The Supernote A5 X2 Manta has just launched as the newest E Ink notebook, competing with devices like the Kindle Scribe and the Kobo Elipsa 2E. What really makes the Supernote A5 X2 Manta stand out is its modular design, which gives users the ability to upgrade or fix its internal components.
Design and Features
The name of the device is drawn from manta rays, reflecting its sleek and stylish design that balances beauty with functionality. With a thickness of just 6.0mm and edges as thin as 3.6mm, it’s quite sleek. Although it doesn’t have uniform bezels, the side bezels are even in thickness and feature touch-sensitive sensors that assist with navigation.
The Supernote A5 X2 Manta boasts a 10.7-inch flexible E Ink screen offering a resolution of 1920 × 2560. Unlike the upcoming BOOX Note Max, it does not have a front light. This display is equipped with palm rejection technology and a FeelWrite 2 self-recovery soft film for a writing experience similar to paper.
Performance and Specifications
Powered by a Rockchip RK3566 1.8GHz quad-core processor, the A5 X2 Manta comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage (up to 2TB). It runs a customized version of Android 11 known as Chauvet, specifically designed for note-taking. The device includes a 3,600mAh battery, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 Type-C, and Bluetooth 5.0, with an option for keyboard support.
Unlike the Kindle Scribe (2024) that includes a Premium Pen, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta does not come with a stylus. Users can, however, purchase various Supernote styluses starting at $59 for a standard pen, going up to $89 for the LAMY safari twin EMR pen, which allows users to easily switch between a ceramic nib and a ball-point pen.
Upgradeability and Pricing
Thanks to its modular design, users can upgrade the motherboard and change the battery of the Supernote A5 X2 Manta. There are no tools required to access the inside; you just need a switch to take off the back panel.
The price of the Supernote A5 X2 Manta is set at $459, making it pricier than the 2024 Kindle Scribe (16GB version available on Amazon for $399) and the reMarkable 2, which is priced at $399 including a stylus. Additionally, Supernote offers a lightweight and durable half-folio for the Manta weighing only 92 grams, priced at $59, although it does not feature a pen loop. That said, buyers do receive three pen loops included in the device's packaging, which can be directly attached to the device (screwdriver and screws are also provided).
Supernote has announced that owners of its A5/A6 notebooks (not A5 X or A6 X) will receive a 50% discount due to slower software updates. This one-time discount is also applicable to the Supernote Nomad, but if a user has already used it for the Nomad, it cannot be applied to the Manta. To take advantage of the discount, customers need to provide a receipt and the device’s serial number. After verification, a discount code will be emailed to them.
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