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Supernote A5 X2 Manta: A Modular Rival to Kindle Scribe with a Premium Price Tag
The Supernote A5 X2 Manta has entered the e-note market, positioning itself as a modular and customizable alternative to Amazon’s Kindle Scribe. With features tailored for tech-savvy note-takers and professionals, the device stands out with its ability to be upgraded and repaired without tools. However, this flexibility comes at a higher price compared to its competitors.
Modular Design Meets Sleek Aesthetics
Inspired by the sleek elegance of manta rays, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta features a premium, slim design. Measuring just 6.0mm thick, with 3.6mm-thin edges, the device offers a sophisticated feel. Its asymmetrical bezels house touch-sensitive navigation sensors, adding to its user-friendly design.
What sets the A5 X2 Manta apart from competitors like the Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa 2E is its fully modular structure. Users can easily upgrade or repair the device’s internal components — such as the motherboard or battery — by simply using a built-in switch to open the back panel. This innovative approach promotes device longevity in an era of disposable electronics.
Advanced E Ink Display for Writing and Reading
At the heart of the A5 X2 Manta is its 10.7-inch flexible E Ink display with a sharp 1920 x 2560 resolution. Designed for a paper-like writing experience, the display features palm rejection and a FeelWrite 2 self-recovery soft film. However, it lacks a front light, putting it at a slight disadvantage in low-light environments compared to other e-ink devices. If you're considering other e-readers with distinct display technologies, you might want to explore the Boox Palma 2's advanced BSR technology.
Performance and Software Made for Productivity
Powered by a Rockchip RK3566 quad-core processor, the device is paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD. The Supernote A5 X2 Manta runs on “Chauvet,” a custom Android 11 interface optimized for note-taking and productivity. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.0, with support for an optional keyboard.
Stylus and Accessories: Additional Costs
Unlike the Kindle Scribe, which includes a stylus in its package, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta does not come with one. Users will need to purchase a stylus separately, with prices starting at $59 for a basic pen and going up to $89 for the LAMY Safari Twin EMR Pen, which uniquely switches between a ceramic nib and a ballpoint tip.
For those seeking protective accessories, Supernote offers a premium half-folio case for $59. Though light and sturdy, this case lacks a pen loop; however, the device itself includes three screw-mounted pen loops as part of its box contents. If you’re comparing the Manta’s offerings to other e-reader setups, explore this list of e-reader accessories that are worth investing in.
Price Comparison and Discounts
At $459, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta is notably more expensive than its counterparts, such as the Kindle Scribe and reMarkable 2, both priced at $399 and including styluses. The Supernote’s pricing puts it in a similar premium market category as the reMarkable Paper Pro, recently recognized for its Calm Tech certification. However, owners of older Supernote A5 or A6 models are eligible for a one-time 50% discount on the Manta as a concession for slower software updates. This offer cannot be combined with previous discounts on other Supernote products, and verification of ownership is required.
Is the Supernote A5 X2 Manta Worth It?
While the modular, repairable design of the A5 X2 Manta appeals to environmentally-conscious and tech-forward users, its higher price and lack of bundled accessories might deter potential buyers. For cost-conscious readers, other devices such as the Kindle and Kobo e-readers continue to offer competitive prices especially during major sales like the Kobo e-readers' discount events.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a customizable e-note device with longevity in mind, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta offers a premium alternative worth exploring. This modular e-note positions itself as an ultra-flexible choice, albeit at a cost higher than most dedicated e-readers and digital notebooks.
