I had the Note Air 2 and slowly I was using it less and less, the audible app had stopped working, the lag and the lack of color started irritating me. Now with my newTab Ultra C it is another game. There is no lag when typing, no lag when browsing and the colors help a lot. Day and night. I was also positively impressed by the weight, only 60gr heavier without covers, so I can still use it with one hand for reading in bed without any cover. Yes the protruding camera is very irritating (I use a little piece of blue tack that I stick it next to the camera when in the case and put it on the opposite side when I want to write for a long time without the case (much thinner and practical without the case). When traveling I like the keyboard cover, sometimes it can replace the laptop. But I am not such an avid hand written notes taker, I love it more for reading and emails.
Very interesting to hear your point of view. I have had my Ultra for about 1.5 month. I use it everyday, approx 3-4h a day and I love it. One selling point for me was the fact that i can pair it with the bluetooth keyboard i already had and it works great for typing in google docs etc. I think videos like this is important to really make the point that specs and hype is one thing, personal preference a nother. There is no "one size fit all" in tech. 😊
I only used the Kindle scribe and the Tab Ultra C. The Scribe did too little and the Onyx does too much. But I don't mind too much because it gives me options. The Camera is a non issue as I always have it in the cover anyway and it's a nice way to add pictures to my journal or scan a document. I also got the keyboard and while I use it rarely it gets the device to a point where I can realistically leave my laptop at home and just remote into my desktop for example. The thing is that I don't just want to replace pen and paper with one device. I can replace my iPad Pro or Surface Pro with it AND pen and paper and a Kindle. It's not yet perfect but it's like 95% there for my use cases.
I have the Note 2 and the Tab Ultra C. I really enjoyed the Note 2 and used it extensively, but it was getting really slow and had problems running some apps. I was ready for an upgrade which is the Tab Ultra C. I will not comment on the color experience because this video is about the Tab Ultra. I think Boox missed with the protruding camera as does almost everyone else. But all my electronic devices (phones, tablets, Eink, etc) are always in a case. I want something to protect my devices from mishaps and I certainly want to protect the screen when not in use. So, I ALWAYS have the cover on, and that eliminates any issue with the bump. The cover is very thin and hardly noticeable when folded back in the open position. Neither does it add significantly to the weight. So, I don't understand the aversion to using the case. The case can definitely be improved. I want magnets to keep it in the open position rather than those sticky spots (which I keep covered because I don't like them.) I also want something that truly secures the pen. Though the magnets are quite strong, I still end up knocking the pen off, and I don't trust that it would ever prevent the pen from getting lost. The keyboard cover does better with the flap that wraps the pen, but it is more bulk and weight than I want to always have, so the keyboard case, which I really like having for the few times it is useful, doesn't work most of the time. I haven't had a problem with the edges yet. Yeah, it's there, but it doesn't affect or annoy me. The surface for writing is totally fine for me. Before the Boox devices, I used my Surface tablet for writing, which doesn't even attempt to provide anything but a completely smooth surface. I was delighted to not have to use paper for many things and was happy with the Surface in that regard. So I have no need for a paper-like writing experience. I don't see why paper is somehow the standard to be pursued, and I've been happy using any my electronic devices for writing, and that certainly includes the Tab Ultra. I can appreciate style, but that is not even secondary to how something works, it is just a little frosting of pretty minor importance. I develop a connection with a device based on how well it works, not on how it looks. The OS works for me. I don't care for the new home page layout, but I got rid of the boxes for notes and books/documents and instead use the icons (I think I had to add a couple) at the bottom to navigate when needed. The rest of the home page is filled with app shortcuts, and that is working. I would also like a somewhat lighter device for use when not on a desk, but it doesn't have to be super thin either. I don't understand the focus on thinness that I often see. I find the speed and minimal ghosting to be very pleasing, and when using the Tab Ultra C, it indeed does give me a clear sense of satisfaction. It has been a great upgrade from my Note 2. Now if they could downsize it to a 7-inch device or upgrade it to a 25-inch device (both with color) that would certainly grab my attention. Nothing is going to please everyone, and those who don't like it should definitely look for something that they can live in harmony with. But for now, my search is over.
Voja, what a personal and relatable take. I feel similarly, except my displeasure is with the Tab Ultra C (which I purchased after your initial gasps of glee and excitement during your extended quick look video). After having it for a few weeks now, I am going to return it and keep my Note Air 2 Plus, for basically all the same reasons you've mentioned. It just doesn't feel personal. It feels sterile. I feel a sense of calm and peace holding my NA2+ which I don't get from picking up the TUC. I know the TUC is more powerful, but I just don't like it as much. It doesn't *feel* as nice to use. The screen is too dark and needing backlight on all the time negates the simplicity and immediacy of e-ink. And the screen doesn't feel nearly as good to write on. If I were in your shoes, I'd sell it and pick up a NA2+. I promise you'll enjoy it so much more. And yes, totally agree that a Note Air 3 incorporating the GPU would absolutely be the best of both worlds. If and when that ever comes out, I'll definitely be selling my NA2+ to upgrade! Thanks for your amazingly thoughtful and detailed reviews. -Matt
Sorry to hear that you're not getting used to your Tab Ultra. I think it's a good thing that different companies take turns in bringing out the best devices on the market. Since your first impressions video on the Tab Ultra C, I have actually bought a unit and been using it for a few days now. I use it mainly for reading content, scrolling through pages in the browser. I'm very very impressed by the speed and the colors look very gorgeous being controllable by the front light and warmth sliders. Love the size of it too. I think you are right with your first impression that it's the best colors eink on the market right now.
I am also consider getting a Tab Ultra C but am still waiting for some details about battery life. Do you already have experience about how long a single charge last for you?
@@tranvanluu didn't measure but so far I'm liking battery drain. You can go a week for sure if you read like 1-2 hours per day. Maybe even longer not sure. Don't know if that is considered good in the eink market or not
Voja, I agree with your conclusion. I recently received the new Tab Ultra C, and after dealing with several days of frustrating bugs, especially in the notes app, and then losing hours of work reviewing a contract in the pdf app due to a bug, I decided to sell my Tab Ultra C. Also, with my Remarkable 2 and iPad Pro siting on my desk next to my Tab Ultra C, I had no urge to pick up the Ultra C, instead always going for my Remarkable 2 for the significantly superior note taking ability, or my iPad Pro for every thing else. The Tab Ultra C just seems lost. It tries to be a full tablet that competes with the iPad and Samsung tablets, but it falls flat. It tries to be your note taking device, but writing on the screen feels like writing on glass (and I already have this on my iPad), and so writing on the Remarkable 2 feels so much more satisfying. Also, someone at Onyx fell asleep and forgot to include the highlighter pen. One of the main reasons for going color is the ability to highlight your notes, but not on this device. And don’t get me started on the bugs. Finally, the colors on the Ultra C are so washed out that it is almost better to use a black and white device.
My only issue is that camera bump, an useless and annoying thing. Other things I can compromise. For Note series on the other hand, the 8mm extra width is annoying for me, device looks too wide.
Voja - It’s so entertaining in ways to listen to your language as you describe the situation. I don’t know of any other tech related channels that use terms like “connection” (ie: emotional), “feel right”, “not inviting” etc. But as I gaze to the background of all your guitars, I smile and understand. In many ways, Boox breaks my technical heart. So much potential, so much frustration. Bottom line is that “aimless” is probably the best description of their approaches. Almost continually experimental. Specifically, - inconsistent functionality across reader/notetaking - confusing design choices for software and OS maintenance. - Over abundance of immature features - what happened to “less is more” in design? Overall the Boox is striving to be too much of everything, sinking users into a myriad of choices, decisions and often errors on almost every operational choice.
I own an Tab Ultra C (after upgrading from an Tab Ultra recently). I do not get the "taste" point, I like the "clear" appearance of the device how it is. I can understand all other points, and they are annoying me too, but only slightly. I use it as a full tablet replacement, and though it is not perfect in some use cases, most of them it handles fine enough and the friction points, may it be in the performance, the UI or the physical flaws, are not big enough for me to not use it.
What do you mean you don't get the taste point? Taste is a 100% subjective thing, and a design, an approach, experience will be according to, or not, someone's taste :) That should be the easiest thing to understand of all :)
@@MyDeepGuide I mean for me that is not a point, neither a plus or a minus. The device could be ugly af, and I would not mind, as long as it fulfills all my needs and the usability is fine. To some degree I am even repelled by devices that care too much about design (or "beauty"). Apple products for example. But yeah, that is 100% subjective.
I feel this video so much! I’ve tried most modern e-ink tablets but I didn’t find the one that fit for ME until I tried the Remarkable 2. I totally wrote it off because it has so very few features compared to everything else but in the end that’s what makes me love it. I just want the ultimate notebook and in a super thin, metallic frame that does what I need for work and journaling and it does that for me.
Interesting video. I love my Tab Ultra. I don't have the issues with the physical properties that you have. Still, it was interesting to hear your take on it. I use mine every day. V3.3.2 does have a lot of issues, however. Boox has always been very slow with updates. I hope a bug fix update comes REAL SOON!!! Love your reviews and your MDO!!
I'm watching this video as I await for my Supernote to arrive either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. The Tab Ultra is on sale now so I was having a bit of FOMO. Luckily, your video has given me some peace of mind. Thanks!
I think what I am getting from you evaluation is that his device lacks personality, and that's a big factor in your desire to pick it up. You don't just want a tool, you want a device that feels like a companion, and this device's design cues feel... very... corporate? Some exec is carrying this around in his padfolio. He's not using it for a creative purpose. I think it's a qualitative assessment that's very valuable to a lot of people, even if it's a very personal one.
Yes, that is exactly what I wanted to share with people. From time to time, I will share my subjective view and take on the devices. 99% of the time, it's all purely objective on MDG, but sometimes I do have the need to share a personal side as well :) So I am glad at least one person got it, as I can se quite a few people simply missed the point of the video, but that's fine too :)
I agree and thanks as always for your thorough review. I mistakenly have purchased 1/2 dozen Boox devices because the hardware is excellent and I assumed the software would catch up. Recently I bought a Supernote and will never look back. It works perfectly TODAY as opposed to next year.
For work and development writing: Supernote A5X. For reading, journalling, organizing, browsing and basically everything else that is not computer centralized: Note Air 3C.
Writing to you from a Tab Ultra C using handwriting... Just get a quality leather case from Etsy. Now you have style, no sharp edges, and no camera bump. (I asked for no camera hole in mine.) Also, get the Kaweco CONNECT EMR stylus. (I asked for my case to have the right size pen loop.) You can even buy the EMR unit separately and use any Kaweco Al Sport or a number of other pens from other manufacturers. So the style will be totally "you". There is an add-on clip available in two styles and several colors. The nib was too grippy for me, but replacement nib was fine(?!) and it also takes Lamy Z107 nibs. And you can try a screen protector to see if the writing experience improves for you. As for the software, yeah, it is not intuitive. Important functions are hidden. Too many options where I don't need them and too few where I do. I am hoping it eventually becomes second nature. They need a simple optional skin - and they actually do have a simplified Home page that you can get to via a swipe. Or could try a launcher. But that does not help Notes or Neoreader.
As someone waiting for a Tab Ultra C to arrive this has me worried! This will be my first non-kindle eink device though so I won’t have anything to compare it against.
yes, Voja, feel the same way. Bought me the Ultra C. Unfortunately I had to realise that the Software and Hardware promise more than you get.The most incredible thing is that they have probably forgotten to implement a easy working Highlighter Function on the Ultra C, without using another layer underneath. Anyway, I can't find them. Do you know where this is "hidden"? ...all the best for your move.
My studies were *_'heavily'_* built around paper note taking with piles of papers and folders relating to various topics stacked everywhere, and all this while loose notes literally slid off my table... so the Supernote suits me perfectly with the addition that I'm not distracted by discovering what more it can do or what apps it can run as with my Macbook. My Supernote doesn't, nor can it be used to _'entertain me'_ and personally I find that limitation productive, whereas if it could run videos, play games or allow me to gain access to social media... I'm certain it would directly challenge my productivity. If my work required much of what Boox offered, then I'd look towards something like the iPad and as I have mentioned often,... that leaves me wondering where Boox is heading and what would happen if one of the giant tablet manufacturers slapped an e-ink screen in one of their devices with the addition of a great note taking app.
I imagine Boox is exactly heading for the very sizable mainstream iPad/tablet audience, but who would see the benefits of an e-ink screen. Both because of eye comfort, and longer battery-life, but also because you can actually use an e-ink device perfectly well outside on a sunny sommer day, which really doesn't work well with any regular tablet or iPad. So it allows for much more work or leisure use outside in the fresh air. If they'll succeed in that or not, I can't say.
@@Aaliyashi My point exactly, can Boox compete with the likes of Apple if Apple slap an e-ink screen in a version of the iPad, they'll probably both be around the same price but which will the masses choose if they did? Personally, I think they'll go for the iPad especially if the colour e-ink is performing well.
I have also the TAB Ultra for two days and the same things are not good for me. I am think about Note Air 2 or Tab x - both for rounded edges. Thx for sharing your opinions
It's a fascinating difference here. The Tab Ultra is *massively* better than other eink devices for me... But what I want is an eink replacement for things I did with a Surface Pro. So playing better with other android is way better to me. The software feels much more like regular android which is a big improvement to me.
I completely get it. I have the Note Air2 plus, the green one, and I smile just staring at it. The way it feels really makes up for many software annoyances.
Do you have the same feeling with the Ultra C ? One the the ting turning me off the Supernote devices is the lack of google play integration as i use an enterprise version of google suite. Doc, sheet etc. If only Supernotes could support it natively that would been great.
First of all, I scribble on paper and if (rarely) electronically, then on my Likebook Alita. I bought the Note Air (1) because I liked the look of it - I just don't use it; I wanted it as a garden/summer/sun computer, but: - I think it's stupid that the power button and USB port are placed in such a way that they are not accessible when the cover is closed. - It annoys me even more that the design is landscape-oriented, but then the power button and USB port are on the lower edge and the device stands on it. Then came Tab Ultra; I can use this device the way I originally planned with Note Air - I can even track the mouse pointer while working. And best of all, the camera lets me save whatever paper doodles are worth saving. I now have a Tab Ultra C, still doodle on paper and rarely on my Likebook Alita
Thanks Voya, i appreciate your honesty. Personal preferences are important and i think a bit of reality is always helpful on youtube....too many one off enthusiastic reviews from shills and not enough measured, user- case focussed opinions. Love your work.
I understand what you mean about needing to have a connection. I have the RM2 and enjoy it very much. I use it on a regular basis. I also have the Nova Air C, Bigme Galy and Tab Ultra C. I use the Nova Air C when I read and take some notes on it. I do not like the Bigme Galy at all. It is a poor device. The Tab Ultra C is something that I have not made a connection with. I am torn between keeping it and selling it.
I get a weird glitch in notes where it freezes. I can sometimes continue writing but none of the menu tools work, and have had it not save or corrupt my notes when this happens. Have you experienced this? I am generally liking the device except for the slow startup and this odd freezing glitch. I also recently switched to the plain cover as I was finding the keyboard one too heavy and was not making any use of it - although I liked the little flap that secures the stylus.
The Tab Ultra is my first e-ink tablet. I got this one over the others primarily for the variety of options it has (I strongly desire options and flexibility), the native handwriting to text feature which the others did not seem to have, the backlight option for using the device in bed with low or no light, and the lack of lag which I really need. (FYI I have brainstorms and ideas further in this post.) I got the device and used it for a few weeks personally and professionally before the pen became an issue for me. Something about the tip being pushed too far in and so the math is all off. When I go to write, it starts writing before i touch the screen with the pen. I am currently getting new titanium tips and the doodroo paper like cover (Voya, thank you so much for that video) to see if they help. I hope that with additional sensory feedback that the pen is touching the screen I will not push down so hard and so I will not push the tip in too far. I may also have to get a new or different pen, but I am trying the new tips first. Update: so far so good. The new tips and doodroo screen protector work perfectly together for me and i no longer have the pen issue. Time will tell if i find the doodroo too rough on my fingertips. Update: no, no issues with my fingers or hands. Once I adjusted to it, I stopped noticing it. I always use the device in its case so the camera is not an issue. However, both cases for the device are annoying. I am afraid of using the keyboard case, because the keyboard is all exposed when I just have it folded all the way back, but I also do not like the native case for how the front does not fully secure to the front and the lack of the pen holder strap. For now, I compromise by using both. I have the device in the keyboard case to have the pen strap (which I need to use at work), and then I rest the whole thing on the native case to help protect the keyboard. I may also try taking the pen strap off of the keyboard case and putting it on the native case, not sure. I have not noticed the sharp edges much, but I also write with my left hand so that is less of an issue. My left hand ends up resting on the half inch left margin of the device so I do not run on the edges much. Perhaps a way to mitigate this for right handed people would be to permanently/manually rotate the screen 180, so that the half inch margin can now be on the right. The manual rotation options allow for that at least. Just brainstorming here: perhaps other ways to spice up the device could include using washi tape around the edges to give it some color and help soften it. Idk if nail polish would damage the device if put on the edges, but that could work as well. Decorating the cases could be another option, perhaps especially the inside so you can see it while using it. Could also decorate the pen. I personally find that adjusting the backlight of the device to warmer tones and settings is helpful. I think that helps me to find the device "warmer" and not "cold" in terms of personality. Could be something to try. I don't have any personal experience with the Note Air series and they look the same on camera. Idk if there are additional ways to bring over the pizzazz of the Note Air to the Tab Ultra, but this might be an area to brainstorm in. I assume the tool savvy could also "sand down" the sharp edges themselves with the right tools. I'm sure this would void any warranties, but it could be an option.
I really appreciate your comments on all these devices and sure hope the Onyx development team pays attention and makes some changes in line with your suggestions. . The lack of a paperlike feel to the writing is indeed a downside I would not like to buy into and so I am going to wait for more of your reviews to show a device that is good. I am now tempted to buy a Note Air 2 plus version to use until the best unit becomes available, as in the end one should be allowed to use two devices at the same time to good effect, or would there be problems with that? . Can a person access their own account on two devices at the same time? . The reason I would like to do that is so I could read a document with one device while recording voice notes on the other, so the exact file would not be open at the same time, but it would be the same person accessing the account on two devices. . So could you find out from the company whether that is possible? It should be if they want to sell multiple devices to the same person. . Also, ask if a person has a certain amount of cloud storage for one device, does one get a doubling of cloud storage if one has two devices? . Also if one sells a device how does the new buyer get a place on a server?
So is there a solid e-ink tablet for Internet? I love my Supernote for not taking. For music, and a host of other things. I run a D&D game, and everyone like using pathbuilder for this which I admit is slick but I hate using my lcd iPad for that and Supernote while great for my gaming notes and things can’t surf the Internet to use things like pathbuilder. I’d really like one ink device for both my notes and using sites rather than multiple devices. If not ultra then what fits that bill?
I personally really love my remarkable, mainly for writing. I also love the high PPI and high contrast display by Kindle Scribe for reading. For Boox Tab Ultra, it felt like a dream device when I first got it. I put in a screen protector which fixed the writing experience. Now what bothers me is that the display looks blurry compare to Kindle's 300ppi displays. Also the backlight is not as satisfying, either. So I am also considering to sell it. However that is also the only e-ink device I have today that can read eTextbooks from my kindle library. Even the Kindle Scribe can't read them!
Hi there, I see you are also a musician. Could you test a presonus notion mobile? If I can write with a pen on an e-ink device, it would radically improve my composing workflow.
Thanks for this “different” review. I really like the technology direction that Boox is taking especially with color but haven’t pulled the trigger due to the camera bump. Helpful to know your POV of the “android like” ux was not an improvement… I fear the same for me as I own but don’t use frequently android devices compared to my small but mighty Nova air2. Sometimes a bit more screen real estate would be nice … am holding out for the nextgen (hopefully color) NA or color 13.3.
Did you record this before the Tab Ultra C unboxing? I skipped a few boox devices as I was using the remarkable and jumped back on the train with the Tab Ultra C - I have to admit it is the best eink device I have experienced, however what really drives me off using it more, is how heavy it is and how unpleasent it is to hold in general. Maybe an ugly TPU case could be the rescue or a Note Air Ultra C (sounds like tooth paste)
For me the camera was a deal-breaker. My dream would be a 10 inch device with GPU, no camera, 300 ppi, no color and the special surface of the kindle scribe so good for writing.
The other day I was watching a chinese review of the Tab Ultra, to my surprise that version did not have a camera and even a different color that the one we can buy, it seems that they sell to the Western Market what they believe will sell instead of doing proper research, thanks Voja for your great videos.
I bought a Tab Air 2 just before seeing your review of the Tab Ultra. After seeing the performance of the Ultra I bought that and returned (Amazon) the Air 2. I didn't use the Air 2 much but I agree the "feel" of it is much nicer. The Ultra is a "slab" and the sharp edges are uncomfortable, I've made a sort of wrist rest to use when I'm writing on it on a flat surface. I initially found the Air 2 interface confusing. I suspect I've found the Ultra easier because I was further along the learning curve rather than it was actually better. I don't have enough experience of other devices to comment on usability and features.
I have a Note Air 2 and a Tab Ultra C and I totally agree with every point Voja makes. I'm also feeling more "emotionally attached" the my Note Air 2. I think it's the more elegant device. BUT the Tab Ultra C now has color and that's a whole different game. I guess Voja recorded this video before the release of the Tab Ultra C so I'm really looking forward to his opinion on that device. All in all I think the Tab Ultra should not seen as the successor to the Note Air 2. Although on paper it looks similar (but with better specs) it actually feels like a complete different device. In my oppinion the Note Air 2 is still the better device for reading and note taking. But the Tab Ultra has another focus. With it's high speed, the built-in keyboard and especially the color it's more designed to be an allrounder. It can be much better used for working tasks such as writing e-mails and scrolling through documents. As it's heavier you will also use it more often connected to the keyboard. In combination with the eink display and the longlasting battery it's a small but good replacement for a laptop, for example if you have to work outside.
I am going through the similar dillema before having used any of them. I discovered Note Air 2 Plus and thought okay I want it. Then I saw Tab Ultra C, but did not like the dim screen. Then made up my mind that I would get the Tab Ultra, thought the folio keyboard will come in handy for quick email replies. I also plan to use the device as a paper notebook replacement. Then I came to realize that writing on the Tab Ultra feels like glass. I already made a mistake of buying a Surface Pro couple of years back as a paper replacement. Now I don't want to repeat it again. But having seen Ultra, don't want the Note Air 2 too.
Hi Voja, I had bought a Note Air 1 after your comments, and decided to switch to Ultra C, again after your first impressions. I had to sell the Note Air to fund the Ultra C, and I have to tell my heart broke, too... In the end, I found Ultra C to be: - gorgeous as it is a colour one and a huge kudos for the GPU... I really can treat it as a tablet, not just an e-reader. - I am not put off by the screen writing experience, rather the opposit: the pen sticks to the side so well that I always keep it there, and it urges me to use itself... - I am a bit tires already by the edges, although not as sharp as the ultra, still annoys while doing getures - Likewise, never used the cam, never will... waste of money - The Note Air sticky cover was better than the one comes with the Ultra C, when I flip it backwards to rea das a book, it dangles... so annoying - I find it useless without the lights at min 70% on, unlike Note Air - However; one spec makes it all worthwile: 300ppi! It makes all the difference to me... Now the comics are much easier to read... - It still does the book reading bit ;) rather well, with lights on of course... My feeling is that you bought two very similar devices, Ultra and X, one of them would be useless anyway... Thanks to 300ppi and a good connectivity chip, I use my Ipad Air less and less... (Now there's my overlap... If they had the same OS, one would have to go...) Thanks for your efforts and videos, you're doing a great job!
@@bocarsall3797 Not as bad as I feared it would be, but it is hard to give numbers... If used as an e-reader for books, it lasts long, say maybe a week even... However the device begs to be used for coloured content, and some online content i.e. newspapers, internet browsing etc... I think the wireless access and rapid screen changes eat up the battery fast, maybe 2 days for a full charge?
I find the sprawling feature set to be a real problem even using the existing devices let alone newer ones. For the reading use case, there still is no book series sort option and the 3rd party dictionary integration in version 3.3.2 doesn't work at all. Even the existing dictionary doesn't return any English language definitions any more, just a hilite. These features all work without issue on a current Kindle but have degraded with each Boox firmware upgrade. Less emphasis on hardware upgrades and more on getting the primary use cases of reading and writing working smoothly would make the devices a better value proposition. As it is now, I use my Kindle more for reading than the Boox because of the software issues, the opposite of where I started out.
Based on your experience, my speculation is that the color screen development started before the OS updates in the Note airs. I think they are pushing too much on the hardware and sacrificed the software continuity and consistency.
I dislike camera bumps on any device that isn't a dedicated camera, period. It sticks out as a design flaw to me. Not only does the device wobble on a flat surfaces, the camera is more exposed to getting damaged.
What about Supernote? I have Note 1, and I agree that after version 3.x, it has become slow as hell. I had to discard writing on OneNote because it became unusable for work. I saw your video about Supernote before, and I'm looking at it for some time, and it seems great in terms of features, but I don't know if the battery has improved.
I never managed to "connect" with my Boox Max 3. Every time I try using it I find myself looking for alternatives: My Kindle Voyage, my iPad Pro or simply my desktop. I thought the problem was with the lack of front light, and so thought about upgrading to the Ultra X, but now after having seen this video...
Thanks for this review. I appreciate that you are up front about these being subjective things that bother you, but I'm a little curious that you didn't mention any of them during the Tab Ultra-C unboxing. You seemed legitimately excited about the Ultra-C, which seems strange given the identical form factor to the Tab Ultra.
My apologies - I went back and rewatched the unboxing video for the Tab Ultra-C and you clearly mentioned the things you didn't like right at the beginning. My memory was fuzzy because you were so impressed by the image quality of the Ultra C later in the video. Thanks again for the great reviews/impressions.
Thanks for taking the time to check it, not many people do :) Also, this video was recorded before Ultra C was announced, or I had it in my hands. I will need to spend more time with the Ultra C to see if these existing issues bother me as well, and if I am able to connect to it more, due to it's better image quality and color screen.
Thanks for the great video. I have the bigme inknote color plus and was getting some fomo when the tab ultra c launched, but this makes me happy with my decision. The bigme has a lovely form factor, it has a camera but it's flat so it doesn't ruin the writing experience. It has a lovely surface for writing - I prefer it to paper. Some software glitches but regular updates are improving them all the time!
I'm in the same boat as you! I have the inknote color+, am really enjoying it, but am constantly seeing posts for how great the tab ultra is, etc. I think for me, the inknote does everything I need it to do, and I'm not sure I'd take advantage of the added functionality of the Ultra C, as nice as some of those features are. But I find myself thinking about it over and over again because the Ultra C is the 'flavor of the month' device right now. In the end, I think I'm going to stick with what I've got, using the Supernote for work and the inknote for casual home use. Also, totally agree with the writing surface, I really enjoy the film they put on the inknote.
@@jeffreymoss I was mostly thinking the software might be better on onyx but sounds like it's not the case. There are a couple of niggling bugs on the bigme at the moment, most annoying I'm finding chrome won't change from hd to normal or extreme mode (toggle moves but performance stays the same) but customer service said there is an update coming in the next few days to fix that.
Personally I like the aesthetics of the Tab Ultra. I can understand why some might find it 'boring,' but to me it is more 'understated elegance.' Sharp edges? Meh. Grow some callouses! But seriously, they don't bother me much, however, I also can grasp why someone accustomed to the well-rounded Note Air series would find this characteristic a regression. As to the camera bump, however, I agree with you 100% I'm not sure what they were thinking (or smoking) over at Onyx when they made this design choice, but it was a dreadful mistake, and I'm frankly disappointed that they have not already eliminated it from the Ultra-C. It just needs to go. Please, Onyx, banish that stupid camera bump, never to return to any of your devices *per omnia saecula saeculorum.*
Voja, I thought you *have been* Supernote-first, even after the first Tab Ultra released, it was just the impression I got when you had that best of 2022 video. About the only thing that kept me from finally taking the plunge on the Supernote was seeing what the Scribe might bring, and then news of the Ultra C started popping up. I can totally understand having what is "supposed to be" a better device, making a conscious effort to adapt to its quirks, but ending up sticking with a better fitting one though. Ergonomics is important, but one of the things I've learned the past few years is that for anybody "going out of their way" to use a pen to get words into a digital device is that ergonomics between hand, pen, tip, tablet, and table is super critical. (And writing software too). Anything that even barely creeps in as a distraction to getting thought to paper/epaper is a creativity killer (usually by a thousand small cuts). And that's even if what digital brings to the table is machine-searchable text and a really high information to physical size ratio, on top of whatever else a modern tablet gets ya. Because, hey, at the end of the day it is still possible to just go back to a few $1 notebooks, $20 fountain pen and some highlighters, and $10 bottle of ink and write for a couple of years. And yet I'm still eyeing that Ultra C...and still also stuck thinking about the Supernote.
It's the same - form factor, software, etc. Also the same being powerful and dramatically the best eink device if you want an eink version of an android tablet
If these things are a hinderance to your enjoying of the device I do think it's best to part ways with it. You should not be using something that pisses you off lol The only issue of these that bothers me is the protruding camera, but I always have the case on it and so functionally it has never gotten in my way.
I feel you! I have returned my Ultra. Lack of antialiasing is a dealbreaker for me. Also it is too slow (5 full seconds to open onenote!!) Random logouts at worst possible moments when I need to write something down quickly - terrible experience. Sell it! Wait for Boox to hire a new UX staff.
Interesting. I agree about the 3.1... updates. I like the device less since the update. I agree about the shape of the device. But the latency on the tab ultra is so low that its my favorite for writing
Thanks for this personal insight into Boox and where they seem to be going wrong. I'm torn between a 10+ inch Boox (Note Air2 Plus?) and the Kobo Elipsa 2e - being based in the Uk reduces my buying choices. Are you planning on covering the Elipsa 2e this year? I've been holding off my purchase decision waiting for your review!
Hmm. These ergonomic issues would likely apply to the Tab Ultra C as well. Even if they came out with a Note device with the new CPU I don’t suppose you could use it with the Ultra keyboard. They would likely keep that just for the Tab line. We do not have a roadblock for their product line, unlike Supenote.
I use a Logitech wireless and Bluetooth multidevice keyboard with my desktop computer, and I also have it connected to my Tab Ultra C. I don't use it a lot, but when I have, it has worked flawlessly. I don't see why it wouldn't also work fine with the Tab X.
Voja, have you considered the Bigme inkNote Color + Lite? Yes, the software is not as fully developed yet as the Boox, but the hardware is superior in terms of the feel in hand, screen writing texture, no external camera bumps, SD card slot, and Kaleido 3 color with 300 DPI in B/W as well as 150 DPI color. They reduced the RAM to 4 GiGs and EROM to 64 GIGs (+ whatever you put into the SD card slot) to cut the price to $500, but it is a great compromise at a value price.
Yeah. I'm waiting for the A4-ish-sized Supernote for some of these reasons, and because the Ultras are too small for my use case (long-form writing). The TabX is almost there, but it-bafflingly-doesn't have a way to store the pen on the device itself-gah! Can not any manufacturer just get the basics right? Also ... so expensive. That being said, the lack of a front-light on the Supernote gives me pause. These devices are not white paperlike. They are a light gray. Plus, I have middle-aged eyes which doesn't help. I turn on the front light (at a low level) on my Kobo Forma even when I am reading in a brightly lit area. This is a reason the color einks are just not interesting to me yet. They still need a lot of improvement. Anyway. Great rant.
I have been ranting about the lack of stylus storage forever ....it's a writing device FFS. I like Lenovo's magnetic gutter solution....they should all have something like that.
Amen to the middle-aged eyes and a supernote. It is a problem, and it's going to be the first devices to go when I get some time to carve out to do some shopping. Never again.
I keep saying the problem with Tab Ultra is the form factor. It is heavy and sharp edges are not helping either. I only use it for less than 3 months and I sell it right away. I am now in between Supernote A6X (easy-to-carry note-taking device), Kindle Scribe (just got it and love it for reading) and Huawei PaperPad (full tablet experience, with the performance of Tab Ultra but better form factor)
You clearly from your videos need to be connected to your devices, almost some kind of emotional thing, but also the creative process at times needs no distractions, and the things you list are certainly distractions. Personally, I am function over form, but my interactions with my devices are very bursty. I only read on my kindle or my nook. I don't like the size of the bigger tablets for reading. I use my tab for PDF's because of the bigger screen. A real 13" screen android tablet when I need color. Supernote for note taking/quick drawing/sketching, because it works, and i only use the two apps and don't care about the other stuff. Short lists/reminders go on the samsung note phone. But my work and use of these devices is very bursty except for the kindle/nook. Look up something in a PDF, read a couple pages, set it down, and don't touch it again for 3 hours. THe supernote gets used many times, but purely as a to-do list/done list, and it's up and down like a yoyo. But in the end, we like what we like. Same reason there's a bunch of different kinds of cars and computers and monitors and couches and coffeemakers. I hate the camera bump. With a passion. Dumbest design decision out of them all. I dont' write often/long enough to notice any of the other issues, and for me, it's whichever tool I need for the job I need. SOmetimes when companies try to do everything, they do nothing well. Sounds a bit like your experience.
I might be wrong but it looks like the quality of some of the Boox teams (softw eng) is converging to the remarkable ones. Too many incomplete, frustrating, and often just flashy updates, and lack of communication/clarity from the company. They use to differ in this
Unfortunately to hear that from you. Maybe you are using too many good E-ink tablet?. Just got my tab ultra C. Maybe the colour got me excited moving from my old Note air 1
@@waspbr Unlike Voja, i'm not a writing person. I mainly take note using keyboard. This make the tab ultra line alot more suitable for me than note air devices. And the colour really making the experience using some apps better, less boring. It's also 300 ppi, which I used to using my kindle. The only downside is the filter make the screen abit darker than I wish. But i think time will get me used to it.
Great video. I feel the same. I love the performance and that I'm able to install all the apps I need, from Kindle to Office and Teams. I mainly use the Tab Ultra for taking notes for work, but for reading I come back to my Note Air 2. I hate the camera, although the cover helps so that the Tab Ultra is at least flat on the table, but the camera is so useless for me. Physically the I don't have an issue with the ridge on the front, but it looks so ugly and not premium at all. I love that the cover attaches magnetically, but why the heck does the front not keep closed as well with magnets? On the software side I now have issues with the text recognition. The words that are recognized (Language = German) are fine, but it simply omits have the words on the screen and therefore is basically useless. I think this was caused by the last update, but I'm not sure. I think Boox has all the right components in there line-up, they don't bring it together. My Franken-Boox I'm waiting for would be: - 13.3" Kaleido 3 screen - Design of the Note Air line - Micro-SD slot - GPU of the Tab line - No camera - Stronger magnets for the pen attachement - Magnetic Cover with magnets on the back + front, no segmented front - Keyboard Cover like the Remarkable one, where the keyboard is hidden if not in use
I know some Boox managers are obliged to watch this video, so read my comment as well, too. :) Bought Note Air 1 (with pre-applied paperlike screen protector and the magnet on the side) in September '21, using it daily. I read and perform music with it, I make notes and outline plans and daily routines. I also use OneNote app quite extensively both with a stylus and a BT-keyboard. However, stylus performance is very meh in OneNote. The Boox layer on which you actually write with small latency glitches all the time, and there's no proper palm rejection. So I'm thinking about buying a tablet supporting stylus to use it with OneNote instead, if situation is not gonna change in the upcoming patches. Luckily, I have no experience with Tab Ultra or any other more advanced E-Ink devices, so I never had the chance to feel how slow my Note Air is. Ignorance is bliss!
You can go back! I have a great condition Note Air 1 I refused to update, so it has the software before the updates you speak about (nice and stable - I watched your video about the new updates and didn't update). Has pen and case too. So you can go back, just buy my device from me =) or, swap it with me for the Tab Ultra C + some money from me, I think I can manage the things you mention and I would prefer a bit more speed. Happy to send me device to you first before you send yours, as I am an unknown to you.
I don't have or had ever an Onyx device, there always bugged me. For e.g I need at least 128GB storage and all these years they didn't go over 64gb and an extension wasn't possible, so bought a competitor. Recentlly I bought an new device and decidet against boox. The choice was between boox tab ultra c and bigme inknote color plus and in the end I made the decision for a few reasons against boox.
@@MyDeepGuide I know, the example is years old, they yoused 32 GB storage back then, max 64. I think it was at the time or short before the first vesion of the note air came out or about 6? years ago. Back then you could extend your storage with their OTG dongle. I use my devices primarelly to read Comics, Manga and of cause books witch takes space away, a few hundret MB for 1 grafic novel is nothig. As someone without a plan, to much content, you hoard some for convienience for later read.
Why not simply use a Dropbox or Google Drive close storage, and then transfer collections you will need for certain periods? Or you simply want everything available at all times, regardless of your needs?
@@MyDeepGuide DRM and I want my stuff on my device and not in cloud, the problem is that I don't know when I want something or what. I like to have a biger library on my device because I don't always have access to Internet and I hate micromanegnt, what can I say, Im lazy. It's simply more comfortable for me, mentally, to know that I have something and don't need it then need something and don't having it. Everyone has his own fetish.
We need more real use people that use a device like less, i bought an e ink device for use in my every day work, and to take and keep some personal notes, regular tablets just dont have the battery life and are completely useless in direct sunlight, i still have my remarkable 2 but much prefer the file system on boox, the scribe is completely usless compared to boox and remarkable when it comes to note taking, i would agree about the camera but it might just be software i have not tried a 3rd party app yet since google drive will not let you use there scaner on the boox for some reason, but thx again for your work, i just wish we had some other prospective
Well, I simply don’t trust Boox software or my notes with them. There is always a bug or something wrong, their cloud solution sometimes don’t sync properly or you get logged out and can’t access your notes. I started with a Note Air 1, a Supernote and a Tab Ultra and now I use these devices like this: Nova Air 1: Removed the screen protector to improve clarity and just use it as a big ereader with backlight Supernote: My go to to write notes Tab Ultra: Run Android apps on an eink screen like Obisidian This way I can have book on the note air 1 and write notes about it with my supernote. Use newspaper/library apps on the Tab Ultra and write notes about it with the supernote. Boox can cram all functionality (hardware and software wise) on their devices but if it has bugs and it’s half baked it’s worth nothing If they had announced the Tab X first i would have bought that instead but now I can’t be bothered to sell the tab ultra at a loss to buy a tab x as that would have been better for my usage. Perhaps I’ll consider a Tab X C if that gets released as the eink app/tablet substitute but I’m not using notes on Boox devices anymore, especially in a professional fashion.
I kind of get where you are coming from. But i think the comments were unnecessarily harsh towards this device as the tablet aesthetically is meant to be an understated device with a beast under the hood. And i think its targetted towards a professional audience who want the performance without needing an orange line which would be covered up with a protective cover anyway. All that matters is whether it can handle whatever is thrown at it. In the e ink world, this device has enough under the hood i think for a few years of future proofing if your needs include annotating on pdf's, an incredible speed when searching through a 600 page documents for key words at work. What i see the Boox Ultra as is a wonder piece of paper that you put on your desk the whole day with your notes wide open (because Boox now allows you the option of never sleeping) and thats what i do. I leave it open the whole day lying on my desk, without screen saver or anything. Its a piece of paper waiting for you to write on it. Its your audible dock where you tune in to your podcasts. Its your library to access every pdf work document on google drive which syncs after doing your annotations. I think the reason why the Boox tab ultra "lacks character" is because the company has made an e ink device that has so much under the hood that people dont know what to do with it because it is a different animal whose strengths need exploring. Boox Ultra and Boox Ultra C is an open ended device that i think we have only scratched the surface if we can dream up possibilities to fit its very unique build. Ill probably will never own a remarkable because its just too basic and powerless like most of the other e ink tablets up until the Boox Ultra Line of e ink devices. Regards to the camera, from the design standpoint, the reality is that it was always designed to be used together with a protective cover. The bump i think is the only thing preventing the tablet from sliding off the magnetic case. What i would say is that their keyboard cover does the tablet the most disservice because its so easily disconnected. After getting the case without the keyboard, i found myself using the Boox ultra far more! Id rather use a blue tooth keyboard than the keyboard. Why not give the Boox Ultra another chance and use it with the keyboardless cover. My primary struggle with the Boox Tab Ultra was finding an application for it that would totally maximize its innate property. One of those applications i thought was useful was to use it as a programmable bluetooth key board precisely because it has such a good life span, it just sits on your desk like a keyboard. And i use it for doing architectural drawings where a command which would need 6 key strokes can be replaced with just one peogrammable button. I think that makes alot of sense and makes it one of the reasons the Tab Ultra and Tab Ultra C is still on my desk setup
Sounds like you are disregarding the whole point of the video, which is, my personal, subjective impression of the device. For the objective view, you can watch the in-depth review, but this is my own opinion and impression of it, and wether or not it is harsh, the "unnecessarily harsh" point doesn't make any sense, when we are talking about a purely subjective point of view.
I didnt disregard that this is your subjective opinion which to me is still harsh because the device is no where as bad as you painted it. Hence my subjective response since u did say you wanted to hear the opinions of your viewers. Objectively speaking though, the one who is disregarding opinions isn't me.
When did I say that the device is bad? I keep repeating that it is an amazing device, and I literally say "I wish I could enjoy all of its awesomeness" :)
Read again, it's no where as bad as you painted it. You were literally saying the Ultra has so many negatives that you want to sell the device.. which person would sell a good device? U didn't even have to say this is bad device. The whole vibe of the video was that this tab ultra is a horrid purchase decision even though its so "amazing.
It seems like either you are intentionally missing the point of the video, or your mind is closed off to the message of the video, which is, an objectively superior device will not be a 100% guarantee that you will be happy with the purchase, and that quirks and issues a device has (as no device is perfect) can have a much bigger effect on how, or even if a person enjoys or uses the device in their day to day routine.
It would be worth considering cutting down on the number of devices you have to increase your overall satisfaction with the ones you keep. More choice is good but only up to a point, after which happiness decreases rather than increase. Lots of evidence on this from psychology research, they call:"overchoice". A different user who only has the Tab Ultra and no other similar devices are highly likely to find themselves very happy with their purchase, sorry about that.
Well, no, that doesn't really apply, because consider the situation I was focusing on. I owned and used primarily my Boox Note Air 1 for 2 years, and then upgraded to Boox Tab Ultra. Then I experienced the issues I was focusing on in the video. This is a very real-world, average user situation.
@@MyDeepGuide I do take your point, though this section here at 9:05 seems to reflect the overchoice syndrome. Would you not still be happy with the Note Air had you not purchased the Tab Ultra? Would you find the Tab Ultra less annoying had it been the first and only device you had without the Note Air reference/comparison/choice? Just some thoughts, and thanks for the great content as always! 🙂
Yes, but that is not over choice syndrome, if a user has purchased a device, and wants to upgrade to a newer generation of a similar device after 2-3 years, which is the case I am talking about, upgrading from Note Air 1 to Tab Ultra.
@@MyDeepGuide Maybe, but one needs to watch out for false dichotomy pitfalls. These two aspects don't have to be mutually exclusive, as in either "this is a typical use case purchase/upgrade scenario" *or* it's overchoice. Both things can be true at the same time. Just because this can happen to a typical user does not mean it cannot be an overchoice issue nonetheless. Indeed, a tragic aspect of modern age consumerism is suffering from overchoice and other unhappiness related phenomena. We can gain interesting insights by conducting a few thought experiments: 1- The user part-exchanges/sells/donates/recycles the old device on receiving the new one. Psychologically, they might play all kinds of mental tricks on themselves as to why the new device is far superior to the old one: The old device was too slow; Look just how smooth this new device is; Ok, it has a few shortcomings but overall I'm very satisfied with the new device. And so on. Psychologist know all about this phenomenon too, but that's another story. 2- The user keeps the old device and relegates it to a secondary function (a standalone diary or some such) and makes the new device their main "daily driver". The user might be very satisfied with this arrangement, squeezing the last useful life/functionality out of the old device, as well as enjoying the fact of not parting with their old device for which they still have an emotional soft spot. One can imagine a multitude of scenarios in which people would be happy in this scenario. Hoarders and collectors might relate to the joys of this arrangement. Others might find it logical and represents a good value of money in terms of keeping the old device going. And so on. Some users might find themselves unhappy, but the point here is that plenty of others might find various ways of being happy in this scenario. Why this might be is exactly the point of this thought experiment. 3- The user keeps the old device, but also has access to several other devices - including the Supernote. Here the user might still behave the same as above, keeping each of their devices designated to a specific niche. Or, they might find themselves suffering with the choice dilemma (aka overchoice) which then drives them to something along the lines of what is expressed in the segment starting at 9:33 in this video. Again, the point here is that some users might be happy in this scenario but others find themselves very unhappy, which is what makes this thought experiment interesting. 4- One could go on and imagine future scenarios, such as what would happen when Ratta releases a new version of the Supernote hardware. Or, what if Ratta makes it possible to switch back and forth between the last five releases of the software. Would users find themselves happier than they are now, or would they eventually suffer from the choice dilemma/overchoice. Hope this helps, and goes some way to providing a different perspective on the issues raised in this video. Much appreciated as always 🙂
I'm still content with my Air 2, but the OS 3 update was a back step, that I still haven't got fully used to. Regarding the Tab Ultra, I don't need a camera either, and the way it is implemented is an absolute No-Go. The dedicated GPU on the other hand is fantastic. At the moment, I wouldn't purchase a Boox device from the new line-up. Yes, they are technically great devices, but I just don't accept so many flaws in high-end hardware, neither on the hardware itself nor the software on it. Amazon is even worse…
I so very get it. I'm neurodivergent in a way that makes my comfort crucial to the point where such little thing as response time from a stylus may cause a tantrum. Got my Tab Ultra C recently. I hate it and I love it. :') Not much to compare to, it's way better than PocketBook as far as I can say. But some features are so devastating: - vector graphics are hard to get used to, and I'm struggling to find some lightweight raster graphics apps - standart notepad app is highly limited in terms of brush settings - I love making annotations but it's fairly frustrating with the pre-installed reader - writing with stylus has a strange lag whenever I switch between erasing and writing or screens in split view - learning curve is... steep; I'm planning to read the manual from head to toe because it becomes ridiculous sometimes As funny as it is, looks and feels of the reader are pretty decent to me. Though you can never be good enough with that. But with all things considered -- I still love it!
Do you think it is useful for college students to take notes on classes and also be a textbook substitute? Is the lag unbearable when writing a lot of things i.e. taking note in lecture?
@@michaelc4917 it depends! The lag is probably due to switching between different processes, so it's more about the fact of switching than about time. I got a habit: need to switch -- tap with the stylus in any place just to tell the app: "I want to write, so you have to switch to that". This way lag doesn't really pop out. I would totally use it in class.
Take some duct tape and fill in that space so the camera no longer protrudes. It’s not looking good for that Tab Ultra C review. It sounds like a device that does many things but doesn't do any of them really well.
If you had a Supernote and felt like you were missing out on some of the aspects Play Store access gives you - what device would you choose? NA2+ or would you worry that it will slow down too much as your Note Air 1 did? I'm so torn. I love the A5X, but I really wish I was able to have access to the Play Store. Would I be silly to sell the A5X for anything on the market right now? I need your help Voja!!
After reading the title, I can say that there are lots of things wrong with BOOX tablets in general, they could be the best e-ink tablet on the market but instead they do stupid things, I have the boox note air 2 and its great for reading and writing, I have the nova 3 colour but you can't draw with brown, that is an issue when I am an electrician, boox say brown isn't supported, so why do they have it in the note pad and why can books display brown colours fine?, But you can't draw with brown, if you try to it defaults to black, BOOX have many issues that need to be resolved, the list is endless
That stupid camera bump is consequence of a typical Chinese company copying Apple without thinking twice. But I actually interested in the material, I hate the cold metal feeling of Air.
Very interesting and surprising video. Thank you. There’s been so much hype and talk about the Tab Ultra that I’m very glad to hear you rate the Note Air 1 above it (if not for speed at least). I fully understand your lack of a “feel” for it when compared to the more graceful looking Note Air. The only thing I am disappointed in with my Note Air 2 is the 227 ppi screen resolution but I’m not going to get that better anywhere else currently, if I ignore the Scribe and the somewhat “compromised” Tab Ultra C (which I am doing!). Once you add the better writing experience of the Note Air to the balance (and the lack of a camera!), I do really wonder whether those still shouting loudly for the Tab Ultra are that very small and special group of people who are prepared to put up with its failings or disappointments merely to have an e-ink screen on an enterprise tablet? But once you start talking “enterprise”, it’s just so obvious that an iPad or Samsung Galaxy is the way to go, surely? You can kid yourself that the Tab Ultra is basically a superior e-ink e-reader and note taker with enterprise built on to it, but it seems to fail as a quality writing experience note taker and can never match the convenience and speed of an iPad or Galaxy.
I just share your view Voja, the Ultra design (square edges, protruding camera, finishing colors) is just ugly. That is the main reason I have not bough it. Note Air 1 design was something when it came out, but now even Note Air 2+ has dated hardware. Boox come out with the Note Air 3 C soon! (before Apple does kill your product with their e-ink)
Low content video. Rant. What about the tab ultra c? Are you unaware of Amazon's exclusive on the 300 DPI e-ink 10.1 (b&w) through the end of the year?
What exclusive are you talking about? Tab Ultra C has 300 PPI in B&W, and no, I am not unaware of the Ultra C. I have made the Unboxing and First Impressions video, but this video was recorded well before Ultra C came out, because I had to prepare a lot of content in advance, since I am in the process of moving. Does this clarify things to you a bit more?
TL;DR (by ChatGPT): In this video, the speaker, Voya, discusses their experience with the Boox Tab Ultra, a tablet they purchased in November. They express disappointment with the device, citing several issues. These include the lack of an emotional connection, a bland design, a protruding camera, sharp edges, and a smooth writing surface. They also mention that the software is a step back compared to previous Boox devices. The speaker uses other devices instead of the Tab Ultra and contemplates selling it. They express hope for a future refresh of the Boox Air series. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that the Tab Ultra doesn't fit their needs, despite its superior performance, and they may stick with their Boox Tab X. They invite viewers to share their experiences and thoughts on the matter.
Hallo wat een teleurstelling is deze video. Ik begrijp niets van je. Hoezo voelt het ene apparaat grijs en een andere oranje? Hou je er svp rekening mee dat jij alle apparaten krijgt om mee te spelen, wij de eindgebruikers kopen er slechts 1. Ik kan niet vergelijken. En hoezo is de software minder als je er geen toetsenbord aan kan koppelen? Dat weet je als je dit apparaat koopt. Ik zou je willen vragen om door te gaan met je inhoudelijke testen en commentaren, maar hou svp op met het beschrijven van je gevoelens bij een apparaat.
You just get your period? I just watched your Boox Tab Ultra C's great review where you stressed that both Boox Tab iterations have the same form factor but you didn't share your hate of this one. The very same form factor... Weird...
Try to be more respectful, and also try reading the comments section, and you'll see that your disrespectful attempt at a critique/question has already been addressed and correctly deducted by other viewers, without being as crass as you.
For me its a good experience. I really like Onyx boox direction. I will support them if they will stay in this direction.
I had the Note Air 2 and slowly I was using it less and less, the audible app had stopped working, the lag and the lack of color started irritating me. Now with my newTab Ultra C it is another game. There is no lag when typing, no lag when browsing and the colors help a lot. Day and night. I was also positively impressed by the weight, only 60gr heavier without covers, so I can still use it with one hand for reading in bed without any cover. Yes the protruding camera is very irritating (I use a little piece of blue tack that I stick it next to the camera when in the case and put it on the opposite side when I want to write for a long time without the case (much thinner and practical without the case). When traveling I like the keyboard cover, sometimes it can replace the laptop. But I am not such an avid hand written notes taker, I love it more for reading and emails.
Thanks for the mini-review and comparison!
Very interesting to hear your point of view. I have had my Ultra for about 1.5 month. I use it everyday, approx 3-4h a day and I love it. One selling point for me was the fact that i can pair it with the bluetooth keyboard i already had and it works great for typing in google docs etc. I think videos like this is important to really make the point that specs and hype is one thing, personal preference a nother. There is no "one size fit all" in tech. 😊
I only used the Kindle scribe and the Tab Ultra C. The Scribe did too little and the Onyx does too much. But I don't mind too much because it gives me options. The Camera is a non issue as I always have it in the cover anyway and it's a nice way to add pictures to my journal or scan a document. I also got the keyboard and while I use it rarely it gets the device to a point where I can realistically leave my laptop at home and just remote into my desktop for example.
The thing is that I don't just want to replace pen and paper with one device. I can replace my iPad Pro or Surface Pro with it AND pen and paper and a Kindle. It's not yet perfect but it's like 95% there for my use cases.
I have the Note 2 and the Tab Ultra C. I really enjoyed the Note 2 and used it extensively, but it was getting really slow and had problems running some apps. I was ready for an upgrade which is the Tab Ultra C. I will not comment on the color experience because this video is about the Tab Ultra.
I think Boox missed with the protruding camera as does almost everyone else. But all my electronic devices (phones, tablets, Eink, etc) are always in a case. I want something to protect my devices from mishaps and I certainly want to protect the screen when not in use. So, I ALWAYS have the cover on, and that eliminates any issue with the bump. The cover is very thin and hardly noticeable when folded back in the open position. Neither does it add significantly to the weight. So, I don't understand the aversion to using the case. The case can definitely be improved. I want magnets to keep it in the open position rather than those sticky spots (which I keep covered because I don't like them.) I also want something that truly secures the pen. Though the magnets are quite strong, I still end up knocking the pen off, and I don't trust that it would ever prevent the pen from getting lost. The keyboard cover does better with the flap that wraps the pen, but it is more bulk and weight than I want to always have, so the keyboard case, which I really like having for the few times it is useful, doesn't work most of the time.
I haven't had a problem with the edges yet. Yeah, it's there, but it doesn't affect or annoy me.
The surface for writing is totally fine for me. Before the Boox devices, I used my Surface tablet for writing, which doesn't even attempt to provide anything but a completely smooth surface. I was delighted to not have to use paper for many things and was happy with the Surface in that regard. So I have no need for a paper-like writing experience. I don't see why paper is somehow the standard to be pursued, and I've been happy using any my electronic devices for writing, and that certainly includes the Tab Ultra.
I can appreciate style, but that is not even secondary to how something works, it is just a little frosting of pretty minor importance. I develop a connection with a device based on how well it works, not on how it looks.
The OS works for me. I don't care for the new home page layout, but I got rid of the boxes for notes and books/documents and instead use the icons (I think I had to add a couple) at the bottom to navigate when needed. The rest of the home page is filled with app shortcuts, and that is working. I would also like a somewhat lighter device for use when not on a desk, but it doesn't have to be super thin either. I don't understand the focus on thinness that I often see.
I find the speed and minimal ghosting to be very pleasing, and when using the Tab Ultra C, it indeed does give me a clear sense of satisfaction. It has been a great upgrade from my Note 2. Now if they could downsize it to a 7-inch device or upgrade it to a 25-inch device (both with color) that would certainly grab my attention.
Nothing is going to please everyone, and those who don't like it should definitely look for something that they can live in harmony with. But for now, my search is over.
Voja, what a personal and relatable take. I feel similarly, except my displeasure is with the Tab Ultra C (which I purchased after your initial gasps of glee and excitement during your extended quick look video). After having it for a few weeks now, I am going to return it and keep my Note Air 2 Plus, for basically all the same reasons you've mentioned. It just doesn't feel personal. It feels sterile. I feel a sense of calm and peace holding my NA2+ which I don't get from picking up the TUC. I know the TUC is more powerful, but I just don't like it as much. It doesn't *feel* as nice to use. The screen is too dark and needing backlight on all the time negates the simplicity and immediacy of e-ink. And the screen doesn't feel nearly as good to write on.
If I were in your shoes, I'd sell it and pick up a NA2+. I promise you'll enjoy it so much more. And yes, totally agree that a Note Air 3 incorporating the GPU would absolutely be the best of both worlds. If and when that ever comes out, I'll definitely be selling my NA2+ to upgrade!
Thanks for your amazingly thoughtful and detailed reviews. -Matt
Sorry to hear that you're not getting used to your Tab Ultra. I think it's a good thing that different companies take turns in bringing out the best devices on the market.
Since your first impressions video on the Tab Ultra C, I have actually bought a unit and been using it for a few days now. I use it mainly for reading content, scrolling through pages in the browser. I'm very very impressed by the speed and the colors look very gorgeous being controllable by the front light and warmth sliders.
Love the size of it too. I think you are right with your first impression that it's the best colors eink on the market right now.
I am also consider getting a Tab Ultra C but am still waiting for some details about battery life. Do you already have experience about how long a single charge last for you?
@@tranvanluu didn't measure but so far I'm liking battery drain. You can go a week for sure if you read like 1-2 hours per day. Maybe even longer not sure. Don't know if that is considered good in the eink market or not
Boox come out with the Note Air 3 C soon! (before Apple does kill your product with their e-ink)
Voja, I agree with your conclusion. I recently received the new Tab Ultra C, and after dealing with several days of frustrating bugs, especially in the notes app, and then losing hours of work reviewing a contract in the pdf app due to a bug, I decided to sell my Tab Ultra C. Also, with my Remarkable 2 and iPad Pro siting on my desk next to my Tab Ultra C, I had no urge to pick up the Ultra C, instead always going for my Remarkable 2 for the significantly superior note taking ability, or my iPad Pro for every thing else. The Tab Ultra C just seems lost. It tries to be a full tablet that competes with the iPad and Samsung tablets, but it falls flat. It tries to be your note taking device, but writing on the screen feels like writing on glass (and I already have this on my iPad), and so writing on the Remarkable 2 feels so much more satisfying. Also, someone at Onyx fell asleep and forgot to include the highlighter pen. One of the main reasons for going color is the ability to highlight your notes, but not on this device. And don’t get me started on the bugs. Finally, the colors on the Ultra C are so washed out that it is almost better to use a black and white device.
What kind of bugs?
My only issue is that camera bump, an useless and annoying thing. Other things I can compromise. For Note series on the other hand, the 8mm extra width is annoying for me, device looks too wide.
Voja - It’s so entertaining in ways to listen to your language as you describe the situation. I don’t know of any other tech related channels that use terms like “connection” (ie: emotional), “feel right”, “not inviting” etc. But as I gaze to the background of all your guitars, I smile and understand.
In many ways, Boox breaks my technical heart. So much potential, so much frustration. Bottom line is that “aimless” is probably the best description of their approaches. Almost continually experimental.
Specifically,
- inconsistent functionality across reader/notetaking
- confusing design choices for software and OS maintenance.
- Over abundance of immature features - what happened to “less is more” in design?
Overall the Boox is striving to be too much of everything, sinking users into a myriad of choices, decisions and often errors on almost every operational choice.
I own an Tab Ultra C (after upgrading from an Tab Ultra recently). I do not get the "taste" point, I like the "clear" appearance of the device how it is. I can understand all other points, and they are annoying me too, but only slightly. I use it as a full tablet replacement, and though it is not perfect in some use cases, most of them it handles fine enough and the friction points, may it be in the performance, the UI or the physical flaws, are not big enough for me to not use it.
What do you mean you don't get the taste point? Taste is a 100% subjective thing, and a design, an approach, experience will be according to, or not, someone's taste :) That should be the easiest thing to understand of all :)
@@MyDeepGuide I mean for me that is not a point, neither a plus or a minus. The device could be ugly af, and I would not mind, as long as it fulfills all my needs and the usability is fine. To some degree I am even repelled by devices that care too much about design (or "beauty"). Apple products for example.
But yeah, that is 100% subjective.
I feel this video so much! I’ve tried most modern e-ink tablets but I didn’t find the one that fit for ME until I tried the Remarkable 2. I totally wrote it off because it has so very few features compared to everything else but in the end that’s what makes me love it. I just want the ultimate notebook and in a super thin, metallic frame that does what I need for work and journaling and it does that for me.
Interesting video. I love my Tab Ultra. I don't have the issues with the physical properties that you have. Still, it was interesting to hear your take on it. I use mine every day. V3.3.2 does have a lot of issues, however. Boox has always been very slow with updates. I hope a bug fix update comes REAL SOON!!! Love your reviews and your MDO!!
I'm watching this video as I await for my Supernote to arrive either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. The Tab Ultra is on sale now so I was having a bit of FOMO. Luckily, your video has given me some peace of mind. Thanks!
I think what I am getting from you evaluation is that his device lacks personality, and that's a big factor in your desire to pick it up. You don't just want a tool, you want a device that feels like a companion, and this device's design cues feel... very... corporate? Some exec is carrying this around in his padfolio. He's not using it for a creative purpose. I think it's a qualitative assessment that's very valuable to a lot of people, even if it's a very personal one.
Yes, that is exactly what I wanted to share with people. From time to time, I will share my subjective view and take on the devices. 99% of the time, it's all purely objective on MDG, but sometimes I do have the need to share a personal side as well :) So I am glad at least one person got it, as I can se quite a few people simply missed the point of the video, but that's fine too :)
I agree and thanks as always for your thorough review. I mistakenly have purchased 1/2 dozen Boox devices because the hardware is excellent and I assumed the software would catch up. Recently I bought a Supernote and will never look back. It works perfectly TODAY as opposed to next year.
Do supernote devices use Android and support third party apps like OnNote?
Who needs a camera in an e-ink device?
It’s a reasonable question, but personally a camera is useful for me, as I can ‘scan’ documents. Definitely not essential though.
@@psychogeography123 The only reason I use the camera on my ipad 🤷♂️
It’s sounds like BOOX should be capturing statistics about camera usage from owners.
Only document scans. It was a fine idea, it's just that the already expensive device was made even more expensive with this marginally useful feature.
@@rydmerlinI don't want to be watched!
Of the remarkable, supernote and the boox what do u use every day and love
For work and development writing: Supernote A5X.
For reading, journalling, organizing, browsing and basically everything else that is not computer centralized: Note Air 3C.
Writing to you from a Tab Ultra C using handwriting... Just get a quality leather case from Etsy. Now you have style, no sharp edges, and no camera bump. (I asked for no camera hole in mine.)
Also, get the Kaweco CONNECT EMR stylus. (I asked for my case to have the right size pen loop.) You can even buy the EMR unit separately and use any Kaweco Al Sport or a number of other pens from other manufacturers. So the style will be totally "you". There is an add-on clip available in two styles and several colors. The nib was too grippy for me, but replacement nib was fine(?!) and it also takes Lamy Z107 nibs. And you can try a screen protector to see if the writing experience improves for you.
As for the software, yeah, it is not intuitive. Important functions are hidden. Too many options where I don't need them and too few where I do. I am hoping it eventually becomes second nature. They need a simple optional skin - and they actually do have a simplified Home page that you can get to via a swipe. Or could try a launcher. But that does not help Notes or Neoreader.
As someone waiting for a Tab Ultra C to arrive this has me worried! This will be my first non-kindle eink device though so I won’t have anything to compare it against.
Don't worry, you won't be disappointed at all. The Tab Ultra C is a dream come true
yes, Voja, feel the same way. Bought me the Ultra C. Unfortunately I had to realise that the Software and Hardware promise more than you get.The most incredible thing is that they have probably forgotten to implement a easy working Highlighter Function on the Ultra C, without using another layer underneath. Anyway, I can't find them. Do you know where this is "hidden"? ...all the best for your move.
I'm crossing my fingers on a Note Air C and Leaf C using kaleidoscope 3. As for me
My studies were *_'heavily'_* built around paper note taking with piles of papers and folders relating to various topics stacked everywhere, and all this while loose notes literally slid off my table... so the Supernote suits me perfectly with the addition that I'm not distracted by discovering what more it can do or what apps it can run as with my Macbook.
My Supernote doesn't, nor can it be used to _'entertain me'_ and personally I find that limitation productive, whereas if it could run videos, play games or allow me to gain access to social media... I'm certain it would directly challenge my productivity.
If my work required much of what Boox offered, then I'd look towards something like the iPad and as I have mentioned often,... that leaves me wondering where Boox is heading and what would happen if one of the giant tablet manufacturers slapped an e-ink screen in one of their devices with the addition of a great note taking app.
I imagine Boox is exactly heading for the very sizable mainstream iPad/tablet audience, but who would see the benefits of an e-ink screen.
Both because of eye comfort, and longer battery-life, but also because you can actually use an e-ink device perfectly well outside on a sunny sommer day, which really doesn't work well with any regular tablet or iPad. So it allows for much more work or leisure use outside in the fresh air.
If they'll succeed in that or not, I can't say.
@@Aaliyashi My point exactly, can Boox compete with the likes of Apple if Apple slap an e-ink screen in a version of the iPad, they'll probably both be around the same price but which will the masses choose if they did? Personally, I think they'll go for the iPad especially if the colour e-ink is performing well.
@@karlmunford7000 Ah I see. I somewhat doubt it's going to happen anytime soon, but I, for one, would love an e-ink iPad 😅
I have also the TAB Ultra for two days and the same things are not good for me. I am think about Note Air 2 or Tab x - both for rounded edges. Thx for sharing your opinions
It's a fascinating difference here. The Tab Ultra is *massively* better than other eink devices for me...
But what I want is an eink replacement for things I did with a Surface Pro. So playing better with other android is way better to me.
The software feels much more like regular android which is a big improvement to me.
I completely get it. I have the Note Air2 plus, the green one, and I smile just staring at it. The way it feels really makes up for many software annoyances.
Do you have the same feeling with the Ultra C ? One the the ting turning me off the Supernote devices is the lack of google play integration as i use an enterprise version of google suite. Doc, sheet etc. If only Supernotes could support it natively that would been great.
First of all, I scribble on paper and if (rarely) electronically, then on my Likebook Alita.
I bought the Note Air (1) because I liked the look of it - I just don't use it; I wanted it as a garden/summer/sun computer, but:
- I think it's stupid that the power button and USB port are placed in such a way that they are not accessible when the cover is closed.
- It annoys me even more that the design is landscape-oriented, but then the power button and USB port are on the lower edge and the device stands on it.
Then came Tab Ultra; I can use this device the way I originally planned with Note Air - I can even track the mouse pointer while working.
And best of all, the camera lets me save whatever paper doodles are worth saving.
I now have a Tab Ultra C, still doodle on paper and rarely on my Likebook Alita
Thanks Voya, i appreciate your honesty. Personal preferences are important and i think a bit of reality is always helpful on youtube....too many one off enthusiastic reviews from shills and not enough measured, user- case focussed opinions. Love your work.
I understand what you mean about needing to have a connection. I have the RM2 and enjoy it very much. I use it on a regular basis. I also have the Nova Air C, Bigme Galy and Tab Ultra C. I use the Nova Air C when I read and take some notes on it. I do not like the Bigme Galy at all. It is a poor device. The Tab Ultra C is something that I have not made a connection with. I am torn between keeping it and selling it.
I get a weird glitch in notes where it freezes. I can sometimes continue writing but none of the menu tools work, and have had it not save or corrupt my notes when this happens.
Have you experienced this?
I am generally liking the device except for the slow startup and this odd freezing glitch. I also recently switched to the plain cover as I was finding the keyboard one too heavy and was not making any use of it - although I liked the little flap that secures the stylus.
The Tab Ultra is my first e-ink tablet. I got this one over the others primarily for the variety of options it has (I strongly desire options and flexibility), the native handwriting to text feature which the others did not seem to have, the backlight option for using the device in bed with low or no light, and the lack of lag which I really need. (FYI I have brainstorms and ideas further in this post.)
I got the device and used it for a few weeks personally and professionally before the pen became an issue for me. Something about the tip being pushed too far in and so the math is all off. When I go to write, it starts writing before i touch the screen with the pen. I am currently getting new titanium tips and the doodroo paper like cover (Voya, thank you so much for that video) to see if they help. I hope that with additional sensory feedback that the pen is touching the screen I will not push down so hard and so I will not push the tip in too far. I may also have to get a new or different pen, but I am trying the new tips first. Update: so far so good. The new tips and doodroo screen protector work perfectly together for me and i no longer have the pen issue. Time will tell if i find the doodroo too rough on my fingertips. Update: no, no issues with my fingers or hands. Once I adjusted to it, I stopped noticing it.
I always use the device in its case so the camera is not an issue. However, both cases for the device are annoying. I am afraid of using the keyboard case, because the keyboard is all exposed when I just have it folded all the way back, but I also do not like the native case for how the front does not fully secure to the front and the lack of the pen holder strap. For now, I compromise by using both. I have the device in the keyboard case to have the pen strap (which I need to use at work), and then I rest the whole thing on the native case to help protect the keyboard. I may also try taking the pen strap off of the keyboard case and putting it on the native case, not sure.
I have not noticed the sharp edges much, but I also write with my left hand so that is less of an issue. My left hand ends up resting on the half inch left margin of the device so I do not run on the edges much. Perhaps a way to mitigate this for right handed people would be to permanently/manually rotate the screen 180, so that the half inch margin can now be on the right. The manual rotation options allow for that at least.
Just brainstorming here: perhaps other ways to spice up the device could include using washi tape around the edges to give it some color and help soften it. Idk if nail polish would damage the device if put on the edges, but that could work as well. Decorating the cases could be another option, perhaps especially the inside so you can see it while using it. Could also decorate the pen.
I personally find that adjusting the backlight of the device to warmer tones and settings is helpful. I think that helps me to find the device "warmer" and not "cold" in terms of personality. Could be something to try.
I don't have any personal experience with the Note Air series and they look the same on camera. Idk if there are additional ways to bring over the pizzazz of the Note Air to the Tab Ultra, but this might be an area to brainstorm in.
I assume the tool savvy could also "sand down" the sharp edges themselves with the right tools. I'm sure this would void any warranties, but it could be an option.
I really appreciate your comments on all these devices and sure hope the Onyx development team pays attention and makes some changes in line with your suggestions.
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The lack of a paperlike feel to the writing is indeed a downside I would not like to buy into and so I am going to wait for more of your reviews to show a device that is good. I am now tempted to buy a Note Air 2 plus version to use until the best unit becomes available, as in the end one should be allowed to use two devices at the same time to good effect, or would there be problems with that?
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Can a person access their own account on two devices at the same time?
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The reason I would like to do that is so I could read a document with one device while recording voice notes on the other, so the exact file would not be open at the same time, but it would be the same person accessing the account on two devices.
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So could you find out from the company whether that is possible?
It should be if they want to sell multiple devices to the same person.
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Also, ask if a person has a certain amount of cloud storage for one device, does one get a doubling of cloud storage if one has two devices?
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Also if one sells a device how does the new buyer get a place on a server?
What about the Bigme inknote color plus?
I have it and love it!
So is there a solid e-ink tablet for Internet? I love my Supernote for not taking. For music, and a host of other things. I run a D&D game, and everyone like using pathbuilder for this which I admit is slick but I hate using my lcd iPad for that and Supernote while great for my gaming notes and things can’t surf the Internet to use things like pathbuilder. I’d really like one ink device for both my notes and using sites rather than multiple devices. If not ultra then what fits that bill?
I personally really love my remarkable, mainly for writing. I also love the high PPI and high contrast display by Kindle Scribe for reading.
For Boox Tab Ultra, it felt like a dream device when I first got it. I put in a screen protector which fixed the writing experience. Now what bothers me is that the display looks blurry compare to Kindle's 300ppi displays. Also the backlight is not as satisfying, either. So I am also considering to sell it. However that is also the only e-ink device I have today that can read eTextbooks from my kindle library. Even the Kindle Scribe can't read them!
Hi there, I see you are also a musician. Could you test a presonus notion mobile? If I can write with a pen on an e-ink device, it would radically improve my composing workflow.
Thanks for this “different” review. I really like the technology direction that Boox is taking especially with color but haven’t pulled the trigger due to the camera bump. Helpful to know your POV of the “android like” ux was not an improvement… I fear the same for me as I own but don’t use frequently android devices compared to my small but mighty Nova air2. Sometimes a bit more screen real estate would be nice … am holding out for the nextgen (hopefully color) NA or color 13.3.
Did you record this before the Tab Ultra C unboxing? I skipped a few boox devices as I was using the remarkable and jumped back on the train with the Tab Ultra C - I have to admit it is the best eink device I have experienced, however what really drives me off using it more, is how heavy it is and how unpleasent it is to hold in general. Maybe an ugly TPU case could be the rescue or a Note Air Ultra C (sounds like tooth paste)
Yes, i did :)
For me the camera was a deal-breaker. My dream would be a 10 inch device with GPU, no camera, 300 ppi, no color and the special surface of the kindle scribe so good for writing.
The other day I was watching a chinese review of the Tab Ultra, to my surprise that version did not have a camera and even a different color that the one we can buy, it seems that they sell to the Western Market what they believe will sell instead of doing proper research, thanks Voja for your great videos.
I bought a Tab Air 2 just before seeing your review of the Tab Ultra. After seeing the performance of the Ultra I bought that and returned (Amazon) the Air 2. I didn't use the Air 2 much but I agree the "feel" of it is much nicer. The Ultra is a "slab" and the sharp edges are uncomfortable, I've made a sort of wrist rest to use when I'm writing on it on a flat surface.
I initially found the Air 2 interface confusing. I suspect I've found the Ultra easier because I was further along the learning curve rather than it was actually better.
I don't have enough experience of other devices to comment on usability and features.
I have a Note Air 2 and a Tab Ultra C and I totally agree with every point Voja makes. I'm also feeling more "emotionally attached" the my Note Air 2. I think it's the more elegant device. BUT the Tab Ultra C now has color and that's a whole different game. I guess Voja recorded this video before the release of the Tab Ultra C so I'm really looking forward to his opinion on that device.
All in all I think the Tab Ultra should not seen as the successor to the Note Air 2. Although on paper it looks similar (but with better specs) it actually feels like a complete different device. In my oppinion the Note Air 2 is still the better device for reading and note taking. But the Tab Ultra has another focus. With it's high speed, the built-in keyboard and especially the color it's more designed to be an allrounder. It can be much better used for working tasks such as writing e-mails and scrolling through documents. As it's heavier you will also use it more often connected to the keyboard. In combination with the eink display and the longlasting battery it's a small but good replacement for a laptop, for example if you have to work outside.
Your note air 2. Does it do okay with web searching? Would a site like Pathbuilder work okay on that?
I am going through the similar dillema before having used any of them. I discovered Note Air 2 Plus and thought okay I want it. Then I saw Tab Ultra C, but did not like the dim screen. Then made up my mind that I would get the Tab Ultra, thought the folio keyboard will come in handy for quick email replies. I also plan to use the device as a paper notebook replacement. Then I came to realize that writing on the Tab Ultra feels like glass. I already made a mistake of buying a Surface Pro couple of years back as a paper replacement. Now I don't want to repeat it again. But having seen Ultra, don't want the Note Air 2 too.
Hi Voja, I had bought a Note Air 1 after your comments, and decided to switch to Ultra C, again after your first impressions.
I had to sell the Note Air to fund the Ultra C, and I have to tell my heart broke, too... In the end, I found Ultra C to be:
- gorgeous as it is a colour one and a huge kudos for the GPU... I really can treat it as a tablet, not just an e-reader.
- I am not put off by the screen writing experience, rather the opposit: the pen sticks to the side so well that I always keep it there, and it urges me to use itself...
- I am a bit tires already by the edges, although not as sharp as the ultra, still annoys while doing getures
- Likewise, never used the cam, never will... waste of money
- The Note Air sticky cover was better than the one comes with the Ultra C, when I flip it backwards to rea das a book, it dangles... so annoying
- I find it useless without the lights at min 70% on, unlike Note Air
- However; one spec makes it all worthwile: 300ppi! It makes all the difference to me... Now the comics are much easier to read...
- It still does the book reading bit ;) rather well, with lights on of course...
My feeling is that you bought two very similar devices, Ultra and X, one of them would be useless anyway... Thanks to 300ppi and a good connectivity chip, I use my Ipad Air less and less... (Now there's my overlap... If they had the same OS, one would have to go...)
Thanks for your efforts and videos, you're doing a great job!
Hi I'm curious to know about the battery performance of the Ultra C can you tell us? Thanks a lot!
@@bocarsall3797 Not as bad as I feared it would be, but it is hard to give numbers... If used as an e-reader for books, it lasts long, say maybe a week even... However the device begs to be used for coloured content, and some online content i.e. newspapers, internet browsing etc... I think the wireless access and rapid screen changes eat up the battery fast, maybe 2 days for a full charge?
I find the sprawling feature set to be a real problem even using the existing devices let alone newer ones. For the reading use case, there still is no book series sort option and the 3rd party dictionary integration in version 3.3.2 doesn't work at all. Even the existing dictionary doesn't return any English language definitions any more, just a hilite. These features all work without issue on a current Kindle but have degraded with each Boox firmware upgrade. Less emphasis on hardware upgrades and more on getting the primary use cases of reading and writing working smoothly would make the devices a better value proposition. As it is now, I use my Kindle more for reading than the Boox because of the software issues, the opposite of where I started out.
Based on your experience, my speculation is that the color screen development started before the OS updates in the Note airs. I think they are pushing too much on the hardware and sacrificed the software continuity and consistency.
I dislike camera bumps on any device that isn't a dedicated camera, period. It sticks out as a design flaw to me. Not only does the device wobble on a flat surfaces, the camera is more exposed to getting damaged.
What about Supernote? I have Note 1, and I agree that after version 3.x, it has become slow as hell. I had to discard writing on OneNote because it became unusable for work.
I saw your video about Supernote before, and I'm looking at it for some time, and it seems great in terms of features, but I don't know if the battery has improved.
I never managed to "connect" with my Boox Max 3. Every time I try using it I find myself looking for alternatives: My Kindle Voyage, my iPad Pro or simply my desktop. I thought the problem was with the lack of front light, and so thought about upgrading to the Ultra X, but now after having seen this video...
Thanks for this review. I appreciate that you are up front about these being subjective things that bother you, but I'm a little curious that you didn't mention any of them during the Tab Ultra-C unboxing. You seemed legitimately excited about the Ultra-C, which seems strange given the identical form factor to the Tab Ultra.
My apologies - I went back and rewatched the unboxing video for the Tab Ultra-C and you clearly mentioned the things you didn't like right at the beginning. My memory was fuzzy because you were so impressed by the image quality of the Ultra C later in the video. Thanks again for the great reviews/impressions.
Thanks for taking the time to check it, not many people do :) Also, this video was recorded before Ultra C was announced, or I had it in my hands. I will need to spend more time with the Ultra C to see if these existing issues bother me as well, and if I am able to connect to it more, due to it's better image quality and color screen.
Thanks for the great video. I have the bigme inknote color plus and was getting some fomo when the tab ultra c launched, but this makes me happy with my decision. The bigme has a lovely form factor, it has a camera but it's flat so it doesn't ruin the writing experience. It has a lovely surface for writing - I prefer it to paper. Some software glitches but regular updates are improving them all the time!
I'm in the same boat as you! I have the inknote color+, am really enjoying it, but am constantly seeing posts for how great the tab ultra is, etc. I think for me, the inknote does everything I need it to do, and I'm not sure I'd take advantage of the added functionality of the Ultra C, as nice as some of those features are. But I find myself thinking about it over and over again because the Ultra C is the 'flavor of the month' device right now. In the end, I think I'm going to stick with what I've got, using the Supernote for work and the inknote for casual home use. Also, totally agree with the writing surface, I really enjoy the film they put on the inknote.
@@jeffreymoss I was mostly thinking the software might be better on onyx but sounds like it's not the case. There are a couple of niggling bugs on the bigme at the moment, most annoying I'm finding chrome won't change from hd to normal or extreme mode (toggle moves but performance stays the same) but customer service said there is an update coming in the next few days to fix that.
Personally I like the aesthetics of the Tab Ultra. I can understand why some might find it 'boring,' but to me it is more 'understated elegance.'
Sharp edges? Meh. Grow some callouses! But seriously, they don't bother me much, however, I also can grasp why someone accustomed to the well-rounded Note Air series would find this characteristic a regression.
As to the camera bump, however, I agree with you 100% I'm not sure what they were thinking (or smoking) over at Onyx when they made this design choice, but it was a dreadful mistake, and I'm frankly disappointed that they have not already eliminated it from the Ultra-C. It just needs to go. Please, Onyx, banish that stupid camera bump, never to return to any of your devices *per omnia saecula saeculorum.*
Hello, nothing related with your video.
Had you see the eyemoo s1 RLCD?
What do you think?
Voja, I thought you *have been* Supernote-first, even after the first Tab Ultra released, it was just the impression I got when you had that best of 2022 video. About the only thing that kept me from finally taking the plunge on the Supernote was seeing what the Scribe might bring, and then news of the Ultra C started popping up. I can totally understand having what is "supposed to be" a better device, making a conscious effort to adapt to its quirks, but ending up sticking with a better fitting one though.
Ergonomics is important, but one of the things I've learned the past few years is that for anybody "going out of their way" to use a pen to get words into a digital device is that ergonomics between hand, pen, tip, tablet, and table is super critical. (And writing software too). Anything that even barely creeps in as a distraction to getting thought to paper/epaper is a creativity killer (usually by a thousand small cuts). And that's even if what digital brings to the table is machine-searchable text and a really high information to physical size ratio, on top of whatever else a modern tablet gets ya.
Because, hey, at the end of the day it is still possible to just go back to a few $1 notebooks, $20 fountain pen and some highlighters, and $10 bottle of ink and write for a couple of years.
And yet I'm still eyeing that Ultra C...and still also stuck thinking about the Supernote.
Hey Voji, is the Ultra C pretty much has the same user experience for you? Try to save myself $600.
It's the same - form factor, software, etc. Also the same being powerful and dramatically the best eink device if you want an eink version of an android tablet
I haven't had the chance to spend much time with it yet, so I can't comment on that until I have more proper hands-on experience.
@@MyDeepGuide Looking forward for your review soon! ;)
If these things are a hinderance to your enjoying of the device I do think it's best to part ways with it. You should not be using something that pisses you off lol
The only issue of these that bothers me is the protruding camera, but I always have the case on it and so functionally it has never gotten in my way.
I feel you! I have returned my Ultra. Lack of antialiasing is a dealbreaker for me. Also it is too slow (5 full seconds to open onenote!!) Random logouts at worst possible moments when I need to write something down quickly - terrible experience. Sell it! Wait for Boox to hire a new UX staff.
Interesting. I agree about the 3.1... updates. I like the device less since the update. I agree about the shape of the device. But the latency on the tab ultra is so low that its my favorite for writing
Is it the same with the Tab Ultra C?
Yes. They're identical on form factor and software
Thanks for this personal insight into Boox and where they seem to be going wrong.
I'm torn between a 10+ inch Boox (Note Air2 Plus?) and the Kobo Elipsa 2e - being based in the Uk reduces my buying choices. Are you planning on covering the Elipsa 2e this year? I've been holding off my purchase decision waiting for your review!
Hmm. These ergonomic issues would likely apply to the Tab Ultra C as well. Even if they came out with a Note device with the new CPU I don’t suppose you could use it with the Ultra keyboard. They would likely keep that just for the Tab line. We do not have a roadblock for their product line, unlike Supenote.
I use a Logitech wireless and Bluetooth multidevice keyboard with my desktop computer, and I also have it connected to my Tab Ultra C. I don't use it a lot, but when I have, it has worked flawlessly. I don't see why it wouldn't also work fine with the Tab X.
@@slydog7131 I edited my prior comment as I realized I should have specified the dedicated ultra keyboard. Thanks.
The raised edges I actually really like, (Ultra C). The edges help my grip because I like to walk to get steps and read.
Voja, have you considered the Bigme inkNote Color + Lite? Yes, the software is not as fully developed yet as the Boox, but the hardware is superior in terms of the feel in hand, screen writing texture, no external camera bumps, SD card slot, and Kaleido 3 color with 300 DPI in B/W as well as 150 DPI color. They reduced the RAM to 4 GiGs and EROM to 64 GIGs (+ whatever you put into the SD card slot) to cut the price to $500, but it is a great compromise at a value price.
The word I keep coming back to is “artless.”
Yeah. I'm waiting for the A4-ish-sized Supernote for some of these reasons, and because the Ultras are too small for my use case (long-form writing). The TabX is almost there, but it-bafflingly-doesn't have a way to store the pen on the device itself-gah! Can not any manufacturer just get the basics right? Also ... so expensive.
That being said, the lack of a front-light on the Supernote gives me pause. These devices are not white paperlike. They are a light gray. Plus, I have middle-aged eyes which doesn't help. I turn on the front light (at a low level) on my Kobo Forma even when I am reading in a brightly lit area. This is a reason the color einks are just not interesting to me yet. They still need a lot of improvement.
Anyway. Great rant.
I have been ranting about the lack of stylus storage forever ....it's a writing device FFS. I like Lenovo's magnetic gutter solution....they should all have something like that.
Amen to the middle-aged eyes and a supernote. It is a problem, and it's going to be the first devices to go when I get some time to carve out to do some shopping. Never again.
I keep saying the problem with Tab Ultra is the form factor. It is heavy and sharp edges are not helping either. I only use it for less than 3 months and I sell it right away. I am now in between Supernote A6X (easy-to-carry note-taking device), Kindle Scribe (just got it and love it for reading) and Huawei PaperPad (full tablet experience, with the performance of Tab Ultra but better form factor)
Agree on the protruding camera. Its a terrible design choice
I think it is pretty well device.
Glad they fixed the protruding camera in the Ultra C! Who's asking for the camera anyway?
They didn't, it's still there on the Ultra C.
You clearly from your videos need to be connected to your devices, almost some kind of emotional thing, but also the creative process at times needs no distractions, and the things you list are certainly distractions. Personally, I am function over form, but my interactions with my devices are very bursty. I only read on my kindle or my nook. I don't like the size of the bigger tablets for reading. I use my tab for PDF's because of the bigger screen. A real 13" screen android tablet when I need color. Supernote for note taking/quick drawing/sketching, because it works, and i only use the two apps and don't care about the other stuff. Short lists/reminders go on the samsung note phone. But my work and use of these devices is very bursty except for the kindle/nook. Look up something in a PDF, read a couple pages, set it down, and don't touch it again for 3 hours. THe supernote gets used many times, but purely as a to-do list/done list, and it's up and down like a yoyo.
But in the end, we like what we like. Same reason there's a bunch of different kinds of cars and computers and monitors and couches and coffeemakers.
I hate the camera bump. With a passion. Dumbest design decision out of them all. I dont' write often/long enough to notice any of the other issues, and for me, it's whichever tool I need for the job I need.
SOmetimes when companies try to do everything, they do nothing well. Sounds a bit like your experience.
I might be wrong but it looks like the quality of some of the Boox teams (softw eng) is converging to the remarkable ones. Too many incomplete, frustrating, and often just flashy updates, and lack of communication/clarity from the company. They use to differ in this
Unfortunately to hear that from you. Maybe you are using too many good E-ink tablet?. Just got my tab ultra C. Maybe the colour got me excited moving from my old Note air 1
How do you like the ultra C?
@@waspbr Unlike Voja, i'm not a writing person. I mainly take note using keyboard. This make the tab ultra line alot more suitable for me than note air devices. And the colour really making the experience using some apps better, less boring. It's also 300 ppi, which I used to using my kindle. The only downside is the filter make the screen abit darker than I wish. But i think time will get me used to it.
Great video. I feel the same. I love the performance and that I'm able to install all the apps I need, from Kindle to Office and Teams. I mainly use the Tab Ultra for taking notes for work, but for reading I come back to my Note Air 2. I hate the camera, although the cover helps so that the Tab Ultra is at least flat on the table, but the camera is so useless for me. Physically the I don't have an issue with the ridge on the front, but it looks so ugly and not premium at all. I love that the cover attaches magnetically, but why the heck does the front not keep closed as well with magnets?
On the software side I now have issues with the text recognition. The words that are recognized (Language = German) are fine, but it simply omits have the words on the screen and therefore is basically useless. I think this was caused by the last update, but I'm not sure.
I think Boox has all the right components in there line-up, they don't bring it together.
My Franken-Boox I'm waiting for would be:
- 13.3" Kaleido 3 screen
- Design of the Note Air line
- Micro-SD slot
- GPU of the Tab line
- No camera
- Stronger magnets for the pen attachement
- Magnetic Cover with magnets on the back + front, no segmented front
- Keyboard Cover like the Remarkable one, where the keyboard is hidden if not in use
I know some Boox managers are obliged to watch this video, so read my comment as well, too. :)
Bought Note Air 1 (with pre-applied paperlike screen protector and the magnet on the side) in September '21, using it daily.
I read and perform music with it, I make notes and outline plans and daily routines. I also use OneNote app quite extensively both with a stylus and a BT-keyboard. However, stylus performance is very meh in OneNote. The Boox layer on which you actually write with small latency glitches all the time, and there's no proper palm rejection. So I'm thinking about buying a tablet supporting stylus to use it with OneNote instead, if situation is not gonna change in the upcoming patches.
Luckily, I have no experience with Tab Ultra or any other more advanced E-Ink devices, so I never had the chance to feel how slow my Note Air is. Ignorance is bliss!
You can go back! I have a great condition Note Air 1 I refused to update, so it has the software before the updates you speak about (nice and stable - I watched your video about the new updates and didn't update). Has pen and case too. So you can go back, just buy my device from me =) or, swap it with me for the Tab Ultra C + some money from me, I think I can manage the things you mention and I would prefer a bit more speed. Happy to send me device to you first before you send yours, as I am an unknown to you.
I don't have or had ever an Onyx device, there always bugged me. For e.g I need at least 128GB storage and all these years they didn't go over 64gb and an extension wasn't possible, so bought a competitor. Recentlly I bought an new device and decidet against boox. The choice was between boox tab ultra c and bigme inknote color plus and in the end I made the decision for a few reasons against boox.
Tab Ultra and Tab Ultra c both have 128GB and a Micro SD slot.
@@MyDeepGuide I know, the example is years old, they yoused 32 GB storage back then, max 64. I think it was at the time or short before the first vesion of the note air came out or about 6? years ago. Back then you could extend your storage with their OTG dongle. I use my devices primarelly to read Comics, Manga and of cause books witch takes space away, a few hundret MB for 1 grafic novel is nothig. As someone without a plan, to much content, you hoard some for convienience for later read.
Why not simply use a Dropbox or Google Drive close storage, and then transfer collections you will need for certain periods? Or you simply want everything available at all times, regardless of your needs?
@@MyDeepGuide DRM and I want my stuff on my device and not in cloud, the problem is that I don't know when I want something or what. I like to have a biger library on my device because I don't always have access to Internet and I hate micromanegnt, what can I say, Im lazy. It's simply more comfortable for me, mentally, to know that I have something and don't need it then need something and don't having it. Everyone has his own fetish.
Its perfect for reading manga on the Net!
We need more real use people that use a device like less, i bought an e ink device for use in my every day work, and to take and keep some personal notes, regular tablets just dont have the battery life and are completely useless in direct sunlight, i still have my remarkable 2 but much prefer the file system on boox, the scribe is completely usless compared to boox and remarkable when it comes to note taking, i would agree about the camera but it might just be software i have not tried a 3rd party app yet since google drive will not let you use there scaner on the boox for some reason, but thx again for your work, i just wish we had some other prospective
Well, I simply don’t trust Boox software or my notes with them. There is always a bug or something wrong, their cloud solution sometimes don’t sync properly or you get logged out and can’t access your notes. I started with a Note Air 1, a Supernote and a Tab Ultra and now I use these devices like this:
Nova Air 1: Removed the screen protector to improve clarity and just use it as a big ereader with backlight
Supernote: My go to to write notes
Tab Ultra: Run Android apps on an eink screen like Obisidian
This way I can have book on the note air 1 and write notes about it with my supernote. Use newspaper/library apps on the Tab Ultra and write notes about it with the supernote.
Boox can cram all functionality (hardware and software wise) on their devices but if it has bugs and it’s half baked it’s worth nothing
If they had announced the Tab X first i would have bought that instead but now I can’t be bothered to sell the tab ultra at a loss to buy a tab x as that would have been better for my usage. Perhaps I’ll consider a Tab X C if that gets released as the eink app/tablet substitute but I’m not using notes on Boox devices anymore, especially in a professional fashion.
I kind of get where you are coming from. But i think the comments were unnecessarily harsh towards this device as the tablet aesthetically is meant to be an understated device with a beast under the hood. And i think its targetted towards a professional audience who want the performance without needing an orange line which would be covered up with a protective cover anyway. All that matters is whether it can handle whatever is thrown at it. In the e ink world, this device has enough under the hood i think for a few years of future proofing if your needs include annotating on pdf's, an incredible speed when searching through a 600 page documents for key words at work. What i see the Boox Ultra as is a wonder piece of paper that you put on your desk the whole day with your notes wide open (because Boox now allows you the option of never sleeping) and thats what i do. I leave it open the whole day lying on my desk, without screen saver or anything. Its a piece of paper waiting for you to write on it. Its your audible dock where you tune in to your podcasts. Its your library to access every pdf work document on google drive which syncs after doing your annotations. I think the reason why the Boox tab ultra "lacks character" is because the company has made an e ink device that has so much under the hood that people dont know what to do with it because it is a different animal whose strengths need exploring. Boox Ultra and Boox Ultra C is an open ended device that i think we have only scratched the surface if we can dream up possibilities to fit its very unique build. Ill probably will never own a remarkable because its just too basic and powerless like most of the other e ink tablets up until the Boox Ultra Line of e ink devices. Regards to the camera, from the design standpoint, the reality is that it was always designed to be used together with a protective cover. The bump i think is the only thing preventing the tablet from sliding off the magnetic case. What i would say is that their keyboard cover does the tablet the most disservice because its so easily disconnected. After getting the case without the keyboard, i found myself using the Boox ultra far more! Id rather use a blue tooth keyboard than the keyboard. Why not give the Boox Ultra another chance and use it with the keyboardless cover. My primary struggle with the Boox Tab Ultra was finding an application for it that would totally maximize its innate property. One of those applications i thought was useful was to use it as a programmable bluetooth key board precisely because it has such a good life span, it just sits on your desk like a keyboard. And i use it for doing architectural drawings where a command which would need 6 key strokes can be replaced with just one peogrammable button. I think that makes alot of sense and makes it one of the reasons the Tab Ultra and Tab Ultra C is still on my desk setup
Sounds like you are disregarding the whole point of the video, which is, my personal, subjective impression of the device. For the objective view, you can watch the in-depth review, but this is my own opinion and impression of it, and wether or not it is harsh, the "unnecessarily harsh" point doesn't make any sense, when we are talking about a purely subjective point of view.
I didnt disregard that this is your subjective opinion which to me is still harsh because the device is no where as bad as you painted it. Hence my subjective response since u did say you wanted to hear the opinions of your viewers. Objectively speaking though, the one who is disregarding opinions isn't me.
When did I say that the device is bad? I keep repeating that it is an amazing device, and I literally say "I wish I could enjoy all of its awesomeness" :)
Read again, it's no where as bad as you painted it. You were literally saying the Ultra has so many negatives that you want to sell the device.. which person would sell a good device? U didn't even have to say this is bad device. The whole vibe of the video was that this tab ultra is a horrid purchase decision even though its so "amazing.
It seems like either you are intentionally missing the point of the video, or your mind is closed off to the message of the video, which is, an objectively superior device will not be a 100% guarantee that you will be happy with the purchase, and that quirks and issues a device has (as no device is perfect) can have a much bigger effect on how, or even if a person enjoys or uses the device in their day to day routine.
It would be worth considering cutting down on the number of devices you have to increase your overall satisfaction with the ones you keep. More choice is good but only up to a point, after which happiness decreases rather than increase. Lots of evidence on this from psychology research, they call:"overchoice". A different user who only has the Tab Ultra and no other similar devices are highly likely to find themselves very happy with their purchase, sorry about that.
Well, no, that doesn't really apply, because consider the situation I was focusing on. I owned and used primarily my Boox Note Air 1 for 2 years, and then upgraded to Boox Tab Ultra. Then I experienced the issues I was focusing on in the video. This is a very real-world, average user situation.
@@MyDeepGuide I do take your point, though this section here at 9:05 seems to reflect the overchoice syndrome. Would you not still be happy with the Note Air had you not purchased the Tab Ultra? Would you find the Tab Ultra less annoying had it been the first and only device you had without the Note Air reference/comparison/choice? Just some thoughts, and thanks for the great content as always! 🙂
Yes, but that is not over choice syndrome, if a user has purchased a device, and wants to upgrade to a newer generation of a similar device after 2-3 years, which is the case I am talking about, upgrading from Note Air 1 to Tab Ultra.
@@MyDeepGuide Maybe, but one needs to watch out for false dichotomy pitfalls. These two aspects don't have to be mutually exclusive, as in either "this is a typical use case purchase/upgrade scenario" *or* it's overchoice. Both things can be true at the same time. Just because this can happen to a typical user does not mean it cannot be an overchoice issue nonetheless. Indeed, a tragic aspect of modern age consumerism is suffering from overchoice and other unhappiness related phenomena. We can gain interesting insights by conducting a few thought experiments:
1- The user part-exchanges/sells/donates/recycles the old device on receiving the new one. Psychologically, they might play all kinds of mental tricks on themselves as to why the new device is far superior to the old one: The old device was too slow; Look just how smooth this new device is; Ok, it has a few shortcomings but overall I'm very satisfied with the new device. And so on. Psychologist know all about this phenomenon too, but that's another story.
2- The user keeps the old device and relegates it to a secondary function (a standalone diary or some such) and makes the new device their main "daily driver". The user might be very satisfied with this arrangement, squeezing the last useful life/functionality out of the old device, as well as enjoying the fact of not parting with their old device for which they still have an emotional soft spot. One can imagine a multitude of scenarios in which people would be happy in this scenario. Hoarders and collectors might relate to the joys of this arrangement. Others might find it logical and represents a good value of money in terms of keeping the old device going. And so on. Some users might find themselves unhappy, but the point here is that plenty of others might find various ways of being happy in this scenario. Why this might be is exactly the point of this thought experiment.
3- The user keeps the old device, but also has access to several other devices - including the Supernote. Here the user might still behave the same as above, keeping each of their devices designated to a specific niche. Or, they might find themselves suffering with the choice dilemma (aka overchoice) which then drives them to something along the lines of what is expressed in the segment starting at 9:33 in this video. Again, the point here is that some users might be happy in this scenario but others find themselves very unhappy, which is what makes this thought experiment interesting.
4- One could go on and imagine future scenarios, such as what would happen when Ratta releases a new version of the Supernote hardware. Or, what if Ratta makes it possible to switch back and forth between the last five releases of the software. Would users find themselves happier than they are now, or would they eventually suffer from the choice dilemma/overchoice.
Hope this helps, and goes some way to providing a different perspective on the issues raised in this video. Much appreciated as always 🙂
I'm still content with my Air 2, but the OS 3 update was a back step, that I still haven't got fully used to.
Regarding the Tab Ultra, I don't need a camera either, and the way it is implemented is an absolute No-Go. The dedicated GPU on the other hand is fantastic. At the moment, I wouldn't purchase a Boox device from the new line-up. Yes, they are technically great devices, but I just don't accept so many flaws in high-end hardware, neither on the hardware itself nor the software on it. Amazon is even worse…
A Nova Air 2 C at $400 with 64GB for students 🙏🏾
I so very get it. I'm neurodivergent in a way that makes my comfort crucial to the point where such little thing as response time from a stylus may cause a tantrum.
Got my Tab Ultra C recently. I hate it and I love it. :') Not much to compare to, it's way better than PocketBook as far as I can say. But some features are so devastating:
- vector graphics are hard to get used to, and I'm struggling to find some lightweight raster graphics apps
- standart notepad app is highly limited in terms of brush settings
- I love making annotations but it's fairly frustrating with the pre-installed reader
- writing with stylus has a strange lag whenever I switch between erasing and writing or screens in split view
- learning curve is... steep; I'm planning to read the manual from head to toe because it becomes ridiculous sometimes
As funny as it is, looks and feels of the reader are pretty decent to me. Though you can never be good enough with that.
But with all things considered -- I still love it!
Do you think it is useful for college students to take notes on classes and also be a textbook substitute? Is the lag unbearable when writing a lot of things i.e. taking note in lecture?
@@michaelc4917 it depends! The lag is probably due to switching between different processes, so it's more about the fact of switching than about time. I got a habit: need to switch -- tap with the stylus in any place just to tell the app: "I want to write, so you have to switch to that". This way lag doesn't really pop out. I would totally use it in class.
Take some duct tape and fill in that space so the camera no longer protrudes.
It’s not looking good for that Tab Ultra C review.
It sounds like a device that does many things but doesn't do any of them really well.
If you had a Supernote and felt like you were missing out on some of the aspects Play Store access gives you - what device would you choose? NA2+ or would you worry that it will slow down too much as your Note Air 1 did? I'm so torn. I love the A5X, but I really wish I was able to have access to the Play Store. Would I be silly to sell the A5X for anything on the market right now? I need your help Voja!!
After reading the title, I can say that there are lots of things wrong with BOOX tablets in general, they could be the best e-ink tablet on the market but instead they do stupid things, I have the boox note air 2 and its great for reading and writing, I have the nova 3 colour but you can't draw with brown, that is an issue when I am an electrician, boox say brown isn't supported, so why do they have it in the note pad and why can books display brown colours fine?, But you can't draw with brown, if you try to it defaults to black,
BOOX have many issues that need to be resolved, the list is endless
Basically you have bought the wrong tab for you. Just a basic tab would do what you want. I think this has been designed for ultra users.
That stupid camera bump is consequence of a typical Chinese company copying Apple without thinking twice. But I actually interested in the material, I hate the cold metal feeling of Air.
Very interesting and surprising video. Thank you. There’s been so much hype and talk about the Tab Ultra that I’m very glad to hear you rate the Note Air 1 above it (if not for speed at least). I fully understand your lack of a “feel” for it when compared to the more graceful looking Note Air. The only thing I am disappointed in with my Note Air 2 is the 227 ppi screen resolution but I’m not going to get that better anywhere else currently, if I ignore the Scribe and the somewhat “compromised” Tab Ultra C (which I am doing!). Once you add the better writing experience of the Note Air to the balance (and the lack of a camera!), I do really wonder whether those still shouting loudly for the Tab Ultra are that very small and special group of people who are prepared to put up with its failings or disappointments merely to have an e-ink screen on an enterprise tablet? But once you start talking “enterprise”, it’s just so obvious that an iPad or Samsung Galaxy is the way to go, surely? You can kid yourself that the Tab Ultra is basically a superior e-ink e-reader and note taker with enterprise built on to it, but it seems to fail as a quality writing experience note taker and can never match the convenience and speed of an iPad or Galaxy.
I just share your view Voja, the Ultra design (square edges, protruding camera, finishing colors) is just ugly. That is the main reason I have not bough it.
Note Air 1 design was something when it came out, but now even Note Air 2+ has dated hardware.
Boox come out with the Note Air 3 C soon! (before Apple does kill your product with their e-ink)
I didn't get the problem
Low content video. Rant. What about the tab ultra c? Are you unaware of Amazon's exclusive on the 300 DPI e-ink 10.1 (b&w) through the end of the year?
What exclusive are you talking about? Tab Ultra C has 300 PPI in B&W, and no, I am not unaware of the Ultra C. I have made the Unboxing and First Impressions video, but this video was recorded well before Ultra C came out, because I had to prepare a lot of content in advance, since I am in the process of moving. Does this clarify things to you a bit more?
What's Wrong With the Boox Tab Ultra? just everything. There are lots of features, NOT ONE of them is good.
I don't have soft hands. This guy's for making his opinions known okay but he doesn't speak for me. IP69 AND RUGGED please.
TL;DR (by ChatGPT): In this video, the speaker, Voya, discusses their experience with the Boox Tab Ultra, a tablet they purchased in November. They express disappointment with the device, citing several issues. These include the lack of an emotional connection, a bland design, a protruding camera, sharp edges, and a smooth writing surface. They also mention that the software is a step back compared to previous Boox devices. The speaker uses other devices instead of the Tab Ultra and contemplates selling it. They express hope for a future refresh of the Boox Air series. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that the Tab Ultra doesn't fit their needs, despite its superior performance, and they may stick with their Boox Tab X. They invite viewers to share their experiences and thoughts on the matter.
Hallo wat een teleurstelling is deze video. Ik begrijp niets van je. Hoezo voelt het ene apparaat grijs en een andere oranje? Hou je er svp rekening mee dat jij alle apparaten krijgt om mee te spelen, wij de eindgebruikers kopen er slechts 1. Ik kan niet vergelijken. En hoezo is de software minder als je er geen toetsenbord aan kan koppelen? Dat weet je als je dit apparaat koopt. Ik zou je willen vragen om door te gaan met je inhoudelijke testen en commentaren, maar hou svp op met het beschrijven van je gevoelens bij een apparaat.
You just get your period?
I just watched your Boox Tab Ultra C's great review where you stressed that both Boox Tab iterations have the same form factor but you didn't share your hate of this one. The very same form factor... Weird...
Try to be more respectful, and also try reading the comments section, and you'll see that your disrespectful attempt at a critique/question has already been addressed and correctly deducted by other viewers, without being as crass as you.