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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


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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

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