I did not count on this Android E Ink pill to beat my Kindle, however one function units it aside

Lately, I’ve used and reviewed numerous E Ink merchandise, together with Kindle e-readers and the ReMarkable 2. Whereas they’re very completely different, they share one widespread limitation: restricted performance. I get pleasure from studying quite a lot of codecs, not simply ebooks but in addition blogs and on-line articles. 

Additionally: I ended utilizing a devoted e-reader once I discovered my pill might do that as an alternative

I like my Kindle for its simplicity, however that is additionally its Achilles’ heel. Likewise, the ReMarkable 2 is primarily a note-taking machine and does not accomplish a lot else. Neither of them has the potential to run apps like right this moment’s finest telephones. That is the place the Onyx Boox Web page is available in.

I’ve primarily loved utilizing the Boox Web page as a result of it runs Android. It is a simplified model of the OS however expands the capabilities of an e-reader in simply the correct quantity. For example, once I’m studying a e-book or weblog and an thought involves thoughts, I can add a notice to Google Maintain or Docs on the pill and analysis it afterward my telephone or laptop computer. 

Additionally: I’ve tried dozens of E Ink tablets, however this Android checks extra of my packing containers than another

I perceive that the Kindle and ReMarkable 2 are meant for a distraction-free studying and note-taking expertise, however with the ability to run Android apps on my studying pill improves my productiveness. If you happen to do not want all the additional apps and options, take into account them free bonuses.

Operating on Android additionally signifies that, theoretically, you need to use Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and extra on the Boox Web page, however as David Pierce of The Verge talked about in his Boox Palma story, there’s simply the correct quantity of friction. I ran YouTube once I reviewed the Boox Tab Extremely C in 2023, and the app expertise was horrible; E Ink shows simply do not refresh quick sufficient for movies. Because of this, I do not find yourself doom-scrolling on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, nor do I discover myself studying sizzling takes on X.

Additionally: My favourite Kindle accent model simply launched an iPad case at CES – and it is pure genius

I’ve Kindle, Flipboard, and Chrome put in on my Boox Web page. The primary two are meant for studying books and on-line tales, whereas Chrome lets me browse the web for analysis and ideation. I take into account this the proper quantity of expanded capabilities.

The Boox Web page comes with a flip case, which gives good safety, however the magnets are on the stronger facet, so that they take a assured tug to flip the duvet again over the show.

The consumer interface is unsurprisingly filled with customizations. You’ll be able to modify the performance of the 2 facet buttons on the suitable bezel, together with page-turning through the quantity controls, swipe gestures, show settings, refresh modes, and extra. The convenience of doing so means I adjusted the refresh charge per app, and I am not complaining.

Additionally: I lived with this outsized 25-inch Android pill for every week – this is what shocked me most

Swiping down from the highest proper opens the management panel, the place you’ll be able to toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and extra, like in your Android telephone or new pill.

The Boox Web page additionally has the model’s Library and Retailer apps, full of free books to obtain. In contrast to on the Kindle, you’ll be able to obtain different e book shops and sideload ebooks or audiobooks by connecting the machine to a pc. Furthermore, you’ll be able to take heed to audiobooks by pairing Bluetooth headphones with the pill.

Additionally: We ran battery checks on 9 standard tablets – this mannequin lasted the longest (and different shock outcomes)

The seven-inch E Ink show options an anti-glare layer on the highest, which makes it a pleasure to learn. Plus, the shape issue permits you to rotate the pill to raised see web sites with wider margins. It is a sharp-looking display screen, and I prefer it. Sadly, there isn’t any method to mechanically modify the sunshine temperature relying in your atmosphere, a function out there on gadgets just like the Kindle Oasis.

The Boox Web page is rated to last as long as six weeks when you learn one hour day by day. Based mostly on my testing, the pill lasts about two weeks per cost, together with working the Kindle and Chrome apps. The bottom storage is 32GB, and I’ve stuffed virtually 20GB in my four-month utilization. Happily, when you run out of storage, you’ll be able to all the time broaden it with the microSD card slot.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Onyx Boox Web page expands the capabilities of conventional e-readers by simply the correct quantity, so it matches my workflow with out inflicting any distractions. At $250, it is a simple advice, with a light-weight and slim type issue that is transportable and long-lasting sufficient to be my journey companion.

Additionally: This straightforward Kindle accent significantly upgraded my studying expertise (and it prices lower than $25)

Whereas the Boox Web page continues to be on Android 11, the e-reader has additionally acquired a number of smaller updates because it was first launched, with the most recent patch including an AI assistant (as a result of, why not?), powered by ChatGPT. It will have been cooler had Onyx embedded AI a bit of extra creatively, resembling producing character voices in fictional audiobooks, however for now, the chatbot is there when you ever want it.

This text was initially printed on July 24, 2024, and was up to date on February ninth, 2026.