So what are the alternatives to the current state of the DPT-RP1?
1. Wait for software updates for the DPT-RP1. Unlikely given that the software of the predecessor DPT-S1 has remained virtually similar to when the device came out. Also unlikely given that Sony already sent out the DPT-RP1 prototype to the the FCC in July 2016. From then onwards, Sony's DPT-RP1 software team devoted its resources almost solely to killing features of the DPT S1 (direct cloud download/sync option, browser, virtual keyboard, and so on) and developing the Digital Paper App for Windows/Mac as the only way to get documents on the device (secured by a Sony certificate). The device is now totally locked down - internet access is out of the question - and the software team in more than a year hasn't spent any time on navigation features, table of contents and other features that have been industry standards for years.
2. Buy its predecessor DPT-S1. Sony doesn't sell it anymore but the price for second-hand devices has gone down greatly since DPT-RP1's release and is now slightly lower than the DPT-RP1 on Amazon/Ebay. It has inferior hardware (less sharp resolution, slower cpu/page turning and less responsive stylus) but superior software with direct cloud download option, internet access with wifi, browser, virtual keyboard (e.g. to fill in forms) and so on.
3. Buy an eInk tablet from another company. It's a blessing that Sony has no monopoly in this market. Contenders are the Good E-Reader (wouldn't recommend this, tons of bad stories of people not getting their device, crowdfunded), the Onyx Boox Max Carta (similar hardware but from what I read more of a multi purpose device - software is thus much less optimized for PDF reading and writing) and the reMarkable tablet that's released soon.
The reMarkable tablet really stands out here, their team has been working on the device for years and the story of how they got to developing the device is inspiring. You can read Harvard's Business School case study on them
here (unfortunately you have to pay for it).
The fact that Harvard picked them for a study gives them a lot of credibility as they don't pick random startups. The latest prototype of their device has also been reviewed by the
BBC,
The Verge,
Techcrunch and so on. Here is the latest video of the device, the first batch of devices is sent out to buyers in August:
Pros: has internet access, direct cloud download/syncing, email option, support for epub, virtual keyboard, navigation features, and so on - basically all features that are lacking in the DPT-RP1. Hardware-wise it's similar to the DPT-RP1. Also seems to have a very active, enthusiastic and responsive software team (their Facebook group is very active and replies within a day to inquiries). It is also much cheaper than the DPT-RP1 ($479 at the moment when pre ordering versus $699 for the DPT-RP1).
Cons: my main concern with the reMarkable is that the screen size is 10.3 rather than the DPT-RP1's 13.3. The latter is perfect for A4 - the former might be if there is a good auto-cropping feature that takes out the white margins on the sides and top/bottom of documents (however, without these margins, you have less space to write notes down). I am still on the fench regarding this.
Another option is to wait for new Onyx releases (the Onyx Note particularly) but I am not fully updated on this.
4. Use paper for now.