Watch this review BEFORE you buy a BOOX | one year later - Poke 3 | Should you get a Kindle instead?

[@evanlinjin256]

In my opinion, the best ebook/ink-paper tablet reviewer on KZbin.

[@87hiran]

Gotta say your videos have a soothing quality to them

[@pixelleaves]

Aw, thank you! 😆

[@blah914]

my only gripe with kindle is that only American libraries forward their ebooks to kindles. european libraries have their own reading apps which can be used on desktop or on android/iOS. if I were to buy all the books I read, I'd go broke, so access to libraries was the no1 priority in terms of which reader to pick.

[@t0dd000]

How about Libby? Still American only?

[@vanessaabbas2309]

​@@t0dd000 well in Australia, you can't access library books on Kindle using Libby 😢

[@leander8840]

@@t0dd000yes

[@Jimbosreptiles]

*cough*z-library

[@blah914]

@@t0dd000 we have libby, but ours doesnt forward to kindle

[@Millarayr]

I've loved Kindles for years. But, as I usually read non-fiction books, I use to highlight and take notes. With Kindle, I only can export my notes from books bought in Amazon and I have books from other sources. That's why I bought an ereader with android (not an onyx) and I LOVE IT!

[@ayuningpratiwi7613]

What device did you buy?

[@Millarayr]

@@ayuningpratiwi7613 I bought a rebranded ereader called Nabuk. Originally is a Likebook p6. And it's based on Android. I know of another company that sells ereaders with Android, Onyx Boox. But I don't know in what countries they are sold. (Forgive my English. I'm not a native English speaker)

[@memori365]

I have a Kobo Libra 2 but I’m eyeing for Boox and Supernote for note taking. It’s great to know the pros and cons of each devices on your videos. 😊

[@pixelleaves]

Glad to hear they’re helpful! 😁

[@JordanVic87]

i feel ipad/android tablets are far superior at note taking than an e-ink device. the smoothness and ease of writing difference is night and day.

[@memori365]

@@JordanVic87 no doubt about that. But tablets and phones are also distracting device. I am learning to cut down my screen time for entertainment and social media. Instead, I want to use my devices for productive activities like vlogging, blogging, and reading.

[@Finite8614]

Super helpful. Thank you for this review

[@alexchan4037]

I still have the 2018 Onyx Boox Nova with 2GB ram and 1.6ghz quad chip. Yesterday I went to a store to try Kobo Libra 2 even with 512 ram and 1.0 ghz, it still feel faster and more responsive than Onyx, I don’t know why. My Onyx with better spec but is very slow.

[@sara5611]

That is a great review! personally, I am looking into android based e-reader cuz Amazon ecosystem is kinda Anglo-centered with few books in Arabic for example. Android E-readers would open the doors for applications that support borrowing, buying and listening in different languages. Couple of questions: What is the battery life? I love my Kindle because I can forget to charge it for weeks without issue. How is the experience with other media like reading graphic novels/manga and listening to audiobooks?

[@aoliweidesue3680]

(The following is done using Google Translate, I’m sorry if there may be strange places.) Battery is a problem. I have used many e-paper books based on Android systems. If used intensively, they can only last two or three days on a single charge. If you want to buy one, It is recommended to buy one with a type c interface, so that you can use the charging cable of your mobile phone to charge it when you go out.

[@minimini4792]

Great review as always. Is a Poke 3 still worth it in late 2024?

[@Lorran5]

Excellent review. Congrats!

[@fcf8269]

To be honest I can't justify the purchase of a boox at all if the only usage is to read books; even if it has nice features for PDF and other formats. There are other e-readers better than kindle that still cost way less than a Boox device, so on that aspect the question is not much if you should pick the Boox devices as e-reader but more on what alternative e-book reader is NOT better than Boox devices. For note taking I think it is quite capable. Android based tablet with e ink screen are very few , and if someone has needs that go beyond just write on the device with a pen, then the options are limited to 2 brands as in 2022 I believe. The other negative is their lack of focus on devices. Every year or 2 you get a full update that add little to nothing for a considerable bump in price. You may say "don't buy the new one"'; which is fair, but the problem is that the main reason to get a Boox device is the Android capabilities, and if there are no OS updates (Boox never update their Android version; they just update their apps with their updates, so this means no security updates you would get , like if you had a proper android tablet from a large manufacturer for years to come). They operate like if they were Apple or Samsung; chugging new devices every year and expecting that people buy a new e-writer every year or two, while in reality people are more like you and your kindle; which after years still work fine and not having many features, is also pretty much safe even with an old OS version. Boox are a very specific type of devices for very specific people I believe; it is trying to do everything but has the downside of everything it try to do, overthrow all the good they implement.

[@bhoqeem1975]

Does it support files as in folder and sub-folder management? I have thousands of books in epub, mobi, and pdf. It would be a major PITA if Boox turns out not support the aforementioned file management. I mean, I wish I could just copy and paste my collection in their original folder/subfolder arrangements and the Boox read them as is, just like file management on the desktop. At least, if it's based on Android, can I install a file management app on it?

[@pixelleaves]

I haven’t tried putting in files within multiple subfolders, but I think it should work for epub etc. I do hear that file management for notes is not transparent but that doesn’t seem to be an issue for you!

[@bradd5961]

Surely one of these companies will try adding a camera to these devices. It would allow you to take a screenshot and mark it up.

[@ironuckles]

Thank you for the useful review

[@filoniz]

What do to think of Boox Nova Air Color?

[@Ryu-wf9et]

Thanks for this video! I do have sideloaded books but i feel like Kindle would be more fitting since i only plan to read on it.

[@llfr0023]

Would have been nice to talk about the battery life (instead of just saying it doesn’t last as long as a kindle).

[@semihakisisel]

thanks for the honest guidence

[@stephanduthoit4332]

Would you choose a Boox note air 3C or a Supernote A5X2 ? I just can't come out to a choice... In one side we have color but a darker screen, and battery issue In the other hand , A5X2 is yet not available , and has no light at all. And then, I canot feel which of them will provide a better writing experience..

[@pixelleaves]

Really depends on what tasks you need it for! I would mainly recommend Boox if you need to use Android apps, type, or do web browsing. Also if you need one immediately, as the release of the A5X2 is still unsure

[@stephanduthoit4332]

Thank you for your answer ;) @@pixelleaves

[@LARKIN5950]

Yay you're expanding your reviews to different e-inks! I wish you could make a review on Boox Note Air 2, I'd love to know your comparison writing on it, but I know that's a big investment while you're still a smaller KZbin channel :P

[@pixelleaves]

Gosh, hope Boox doesn’t blacklist me after this video 😅 but my husband is looking into a Boox for a 10.3” tablet so we’ll see!

[@ecweav2612]

The Boox Note Air products are cheap get an iPad

[@marisoldasilva1]

I heard that Kindle isn't as easy to borrow books for free from the library - is that true? I am in Australia.

[@taylorrkenneth]

Appreciate the segment on UI changes between firmware versions. Lotta companies make these wild, habit-breaking UX changes and then nobody holds them accountable for it.

[@mcarl30]

I only use my boox for writing. To read I prefer my kindle.

[@Celesian]

this is a really well done video!

[@Yaa7700]

For a very large device just for reading (needing large text) any suggestions?

[@bizmonkey007]

Would these be good devices for Word Processing with MS Word?

[@MotoCanciones]

Thanks for the review. Can you rotate screen landscape to all sides?

[@whiterabbit9606]

So boox have more front light.. is it mean that is more eye strain?

[@pixelleaves]

It’s perfectly fine during the day or in dim light! But I read in the dark (lights off) before bed and I find it too bright for that, it keeps me awake/tires out my eyes. It might just be me though and what I’m used to, I usually have my kindle light set very low to help me sleep.

[@whiterabbit9606]

@@pixelleaves I would like to buy boox because it used android systems and I just really love to read everything even daily news and I would be very much used browser to read, so I choose boox. But now I know kindle front light can be set to be very low more than boox which I would be very loved it because I always set my phone or ipad light to the lowest and still find it very bright. Now I wonder which one should I bought.😞

[@pixelleaves]

I still like my Boox and use it a lot during the daytime, if that helps! :) I still would recommend it if you need Android.

[@whiterabbit9606]

@@pixelleaves yeah it help a lot. Thanks😊

[@juniorobregonfernandez6410]

Thanks for this video.

[@syfer26]

great review

[@mattimorottaja8445]

i wish they made a 5.5" pocket model

[@tcllfk]

They do, if you mean the Boox brand. It's called the Palma.

[@LucasMedeirosGomes]

How to change the language?

[@subinitamazumder1307]

I heard that Poke 3 has removed Google Play services recently. Is that true?

[@pixelleaves]

I'm not sure, I don't see how that can be since it was never officially Google Play certified. I don't use Google Play on this, I either sideloaded the .apks directly or used Aurora Store.

[@subinitamazumder1307]

@@pixelleaves but I see that you can enable Google Play on it? Good e-reader channel has videos on it. Btw questions on side loading - 1. From where do you side load apk files without downloading malicious software unknowingly? 2. Can you update the apk files with latest app versions?

[@pixelleaves]

Yes, but I have no personal experience with Google Play so you should ask Good e-reader or Boox directly if you have questions about it :) F-Droid has free and open source apps

[@notalot22]

is that LingQ youre using at 00:57? And if so, how does it perform on the Boox? I'm looking at the Poke 4 Lite (or Poke 4 if it comes to the West) specifically to use LingQ.

[@pixelleaves]

It’s not perfect (not designed for e-ink) but it’s ok! I prefer it on the Poke because I don’t like reading books at length on regular screens.

[@MrArrex]

Thank you, this isa good general overview on booxes. Btw are those bones reds bearings poking in the video? 😆

[@pixelleaves]

Haha yes, well spotted on the bearings! In response to your other comment about whether the Note Air C has the same issue with brightness, I'm not sure about the Air C as I don't have it, but you may want to check on the Boox Facebook or Reddit groups and someone might be able to compare for you. :)

[@jayvansickle7607]

Have to say...a little traumatizing to see the eink screen all creased and wrinkled, due to battery bloat.

[@pixelleaves]

Definitely made a big impression on me... made sure to take extra good care of my battery after seeing that!

[@jayvansickle7607]

@@pixelleaves I fantasize about having an Android reader.... But, in reality, is probably just read Kindle books on it mostly.

[@londonguy73]

if i upload a book to my phones google play books app would it sync to this, assuming you can download google play books on it?

[@pixelleaves]

I don't use Google Play Books, but if it works on a regular Android tablet it should work too. My Kindle is just treated as another Android device

[@stepanrumyantsev6098]

Very insightful, thank you very much! Could you please tell how the battery life is on this Poke 3? 1-2 days or more like a week? Thank you!

[@pixelleaves]

Mine is set to turn off after 12 hours of inactivity; with that setting on, and just mostly reading offline a few hours a day, I get more like a week+. But if you use it like a tablet it’s less :)

[@stepanrumyantsev6098]

@@pixelleaves Thank you very much! One more question: my notes and my privacy overall are valuable to me, I want to put my data on a trustworthy device. I checked the links you've kindly provided on the Privacy issues of Boox. This didn't make it clear for me unfortunately. The fact that they didn't publish the Linux kernel source (probably they didn't modify it) and the Privacy Policy (I'm not an expert but it sounds not too bad, not worse than Google's I guess) are concerning to you? Or something else that makes you suspect something bad? And why do you trust Supernote A6X more?Ideally I would like to have an eInk device with the Amazon Kindle App and OneNote/Evernote to access and add to my notebooks. Boox looks fine but now I'm in doubt if I should type in my Amazon or Microsoft passwords on there. Thank you!

[@pixelleaves]

@@stepanrumyantsev6098 security is very important to me because my notes are primarily for work. So for note-taking I prefer Supernote because I use the device almost entirely offline (which, in my opinion, is the most secure way for devices which are not literally provided by my workplace). All my transfers are via USB, I don’t use any cloud services. On the Supernote I can see all my files (including note files) and transfer/handle them individually. As far as I know, you can only see/back up your Boox note files in one big .zip and not handle them individually. I do have the Boox online sometimes but only for apps like Kindle (for ebooks) so I’m logged into Amazon, but I don’t have email etc on it. This is all specific to me and your own level of comfort may vary! Edit: and one of my initial concerns was how often the device “phones home”, but one of the links above shows how (supposedly) to control traffic. I just opt to err on the side of caution. I know some people say it’s “all the same and other companies have your data” but maybe I’m a bit more wary since I live in Asia!

[@stepanrumyantsev6098]

@@pixelleaves I'm beyond thankful for your amazing review and the replies! Thank you so much!

[@memori365]

Onyx Boox Nova Air C came out. It has Android 11. Can you upgrade to the latest Android version or will you need a newer ereader to be able to upgrade?

[@pixelleaves]

I don’t believe you upgrade Android versions, just firmware versions

[@avi4580]

Can you rotate the screen?

[@pixelleaves]

Yes!

[@avi4580]

@@pixelleaves Thank you!

[@avi4580]

@@pixelleaves And you can read on a landscape mode?

[@air-ren]

shout out to all the Aaron’s (me!)that got surprised 😆

[@pixelleaves]

Haha, sorry ‘bout that!

[@widianto4667]

I really wish android based kindle exist. Not some other product

[@dwnthk]

My Poke has a bad battery.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

My next e-ink is going to be Huawei matepad paper!!!

[@LARKIN5950]

I wish it was out now so I could compare it to the current line of products :(

[@tuhkathri9126]

Pity the whole e-ink thing hasn't really advanced since 2012. The tech is simply at a dead end. Anyone remember Mirasol color e-ink? What does surprise me is that companies haven't perfected the software by now. That and the fact that e-ink tablets are more expensive than they were in 2012. I ended up buying a kindle 2 in mint condition for 10 dollars and it works flawlessly. I don't really see the need to buy the latest readers since they haven't improved all that much.

[@pixelleaves]

Kindles are a different case, though, since the real product in the end is their ebooks and/or getting a customer more likely to buy from the Amazon ecosystem. The devices are very likely sold at a tiny profit, if any, or as a loss leader. Given the volume of their orders, they can probably also get preferential prices buying the panels. The software is pretty basic and Linux-based, and runs on low specs, cutting costs further. In my opinion, the cost is driven by the fact that it’s a monopoly: e-ink screens/panels for all these devices are all made by one company (E-ink) and since there’s no competition they can charge what they want. Unfortunately it’s a niche product and even if patents aren’t actually the real issue I’m guessing lack of funding is.

[@tuhkathri9126]

@@pixelleaves good points. I look forward to seeing what further software improvements for this tablet are made.

[@pixelleaves]

@@tuhkathri9126 being able to study in LingQ, and read on apps like Scribd, in e-ink have been worth the somewhat awkward software for me! For just ebook files though, I don’t see the experience catching up with Kindles etc soon 😅

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

You got lingq in there. Its not by accident

[@JoseRivera-pe9kt]

A mi me encanta mi boox

[@MrOsasco]

Will never buy a Boox again. It is probably a kind of TikTok