Faisal Ghaffar 
After being available in China initially, the Lenovo Smart Paper has finally been launched in another market and it gives gadget geeks a chance to get off the grid. If you do not want to be distracted by apps and focus on your writing, this paper-like tablet is the right one for you. It should be noted that the tablet does not have a new format, as there is the Kindle Scribe 2 and the Huawei MatePadPaper and some others in the market already. It remains unclear if it will see a worldwide launch.
Design and build
The Lenovo Smart Paper is very thin and is actually not much bigger than the USB-charging port that can be found on its left side. It may not be as thin as E-Ink tablets, but it is substantial enough that it does not feel flimsy and comes off as premium. It has a rigid metal chassis and works in a way that is different to any LED and LCD screen you have used. This means that you can toss it around, prod its screen and even sit on it accidentally without causing any irreparable damage.
There are plenty of details you will find in the exterior design as well. The corners of the casing are rounded gently and this makes it comfortable to grip. As for the back, there is a thin strip running under the pen cradle, which houses the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna. While you will see fingerprints on the back, they can be cleaned easily. The design is undoubtedly premium, as it feels stylish, sleek and smooth.
There is no volume rocker or speakers to be found on the Lenovo Smart Paper, but you can use connected headphones for audio output. The edges have a USB-C port, a trio of small microphones and a power button.
Screen and pen
A pen has been included in this note-taking device, which suits its style. The scribbler is mostly cylindrical with a flat edge that makes it easy to grip. There is a built-in cradle on the tablet where the pen magnetizes with a reliable and loud snap. It is comfortable to use the pen, but some might find it a bit slim.
The E-Ink display has low-energy tech, which helps with the battery. The refresh behavior of the screen can be adjusted from the pull-down settings. The HD display makes the text look sharp and there is a front light that can come in handy. It is easy to see E-Ink even outdoors and the device comes with an anti-glare coating that can be helpful.
Performance and software
The Lenovo Smart Paper gets ahead of its rivals, as it runs Android instead of its own OS. The Google Play Store is unavailable, but you can use the web browser to download external apps. It has a 1.80 GHz RockchipRK3566 processor, which delivers a decent performance.
The Verdict
While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this device, the Lenovo Smart Paper is considerably expensive for the limited use it offers.
