The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C emerges as a formidable contender in the e-ink tablet market, carving out a distinct niche for those who demand more than just a dedicated e-reader.
It’s a device that truly blurs the lines between a traditional e-reader and a productivity tablet, offering a full Android experience with the unique benefits of a color e-ink display.
If you’re someone who spends hours staring at screens and wants to mitigate eye strain while still needing the versatility of a modern tablet for note-taking, document annotation, and even light creative work, the Tab Ultra C is a compelling, albeit premium, option.
Its strength lies in its ability to handle demanding tasks with a low-refresh rate screen, delivering a surprisingly fluid experience for an e-ink device, particularly for professional use where distraction-free focus is paramount.
This device isn’t just about reading.
It’s designed to be a digital companion for professionals, students, and anyone looking to reduce their digital eye fatigue without sacrificing functionality.
The color E-Ink display, while not as vibrant as an LCD or OLED, offers a different kind of visual experience, making it ideal for viewing charts, graphs, and colored PDFs without the harsh blue light of traditional screens.
Its integration with the Android ecosystem means access to a vast array of apps, from productivity suites to cloud storage services, transforming it into a versatile tool for work and study.
Before into the nitty-gritty of its performance, let’s stack it up against some of its closest competitors and other popular productivity tools.
Product Name | Category | Key Feature 1 | Key Feature 2 | Price Range USD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C | E-Ink Tablet | Color E-Ink Display | Android 11 OS | $500 – $600 |
Kindle Scribe | E-Reader/Note-taker | Large E-Ink Display | Integrated Pen Input | $300 – $400 |
Remarkable 2 | Digital Paper Tablet | Paper-like Writing Experience | Cloud Integration | $300 – $500 |
iPad Air 5th Gen | Tablet | Liquid Retina Display | M1 Chip Performance | $600 – $800 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Android Tablet | AMOLED Display | S Pen Included | $600 – $700 |
Kobo Elipsa | E-Reader/Note-taker | E-Ink Carta 1200 Screen | Kobo Stylus Support | $300 – $400 |
Fujitsu Quaderno A4 Gen 2 | Digital Paper Tablet | Large 13.3″ E-Ink Screen | Thin and Lightweight Design | $600 – $800 |
Display Technology and Color E-Ink Performance
The heart of the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is its Kaleido 3 color e-ink display, a significant leap forward from previous generations of color e-ink. This isn’t your vibrant, glossy tablet screen. it’s designed for a different purpose entirely.
Imagine the comfort of reading on paper, but with the added benefit of subtle, muted colors.
The Kaleido 3 Advantage: More Than Just Reading
Kaleido 3 technology brings a new dimension to e-ink.
While the color palette is still significantly less vivid than an LCD or OLED, it’s a massive improvement for specific use cases.
- Charts and Graphs: Financial reports, scientific diagrams, and educational materials become much more decipherable with color differentiation.
- PDFs and Comics: While not the same as a traditional tablet, viewing color PDFs, especially technical manuals or textbooks, is significantly enhanced. Comics, too, gain a new level of readability.
- Art and Design References: For artists or designers who need to reference color palettes or subtle shading without the glare of a backlit screen, the Tab Ultra C offers a unique alternative.
The resolution is quite impressive for an e-ink screen: 300 PPI for black and white text and 150 PPI for color content. Nothing Phone 2 Review
This means text remains sharp and crisp, which is crucial for extensive reading and note-taking.
The subtle granularity of the e-ink experience, much like reading a physical newspaper, contributes to reduced eye strain, a primary selling point for this device.
Refresh Rates and Display Modes: Tailoring Your Experience
Onyx Boox has always been known for its advanced refresh rate optimizations, and the Tab Ultra C is no exception.
It offers multiple display modes to balance speed and visual quality.
- HD Mode: This is your standard, high-quality display for static content like e-books and documents. It provides the sharpest text and images with minimal ghosting.
- Balanced Mode: A good all-rounder for general use, offering a decent balance between clarity and refresh speed.
- Fast Mode: Sacrifices some clarity for quicker refreshes, making it more suitable for scrolling through web pages or navigating the Android interface.
- Ultrafast Mode: The most aggressive mode, optimized for video playback or very rapid scrolling, though with noticeable ghosting and reduced image quality. This is for when speed is paramount, and visual fidelity is secondary.
The ability to toggle between these modes on the fly allows users to optimize their experience based on the content. Kodak Flik Hd10 Review
For instance, you’d use HD mode for reading a novel, Fast mode for browsing a news website, and Ultrafast for a quick YouTube video though e-ink isn’t really designed for video consumption. This flexibility is a key differentiator from simpler e-readers.
Performance and Android Ecosystem
Beneath its color e-ink display, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C packs a punch with an octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM, running Android 11. This hardware configuration is crucial for delivering a responsive experience that goes beyond basic e-reading.
Android 11: A Full-Fledged Tablet Experience
Unlike proprietary e-reader operating systems, Android 11 on the Tab Ultra C opens up a world of possibilities.
- Google Play Store Access: This is a must. You can download virtually any Android app, from productivity suites like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace to cloud storage services like Dropbox and OneDrive, communication apps, and even social media though the e-ink screen might not be ideal for constant scrolling.
- Multitasking Capabilities: The Tab Ultra C supports split-screen multitasking, allowing you to read a PDF on one side while taking notes in a separate app on the other. This significantly boosts productivity for students and professionals.
- Customization: Android’s inherent flexibility allows users to customize their experience with widgets, launchers, and system-wide settings, making the device truly their own.
However, it’s important to set expectations.
While it runs Android apps, the e-ink display’s refresh rate means that graphically intensive applications or those requiring constant, smooth animations won’t perform as well as on an LCD tablet. Cleanmymac Review
Apps like web browsers or social media feeds might have noticeable ghosting or slower scrolling.
The device is best suited for text-heavy applications, document editing, and note-taking.
Hardware Specifications: Powering Productivity
The octa-core processor ensures that the device handles common tasks smoothly.
Opening apps, switching between them, and rendering complex PDFs are generally snappy.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 or similar – a mid-range chipset that’s efficient and capable enough for most e-ink tablet demands.
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X – sufficient for smooth multitasking and running several applications concurrently without significant slowdowns.
- Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1 – ample space for a vast library of e-books, documents, and installed applications. It’s also expandable via a microSD card slot, which is a welcome addition for media hoarders.
The combination of a capable processor, ample RAM, and a full Android OS makes the Tab Ultra C a genuinely versatile productivity tool, differentiating it from more limited e-readers. It’s not just a digital notebook. it’s a portable office. Sk Hynix Beetle X31 Review
Pen Input and Note-Taking Experience
One of the standout features of the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C, and indeed many Onyx Boox devices, is its robust pen input system.
The inclusion of a Wacom layer means a responsive and natural writing experience, making it a viable alternative to traditional paper notebooks.
Stylus and Writing Latency: A Near-Paper Feel
The Tab Ultra C comes with a Wacom-enabled stylus often referred to as a Boox Pen Plus or Pro, depending on the bundle. This stylus offers:
- 4096 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity: This allows for nuanced line variations, crucial for sketching, diagramming, and mimicking the feel of a real pen. Press harder for thicker lines, lighter for thinner ones.
- Low Latency: The delay between the pen touching the screen and the ink appearing is impressively low for an e-ink device, creating a fluid and natural writing experience. While not quite instantaneous like some high-end LCD tablets, it’s close enough to be genuinely enjoyable and productive.
- Ergonomics: The stylus is generally comfortable to hold, often featuring a button that can be customized for eraser functionality or other shortcuts. Some models even have a magnetic attachment to the tablet itself, making it convenient to carry.
The writing surface itself often has a slight texture, which adds to the paper-like friction, preventing the stylus from feeling too slippery.
This “tooth” is intentional, designed to mimic the resistance of writing on paper, making the experience more intuitive and less fatiguing for long note-taking sessions. Gigabyte Aorus 15 Bmf Review
Native Note-Taking Application: Feature-Rich and Versatile
Onyx Boox’s native note-taking application is highly regarded and packed with features that leverage the device’s capabilities.
- Diverse Pen Tools: Access to various pen types ballpoint, fountain, brush, highlighter, adjustable line thickness, and a decent selection of colors rendered in grayscale or muted color on the e-ink screen.
- Templates and Layers: Choose from a wide array of templates lined, grid, Cornell notes, calendars, etc. and utilize layers for organizing complex notes or sketches.
- Shape Recognition: Automatically convert rough shapes circles, squares, triangles into perfect geometric forms, ideal for diagrams and flowcharts.
- OCR and Searchable Notes: Convert handwritten notes to searchable text, making it easy to find specific information later. This is a massive productivity booster.
- Synchronization: Notes can be synced to Onyx’s cloud service or integrated with third-party cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive, ensuring your important ideas are always backed up and accessible.
Beyond the native app, the Android ecosystem allows users to install popular note-taking applications like OneNote, Evernote, or Squid, though their performance might vary due to the e-ink display’s characteristics.
For the best experience, the native Boox Note app is often recommended due to its optimization for e-ink.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life on e-ink devices is typically measured in weeks, not hours, and the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C aims to deliver on this promise, although its more powerful hardware and color screen will naturally consume more power than a basic e-reader.
Longevity for Extended Use: More Than a Day’s Work
The Tab Ultra C comes equipped with a substantial battery, typically in the range of 4000-4600 mAh. Qihoo 360 Total Security 86 Review
While not reaching the multi-week endurance of simpler e-readers, it offers excellent battery life for a full-featured Android tablet with a color e-ink screen.
- Typical Usage: For general reading, note-taking, and occasional web browsing, you can expect several days to a week of use on a single charge. This easily covers multiple days of work or study without needing to constantly look for an outlet.
- Power-Hungry Tasks: Using Wi-Fi extensively, downloading large files, running demanding Android apps, or using the front light at high brightness will, of course, drain the battery faster.
- Standby Time: When left in standby, the device sips power, maintaining its charge for extended periods, making it a reliable companion for sporadic use.
Compared to LCD tablets that often struggle to last a full workday, the Tab Ultra C’s battery performance is a significant advantage for users who prioritize long-lasting, distraction-free productivity.
Connectivity Options: Stay Connected and Expandable
The Tab Ultra C offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity features to ensure you’re always connected and your data is accessible.
- Wi-Fi 2.4GHz & 5GHz: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi for fast and reliable internet access, crucial for syncing notes, downloading e-books, and browsing the web.
- Bluetooth: For connecting wireless headphones, keyboards, or other peripherals, enhancing its versatility as a productivity device.
- USB-C Port: Used for charging, data transfer, and potentially connecting external accessories via USB On-The-Go OTG. This is the modern standard and ensures compatibility with current accessories.
- MicroSD Card Slot: A major plus for users with large libraries or who need extra storage for documents and media. Expanding storage is simple and cost-effective.
- Optional SIM Card Slot on some models: While not universal, some variants of the Tab Ultra C might include a SIM card slot for cellular connectivity, providing internet access on the go without relying on Wi-Fi hotspots. This is particularly useful for professionals who travel frequently.
The combination of robust battery life and versatile connectivity makes the Tab Ultra C a highly practical device for both on-the-go and stationary use, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Build Quality, Design, and Accessories
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C presents a sleek, modern design that balances portability with a premium feel. Kitsune Tails Review
Its construction materials and thoughtful design elements contribute to its overall user experience.
Premium Feel and Thoughtful Design
Onyx Boox devices generally feature a solid build, and the Tab Ultra C is no exception.
- Materials: Typically constructed with a metal back often aluminum alloy and a glass front for the e-ink screen, giving it a robust and premium feel without being excessively heavy. The metal back also aids in heat dissipation, though e-ink devices rarely generate much heat.
- Form Factor: Designed to be thin and light, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods, whether reading or taking notes. Its dimensions are optimized for a natural writing and viewing experience, similar to a physical notebook.
- Bezels: While not entirely bezel-less, the bezels are designed to provide a comfortable grip without accidentally touching the screen. The larger bezel on one side often houses physical buttons like a home button or page-turn buttons, enhancing usability.
- Buttons and Ports: Thoughtfully placed power button, volume rockers, and the USB-C port for easy access. Some models might integrate a fingerprint scanner into the power button for quick and secure unlocking.
The aesthetic is generally minimalist and professional, suitable for a work or study environment.
It’s built to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining an elegant appearance.
Essential Accessories: Enhancing Functionality
To maximize the utility of the Tab Ultra C, several accessories are either bundled or available for purchase, each designed to enhance specific aspects of the device. Wallethub Review
- Protective Case: A must-have for protecting your investment. Onyx Boox often offers cases that double as stands, allowing for comfortable hands-free viewing. Some cases might also have a dedicated slot or magnetic attachment for the stylus.
- Magnetic Keyboard Cover: Transforms the Tab Ultra C into a mini-laptop, enabling efficient typing for emails, reports, or longer documents. This accessory significantly boosts its productivity capabilities. The magnetic attachment makes it easy to snap on and off.
- Additional Stylus Tips: Over time, stylus tips can wear down. Having replacement tips ensures a consistent writing experience.
- Screen Protector: While the e-ink screen is generally durable, a matte screen protector can add an extra layer of protection against scratches and reduce glare further.
Investing in relevant accessories can significantly extend the functionality and longevity of your Tab Ultra C, tailoring it to your specific needs, whether that’s intensive note-taking, heavy reading, or a blend of both.
Software Features and Optimizations for E-Ink
Onyx Boox prides itself on its highly customized Android software, which is meticulously optimized for the unique characteristics of e-ink displays.
This optimization is what truly elevates the user experience on the Tab Ultra C.
NeoReader and Document Management: A Professional’s Toolkit
The native NeoReader application is a powerhouse for reading and annotating documents.
- Comprehensive File Support: Supports a vast array of document formats, including PDF, EPUB, MOBI, TXT, DOCX, CBR, CBZ, and many more. This versatility makes it ideal for handling diverse professional and academic materials.
- Advanced PDF Reflow and Cropping: Essential for working with large PDFs, allowing you to reflow text, crop margins, and zoom in without losing readability, ensuring a comfortable reading experience on a smaller screen.
- On-the-Fly Annotation: Highlight text, add handwritten notes, draw diagrams, and insert comments directly onto documents. These annotations can often be exported or saved as layers.
- Dictionary and Translation Integration: Look up words instantly or translate text directly from within the document, invaluable for language learners or researchers.
- Split-Screen View: View two documents side-by-side or have a document open on one side and a note-taking app on the other, enhancing productivity for research and comparative analysis.
Beyond NeoReader, the file management system is intuitive, making it easy to organize, sort, and access your documents. Honkai Star Rail Review
Cloud synchronization features ensure that your library is always backed up and accessible across devices.
System-Wide E-Ink Optimizations: Living with a Unique Display
Onyx Boox has developed a suite of features to mitigate the inherent limitations of e-ink and enhance its strengths.
- Refresh Rate Customization: As discussed, the ability to switch between HD, Balanced, Fast, and Ultrafast modes allows users to tailor the display’s responsiveness to the content.
- Front Light Control: Dual CCT Correlated Color Temperature front light allows adjustment between cool white and warm amber light, reducing eye strain, especially during evening reading. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.
- App Optimization Features: Users can individually optimize settings for specific third-party Android apps. This includes adjusting refresh rates, applying filters, or even forcing a darker theme to improve readability on e-ink. For instance, you might set a browser to Fast mode for general browsing but switch to HD for reading a long article.
- Screenshot and Sharing: Easily capture screenshots of your notes or documents and share them via email, cloud services, or other installed apps.
- Gesture Navigation and Shortcuts: Customize system gestures and shortcuts to streamline workflows, making interaction with the device more efficient.
These software optimizations are paramount to the Tab Ultra C’s success.
They show a deep understanding of e-ink’s nuances and how to make a full Android experience palatable and productive on such a display.
Use Cases and Target Audience
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C isn’t for everyone, but for its specific target audience, it offers a compelling and specialized solution that traditional tablets or basic e-readers simply can’t match. Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 Review
It carves out a niche for productive, eye-friendly computing.
Ideal Users: Who Benefits Most?
The Tab Ultra C shines brightest for individuals who spend significant time reading, writing, and interacting with digital documents, particularly those concerned about eye strain from traditional screens.
- Students: Ideal for reading textbooks especially PDFs with diagrams, taking lecture notes, annotating research papers, and accessing educational apps. Its long battery life and distraction-free environment are huge advantages.
- Academics and Researchers: Perfect for reviewing academic journals, annotating research papers, writing drafts, and organizing vast amounts of information without the glare of a conventional monitor. The ability to cross-reference multiple documents and take extensive notes is invaluable.
- Business Professionals: Excellent for reviewing reports, signing documents, preparing presentations, and managing emails on the go. Lawyers, consultants, and project managers who deal with large volumes of documents will find its capabilities highly beneficial.
- Journalists and Writers: A fantastic tool for distraction-free writing, outlining articles, and researching on the web. The e-ink display minimizes fatigue during long writing sessions.
- Anyone with Digital Eye Strain: Individuals who experience headaches, dry eyes, or general discomfort from prolonged use of LCD/OLED screens will find the e-ink display a welcome relief, allowing them to continue their digital work without the same level of discomfort.
It’s particularly suited for those who value focus and deep work over vibrant multimedia consumption.
Best Scenarios: Where It Excels
The Tab Ultra C truly shines in environments where eye comfort and focused work are paramount.
- Reading and Annotating Technical Documents: Whether it’s a legal brief, an engineering blueprint, or a medical textbook, the ability to view detailed diagrams in muted color and annotate extensively makes it a superior choice to a backlit tablet.
- Note-Taking in Meetings or Lectures: The natural writing feel and long battery life make it an ideal digital notebook, capturing thoughts, diagrams, and action items efficiently.
- Distraction-Free Writing: For authors, students, or anyone needing to compose long texts, the e-ink display offers a minimalist interface that minimizes the allure of social media or entertainment apps, fostering concentration.
- Outdoor Use: Unlike glossy LCD screens, e-ink displays are perfectly readable in direct sunlight, making the Tab Ultra C a great companion for working or reading outdoors.
- Long Study or Work Sessions: When you need to pore over materials for hours, the gentle nature of the e-ink screen dramatically reduces eye fatigue, allowing for longer, more productive sessions.
While it can handle basic web browsing and some light app usage, its true strength lies in its ability to facilitate prolonged, focused interaction with text and handwritten input, making it a specialized tool for discerning users. Bitdefender Premium Vpn Review
Comparison to Alternatives and Value Proposition
Understanding the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C’s place in the market requires a direct comparison with its primary competitors, both within the e-ink space and against traditional tablets. This helps clarify its unique value proposition.
E-Ink Competitors: Remarkable 2, Kindle Scribe, Kobo Elipsa
Each e-ink device has its strengths, but the Tab Ultra C aims for a different level of versatility.
- Remarkable 2:
- Strength: Unparalleled paper-like writing experience, minimalist design, exceptional focus.
- Weakness: Proprietary OS, very limited app ecosystem, grayscale only, no front light.
- Comparison: The Tab Ultra C wins on versatility Android apps, color, and front light, while the Remarkable 2 often wins on pure writing feel and distraction-free simplicity. If you only need a digital notebook, Remarkable is a strong contender.
- Kindle Scribe:
- Strength: Deep integration with Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem, large display, excellent e-reading experience.
- Weakness: Basic note-taking features, limited PDF annotation, no app store, grayscale only.
- Comparison: The Scribe is primarily an e-reader with note-taking capabilities. The Tab Ultra C is a full Android tablet with e-ink, offering far more functionality beyond just reading Kindle books, including color.
- Kobo Elipsa:
- Strength: Good balance of e-reading and note-taking, Kobo’s strong e-book store.
- Weakness: More limited Android features than Boox, grayscale only.
- Comparison: The Elipsa is a solid e-reader/note-taker, but the Tab Ultra C offers a more robust Android experience, more customization, and the advantage of color e-ink.
The Tab Ultra C distinguishes itself by offering a full Android tablet experience on a color e-ink display, making it significantly more versatile than these dedicated e-readers or digital notebooks.
Traditional Tablets: iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab
Comparing to LCD/OLED tablets is like comparing apples to oranges, but it’s crucial for understanding the trade-offs. Wrike Review
- iPad e.g., iPad Air:
- Strength: Unmatched app ecosystem, vibrant display, powerful performance, mature accessories.
- Weakness: Significant eye strain, poor outdoor visibility due to glare, shorter battery life hours vs. days.
- Comparison: If raw performance, multimedia, and graphics are your priority, an iPad is superior. If eye comfort, distraction-free work, long battery life, and paper-like writing are paramount, the Tab Ultra C is the clear winner. They serve different primary purposes.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab e.g., Tab S8:
- Strength: Android versatility, vibrant AMOLED display, often includes S Pen, good for multimedia.
- Weakness: Same eye strain, glare, and battery life concerns as iPad.
- Comparison: Similar to the iPad, the Galaxy Tab offers a full Android experience, but with a traditional backlit display. The Tab Ultra C offers the same Android access but with the eye-friendly, paper-like display.
Value Proposition: Why Choose the Tab Ultra C?
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C commands a premium price, but its value proposition lies in its unique combination of features:
- Reduced Eye Strain: This is the primary driver. For anyone who stares at screens for prolonged periods, the e-ink display is a must for eye health and comfort.
- Full Android Ecosystem: Access to a vast array of productivity apps, cloud services, and customization options not found on dedicated e-readers.
- Color E-Ink: While muted, the color layer is a significant advantage for specific content like charts, graphs, and colored PDFs, making them more readable and informative.
- Excellent Note-Taking: A highly responsive pen input system combined with feature-rich native software provides a near-paper writing experience.
- Long Battery Life: Days, not hours, of active use mean less time tethered to a charger.
- Distraction-Free Environment: The inherent nature of e-ink and the ability to customize apps for focus make it an ideal tool for deep work.
In essence, the Tab Ultra C is for those who need the functionality of an Android tablet but demand the eye comfort and focus of an e-ink device.
It’s a specialized tool for a specialized need, and for its target audience, it offers unmatched value.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is a highly capable and innovative device, it’s not without its limitations.
Understanding these potential drawbacks is crucial for setting realistic expectations and ensuring it’s the right fit for your needs. Sony Fe 20 70Mm F4 G Review
Display Limitations: Not for Everyone
The color e-ink display, while advanced, is fundamentally different from a traditional LCD or OLED screen.
- Muted Colors: The color saturation is significantly lower, and the palette is less vibrant. If you need rich, accurate colors for graphic design, photography, or multimedia consumption, this isn’t the device for you. Colors appear more like those from a newspaper or a printed magazine.
- Slower Refresh Rates: While Onyx Boox has made impressive strides in optimizing refresh rates, e-ink is inherently slower than traditional displays. Scrolling, animations, and video playback will exhibit ghosting and noticeable lag, especially in high-speed modes. This makes it unsuitable for gaming or watching high-definition videos.
- Less Contrast than B&W E-Ink: The Kaleido 3 layer, while adding color, slightly reduces the contrast of the black and white text compared to pure monochrome e-ink displays like the Remarkable 2 or older Kindles. For some purists, this might be a trade-off.
- Front Light is Essential Indoors: In low light conditions or indoors, the front light is necessary for comfortable viewing, as e-ink is reflective and doesn’t emit its own light like an LCD.
These display characteristics mean the Tab Ultra C is best suited for static content, document interaction, and note-taking rather than general tablet usage.
Software Ecosystem: Android, But with Caveats
While having full Android is a huge advantage, it comes with specific considerations for an e-ink device.
- App Compatibility and Optimization: While you can download virtually any Android app, not all apps are optimized for e-ink displays. Some apps might appear with poor contrast, odd color rendering, or struggle with refresh rates. Users often need to tinker with per-app optimization settings to get the best experience.
- No Seamless Multitasking for All Apps: While split-screen is supported, running two graphically intensive apps side-by-side might stress the system or result in noticeable lag. It’s best for document/note combinations.
- Learning Curve for E-Ink Specific Settings: Users new to Onyx Boox devices might find the extensive customization options refresh rates, DPI, color filters for apps a bit overwhelming initially. It requires some setup to truly optimize the experience.
It’s crucial to remember that this is an e-ink device running Android, not an Android tablet with an e-ink screen. The e-ink display dictates the overall experience.
Price Point: A Premium Investment
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is a premium device, often priced higher than many traditional mid-range tablets and significantly more than basic e-readers. Lg C3 83 Inch Evo Oled Tv Oled83C3Pua Review
- Specialized Niche: Its higher cost reflects its specialized technology color e-ink and its advanced functionality as a full Android tablet.
- Value for Money: The value is primarily for those who need the eye comfort and paper-like experience combined with Android versatility. If eye strain isn’t a major concern or if you only need a basic e-reader, cheaper alternatives exist.
For potential buyers, it’s important to weigh these factors against their specific needs and budget.
The Tab Ultra C is an investment in eye health and focused productivity, but it requires accepting its unique characteristics and limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C?
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is a premium e-ink tablet that features a color e-ink display Kaleido 3 and runs on a full Android 11 operating system, designed for reading, note-taking, and productivity with reduced eye strain.
What kind of screen does the Tab Ultra C have?
It has a Kaleido 3 color e-ink display with 300 PPI for black and white content and 150 PPI for color content.
Is the screen as vibrant as a traditional tablet?
No, the color e-ink display offers muted, subdued colors, not the vibrant saturation of LCD or OLED screens. Armored Core Vi Fires Of Rubicon Review
It’s designed for comfort and readability, not multimedia consumption.
Can I watch videos on the Tab Ultra C?
Yes, you can watch videos, but the e-ink display’s refresh rate and ghosting will make the experience far less enjoyable than on a traditional tablet. It’s not its primary purpose.
Does it support Google Play Store?
Yes, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C comes with full access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to download a wide range of Android applications.
What Android version does it run?
It runs on Android 11.
How much RAM does the Tab Ultra C have?
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C typically comes with 4GB of RAM.
How much internal storage does it have?
It usually features 128GB of internal UFS 2.1 storage.
Is the storage expandable?
Yes, it has a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Does it come with a stylus?
Yes, it comes with a Wacom-enabled stylus e.g., Boox Pen Plus or Pro for note-taking and drawing.
How many pressure sensitivity levels does the stylus have?
The stylus typically supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Is the writing experience comparable to paper?
It offers a very good, near-paper writing experience due to low latency and a textured screen surface, but it’s not identical to writing on physical paper.
What document formats does it support?
It supports a wide range of formats including PDF, EPUB, MOBI, TXT, DOCX, CBR, CBZ, and many others.
Can I annotate PDFs on the Tab Ultra C?
Yes, its native NeoReader application offers extensive PDF annotation features, including highlighting, handwritten notes, and drawing.
What is the battery life like?
Battery life is typically measured in days to a week for regular use, significantly longer than traditional tablets but less than basic, grayscale e-readers.
Does it have a front light?
Yes, it features a dual CCT front light, allowing you to adjust between cool white and warm amber illumination.
Can I browse the internet on it?
Yes, you can browse the internet, but the e-ink display’s refresh rate might make rapid scrolling less smooth than on an LCD tablet.
Is it suitable for graphic design?
No, due to the muted colors and refresh rate, it is not suitable for professional graphic design work that requires accurate color representation or fast rendering.
Is it good for reading comics?
Yes, it can display color comics, and the e-ink display is easier on the eyes than an LCD for extended reading, though colors will be less vibrant.
Can I use it for note-taking in meetings?
Yes, its excellent note-taking capabilities, long battery life, and distraction-free display make it ideal for taking notes in meetings or lectures.
Does it support split-screen multitasking?
Yes, it supports split-screen multitasking, allowing you to run two apps side-by-side.
Is it heavy to hold?
No, it’s designed to be thin and relatively lightweight for comfortable prolonged holding.
Can I connect a Bluetooth keyboard to it?
Yes, it supports Bluetooth connectivity for connecting wireless keyboards and other peripherals.
What is the main advantage of the Tab Ultra C over an iPad?
The main advantage is the eye comfort of the e-ink display, reduced glare for outdoor use, and significantly longer battery life, making it ideal for prolonged reading and focused work.
Is it waterproof?
Generally, Onyx Boox devices are not rated as waterproof. It’s best to keep it away from water.
What is the difference between HD, Balanced, Fast, and Ultrafast modes?
These are display refresh modes that balance image clarity with refresh speed.
HD is for static content sharpest, while Ultrafast prioritizes speed over clarity most ghosting.
Can I install Microsoft Office apps on it?
Yes, since it runs Android and has access to the Google Play Store, you can install apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Does it have a camera?
Yes, the Tab Ultra C includes a rear camera, primarily for document scanning.
Is it good for people with digital eye strain?
Yes, it is highly recommended for individuals who experience digital eye strain from traditional backlit screens, as e-ink is much gentler on the eyes.
How does the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C compare to the Remarkable 2 for note-taking?
While both excel at note-taking, the Tab Ultra C offers color e-ink, a full Android OS with app support, and a front light, making it more versatile.
The Remarkable 2 is often cited for a slightly more paper-like writing feel and pure distraction-free focus, but lacks color and apps.
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