Supernote - Five Years 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> ![[Supernote-Five Years.png]] Picture generated by Google Gemini, featuring the Supernote lineup. # Introduction As I sat down to write this blog on my five years using the [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) ecosystem as my primary digital notebook, I was inspired by the wonderful reflection from [Sheila Mac](https://www.sheilamacadventures.com/userexperience/sixyearsatlas) , who was the first user to have access with and test the pre-release version of the [Supernote Manta](https://supernote.com/?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), on her six year journey with [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR). The work that Sheila has done and the catalog of invaluable information she has collected would inspire anyone. In my five year reflection, I will draw some inspiration from they way she views the device, but also strive to put my own spin on it. One of the most important things about living with a [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) is realizing that every user experience is different and it truly is more than just a digital notebook. That said, let's go ahead and jump in. # How I Started If you are interested in diving deep into my background on what led me to purchasing the A5X five years ago, you can check out my article on [[My Digital Organization Turning Point]]. In looking back, I don't think I realized until just recently how much of an impact e-ink had on my life in very substantive ways. Yes, when I purchased it, it was to replace my paper notebooks (that were everywhere) and have a digital archive of my meetings without the whole hassle of transcribing them later. What I found though was a companion to the way I think. Instead of having to find a clean sheet of paper, a notebook, or firing up a laptop, I could just open the cover and start writing. It never ran out of paper or needed ink (in the pen of course). On the contrary, it is almost a perfect companion, true to the slogan "for those who write." I did not start with the grand scheme to become a YouTube content creator, that came six months later, when I made my first set of videos (first on the Rocketbook no less). Instead, I was looking to solve practical problems that I had struggled with for years. What ended up happening was finding myself falling into a whole new world of digital creation. I enjoyed the device so much and it had such an impact on me that I wanted to share that story with as many people as possible. Truth be told, I didn't think anyone would ever watch and am still surprised folks want to hear how and why I use a [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) as my daily driver tablet. So, starting with using my A5X as a tablet for meetings, was the beginning of that journey, which sees no sign of ending soon. # Why Supernote? In some ways, this is the million dollar question. With all of the device options out there, why would I choose one of the smaller and arguably more bespoke players to bring along on this journey? The reality is that it did exactly what I needed it to do and nothing else. At the time, my needs were not overly complex. I needed a good filing structure, easy navigation, an exceptional writing feel, and the ability of the device to grow with my needs. That's it, it really was that simple. While for me, that was the [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), it could be something else for others. Let's take a look at some of the key features and why they led me to this decision. ## The Notes App The notes app on a [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) is not only efficient and allows a lot of different features, but it is just so easy to use. It is not cluttered or overcomplicated. It's all about simplicity and organization. There is very little menu diving or customization that you have to be able to do, it just works. Headings, keywords, star marks have always been in the app from the minute I got the tablet and they were all I needed, and still features I focus on today. ## The Reading App This one may be a little controversial to some, but for me, the reader app on the [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) is excellent. Again, it is not overly complex. Even when I purchased the device, you could annotate easily on the device, adjust margins and contrast, and read a lot of different file formats. Is it as advanced as some other readers? No. However, it is very good at the things it does, even with earlier versions of the Digest. Could I add comments to PDFs, write in the margins, and use bookmarks, keywords, and star marks? Yep. ## The Calendar App [Supernote's](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) calendar has been ahead and stayed largely the same since I first purchased the device. They were one of first, if not the first, to have Google and Outlook integration. Yes, you could use Google Play on other devices, but apps just do not work quite as well in my opinion. I like to be able to see my events on the calendar in the device, close to where my notes are and easily access it without having to open other apps. Also, being able to write on the monthly and weekly view is very useful. ## The Email App [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) was again one of the first to have integrations with Gmail and Outlook so that I did not have to have an app to see my email. While I use this mostly for reference, I have on occasions, chosen to send emails directly from the device. There is something about a handwritten note via email that just feels good. Yeah, I am a bit of a nerd, but I just love this feature. ## Premium Styli & Ceramic Nibs This may be the most underrated part of the [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) experience. I still have my original Heart of Metal I pen with *Dr. Ed Finn* inscribed on it, along with other [Heart of Metal II](https://supernote.com/products/heart-of-metal-pen-2?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) pens that I either purchased or won in a giveaway (all inscribed as well). Not only are these truly premium feeling and looking pens, but they are forever nibs. The feel and the look give the impression of a quality ink pen on stationary, especially when you combine them with the [FeelWrite](https://supernote.com/products/feelwrite-2-film?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) film. For years, I tried iPads and other tablets and nothing ever worked until I found this. ## Kindle This is just such a nice to have. While I primarily use Kobo, I do have a bit of a Kindle library and it was nice to see that this was available and provided an excellent experience. While Amazon has dropped support for older versions of Android (the original A5X and A6X run a custom version of 8.1), you can read through the built in browser on those devices. The [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) and the [Nomad](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-nomad?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) still have support and are likely going to be supported for quite some time. ## Continuous Improvement & Innovation There may be some out there who are saying "there are so many other devices that do way more things than [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR)." You would be 100 percent correct. However, I would argue that innovation and continuous improvement are not necessarily about the number of things you do, but rather what you do exceedingly well. As I mentioned at the outset, out of the box, my A5X did everything I needed. They could have left it right there, and I would be happy to this day. However, the more features they add, the better and more of a productivity powerhouse the device becomes. In just the last year, we have seen huge functional improvements. Here is a short list - Reimagined Digest (Partner App Integration) - Stickers - Inserting Text - Embedded PDF Comments - ToDos (Partner App Integration) - InkFlow (Wacom Tablet Support) - App Sideloading - Transparent Sleep Screen - InkHub (beta) - Plugins (beta - Stickers are proof of concept) Again, there are far more things that just make working with the device better every day. If you are interested in the evolution from when I first bought the device over the first three years, feel free to check out these articles: - [[My First 3 Years With the Supernote A5X Part One - Research]] - [[My First 3 Years With the Supernote A5X Part Two - Using the Device]] - [[My First 3 Years With the Supernote A5X Part Three - New Features & Enhancements]] # Every Day Carry (EDC) You hear this term a lot and it is important, especially when you think about technology. We are bombarded by it and have it everywhere. We may have a laptop, iPad, Android tablet, and we definitely have our phones. If we consider adding anything to that stack, it has to serve a very important purpose. For me, that is where [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) shines. It has been with me at work, on vacations, in hospital rooms, and in my work as a creator. The idea that one device could be that transformative and powerful was not something I could have expected. It led me to use it for course design, writing scripts, blog articles, beginning to learn to draw, cataloging meetings, outlining the process of beginning a [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdofOksT0V35qf1-zqsIXUQ), discovering [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/), and even [creating an online organization course](https://www.patreon.com/posts/introduction-to-147277486?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link). The reason the A5X, and now primarily the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), are my every day carry is because they are not intrusive, distracting, or inconvenient. There are many times that all I need is my phone and the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR). Why lug around a computer when you already have app access on your phone and relevant information already on the [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR)? It's just a waste of energy to bring a laptop unless there is a very specific need for that device. Now, I understand that workflow may not work for everyone, but for me it has been a truly transformative experience. # Conclusions & Final Thoughts So that I don't go on too long, we will end this year's reflection here. Ratta continues to innovate and develop new features and tools. While they may not be the fastest or have as many features as some, they are intentional about what they bring to users. More importantly, they bring their users directly into the conversation. Just look at what is happening in the new [Supernote_dev](https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote_dev/) subreddit, where they are inviting developers and community members to brainstorm, create, and test a new plugin architecture. This is in addition to their [beta](https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote_beta/) community that has always been active. It is worth saying in closing that I highly recommend the [Supernote Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) or [Nomad](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-nomad?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) (based on your preferred size) as what I feel is the best e-ink has to offer on the market today. It combines just the right amount of flexibility and simplicity. I would go even further and say that if support for the Kindle app is not something you need, the A5X on the secondary market is an exceptional value because it is still receiving all of the new features, including plugins, InkHub, and InkFlow. Yes, the hardware is older and not modular like the [Manta](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-manta?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) and [Nomad](https://supernote.com/products/supernote-nomad?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), but I often find myself still writing on it because it still works so well. I can't wait to see what the next year holds. It's fitting that five years ago today (May 4th) was when my Supernote arrived. After all, "The Force is strong with this one." Until next time, thank you for visiting my site and please feel free to read other [[Blog]] articles. If you are interested in more information on the the products and services I use to create my content, visit my [[Things I Use]] page. Also check out my various videos, podcasts, and social media links below. Just remember, keep moving forward. Additionally, if you are interested in knowing more about how I stay organized and want to incorporate my process into your own life, check out my [Introduction to Organization & Second Brain Systems](https://www.patreon.com/posts/introduction-to-147277486?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link) course. **| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdofOksT0V35qf1-zqsIXUQ/) | [Buy me a book](https://buymeacoffee.com/edfinn) | [Patreon](https://patreon.com/OrganizingforChange?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/edward.w.finn/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/changeagent1820/) | [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@changeagent1820)| [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/change1820.bsky.social) | [X](https://x.com/EdFinnIII) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6Tvle14n3fjG8mn0DGfO1G?si=k4B3ocohTI2EuNoFWos1GA) | [iHeart Radio](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-change-chat-274015995/) | [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-chat/id1812220268) |**