Supernote Nomad Review
The Supernote Nomad, sold as the A6 X2, is Ratta's most compact writing tablet and a natural entry point into the Supernote ecosystem. It keeps the brand's signature paper-like feel and repairable design in a pocketable 7.8 inch body. This review looks at what the Nomad does well, where it compromises, and who should consider it.
Specifications
| Screen | 7.8" |
|---|---|
| PPI | 300 |
| Colour | — |
| Frontlight | — |
| Waterproof | — |
| Stylus | Yes |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Weight | 253 g |
| Price | $299 |
Verdict
The Supernote Nomad is a compact, repairable, writing first E Ink tablet that trades a front light and a big screen for genuine portability. If you want a focused digital notebook you can carry anywhere, it is a compelling pick.
What we like
- Excellent pen on paper writing feel with a durable ceramic tip
- Genuinely portable 7.8 inch form factor for one handed use
- User replaceable battery and repair friendly design
- Long battery life and distraction light software
Worth noting
- No built in front light for reading in the dark
- Small screen is less ideal for dense or large PDFs
- Restrained software with no full app ecosystem
- Best value depends on regional pricing and availability
Design and screen
The Nomad is built around a 7.8 inch monochrome E Ink panel paired with Supernote's FeelWrite film, which gives writing a textured, low-friction resistance rather than the slick glass feel of a phone. The compact footprint makes it easy to hold in one hand and slip into a jacket pocket or small bag, which is the whole point of positioning it as the portable Supernote.
One important trade off is that the Nomad ships without a front light, so you depend on ambient lighting to read and write in the dark. In keeping with Supernote's repair friendly philosophy, the device uses a user replaceable battery and modular internals, which is unusual in this category and helps extend the useful life of the hardware.
Reading and writing experience
Writing is where the Nomad feels most at home. The pen uses a ceramic tip that does not wear down like plastic nibs, latency is kept low, and the combination of film and stylus produces a convincing pen on paper sensation. Palm rejection and lasso based editing make longform note taking practical for meetings, journaling, and sketching.
As a reader the smaller panel is comfortable for novels and reflowable text, though dense PDFs and technical documents benefit from a larger display. Page turns are quick for an E Ink device, and you can annotate directly on documents, which suits students and professionals who mark up what they read.
Software and file formats
The Nomad runs Supernote's own Chauvet software, which favors a focused, distraction light workflow over a full app store experience. It handles PDF and EPUB reading, exports notes to common formats, and supports handwriting recognition and search, so your handwritten pages remain findable later.
Cloud sync, WebDAV access, and the Supernote Partner App let you move files between the tablet and other devices without cables. The platform is deliberately restrained compared with general purpose Android tablets, so buyers who want browsers, email clients, and third party apps should set expectations accordingly.
Battery life
Thanks to the low power E Ink display and the absence of a front light, the Nomad delivers the long standby and multi day usage that Supernote users expect from typical note taking and reading sessions. Actual runtime depends on how often you sync and how heavily you write.
Because the battery is user replaceable, the Nomad is designed to keep going even after the original cell degrades, which reinforces its appeal as a long term tool rather than a disposable gadget.
Price and who it is for
The Nomad sits as the more affordable and more portable member of the Supernote lineup, positioned below the larger A5 X2 style devices for people who prioritize size and one handed use. Pricing varies by region and configuration, so confirm the current figure through official channels before buying.
This device is best for writers, students, and professionals who want a durable, focused digital notebook that is easy to carry every day. Readers who mainly consume large PDFs, or anyone who needs a backlight for dark environments, may prefer a larger or front lit alternative.
Frequently asked
Is the Supernote Nomad the same as the A6 X2
Yes, the Nomad is the retail name for the A6 X2, Supernote's compact 7.8 inch writing tablet.
Does the Supernote Nomad have a front light
No, the Nomad does not include a front light, so you need ambient lighting to read and write in dim conditions.
Can you replace the battery on the Supernote Nomad
Yes, the Nomad uses a user replaceable battery as part of Supernote's repair friendly design, which helps extend the device's lifespan.
