The major disadvantage to digital e-notebooks and e-ink tablets is that some devices are unavailable in most African countries. For example, Boox and reMarkable do not ship directly to South Africa, unless you purchase through Amazon or AliExpress.

Import duties make the devices more expensive compared to other countries. And that might deter some buyers from considering these products for other readily available products. 

Supernote provides a wider delivery experience because it uses DHL as its delivery partner, and is available in most countries, including South Africa.  

The progress of dedicated e-book platforms has stalled in South Africa. Amazon still has the biggest share in e-book distribution through its Kindle Direct Publishing division.  

In the past, Kalahari.com was the pioneer in offering e-books in South Africa, until Takealot.com acquired it. Kalahari also presented us with the Gobii Devices; which were useful for e-book reading. However, the progress in digital publishing devices has not seen much adaptation in South Africa. 

Access to digital devices bridges the gap in the education system.

These days most kids can effectively use tablets before they are 6 years old. However, they do not get to use these kinds of devices in most public schools. 

E-ink devices are great for parents who are concerned about what their children are doing on their devices when they are not around.

Another problem is limited access to technology due to the lack of infrastructure development in schools. Access to technological advancement depends on each school’s progress.   

Inequality makes access to digital devices based on technology disparities a major concern in the education system. 

Devices from Supernote and reMarkable would be game-changers in the schooling system since they have fewer distractions. The main focus would be on writing and reading, as discussed in the blog post titled “Digital publishing trends will overtake the use of paper.” 

Teachers would benefit from syncing all devices available to students. By creating seamless workflow processes, each classwork or homework activity would be directly accessible to teachers as soon as it is done by the students.  

If the devices are stolen or damaged; regularly syncing to cloud storage would be helpful as it would not stop the students from continuing with their school work as soon as they get a replacement device.

Students would not need to carry a lot of books to school. Digital devices can be used for assignments. Textbooks and notes can be made available as epub, PDF, and other digital formats, and that would eliminate the printing of textbooks and class notes.   

Early access to technology bridges the gap in higher education readiness.

The learning experience of using paper and pen is problematic, especially for students who have not used technology before entering the higher education system. Having to use a computer or e-learning digital devices for the first time in higher education is something that should not be part of our educational history.

These devices will encourage students to be proficient in learning the basics of writing and reading, while also getting greater opportunities to learn in ways that will facilitate their learning experience for the future.   

Greater vocabulary acquisition will be something that students will gain since some of these devices have built-in dictionaries. Boox devices have built-in dictionaries. 

Kindle apps have built-in dictionaries and the ability to look up more information while reading. Supernote has integrated the Kindle app into their devices, which makes it more functional without downloading an additional app. 

Students will be able to do research, which is a skill that is required in higher education. The way of learning from primary and secondary school has to be more aligned with practical use cases that are needed in the real world. Technology is a big part of the real world, therefore it has to be part of the education system for everyone.  

Supernote devices are ideal for students and teachers as they will help them to be more efficient and effective in achieving their learning and teaching objectives respectively– with minimal distractions.

Advanced tools that are available through E-ink notebooks and tablets:

• Easy access to an integrated dictionary when reading through the Kindle app. 
• Artificial intelligence (AI) tools integrated within devices bring ideas to life.
• Software updates for efficiency will ensure that you use a device for a longer period.
• Security features and updates keep your information safe.
• Integrated cloud storage tools help you to continue with your work as you switch to other devices.
• A seamless workflow process with sync and email functions makes it easy to collaborate and share your work with others. 
• Organization is made easy with the to-do lists and calendars for planning.