Reflections about E-ink tablets after 2 years of use

Thoughts on Using E-Ink Tablets: A Tool for Creativity and Efficiency

After two years of using multiple e-ink tablets, I've had the chance to explore their many use cases and how they fit into my daily routine as a designer working in an architectural firm. E-ink tablets have become one of the most valuable tools in my creative process, and today, I want to share some thoughts on how they integrate into my workflow and life.

Working in architecture, I rely on both digital precision and the creative freedom that comes from sketching. Over the years, I’ve tested various productivity apps like Notion, Google Keep, OneNote, Apple Notes, Obsidian, and even Excel to track tasks and ideas. These apps are all incredibly useful for organizing and storing information, but they fall short when it comes to capturing handwritten notes in a meaningful way. For me, that’s where the e-ink tablet comes in.

The Limitations of Digital-Only Note-Taking

While I’ve experimented with many apps for organizing my thoughts and projects, they always seemed to lack something fundamental—namely, the freedom to write and sketch by hand. I even tried using a Boogie Board (a simple electronic writing pad), taking pictures of my notes and saving them to my phone. But it was a cumbersome process with too many steps, and I never found myself actually going back to review those notes.

Writing, especially in a creative field like architecture, is more than just putting words or ideas down—it’s about the process of getting your thoughts out in the moment, whether it’s a sketch, a number, or a quick scribble. This is why handwritten note-taking has always been such a powerful tool. It offers the freedom to be as structured or haphazard as you need it to be at any given time. You might carefully outline your thoughts with bullet points and headings, or you might just jot down a quick idea to revisit later.

Apps, while incredibly useful, don’t replicate that experience. But e-ink tablets do.

The Appeal of E-Ink Tablets

E-ink tablets are an interesting blend of the old and the new. They combine the tactile satisfaction of handwriting with the convenience and flexibility of a digital device. The screen itself has a paper-like quality, offering just enough texture to make writing feel natural. It’s not just the physical experience of writing, though; it’s the practical benefits that come with it. No matter how many notes or sketches you create, the tablet remains compact, eliminating the clutter of physical notebooks.

One of the major advantages of e-ink tablets is their infinite canvas. Unlike traditional notebooks, where space is limited, an e-ink tablet offers endless pages, giving you the freedom to brainstorm without the fear of running out of room. For an architect like myself, this is especially helpful when sketching ideas, annotating plans, or drafting quick diagrams.

The Integration of Handwriting and Technology

As an architect, I find that my work often requires a mix of analog and digital approaches. There are days when I don’t touch my e-ink tablet at all, especially when I’m in full production mode and focused solely on my computer. On other days, when I have time to brainstorm or plan out edits for a design, my e-ink tablet becomes an invaluable tool.

One of the best things about the e-ink tablet is its versatility in meetings. If I have a PDF version of my presentation notes or architectural plans, I can easily scribble annotations, circle key areas, and highlight sections that need further updates. This ability to write directly on the PDF during a meeting is far faster and more efficient than trying to describe changes through a text note in a digital app.

There’s a certain clarity that comes with being able to sketch out ideas, even in a digital format. For architects, a hand-drawn sketch is still one of the most effective ways to communicate ideas. It bypasses the need for lengthy descriptions or explanations. In many cases, it’s easier and faster to simply circle a key idea on a plan than it is to type out detailed instructions in a note-taking app. The e-ink tablet fills this gap, serving as a bridge between the hand and the mind, much like paper has done for centuries.

Handwritten Notes for Better Focus and Clarity

One of the often-overlooked benefits of writing by hand is how it helps you focus and think more clearly. In a world dominated by digital distractions—social media, constant notifications, endless apps—there’s something grounding about putting pen to paper (or stylus to screen, in this case). Writing by hand requires more intentionality. It forces you to slow down and truly process your thoughts, which can lead to better ideas and solutions.

Research has shown that handwritten notes improve memory retention and comprehension compared to typing. The simple act of writing engages different parts of the brain, helping you to organize your thoughts in a more meaningful way. Whether you’re jotting down meeting notes, brainstorming ideas for a project, or simply sketching out a design, the tactile nature of handwriting on an e-ink tablet offers a level of engagement that digital typing alone can’t match.

E-Ink Tablets: Not for Everyday Use, But Perfect When Needed

Now, I must admit that even though I love my e-ink tablet, I don’t use it every day. There are times when it sits on my desk for days at a time, unused. This is something I’ve come to accept, and it’s an important realization for anyone considering investing in one. After spending a considerable amount of money on an e-ink tablet, there’s often an urge to use it constantly to "get your money’s worth." But in reality, it’s not a device you’ll use every single day.

Like any tool, its value comes from how and when you use it. There will be times when you need it, and when that moment comes, the e-ink tablet does exactly what it was designed to do—seamlessly and efficiently. Whether it’s for sketching ideas, annotating plans, or taking quick notes during a meeting, it’s there when you need it, and it excels at those tasks. The key is to not expect it to be something more than that.

It’s easy to forget why we buy certain devices in the first place, especially when they don’t get used as often as we might have anticipated. The e-ink tablet can quickly turn into a "white elephant" if you don’t have a clear idea of how you want to use it. For me, it’s a tool for sketching ideas, calculating numbers, and annotating PDFs during meetings. And while I don’t use it every day, when I do need it, it saves me time and improves my efficiency.

The Importance of Having a Clear Purpose

At the end of the day, the e-ink tablet is best suited for those who have a clear purpose for it. Whether it’s for professional use, personal journaling, or creative sketching, knowing exactly why you need one will help you get the most out of it. For me, it’s become an extension of my work as an architect, helping me bridge the gap between digital tools and the creative freedom of handwritten notes.

In meetings, when I have my PDF notes or architectural drawings on the tablet, I can quickly and easily mark up changes, circle areas for revision, or sketch out new ideas. This process is far more intuitive than trying to type out notes or explanations. There’s a great efficiency in being able to handwrite notes directly on a slide or plan, eliminating the need for lengthy digital annotations.

For architects and designers, this ability to sketch and annotate is particularly important. There’s a reason why hand-drawn sketches have been a staple of the profession for centuries—they’re often the quickest and most effective way to communicate ideas. E-ink tablets bring that same level of efficiency into the digital age, acting as a bridge between traditional methods and modern technology.

Conclusion: A Tool for the Creative and the Practical

In summary, my experience with e-ink tablets over the past two years has been both practical and creatively fulfilling. While I don’t use it every single day, the moments when I do need it make the investment worthwhile. It’s a tool that enhances my workflow, allowing me to sketch, write, and annotate with ease. More importantly, it offers the freedom and flexibility that traditional note-taking apps often lack.

Ultimately, an e-ink tablet is not just another gadget—it’s a tool for those who know exactly what they want to achieve with it. If you’re someone who values the balance between digital efficiency and the tactile satisfaction of handwritten notes, an e-ink tablet might just be the perfect addition to your creative arsenal.