Has anyone used this and the reMarkable? I have the reMarkable and I’m curious how the two compare :)
https://youtube.com/results?search_query=comparison+remarkab...
Major differences:
- BOOX devices range in size from 6" -- 13.3". reMarkable is available only in 10.3". (Sizes and characteristics of displays are defined by Eink.com, the display vendor who have a patent monopoly.)
- BOOX offers a colour model, the Nova 3, 7.8".
- BOOX are Android tablets with eink screens. Remarkable is a custom Linux device. BOOX has a larger available application set.
- Both devices offer a Linux userland, reMarkable via SSH, BOOX through Termux (installable via F-Droid). There's a reMarkable hacker community.
- Storage is a major differeniator. reMarkable has only 16 GB total (OS, system, documents, sketches), BOOX offers 32 & 64 GB on current devices.
- BOOX offers a frontlight, reMarkable does not.
- Reports are that the reMarkable has a slightly more natural "paperlike" feel, and a thinner display surface. I can't compare the two, though I find the BOOX acceptable. There's a slight depth (and parallax offset) in pen registration at times, which I understand is due to additional layers (mostly frontlight?) on the display itself. Given that the display is from the same underlying vendor, this is likely a finishing consideration.
- BOOX offers Bluetooth support (including keyboard), reMarkable can be wired for a keyboard but that takes some work AFAIU.
- reMarkable is marketed as a distraction-free device with fairly minimal connectivity, and no apps or web browser. The BOOX is an Android tablet, and all your personal demons may be found there, though robbed of vibrant colours. Both do have WiFi. Depending on how you feel about distractions and your ability to resist temptations, this may be a concern.
- Onyx BOOX is not GPL compliant.
I'd looked at the features and settled on the BOOX. I'm pretty happy with it. Storage was my major consideration. Though not an Android fan, the availability of some key apps was also a major point.
Set to "speed mode" refresh for Termux itself, as well as the e-ink terminal scheme (dark on light).
Some frequently-refreshing apps will leave ghosting, but that's generally not an issue. You can set the full-repaint interval to reduce this at the cost of occasional screen-flashing. I opt for higher refresh counts.
The low power usage is one of e-ink's appeals for me (for multiday camping trips), but I guess that's for pure reading, and in conflict with usage as a terminal.
If you're running Termux, using shell and other system features (either locally or remotely, e.g., ssh + WiFi) expect to see shorter battery life.
I'm making heavy use of the Max Lumi and in practice am having to charge every couple of days, though even getting through one day would be acceptable to me. If I were reading only w/o the frontlight, I'd expect much better performance.
Charging is quick, with a full charge in 2--3 hours from fully flat. Even just a few minutes tops up nicely much of the time. I'm quite happy with the results I'm getting.
The Remarkable is a good note-taking/sketching device that can also display some ebooks. The focus is on the writing/drawing. The reading experience is limited.
The Boox devices are very powerful reading devices, with a decent sketching/note-taking function, and the ability to use most Android apps.