ZDNET's Comprehensive Insights on the Boox Note Max
The Boox Note Max, priced at $649, includes both a pen and a case, positioning itself as a versatile and high-performing device. It offers a thin and light design with a high-contrast display, making it a premium choice for serious e-reader enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the lack of a backlight and its monochromatic display, along with a learning curve to fully utilize its features, might be considered drawbacks for some users.
Device Overview
The Boox Note Max stands out with its impressive 13.3-inch display, equivalent to a standard A4 piece of paper. At a mere 0.18 inches in thickness, it represents a leap in tablet design. The device’s sleek and ultra-thin build, weighing 615 grams, avoids feeling fragile while maintaining a premium and seamless aesthetic.
| Feature | Remarkable Paper Pro | Boox Note Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.3 inches | 13.3 inches |
| Resolution | 1872 x 1404 | 3200 x 2400 |
| RAM | 1GB | 6GB |
| Processor | 1.2GHz Dual Core | 2.8GHz Snapdragon A55 |
Performance and Features
The Boox Note Max’s Carta 1300 capacitive touch display offers a smooth, glass-covered surface. This contrasts with the textures of other devices, though comparisons to the Remarkable Paper Pro show that both possess unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
With a resolution of 3200 x 2400 and 300 pixels per inch, the Boox Note Max’s screen produces sharp, highly contrasted images that resemble ink on paper. Its performance is supported by 6GB of RAM and a 2.8GHz Snapdragon A55 processor, ensuring swift navigation through windows though with an acceptable delay typical of e-readers.
Hardware and Usability
Despite its high-end specifications, the Note Max maintains a simple and solid design, free from bends and comprising rounded corners with a clean white back. It features dual speakers and a mic, enhancing its multimedia capabilities. Although the device does not include a backlight, its suitability for bright environments, like beaches, compensates for this omission.
Writing Experience
The writing experience is notable, with a light pen that includes a cap and provides precise and enjoyable tactile feedback. Several brush options and a customizable toolbar enhance this experience, making the Note Max ideal for creative tasks. The pen’s tip allows for pressure-sensitive input, mimicking the behavior of a fountain pen and offering an immersive writing experience.
Interface and Additional Features
The Note Max is rich with customization options, though some users might find its extensive settings overwhelming. The tablet supports split-screen functionality, text markup, translation, read-aloud features, and file compatibility, making it a robust tool for power users. Additionally, the floating toolbar is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their interface to their needs.
Built-in features like dual speakers and extensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, expand its utility beyond typical e-reader functions. The presence of speaker and microphone functionalities even enables activities like streaming music.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Boox Note Max include its high-resolution display, extensive features, and premium build quality. However, the absence of a backlight limits usability in dim lighting, and the necessity of adjusting to the interface can be a hurdle. The battery life, lasting around 32 hours for reading and 7 hours for writing, is sufficient but not outstanding given the device’s capabilities.
Visual ghosting can also be an issue, especially with graphic-heavy content. The Note Max’s fast-charging capability (50% charge in 30 minutes) partially mitigates this drawback, ensuring minimal downtime between uses.
Additional Accessories
The optional Note Max Magnetic Keyboard cover, priced at $150, further expands the device's functionality into the realm of laptops. This accessory includes a trackpad, amplifying the Note Max’s usability for text-heavy tasks and offering additional customizations and functionalities.
Conclusion
ZDNET’s detailed assessment finds the Boox Note Max a multifaceted tool suitable for a wide range of uses. Whether as a large-screen e-reader or a comprehensive note-taking device, its exhaustive features and customization options cater to demanding users. Its minimal drawbacks, namely the lack of a backlight and visual ghosting, are overshadowed by its numerous strengths, making it a highly recommended device for particular needs.
The Boox Note Max competes closely with the Remarkable Paper Pro, which offers a thicker build but includes a color display and backlight. Ultimately, the decision between these devices will depend on individual preferences for features and form factors.
