Supernote Manta (A5 X2)

WIRED’s Nena Farrell praises the Supernote A5 X2 Manta for delivering a highly satisfying digital writing experience, especially highlighting its standout range of pens that appeal to stationery enthusiasts. The review emphasizes the device’s paper-like FeelWrite 2 screen cover, modular design for easy repairs, and lightweight build, all contributing to long-term usability and comfort. Farrell appreciates the intuitive software, diverse templates, and real-time handwriting recognition, though she notes some interface quirks like the slow keyboard and finicky slider. The Manta’s lack of a front light and eraser functionality are clear drawbacks, as is its higher price compared to competitors like the ReMarkable 2. However, the modularity and pen quality justify the premium for users who prioritize writing feel and durability. The review offers a balanced view, recognizing the Manta’s niche appeal to dedicated note-takers and artists who value pen variety and a realistic writing sensation over flashy features like color or built-in lighting.

Daniel Allen from Android Police highlights the Supernote Manta (A5 X2) as a refined, niche-focused E Ink writing tablet that excels in delivering an exceptional handwriting experience. Praising its unique FeelWrite 2 display, Allen emphasizes the tactile, paper-like writing surface and the longevity of its stylus nibs, setting it apart from competitors. The Manta’s powerful hardware and mature custom OS contribute to a responsive, feature-rich device, especially in note-taking and drawing apps. However, Allen also points out significant drawbacks: its high price, costly accessories, lack of frontlight, and cumbersome app sideloading process. The device’s limited multimedia features and awkward virtual keyboard interactions further restrict its appeal. While not an all-purpose e-reader, the Manta stands out for users prioritizing writing and drawing quality over versatility. Allen concludes that despite its premium cost and niche focus, the Manta offers a uniquely satisfying digital stationery experience unmatched by other E Ink tablets.

Dan’s review of the Supernote Manta (A5 X2) highlights it as an exceptionally well-designed, lightweight, and durable e-ink tablet focused on pure note-taking. He praises its innovative modular design, including a replaceable battery and motherboard, which could extend the device’s longevity and reduce waste—an uncommon feature in this category. The unique half-folio case and touch-sensitive side-swipe bars add to its usability and sleek aesthetic. The Mobius Carta plastic screen offers a subtle “springy” writing feel with excellent sharpness and low glare, while the native apps run smoothly on the ARM Cortex processor, though third-party app support is limited. Dan’s main criticism centers on the default stylus and pen loop combination: the pen is too bulky for the elastic loop, causing instability and frustration. Despite this, he finds the writing experience highly satisfying and the overall package compelling for users seeking a dedicated digital paper replacement rather than a multi-purpose tablet.

Joel Cunningham from Lifehacker highlights the Supernote Manta as a thoughtfully designed, distraction-free digital notebook that excels in replicating the tactile feel of pen and paper while offering versatile digital functionality. Praising its large 10.7-inch e-ink screen, paper-like writing surface, and responsive stylus options, Cunningham appreciates the device’s clarity for handwriting and PDF annotation, as well as its modular design and frequent software updates that signal strong future-proofing. He values the simple, focused user interface and useful workflow integrations like email, calendar sync, and to-do lists, which enhance productivity without overwhelming the user. While noting the Manta’s higher price compared to the smaller Nomad and its lack of front lighting, he frames these as intentional trade-offs for a superior writing experience. Cunningham’s review balances enthusiasm for the device’s unique niche with measured acknowledgment of its limitations, ultimately recommending the Manta for those seeking a premium, focused digital notebook experience.

Austin from Gear43 praises the Supernote Manta (A5 X2) as a transformative digital notebook, highlighting its ideal 10.7" screen size that closely mimics standard paper and delivers an exceptional pen-like writing experience. He appreciates the lightweight, thin design and the improved half-folio case, which enhances usability without adding bulk. The inclusion of high-quality LAMY styluses and the distraction-free, minimalist OS further elevate the device’s appeal. However, Austin notes some drawbacks: the screen’s glare and darker tone compared to paper can hinder reading comfort, especially under artificial light or dim conditions. Its large size makes it less portable and more prone to damage than smaller models like the Nomad, which he recommends for primarily reading-focused users. The Manta’s premium price, especially when factoring in accessories, positions it as a niche, high-end tool for serious note-takers seeking to replace paper and reduce screen distractions. Overall, Austin finds the Manta life-changing for productivity despite its trade-offs.

Rory Bathgate from IT Pro highlights the Supernote A5 X2 Manta as a premium e-ink tablet that excels in delivering an incredibly realistic pen-on-paper experience, thanks largely to its well-designed LAMY Safari Vista EMR pen and smooth, lag-free performance. The device’s strengths include long battery life, user-upgradable hardware, expandable storage, and robust organizational features like handwriting recognition and deep note-linking capabilities. However, Bathgate notes the absence of a backlight as a significant drawback, limiting usability in low-light conditions and potentially causing eye strain. The pen’s lack of customizable function buttons and the device’s monochrome display also temper enthusiasm, especially compared to competitors offering color e-ink or more feature-rich styluses. While the Supernote’s premium build and thoughtful software make it ideal for power users and executives seeking distraction-free productivity, its high price and some fiddly gesture controls may deter broader adoption. Overall, Bathgate presents a balanced view, praising the device’s core strengths while candidly addressing its Spartan aspects.

Matt Keith assesses the Supernote Manta (A5 X2) as a uniquely impressive e-ink notebook that excels in delivering a paper-like writing experience unmatched by typical tablets. He highlights its lightweight, modular design with upgradable components, and a highly responsive 10.7-inch 300 PPI display paired with a ceramic-nib pen that requires no charging or replacement. The Manta’s software offers useful organizational tools and cloud syncing, enhancing its appeal for traditional note-takers transitioning to digital. However, Keith expresses reservations about the steep overall price, especially given the separate costs for essential accessories like the pen and folio cover, which push the total cost beyond comparable tablets like the iPad. He also notes the lack of backlighting and color features as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, Keith concludes that the Manta’s tactile writing quality and thoughtful design make it an excellent, if niche, choice for users prioritizing a natural handwriting experience over general tablet versatility.

Dan Seifert from blog.systmadeinc.com highlights the Supernote Manta (A5 X2) as a standout digital notebook, particularly praising its robust pen options and realistic writing experience. Unlike many competitors, the Manta supports four distinct pens with multiple color choices, including the impressive Heart of Metal Pen 2 and a digital version of the Lamy Safari pen, both noted for their comfort and lifelike feel without requiring charging. The review emphasizes the device’s unique art mode, accessible via a downloadable Atelier app, which offers versatile drawing tools such as multiple pen styles, layers, and a grayscale palette. However, the reviewer points out a notable limitation: the absence of an eraser function, which may deter users who rely heavily on erasing or keyboard input. Overall, the Manta is recommended for those who prioritize penmanship and sketching, delivering a premium, tactile digital note-taking experience despite some usability trade-offs.