BOOX Note Air3 E-Ink Tablet Review

BOOX Note Air3 E-Ink Tablet Review

As a dedicated writer and tech enthusiast who values both the traditional and modern methods of jotting down thoughts, the BOOX Note Air3 has truly captured my heart. Coming from a life filled with endless reams of paper and an array of digital devices, this tablet offers the best of both worlds.


As technology has advanced, the need for a simple notepad and pen has been supplanted by apps, audio recordings, and the like. But some still prefer the tactile feel of jotting down a quick thought or plotting out an idea that will eventually blossom into something more. The BOOX Note Air3 from Onyx combines the modern considerations of a tablet, while still delivering a similar sensation to writing on a piece of paper. Its E Ink display is crisp and clear for note taking, but it also doubles as a basic tablet. There are some limitations to the BOOX Note Air3, but what it offers is solid for those who prefer tactile note-taking while using their tablet.

BOOX Note Air3 Design and Feel

The design of the BOOX Note Air3 is simple but elegant. It’s thin enough that it doesn’t take up a bunch of space in a backpack or small bag, but hefty enough that it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. There is a film over the glass panel screen that approximates the feel of writing on paper, and it really does feel better than trying to write on a digital screen.

The device features a 1-inch bezel on one side, providing ample room for you to grasp it comfortably as you scribble notes, read eBooks, or explore apps. This thoughtful design ensures that your fingers don’t obstruct your view of the text or writing surface. The stylus has a comfortable grip and securely attaches magnetically to the Note Air3’s side, preventing loss. It also comes with a small rubber cover to protect its tip.

Many E Ink displays and note-taking tablets don’t have a lit screen, but I was glad to find that the BOOX Note Air3 could be used comfortably even in low light conditions because it emits sufficient brightness. The model I tested is only available in black and white, but there’s also a color version for users who might want to use the Note Air3 for more creative pursuits.

BOOX Note Air3 Has a Ton of Customization

Any device such as the BOOX Note Air3 is effective based on its user-friendly interface, and fortunately, the Air3 delivers in this aspect by addressing all crucial elements. Clearly, writing a quick note is a breeze, but what makes it even better is that there are numerous customization options to tailor your note-taking experience according to your preferences.

No matter if you prefer the feel of writing with a pencil, pen, marker, or something in between, the BOOX Note Air3 note-taking software offers versatility for all your needs. You can effortlessly adjust the thickness of your stroke, choose from various colors for exporting purposes, and even create custom shapes using simple button presses.

BOOX Note Air3 E-Ink Tablet Review

When it’s more advantageous to use typed text rather than handwriting, the BOOX Note Air3 offers some convenient solutions. It features a keyboard for typing text onto notes, which can be mixed with your handwriting. Additionally, there’s a speech-to-text function that I found to perform exceptionally well.

The effectiveness of certain features may differ from individual to individual, but it’s clear that there’s an abundance of choices at your disposal. Moreover, the BOOX Note Air3 offers some AI-powered perks, such as automatically correcting drawn shapes (circles, triangles, squares) and allowing you to erase specific writing sections by scribbling over them, instead of having to erase every line individually like on traditional pencil and paper.

The BOOX Note Air3 boasts many essential features for a great note-taking tool, but what truly sets it apart is its Android compatibility. While some comparable devices limit themselves to note-taking functions only, the Note Air3 offers the flexibility to install various Android apps onto the device and utilize it as an E Ink tablet.

The Note Air3 stands out among its competitors due to its capability to install reading apps such as Amazon’s Kindle, offering flexibility beyond just EPUB files. This feature allows users to access their entire eBook library directly. Moreover, the BOOX Note Air3’s backlight makes it a versatile eReader for various settings, and you can also use it for gaming if desired. Additionally, the Note Air3 comes equipped with speakers for scenarios where an app might require audio output.

BOOX Note Air3 E-Ink Tablet Review

Overall, I’ve generally been pleased with using the BOOX Note Air3 for testing purposes. However, there are some areas for improvement. The E Ink display is decent for reading text and viewing documents, but it could use a touch more clarity. At times, you can notice that the text isn’t quite as solid as it should be. Despite being responsive and fairly quick when navigating between files or apps, the boot-up time can be a bit sluggish. Other than those points, the device performs well in its intended functions.

Final Impressions of the BOOX Note Air3

I’ve developed quite an affinity for digital note-taking tablets, and the BOOX Note Air3 is another excellent choice in the market. It boasts a writing experience that feels natural, comes equipped with all the features one would expect from such a device – including customizable writing styles and document importing – and offers an intuitive interface to navigate through. I believe its Android compatibility gives it an edge, although this will depend on your intended use of the device. Even if you only plan to use the BOOX Note Air3 (or opt for the Note Air3 C with a color screen) for taking notes, it’s still a strong contender.

The BOOX Note Air3 is $399. Game Rant was provided a review unit for this coverage.

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2024-08-16 08:53