E Ink tablets are perfect for those who enjoy jotting, scribbling, or doodling without wasting paper. However, modern e-notes can also be more sustainable. Supernote’s 10-inch Manta model is modular, allowing for upgrades or repairs as needed.
The A5X2 Manta represents the latest iteration of Supernote’s E Ink devices, which trace back to the Linux-based A5 in 2018. The company, with a history of about 15 years, originally focused on developing point-of-sale card terminals and payment systems.
Similar to the previous 7.8-inch Nomad, the Manta demonstrates the company’s commitment to reducing electronic waste by enabling users to upgrade components. The back cover can be easily removed to access the internals for component replacement, including the motherboard, battery, and storage expansion. Additionally, Supernote provides free software updates without the need for subscriptions.
Supernote
The Manta features a 10.7-inch E Ink display with a resolution of 1,920 x 2,560 pixels. Although it does not utilize color E Ink like some recent e-notes, it uses Carta 1300 technology with 16 levels of gray. It comes with a contoured soft film for a more natural writing experience and lacks a front light, requiring well-lit environments for optimal use.
With a focus on creating a device that users enjoy handling and moving with ease, Supernote has managed to make the Manta incredibly slim at just 3.6 mm thick and lightweight at 375 g. The device includes a USB-C port, touch-enabled sidebars for easy navigation, and various gesture-based functions for drawing and editing.
Supernote
The e-note is powered by a customized version of Android 11 called Chauvet, optimized for writing tasks and supporting various file formats. It also enables handwriting-to-text conversion.
Internally, the Manta boasts a quad-core Rockchip processor with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2 TB via microSD card. Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and cloud sync capabilities with services like Google Drive and Dropbox are included.
Priced at $459, the Manta requires an additional $59 for the standard pen input (featuring a durable ceramic nib) if not already owned. Availability is limited due to high demand, with pre-orders being accepted until stock is replenished.
Product page: Supernote A5X2 Manta
