Some of us are old enough to remember Etch A Sketch toys. There were no batteries or Wi-Fi needed, just two dials and a small screen that allowed to draw to our heart’s contempt. Nearly 65 years after their initial release, and E-Ink has become a staple for many of today’s tablets.

What Are E-Ink Tablets?

Electric ink tablets utilize a screen where millions of microcapsules are underneath, filled with Black and white charged particles that react when an electric field is applied, creating images, words, and other visuals. There is no blue light, minimizing eye sore, compared to tablets with LED/OLED displays. Some models do use a front light, but this lighting is built in the front of the screen rather than behind it, distributing light more proportionately across the screen and minimizing light being shined directly into your face.

Because there’s no LED/OLED display, E-Ink tablets consume much less battery than normal tablets. Its design is intended to give users the closest feel to writing on paper. However, don’t expect the display to be anywhere near as vivid. They also aren’t cheap, as the top models can cost at least $400. E-Ink tablets aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re ideal for notetakers, readers, and minimalists who want a more natural experience while using a tablet.

What Are The Best E-Ink Tablets?

The E-Ink tablet market has expanded rapidly in the last few years, giving people a wide variety to choose from, with many types catering to specific needs such as being able to have color e-ink, downloadable apps, and more accessibility than just notetaking. Here are some of the more popular names in the industry.

Honorable Mentions

Another solid option is the Amazon Kindle Scribe, offering the best compatibility with the Kindle app compared to other tablets, allowing easier reading and annotations with Kindle books. It also allows PDF edits. The latest version currently costs $449. There are previous generations that are in the $200-$300 range.

For a budget-friendly option, the Kobo Sage is currently $269. It can also edit PDFs, is compatible with Dropbox, and has a larger screen than most E-Ink tablets for those who want a larger display. The reading and writing experience isn’t as fast and smooth as the pricier competitors, but it does offer compatibility with a third-party app called Calibre, that allows users to import and read Kindle books.

Will E-Ink Tablets Take Over The Tablet Market?

It’s very unlikely that they will, as the display and limitations in video and photo are not going to appeal to the everyday person. The price tags for these devices are expensive, when considering that they are significantly less robust than popular tablets such as iPads, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel tablets. But for students, researchers, and those who have light sensitivity, E-Ink tablets will continue to be a great alternative option.