We independently review all recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Supernote Manta is Almost Here, and It’s $459
Alright, e-ink fans, we finally have some fresh details about the long-awaited Supernote Manta (previously known as the A5 X2). This thing has been floating around in rumor-land for over a year, and Supernote has been pretty quiet—until now. Thanks to a little leak from their own website (oops), we’ve got some solid info to chew on. And if you’re into distraction-free, paper-like writing tablets, this might be the one to watch.
Meet the Supernote Manta
So what’s the deal with the Manta? It’s a sleek, high-end e-note designed for people who love writing by hand. No flashy extras, no clutter—just you, the stylus, and a super-smooth writing experience. At $459, it’s definitely not a budget device, but Supernote is clearly betting on quality over gimmicks.
One thing you won’t find? A front light. And before you say, “Wait, what?,” hear them out. Most e-ink devices with built-in lighting have an extra layer over the screen, which messes with that pen-on-paper feel. Supernote decided to ditch it completely to keep the writing experience as natural as possible. If you’re the type who needs to scribble in the dark, though, this might be a dealbreaker.
How Does It Stack Up?
The e-note market is getting pretty crowded, and the Manta is stepping into the ring with heavyweights like the Kindle Scribe, Kobo Elipsa 2E, and Onyx Boox Go 10.3. The problem with a lot of these competitors? They’re often locked into their own ecosystems. Take the Kindle Scribe 2—cool device, but you’re pretty much living in Amazon’s world.
If you’re eyeing something similar to the Manta, reMarkable probably comes closest. The reMarkable Paper Pro (at a hefty $580) delivers that premium writing experience but at a higher price. On the other hand, Onyx Boox devices offer all sorts of fancy extras, but they don’t quite nail the handwritten feel like Supernote does.
The No-Front-Light Debate
Is skipping the front light a smart move or a miss? That depends on what kind of user you are. If you love that true pen-and-paper vibe, you’ll probably appreciate the lack of extra layers between your stylus and the screen. But if you like to jot down notes in bed with the lights off, this could be frustrating.
It really comes down to what matters more to you—absolute writing authenticity or all-hours convenience. If you’re looking for cutting-edge e-ink tech, you might want to check out something like the AOC XiaoQ Reader instead.
When Can You Get One?
Supernote hasn’t nailed down an exact release date yet, and with the holidays creeping up, it’s looking like we’ll have to wait until early 2025. CES in January could be the big moment for a full reveal, followed by pre-orders and (hopefully) shipping soon after. This timing would put it in direct competition with Amazon’s 2024 Kindle lineup, which is also set to hit shelves soon.
The Bottom Line
The Supernote Manta is shaping up to be a solid pick for writers, professionals, and anyone who just loves putting pen to (digital) paper. It’s simple, focused, and designed for people who care about handwriting above all else. At $459, it’s not cheap, but it’s also more affordable than some of its high-end competitors.
Of course, the whole front-light situation might sway some buyers one way or the other. If you need an e-note that works in any lighting condition, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re after a pure, paper-like writing experience? This could be the device to beat in 2025.
Now, all that’s left is for Supernote to actually release the thing. Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait too long!
