Good to know. Is there a single app that's suitable as both a notebook and reading/annotating pdfs? And would restricting the device to one app affect your ability to transfer files to the device over iTunes?
I find (1) to be the biggest snake oil of electrophoretic displays. The only case where it's remotely true is direct sunlight. In normal indoor lighting conditions they severely lack contrast/whiteness/blackness compared to a good screen or printed book, and are hugely dependent on proper lighting, for example your hand will give it shadow so you're practically forced to use the frontlight if your device has it (reMarkable doesn't), as it's almost impossible to light evenly and match the background otherwise. In other words, when reading indoors they have all downsides of paper with none of the upsides. It just doesn't work as "paper replacement", it's strictly inferior, and feels like a downgrade compared to modern active displays.
(3) is mostly matter of choice, and it's a feel of matte plastic, very far from actual paper.
(2) is the only reason I'm using it. It's thin (although not as thin as a piece of paper) and single-purpose, a physical product.
For what is worth, I am fully convinced that (1) (the paper-like visual feel) is completely true, not a snake-oil claim, even if it is just a perceptual placebo effect that is masking the ostensibly true nature you described. Placebo effects matter ;)
I guess I should also have added (4) this tablet is a lifestyle and fashion statement about having the disposable income to use it instead of an actual high-quality paper notebook.
I use iPad for some note taking (or rather, presentation planning). The responsiveness is good. I can’t deal with any lag in these devices so have never felt the need to try remarkable. Stuff like the surface work well when it’s the high end models but then you’re paying the same price as an iPad anyways!
(1) e-ink for both paper-like visual texture (the pixels are not square) and eye comfort (impossible with traditional screens)
(2) single-purpose note-taking without distractions (although some hate that)
(3) paperlike haptic feel (the only thing that can be addressed by screen cover on an ipad)