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

In recent times, I’ve used and reviewed varied 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 take pleasure in studying a wide range of codecs, not simply ebooks but additionally blogs and on-line articles. 

Additionally: I ended utilizing a devoted e-reader once I discovered my pill may do that as a substitute

I like my Kindle for its simplicity, however that is additionally its Achilles’ heel. Likewise, the ReMarkable 2 is primarily a note-taking gadget and would not accomplish a lot else. Neither of them has the aptitude to run apps like as we speak’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 amount. As an illustration, once I’m studying a ebook or weblog and an concept involves thoughts, I can add a notice to Google Maintain or Docs on the pill and analysis it in a while my cellphone or laptop computer. 

Additionally: I’ve tried dozens of E Ink tablets, however this Android checks extra of my bins than some other

I perceive that the Kindle and ReMarkable 2 are meant for a distraction-free studying and note-taking expertise, however having the ability to run Android apps on my studying pill improves my productiveness. In case you do not want all the additional apps and options, think about them free bonuses.

Operating on Android additionally implies that, theoretically, you should utilize 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 amount 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. In consequence, I do not find yourself doom-scrolling on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, nor do I discover myself studying scorching 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 think about this the proper quantity of expanded capabilities.

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

The person interface is unsurprisingly stuffed with customizations. You possibly can alter the performance of the 2 aspect buttons on the correct bezel, together with page-turning by way of the quantity controls, swipe gestures, show settings, refresh modes, and extra. The convenience of doing so means I adjusted the refresh fee per app, and I am not complaining.

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

Swiping down from the highest proper opens the management panel, the place you may toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and extra, like in your Android cellphone or new pill.

The Boox Web page additionally has the model’s Library and Retailer apps, full of free books to obtain. Not like on the Kindle, you may obtain different e book shops and sideload ebooks or audiobooks by connecting the gadget to a pc. Furthermore, you may take heed to audiobooks by pairing Bluetooth headphones with the pill.

Additionally: We ran battery assessments on 9 widespread 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 lets you rotate the pill to raised see web sites with wider margins. It is a sharp-looking display screen, and I prefer it. Sadly, there is no method to robotically alter the sunshine temperature relying in your setting, a function accessible 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 each day. Based mostly on my testing, the pill lasts about two weeks per cost, together with operating the Kindle and Chrome apps. The bottom storage is 32GB, and I’ve stuffed nearly 20GB in my four-month utilization. Happily, when you run out of storage, you may at all times increase 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 amount, so it matches my workflow with out inflicting any distractions. At $250, it is a straightforward suggestion, with a light-weight and slim type issue that is moveable and long-lasting sufficient to be my journey companion.

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

Whereas the Boox Web page remains 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 could have been cooler had Onyx embedded AI somewhat extra creatively, equivalent to 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.