Supernote Nomad

2 min read Original article ↗

We completely understand why a frontlight/backlight is a valued feature in other e-readers, especially for low-light reading, and how convenient it can be.

At Supernote, our core philosophy is centered around providing the absolute best handwriting experience possible – we truly believe in "for those who create (write & sketch)." To achieve this, a deliberate design choice was made to forgo a frontlight/backlight, and here’s why:

1. Unmatched Pen-on-Screen Feel: Our Supernote pens feature an incredibly fine ceramic nib. Adding a frontlight/backlight requires an extra layer on the screen (even a thin 0.25 mm one), which would create a small but perceptible gap between the pen nib and the writing surface. This subtle distance would compromise the natural, seamless, and precise pen-to-paper feel that our users cherish. We prioritize this intimate connection for an optimal writing and sketching experience.

2. Extended Battery Life: As an added benefit, omitting the frontlight prolongs the device's battery life. This allows for longer, uninterrupted creative and productive sessions without the constant need for recharging, giving you more freedom to focus on your work.

So, while we appreciate the convenience a frontlight/backlight offers for reading, our decision not to include one is a conscious compromise made to deliver what we believe is a superior and authentic handwriting experience, directly aligning with our mission. It’s about optimizing for that specific, precise connection between pen and digital paper.