Organizing for Change

Welcome to our final installment on three years with the Supernote A5X. This particular post will look at some of the most important enhancements that have happened since I purchased the device. Hopefully, the other two posts have given you an idea of why I chose Supernote as my platform, how I use it, and a glimpse of why I continue to do so. As a long-term owner of this piece of technology, hopefully this is a perspective you have found useful The image above is not an over exaggeration as to the the updates, new features, improvements, and functions that have happened in that span of time. However, we will only be looking at new features here, and why I believe they represent something important. While I understand that this is a long post, I promise that you will find the information useful if you stick with me until the end. If you want the TLDR, you can skip to the comments sections, but you may regret missing something important.  2021 Additions April 26 Added date format op...

Welcome to our second article in the series examining my first 3 years with the Supernote A5X. After making the decision to purchase the device, I was very impatient and tracked it through DHL multiple times a day. Luckily, it arrived earlier than expected. Now that I had the A5X, it was time to get started. Below are some things to consider and how I incorporated the device into my workflow.  Don't Let it Sit Probably one of the best pieces of advice I can give after buying a new piece of technology is to  use it!  I know this may seem obvious, but think about it. How many times have we gotten a new gadget and been all excited, only to end up getting frustrated and putting it on a shelf or in a drawer? That would be the biggest mistake you can make if you feel like you made the purchase for the right reasons .  When I first got the Supernote, I started writing with it right away. Luckily, it arrived over a weekend and I was able to play around with the features, get...

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 attempti...

  I have talked a lot about the Supernote lately. This is not because Ratta was nice enough to provide me with a new A6X2 or because I consider myself to be a true "Tech reviewer," quite the opposite. I am focused on organization and how that impacts me, and those around me. I chose Supernote as a platform for specific organization-related reasons. Don't get me wrong, I admit that A6X2-specific content was created because I have one, and I appreciate Ratta providing it. However, my videos and articles are not just device reviews, and the content is more about the ecosystem than the device itself (with the caveat of unique features like side loading). It is my hope that most of what I cover would transfer across platforms and devices to help as many people as possible find their own organizational style. All of this said, I do want to spend some time again talking about areas of improvement for the Supernote platform as a productivity tool. Some of these have been cove...

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...

  I have been using the A6X2 for two weeks now as my primary device at work for note-taking, meeting notes, and some classroom planning. I have also used it for reading and writing for classes. Below, we will talk a little more about each of these uses. Notetaking As a note-taker, I find this almost a perfect device. I was very concerned about the size of the device when it arrived. However, I quickly found myself adjusting to the size and my handwriting adjusted accordingly. Here are some other reasons this is an exceptional note-taking device: Retractable Pen – This frankly surprised me. I am a huge fan of the Heart of Metal pens [I own 3). However, the comfort of the new pen and the light weight of it is phenomenal. FeelWrite 2 Screen – This is yet another surprise. As many of you may have seen in my unboxing, I was concerned with the initial feel of the screen. However, having used it, for two weeks, I have gotten used to how much pressure to use and it feels extremely good. ...

I have been using the Supernote A6X2 for a little over a week now and have a decent sense of how the device is meant to work I am beginning to note the most amazing and challenging things about it. The following is a detailed list of observations so far: Improvements There are tremendous improvements and reasons for excitement with this device. It is exciting to see where Ratta is headed. I have to say that the A6X2 is much faster than my A5X. I believe this is a combination of the new chip and the size of the device. After all, it is a smaller screen, and the new chip just seems "snappier" for lack of a better word.  I have long said that the newest version of the Supernote platform undersold the device in many ways. However, the biggest example of this is the modular nature of the newest product line. For those of us of a "certain age," we remember the days of replaceable batteries for laptops, cell phones, and other electronics. It is nice to see this returning, ...