Supernote Manta - One Year Later - Organizing for Change

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-Q2MC6HHGTH"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Q2MC6HHGTH'); </script><script id="Cookiebot" src="https://consent.cookiebot.com/uc.js" data-cbid="9a575506-32c3-4ed2-8123-3527a9a1f3a7" type="text/javascript" async></script> ![[Scene-21 1.jpg]] # Introduction In the midst of several pressing reviews from other manufacturers, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what has been my central platform for over 4.5 years. However, instead of focusing on the platform as a whole, I want to talk about the [Supernote Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) specifically and what makes it unique in the e-ink space. True, most of the things I will cover are available on the original X series or the [Nomad](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-nomad?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), but the Manta combines them in a unique way to create an exceptional experience. # Hardware I won't go through the entire spec sheet for this tablet here, you can see my previous blogs and YouTube videos where I cover most of this in-depth. However, I will focus on the most innovative things to me and what I feel are the best features of this device a year into using it. ## *Modularity* We will start with the most controversial of the enhancements to this device. Some believe this is just a tactic for sales and that most people will not just upgrade their current device instead of buying a new one. Personally, I think this is in line with Ratta's philosophy of sustainability and making wise purchasing decisions that are intentional. You can check out the [DIY Zone](https://supernote.com/pages/diy-zone?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) for a list of current components available. ## *Expandable Storage* While not completely unique, [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) is one of the few devices on the market to allow you to insert a micro SD card to expand your storage up to 2TB. This allows users to have the device grow with their needs. Some of the new software enhancements now even allow links to be maintained on the SD card back to the main device storage. ## *Dual Sliders* This may not seem like a big deal, but is a big improvement over the A5X. Even now as I write this, I am able to completely minimize my toolbars and write because I do not have to choose between the lasso and eraser. I know this crosses over a little with software, but is only possible because of this hardware change and being able to assign the hardware different functions. ## *The Screen* What can I say except this is the absolute best black and white e-ink screen in existence. Only three devices currently have it on the market. It's not the resolution (at 300ppi), which has become the new standard, but that at 10.65 inches and a flexible plastic construction, it is the most durable and excellent to write on for many. True, this partly due to the [FeelWrite 2](https://supernote.com/products/feelwrite-2-film?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) screen protector that is pre-applied, but the screen itself is exceptional. ## *Power Port* This may be a small thing to many, but is very important to those who may need to plug the device in, which isn't often, and keep writing. Again, it may seem like a small thing, but can make a big productivity difference, especially when you are taking a lot of notes. There is a lot of praise here on the hardware. While some believe the all plastic design appears inexpensive and makes the device seem less premium, the durability is a net positive in my view. Also, the return to interchangeable parts is a welcome move to many who value repairability and sustainability. In my opinion, form should always take a back seat to function. On that, [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) delivers. ![[Scene-13.jpg]] # Accessories Arguably (not really) the team at Ratta has some of the best accessories on the market. What's more is that they continue to innovate and expand constantly. While I highlight some specific things below, the [DIY Zone](https://supernote.com/pages/diy-zone?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) and a huge presence on [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/search?q=supernote+manta&ref=auto-1&as_prefix=supernote) makes them even more impressive: ## *Styli* This can be a contentious and highly subjective category of accessory. However, as the original, and still one of only two manufacturers with ceramic nibs. the eternal, never-replace nib is huge. Add to that, the unmatched quality of the [Heart of Metal](https://supernote.com/products/heart-of-metal-pen-2?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) pens, the LAMY collaborations ([Safari Vista](https://supernote.com/products/lamy-safari-vista-emr-pen?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) & [Safari Twin](https://supernote.com/products/lamy-safari-twin-emr-pen?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR)), and even the [Push-Up Standard Pen](https://supernote.com/products/push-up-standard-pen?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) provide awesome options. ## *Half Folio* This one is a divisive one as well. You either love it or hate it. I like the mechanical throw back to the A5X and the lightness of it. The biggest issue is the lack of a cover or dust plug like you have for the pen loop. This eliminates the ability to use the device without a cover for fear that dust or other contaminants will get into the housing, or there may even be damage to the exposed pogo pins. ## *Pen Loop* Speaking of the pen loop, I may be in the minority, but I see this as genius. You can theoretically use the device without a cover (if only a dust cover for where the half folio is), create your own custom loop or go without altogether. It is funny that Ratta includes a plug for this part of the device if you choose not to have the pen loop. It's also worth noting that they include three sizes and a customizable DIY version in the box. The approach that [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) takes towards accessories is to provide the basics, while opening the door wide to individual creative tinkering. It may arguably be the most customizable and versatile product on the e-ink market. ![[Scene-23.jpeg]] # Software I have done so many videos on the [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) platform that it's hard to tackle this particular topic. However, there are a few things this year that deserve a special call out on the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) and differentiate them from the competition. ## *Digest* This was a feature that I rarely used in its original form. I found it interesting, but clunky. There was no way to incorporate it into notes and the fact that it was only on the device was not convenient. The reimagined [Digest](https://supernote.com/blogs/supernote-blog/reimagined-digest-for-active-thinking-new-text-box-for-enriched-notes) with the addition of being able to insert text into notes, while also being able to convert text to Digest entries is exceptionally well executed. ## *Stickers* Bring on the controversy but I think these are one of the [Supernote's](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) most innovative features. While a lot of people saw these as image files, they are actually any collection of strokes that can be reused, tagged, or linked. The use cases and opportunities are endless, including custom headings, icons, bullets, shapes, etc. They even released a special collection of [Christmas Stickers](https://supernote.com/blogs/supernote-blog/new-christmas-stickers-a-small-way-to-mark-the-end-of-the-year) for download. ## *Ink Flow* This may be one of the most misunderstood apps because of the pervasiveness of drawing and annotation tablets in the modern age. However, before the iPad, teachers and artists were using Wacom tablets that hooked to PC's to annotate and draw on the screen. As a matter of fact, these tablets are still commonly used today by professionals (e.g., [Wacom Intuos Pro](https://amzn.to/4b6DRuZ)). The InkFlow app allows the Wacom layer on the Super note to act like one of these high end tablet interfaces, making use of every part of the technology and increasing the overall value of the device. ## *Atelier* No other device has a dedicated drawing app that maximizes e-ink. Although this has been around more than this year, the addition of high definition canvases, a reference layer with opacity, and increased compatibility with digital art file types (including Photoshop), it has begun to come into it's own. ## *Private cloud & NetVirtualDisk* This is a new addition and the only one of its kind from any manufacturer. You can completely control your data and keep your files locally. While I have not used this, I have heard it is a game charging approach. You can find more out about this approach by visiting the [Supernote Blog.](https://supernote.com/blogs/supernote-blog/private-cloud-for-data-sovereignty-serverlink-for-remote-files-control-via-webdav) ## *UI & UX Continuity* The [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) software is exactly the same from device to device, so upgrading to the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) takes no extra learning curve. And now with most of the app experience being streamlined, that is even more of an enhancement. Combine the familiar and user-friendly interface on the Manta with the hardware upgrades and you get a really nice package. I could go on and on about the software, and if you are interested, there are articles end videos galore. I specifically did not cover the older features like notes, the reader, the calendar, or the Todo app. What I will say is that I am very excited about their commitment to further enhance multi-device syncing, create a plugin ecosystem and reimagine the calendar. ![[Scene-14.jpg]] # Conclusions & Final Thoughts If I was purchasing a new device today, it would still be the Super role Manta. Is it the right choice for everyone? No. However, while my needs have grown since buying the A5X 4.5 years ago and using the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) for the last year, they have done so because of the new organic functionality of the platform, not because it was missing any features that were added later. That is perhaps the key takeaway from this entire article. Do not buy a device based on features that you hope it will have or that it promises to have. Take the time and match the device to your current needs. For me, that is the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR). For someone else, it may be another device. No matter what you do though, don't chase a unicorn because you will always be disappointed. Until next time, thank you for visiting my site and please feel free to read other [[Blog]] articles. You can also check out my various videos, podcasts, and social media links below. 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