this article we are going to talk about the Supernote A6X2 from the viewpoint of someone wanting to replace their current reading device. I must admit to some mixed feelings on this one going in. As you will see throughout the review, I try to examine this from different reading perspectives. For some, the Nomad is exceptional. For others, it is not great at best, and frustrating at its worst. Enough with the introduction, let’s dive in to the specifics. Kindle First, let’s start with the Kindle app. Supernote is unique in that although it runs Android (11 on the Nomad), they do not allow for or have Google enabled. To me, this is one of the most awesome characteristics of the device. It provides for less distractions, while allowing you to find useful information. Here in the US, you also can use Libby (formerly Overdrive) to send books to Kindle for reading. While it is not seamless, there is a lot of utility in the app. You can still add notes (including via the handwriting r...
4 comments
Read more

Why I Don't Use Planners

This is probably one of the biggest questions I get asked. So, why don't I use a planner? I know that I have talked about some of these reasons before, but let's dive a little more deeply into it. Before doing so, please understand that I am in no way minimizing or looking to say that planners are not useful for a whole lot of people, including my lovely wife. However, I just feel that they keep me from working the way I want and need to, keeping me from being the most successful version of myself. You may be asking why something designed to be efficient could be inefficient for someone. That’s a great question, and not easily answered. As with most things related to productivity, there is nuance. I know everyone wants straightforward solutions, but generally those are as elusive as things that promise to be too good to be true. For example, even though I don't use a planner, I do plan extensively. I use my Google Tasks heavily. I also use the Supernote ToDo function ...
8 comments
Read more