The Supernote Manta, a digital notebook, distinguishes itself through its unique approach to art and note-taking. Unlike its competitors which offer easy access to drawing tools, the Manta requires users to download the Atelier app. While this extra step might seem cumbersome, the app is free and downloads quickly via Wi-Fi, adding a dedicated art mode symbolized by a paint palette icon. This separation between note-taking and art creation allows for a more focused experience in each mode, effectively transforming the Manta into a dual-purpose device. Files created within the Atelier app are designated with the .spd extension, clearly differentiating them from standard notes and documents.
Once inside the Atelier app, users are presented with a robust set of digital art tools. These include seven different pencil weights, offering varying levels of thickness and shading, alongside five distinct ink pen styles for diverse linework. Three marker options cater to broader strokes and fills, while a less intuitive “lock” button reveals two spray pen options. This unconventional placement of the spray pen function might require a slight learning curve but ultimately expands the artistic possibilities. The inclusion of layers and a 16-shade grayscale further enhances the artistic capabilities, providing depth and control over tonal values. The pressure sensitivity of the drawing tools adds another layer of precision, making the digital drawing experience feel more natural and responsive.
Beyond the device itself, Supernote’s pen offerings contribute significantly to the overall user experience. In a market where most digital notebook companies offer a limited selection of styluses, Supernote provides four distinct pens, each with its own characteristics. The Heart of Metal Pen 2 stands out with its 10 color options, a unique feature unmatched by competitors, and despite its name, provides a comfortable writing experience. Even the more basic Push-Up Standard Pen boasts a design that mimics a traditional pen, offering a familiar feel. This attention to pen design sets Supernote apart, catering to users who value the tactile experience of writing.
One of the standout pens is the Lamy Safari Vista EMR Pen, a digital adaptation of the renowned Lamy Safari pen. This pen offers a lightweight and comfortable writing experience, so closely resembling its traditional counterpart that it can be mistaken for a regular pen. The Heart of Metal Pen 2, while heavier due to its metal construction, offers a different but equally comfortable writing experience, suitable for extended note-taking sessions. This variety in pen options caters to diverse preferences, allowing users to choose a pen that best suits their individual writing style and comfort.
The pens designed for the Supernote devices, including the Manta and the smaller A6 X2 Nomad, are also notable for their lack of charging requirements, eliminating the inconvenience and potential disruption of battery depletion. This feature simplifies the user experience, ensuring that the pen is always ready for use. The combination of multiple pen options, high-quality design, and the absence of charging requirements makes Supernote’s pen ecosystem a significant advantage for users.
However, the Supernote ecosystem, while excelling in pen options and artistic capabilities, does have a notable omission: the lack of an eraser function. This absence might be a significant drawback for users accustomed to digital erasers or those who prefer the flexibility of correcting mistakes on the fly. Similarly, the lack of a physical keyboard integration might deter users who heavily rely on typing for note-taking. Therefore, the Supernote Manta and its related devices are best suited for users who prioritize handwriting and sketching, and who are comfortable with a less conventional approach to digital art creation. For those users, the Supernote Manta offers a compelling combination of a responsive digital notebook experience and a robust art creation platform.
