E-book readers, or simply E-readers, have become quite popular these days, especially with the introduction of Color E Ink displays. While the big names like Amazon’s Kindle and Kobo have mostly stuck to their old designs until recently, other brands have started expanding their reach, launching no less than 5 or so new models each year. While that number might be a sign of a healthy market, it also translates to more waste in the long run, especially with devices that are often seen as difficult if not impossible to repair.
One player in this market, however, is trying to change that perception. Just a few months back, its latest model, the A5 2X, better known as the Manta. While it boasts its ultra-thin design, what was really unique about it was how it promoted its repairable and sustainable design. Of course, being able to open up the tablet’s back is pointless if you can’t replace broken parts inside, so Supernote’s new DIY zone makes good on that promise and also opens the door to something its competitors won’t even dare to do.
Designer:
For a product to be truly repairable, you need more than just easy access to damaged parts. You also need access to replacement parts for those, otherwise you’d still be stuck with a dead device. That’s why iFixit, the champion of the self-repair movement, has partnered with big brands to sell those spares. Supernote might not be on iFixit’s list yet, but it’s doing exactly the same thing.
The DIY Zone lists the parts of the Supernote Manta that can be replaced, which includes not just the battery but even the motherboard. The latter is a single unit, so you can’t really replace individual components like the microSD card reader or some chips. That’s still a huge step up from other brands that don’t even make their devices easily repairable on any level. Just like iFixit, Supernote also includes guides on how to pull those repairs off, and they’re pretty darn easy compared to any teardown we’ve seen.
What makes Supernote’s new DIY focus is in the name itself. More than just repairs, it is actually encouraging owners to create custom designs, at least for some of the parts and accessories. To be specific, it has guides on how to create custom pens and folio covers for the Supernote Manta, though you’ll still need to buy the core components for those. Considering the Supernote Refill for the stylus costs only $45, that’s not exactly a bad deal, especially as it saves you time and effort messing with electronics.
Supernote is definitely a breath of fresh air in this rapidly growing market that churns out and throws away devices like they’re cheap, disposable products. Indeed, the earliest Kindles and its ilk had that image, but the rising prices of these devices should probably give consumers pause for thought. Hopefully, this DIY Zone won’t be a short-lived endeavor and will spur competitors like reMarkable, Bigme, and Onyx BOOX to follow suit. Big shots like Amazon and Kobo, however, are unlikely to go down that route for a long, long time.
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