The reMarkable 2
A game-changer for notetaking
Katie Gabriel, CPA | April/May 2025 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated March 26, 2025
In an era where digital clutter can often overwhelm, the reMarkable 2 presents a refreshing return to simplicity and focus. For the past two years, this innovative “paper” tablet has transformed my approach to note-taking, blending the best aspects of digital and traditional methods.
As an everyday user, I’m eager to highlight how this device can serve as a game-changer for CPAs seeking efficiency and organization in their work. Whenever people see me using it, they’re often curious about what it is and how it functions.
Please note: I’m not sponsored by reMarkable and I’m not an expert in the tool. There are many features I haven’t yet explored and, like with most technology I own, I only use about 25% of its capabilities. That said, I can offer the perspective of an everyday user and how I think it can benefit my fellow CPAs.
Choosing the reMarkable
For years, I juggled multiple notebooks, often finding myself scrambling to locate the right one when I needed to reference my notes. This disorganization led me to explore digital notetaking solutions.
There are several tools like this on the market, such as the Moleskine Smart Writing Set, NottiePad Digital Notebook, Kindle Scribe and an array of tablets from the big-name retailers.
I considered various devices — including the iPad with its Apple Pencil — but ultimately chose the reMarkable for its unique features and focus on a paper-like writing experience.
Comfort and functionality
One of the standout features of the reMarkable is its pen, which comes with replaceable pen tips that I change about once every two months. Writing on the reMarkable feels and sounds like writing on paper, which is different from the experience of writing on an iPad. While you can add accessories to an iPad to mimic this feel (such as special screen protectors or pen tips), the reMarkable has it built into its design.
I prefer taking notes by hand rather than typing. Although the reMarkable has a typing feature, I don’t use it often. Studies suggest that handwriting helps with retention and I’ve found this to be true for me. When I take notes, I like to write in the margins and I can visually remember things better when they are in handwritten form. The reMarkable allows me to take notes seamlessly in the way that works best for me.
I also appreciate that the device isn’t tied to my email, so I’m not distracted by notifications as I would be if I took notes on my phone, iPad or computer. This makes it ideal for client meetings, where I prefer to take notes on a notepad rather than a laptop or tablet.
Organization and productivity
The device allows you to create folders to nest your notebooks in with excellent search functionality. For instance, you can create your own categories and assign a notebook multiple categories, making searches efficient. The reMarkable has streamlined my notetaking into one digital notebook and I haven’t misplaced it because it’s now the only notebook I use.
You can also upload PDFs to the reMarkable, allowing you to take notes on slide presentations and annotate PDFs without printing them out. This feature is particularly useful for taking notes at CPE sessions after downloading the presentation, which saves on paper handouts. The device also has add-ins from Word or PowerPoint, allowing for a seamless transfer to a PDF on the tablet.
Additional features and subscription
The reMarkable supports uploading planners, which I get from Etsy. These planners are fully hyperlinked and customizable for left-handed users (like me) or if you have specific calendar preferences — such as having your week start on Mondays or Sundays. I like that I can integrate all my daily to-do’s, along with my monthly and quarterly goals. There are several options available for download that range from $12 to $20.
I have also been impressed with the battery life of the reMarkable, which lasts up to two weeks. But you do need to pay attention to how much you use it; I’ve been caught in meetings when the battery ran out, with no pen or paper on me!
There’s also a monthly subscription for $2.99 that gives you access to cloud storage on the device. This is great for referencing notes when I don’t physically have my reMarkable with me.
A good option for …
The reMarkable has been a game-changer for my notetaking and productivity. Its paper-like feel, organization features and distraction-free environment make it an invaluable tool for me. While there are many features I haven’t explored, the ones I use have significantly improved my efficiency. The price point is $599 (including a leather cover and Marker Plus pen), which I feel is worth it.
But be warned: It will definitely be a conversation starter!
Katie Gabriel, CPA, is a senior business development director at Salo, a Korn Ferry company, guiding businesses to success with expert accounting and finance consultants.
