I use typing and obsidian for my notes. My wife uses Apple Pencil and Goodnotes. She can still do backlinks and everything I do, but she can also write in handwriting and sketch things quicker than Excalidraw. I’m a bit jealous.
Meanwhile, I would really appreciate an 13" eink device for reading science PDFs without zooming, so a Boox Manta looks tempting, especially seeing as I don’t own any tablet device.
But do these eInk devices really encourage better work habits than a laptop?
I am trying to think of any studies that argue one way or another on the subject - I suppose it would technically fall under some of the ongoing research in the effectiveness of different modalities for learning. From that angle - being both in the edtech field and struggling with ADHD - one of the questions I would interrogate is how different options affect the learner’s cognitive load with the normal caveat that being too focused on cognitive load impact ignores a number of other factors in learning and a hyperfocus could negativelty impact an intended ‘optimization’ strategy as such strategies restrict things that add novelty or hook into other psychological conditions affecting motivation.
That said someone with ADHD wants to use a platform that minimially affects cognitive load and evaluating a product for potential use will place a priority on selecting a platform that has a longterm likelihood of maintaining standards that continue to have a low cognitive load. And I would focus on longterm cognitive load not germane (learning curve) unless in evaluating the tool it feels like there will be a constant need to focus attention on learning the platform – which unless you feel therei s value in learning the platform would DQ it for me.
in evaluating the different strategies the things I’d look at are things like additional unnecessary sensory data native to the device and how much of it can be disabled. Tablets as a tool have been chronically kneecapped by companies integrating sound effects, images, advertisements, extra ‘productivity’ widgets and the like that cannot be outright disabled and get dismissed as being small but do add up and really can distract users. I would also look at how distracting transitionining between tools is within the use case as it will affect cognitive load and the ability to engage in a flow state. This is the one I struggle with - my backlinking in Obsidian is shit because creating links requires me to step out of my work and use a different tool. Having a drawing tool added to the hardware stack will add complexity but is that addition balanced by the additional benefits of having native integration of the tool? Or is the need for a stylus rare enough that having a tablet that can be plugged in occasionally better?
I’m rambling and avoiding the urge to go look and see what is out there now lol.
What you’re describing is not the Boox. While the bigger screen is useful and not needing to scroll a PDF is very good for keeping things simple,
it doesn’t have the simplicity of either the Supernote eink note taking devices or the reMarkable. Both of these try to keep things simple. The reMarkable has a longer reputation, but it needs a subscription to use.
There’s also the Viwoods.
I think I’d go for the Supernote, but on the other hand, getting back to the original question, maybe it’s a waste of time.
I’m currently thinking about having an e-ink tablet (I don’t know which one yet) to read, take notes and using Obsidian on the go because doing all of these on my phone is far to be convenient. Moreover, as I was diagnosed with ADHD, I think e-ink tablets would lead to less distractions.
So, I’m really looking forward your recommandations about this
I use a large reMarkable tablet as my fourth device. I find it useful for distraction-free reading and for paper-like notes. But it integrates poorly with Obsidian.
If I want to do real work with Obsidian, I prefer my Mac or an iPad with keyboard. And I like my phone for portability.
I’m still undecided, if the eInk device is worth the money and the time. It feels like a different kind of distraction. It’s another device that needs to be maintained and synced and integrated in the workflow.
I enjoy the reMarkable’s display and the sensory experience of drawing. It feels much nicer than the iPad. I like that it slows me down, so that I can think more clearly. It feels good. But I don’t get many useful results.
Mac and iPad have more temptations, but I get more stuff done.
OP - I’m not convinced a change in device has a general effect on reading; we’re all kind of in a attention deficit bubble. That is the challenge. I find a twenty minute meditation works wonders for longer term focus.
I have a small kindle for night time reading and it suffices perfectly; no distraction.
I have a scribe and it is a wonderful research tool and it’s note taking functionality is good - the kindle device allows you to search across the content of your entire library.
Until Web Clipper and Web Wiewer, I migrated highlights and notes from kindle using a variety of methods. But now, I can have kindle web reader run in a Obsidian web viewer note - no need for schlepping highlights around. About as friction less as can be.
Sorta depends on what your needs are. Device envy usually doesn’t have lasting value, but it does support the device makers.
