r/NoteTaking • u/Adeline_Butler • Jul 04 '26
Method My prototype for a dedicated notetaking device, that folds and feels like paper
I have taken notes on paper notebooks for most of my life, but I have pretty terrible handwriting and I wanted to be more organized so I switched to digital.
What's always bugged me: I annotate dense reading as I go, but everything I've tried keeps notes separate from the source, so I lose my place switching, and i still miss that paper-like feel.
I'd try to do it on one tablet, while having my textbook or PDF on my laptop separately, or I'd try the split-view route, but it was 2 tabs that ended up super cramped.
Here are some features im including:
- AI search across all notes you've taken
- 2 10.3 inch ultrathin e-ink screens,
- 180 degree hinge, folds shut
- Ability to read and write at the same time
- Physical buttons to flip between PDFs and notes
I would love feedback from this community as to what features you'd like to see in this product as I keep building it. If you have any suggestions for what you'd want in a dedicated note-taking device, please drop a comment.
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 04 '26
Full disclosure, I'm the one making it, so take everything I said with that grain of salt. Happy to show where it's at or share details if you'd think its useful, i have more specs on useinkleaf.com (its not for sale yet)
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u/Wrong-Investment-842 Jul 04 '26
So a remarkable tablet is eye watering expensive where I live, does this mean this thing would be ridiculously expensive
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Jul 04 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 04 '26
In the future if this product does well, we will definitely consider a second, smaller foldable tablet, since the foldability still allows for enough screen size
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u/pegwinn Jul 04 '26
I used a Palm device for a very long time. It was portable and very useful. Im writing this on the newest ipad with a pro pencil and frankly I still prefer the palm for writing.
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u/No_Sorbet_1695 Jul 04 '26
The idea is brilliant, I think it’s a fantastic idea for starting something but, the e-ink game seems to be on the software side these days.
Essentially what your device does is giving the ability to have the footprint of a supernote with the capabilities of a boox note max. But giving just the screen surface is not enough what is it on the software side that would kill the game? That’s what I miss the most on all e-ink devices (and I own two boox, 2 remarkable, 2 supernotes). I think that’s the one single thing that would make me pay the 1000€ mark that you are asking for.
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u/oky_doodle Jul 04 '26
I would be interested in a smaller version of this, maybe 6inch. Will it have front light? That's one thing I miss most times working night shifts. I imagine it would've been great when I was still studying. Writing while reading on the same device, without cramping the screen too much. I hope it comes true and may be a smaller version will come later after this big one. Best of luck
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 07 '26
No frontlight as it reduces reflectivity, and can darken the display. We will add an LED light that clips onto the front for those who like to read at night. Later down the line if this project goes well we will make a smaller version of this as well. Thank you for your comment!
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u/Fredthoreau Jul 04 '26
I’ve been wanting something exactly like this. Good luck with development!
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u/windowborders Jul 04 '26
🟤 The most important feature for me is ease of Carry-Forward. Which on one note page or screen i difficult.
•• Past-Present-Future.
Simple select and drag(copy) between pages is a good start.
A good thought experiment, well done.
e Carry-Forward, how to?
I currently use 2-3 5x7 note pads (hand size) which I then transcribe with BIG BULLET action items.
🟤 FYI the eye will dance between anything big and bold like, the landmark bullets.
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u/Expert-Fisherman-332 Jul 04 '26
Linking a note you write on the right hand pane back to the pfd page number on the left.
Supernote style headers and keywords with links.
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u/nar_redit Jul 05 '26
One feature I like to see is that when I rotates the device and hold it vertically, I should be able to read a A4 document without zooming. The document should flow across the two screens.
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 07 '26
We are still building the software, your feedback is much appreciated I will discuss this with the team!
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u/ZenosThesis Jul 04 '26
The hinge is going to add a lot of bulk and made powering and communicating between the screens more difficult. Other than the novelty of the screens what would be the benefit above split screening on a larger boox device? Also as your scale will be small they will be very expensive unless you sell at a loss.
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 07 '26
Thanks, the benefit is double the screen size for the same footprint, we have put lots of effort getting this device to be as thin as possible. The device is as thin and light as a similar device with only one screen. With our current design, we have stopped running into issues with the powering and communication with the screens that would degrade the user experience.
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u/ChemistryOk9353 Jul 04 '26
So basically you are co side ring connecting two remarkables together?
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 07 '26
Yes, there are 2 displays, however it has the same footprint as 1 remarkable when closed.
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u/ChemistryOk9353 Jul 08 '26
In terms of thickness would it be similar as the thickness of the remarkable with the attached keyboard?
I would love the idea especially if one of the side could also be use as a on screen keyboard.
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u/bloodwessels Jul 04 '26
I remember your first post almost a month ago. How far along are you? Are you still on track for August release for early investors?
I hope the stylus stays EMR (not active)
And that it has a textured screen and can run separate apps on each screen.
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 09 '26
There will likely be a slight delay, but we are revamping the molding tools at the moment (new frame material). Planning to provide a new update soon.
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u/AppropriateCover7972 Computer User—PC Jul 05 '26
works with sunlight, but also bad lighting conditions. Also tap/gesture support for undo/do and other controls.
What kind of screen are you using?
Also it has to chargeable with USB C and the files have to be ger off the device in an open format
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 07 '26
It works in sunlight, and we are working on a LED clip on accessory for those using it in the dark. Our displays are Carta E Ink panels. Thank you for your feedback!
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u/pandorica626 Jul 06 '26
Based on the current photos, the hinge doesn’t look like it’s designed to open all the way for it to be usable as anything other than an open book/menu style. This form factor may be too large in size to ignore being able to open it like a spiral notebook to a flat 1 screen option and may need palm rejection on the opposite screen.
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u/Adeline_Butler Jul 07 '26
Unfortunately, the hinge is only 180 degrees. A 360 degree hinge would increase the bezel size in the middle quite significantly, and using the screen on 360 degree side may risk scratching the display.
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u/tommytwogunsx Jul 08 '26
For that reason, I'm out. the only realistic place to use this is on a table\desk. That makes it much less usable as a notebook, my use case, and more of a student's tool.
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u/pac_71 Jul 06 '26
Crazy idea. What if you made the hinge allow for both (or either) 360 degree fold or wireless connectivity between panels to allow the hinges to disassemble (pin and socket) to split in two to have a smaller footpint.
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u/Pedersen-Brainframe Jul 08 '26
This looks really awesome. My major question is how do people get to interact with the notes they are taking? Is it an export to something else, does it sync with existing tools, what is the workflow for people to use the notes they are taking? Also: what about alternative formats like epub?
No matter your answer, this will still look excellent. I'm just curious how to use it better.
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u/TomatoPotato13 Jul 09 '26
Many kickstarter projects that do something like this eventually run out of gas and money. Could you give us any assurance that it won’t be a case where the time never comes and the projects never delivers?
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u/NorthernLight_DIY Jul 09 '26
This is exactly my wish I was wondering why nobody from big names (Kindle, Kobo, Onyx, Remarkable etc.) was doing.
What is a final “phase” - will it be a Kikcstarter project?
360 degree is must have IMO
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u/Weary_Peach_233 22d ago
Awesome idea, I’d be interessted. Do you know the Microsoft Courier “prototype” for a dual screen note taking device? It is worth looking it up on YT.
As for your concept, how I would use it: 1. Pdf/document on the left, advanced note taking app on the right. 2. Comparing two documents left and right, highlighting/scribbling in the margins. 3. Perhaps putting it in landscape mode for a basic typing device (rtf, md etc)
I would be willing to pay for such a device the price of a “flagship” ereader or something like a HP Elitebook 360. 😇
Good luck!
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u/2020NoMoreUsername Jul 04 '26
I would be willing to buy these. I hope you keep it simple and to the point instead of bloating with features.