The New King of Digital Note-Taking? Boox Go 10.3 REVIEW
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Boox is a prominent player in the E-Ink market and yet, they weren’t on my radar for shaking up the digital notetaking scene, but here they are with the Boox Go 10.3 featuring a stunning high resolution 300 ppi E-Ink Carta 1200 screen without a frontlight and - spoiler-alert - incredible battery life.
This release comes at a time when many are eagerly awaiting updates for the Remarkable 2 and Supernote A5X.
So, are you ready to skip the wait and try something new? Let's see if the Boox Go 10.3 is worth it.
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/ @chalidraqami
🔗 LINKS
Boox Go 10.3:
► EU & UK (affiliate): euroshop.boox.com/products/bo...
► US (affiliate): shop.boox.com/products/go103?...
Boox Go Color 7:
► EU & UK (affiliate): euroshop.boox.com/products/bo...
► US (affiliate): shop.boox.com/products/gocolo...
Other Boox reviews:
► Boox Note Air 3 C Review: • Jack of All Trades: Bo...
► Boox Tab Ultra C Review: • I'm Switching To Color...
► Boox Tab Mini C Review: • Compact(ish) Color E-I...
► Bigme Galy Review: • Bigme Galy Review: Col...
Check out the absolutely brilliant LCARS screen by meWho here: www.mewho.com/titan/
🎬 CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:40 Build Quality & Haptics
03:45 Weak Pen-Attachment
05:00 Specs & Getting Warm
05:54 Display, with Microscope-Check
07:49 Low Display Stack
08:29 Touchscreen-Grid & Pen Latency
09:13 Screen Texture
10:10 No Frontlight A Problem?
11:34 Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
12:32 Android 12, User Experience & Apps
15:46 Note Taking Features
17:32 PDF Features
18:43 Reading E-Books
20:30 Text-To-Speech Demo
21:47 Battery Life
23:30 Conclusion
🖖WHO AM I
I'm Chalid, and I've been a fan of e-ink technology for a very long time. I've been reviewing e-ink devices since 2010. After more than 100 different e-reader tests for my German website, this channel is dedicated to sharing my experiences with the latest e-readers, other e-paper devices, and sometimes other tech in English as well.
🔗 DISCLAIMER/DISCLOSURE
The tips, tricks and experiences shared are for guidance only; any actions taken based on these are solely at your own risk. Some links in the description contain affiliate links, which means that if you buy something through these links, I will receive a small commission on a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you so much for supporting the channel.
🔖 TAGS
Boox Go 10.3, Boox Go 10.3 Review, Boox 10.3 Paper Tablet, Boox 10.3 E-Ink Tablet, Boox 10.3 Test, Boox 10.3 Hands-On, Remarkable Killer, Remarkable Alternative, Supernote Alternative, Scribe Alternative, Kindle Scribe, Remarkable 2, Supernote A5X2, Supernote A5X, Boox Tablet
#boox #eink #ereader - Věda a technologie
Just a quick note: I didn't forget about the questions in the community post. I did film a short Q&A section for questions that weren't answered in the rest of the video already, but decided to cut it because the video was already long. I'll either publish that part separately or answer the questions in the community post itself. Thanks for your support!
I just received this device right before the publication of your video. It is super thin, so thin that I worry about it being broke in half in my bag. So I'll probably buy a case just for carrying in my bag. I bought it on Amazon, the shipping is faster but there is no free case and tips included. Due to the removal of the light diffuser layer, the text is even sharper than Kindle Scribe. To this day, it is the thinnest tablet in the world, and the sharpest 10.3 inch e-ink screen. I do wish the pen latency could be shorter, but it is hardly noticeable. The lacking of front light is surprisingly not an issue to me. I find it easy to read in the day time. In the night time, with the help of a desk lamp, it is very readable. The back material is very comfortable to touch, so much better than holding a Kindle Scribe.
Really fantastic review, and very thorough. Thank you!
Very much anticipated your Go 10.3 review!
I just bookmarked it and can't wait to watch it after the EM-Achtelfinale (viel Erfolg wünscht ein Schweizer Nachbar! :)
This review is great, great job, thanks
Super helpful video. Important things you included such as battery life, pen latency, weak pen attachment, and the warm spot on the back. The microscopic view of the remarkable, scribe, and go 10.3 was extremely helpful for someone like me who's never had an e-ink device.
An excellent device, although I hope a revision adds a card slot for expandable storage, allowing for pdfs and stress free storage of notes/drawings/ebooks. For security a fingerprint reader to lock/unlock it would also be a nice update. The pen and case could also do with a second go.
My use case is for scribbling down ideas, making digital b/w art, plus ebook and pdf reading. The addition of Google drive (when on wifi), sheets and docs is a nice option.
Very tempting offer as is though. Thanks for the video
Awesome review. Thank you. I have the Go 10.3, and would agree with pretty much everything you mentioned. The lack of front light is no problem for me, but it could be a deal breaker for people who work/read in a dimmer environment.
Excellent review as always Chalid!
What an excellent, to the point, objective, informative, analytic, neat, non-gibberish and substantial review! It really convinced me NOT to buy one (even if its intention is clearly not this or other way). For me, "the grid" problem is obviously a red flag. I can compromise from increased sharpness and choose to buy a Scribe for its flat-white background instead. Comparison with paper under low/no light conditions convinced me also. The money I spent for internet today is really worth it.
Thank your for this review. Specially comparing it to real paper and change the lighting. Still, I’m glad that it has no frontlight, because It strains my eyes.
Nice video.
What tablet would you advise this one or the remarkable 2? I mainly would use it for note-taking (school work) and maybe at work down the line as well
comprehensive. thank you
Love my Go 10.3 but I think you hit the key issues: The pen magnets are really weak. The cover doesn’t match the device color (grey vs tan). It’s more convoluted to use than the reMarkable but also more capable. I’d have preferred more memory, a nicer pen and a replaceable screen cover. Overall I’m happy with it.
Look up nedrlo sleeves they don't make a boox version but the apple iPad 11 one fits perfect
I would agree with your excellent review. I have the Kindle Scribe and got the Go 10.3 a couple days ago. The contrast is a bit better on the Go, but it does have that slight pen latency you mentioned. If I didn't have the Scribe, I probably wouldn't even notice it. Because of that, the Scribe feels more natural to write on, even with the light layer. However, the Scribe doesn't have anti-aliasing which I actually like on the Go. I really don't miss the front light but I don't read a lot of ebooks.
I agree, and the scribe also feels more like writing on paper. The Go 10.3 is too glassy/slippery.
For what it’s worth, haven’t used my kindle in years and just bought the boox go. Will be my first writable eink device. It’s just such a cool product at a great price; will be helpful in my day to day life as well
This is a really good review and I was intrigued with this device as soon as it was announced. Perhaps I'll put this on my list for purchase soon. I do wish it had a light but, perhaps for this particular device, it's not that big a deal. I do like not having to worry about the light level when using my Scribe. EDIT: I'm also looking forward to this getting into the hands of digital artists to see how it fairs as a sketchbook, especially with access to drawing apps from the Play Store.
Hello Chalid,
Thanks for this amazing review. I was just one click away from buying the tablet, until I heard the it didnt have a front light. Still I want to ask you, how is the reading experience in terms of reflection when using a normal external reading lamp. What about reflection under sunlight ? Thanks again
@ChalidRaqami I am enjoying watching this review right now. I was wondering if you are planning to review the Pocketbook Inkpad Eo at some point?
Thanks! Yes, that's on the agenda for the next couple of weeks, most likely in July. I have the InkPad Eo here and have been using it on and off for the past few weeks.
@@ChalidRaqami Thank you - I am looking forward to it. Mine is on order after I bought a Pocketbook Inkpad Color 3 based on your prior review so I appreciate your video reviews.
Nice little nod to Zach of Jerryrig Everything. “Glass is glass” is our universal language. 😄
The Boox Go 10.3 is almost perfect for me. The lack of a backlight is a big plus as a backlight add another layer making everything farther away hurting both reading and writing, as well as reducing the contrast. Same with a lack of color: another layer and a significant decrease in contrast. However, the major problem is the size: nearly all of my content is A4 PDFs and anything smaller than 13.3 is difficult to read long term. This would be an instant buy if a 13.3 inch version was available.
every one is waiting for a 13.3 color 300 ppi version
Thanks for the great and objective review, Chalid. Comparing to supernate A6X2, which one has.a better writing feel? Have you try Microsoft onenote app with the Go? Does it run smoothly? Looking forward to your Q&A video?
That's a tough one.
The writing feel itself (pen on display): Boox Go 10.3 for me, because pressing harder on the Supernote's screen results in a bit of an uneven writing feel.
But the Supernote A6X2 has a noticeable lower pen latency, so in the end it still feels better imho.
OneNote works reasonably well in terms of latency and ghosting. I believe this is the only third-party app that Boox has optimized for low pen latency.
Edit: It's actually three apps right now: OneNote, Evernote, WPS
Anyone found a suitable replacement for the magnetic flap that's supposed to hold the stylus? I'm looking at adhesive pen loops from Ringke, felt envelope covers, etc. Loving the Go 10.3, but the pen storage situation is bugging me (exacerbated by the fact that I'm left-handed).
FYI You can hide the text labels on the side bar in the notes app. ps: on the Home Screen as well. If you don't want it to be cut out.
Yes, I know and rearranging the icons also helps with usability a bit. But still, I think out of the box the texts definitely should fit the screen tbh.
I think Boox is actually working on such issues in general now, because they also changed the cramped ebook text styling options that are now much better with this software version.
what about the ireader x3 pro?
Plz upload a video of comparing Note air 3 with Go 10.3
I just got the Boox ulta C and was kinda disappointed by the dark and not so sharp screen, which as I now know(thanks to your reviews!) is because of the colour layer ontop. Still it was such a big issue for me, that I bought the Boox Go 10.3 to compare if it would better suit my needs. Only after ordering it I found out about the supernotes next product hopefully coming out within the next 3 months and now I am conflicted xD Because the linking in the notes and other functions, aswell as the consistent updates on the supernote are really appealing to me. You have a supernote nomad, right? Would you share your thoughts on comparing that to the boox go 10.3 by any chance? As of right now I just feel like with the phoning home feature aswell as boox coming out with a new device every 6months or so it feels kinda... better to go with supernote on moral level somehow. Which is why I am asking about another opinion on a more technical compared to an emotional level LOL :P Anyways great videos and greetings from Germany!!
Yes, I have the Supernote Nomad and I'm actually in the process of finishing up my long term review after having used it for a couple of months as my daily driver now. I hopefully can publish the review next week.
I'd say it depends on what exactly you want to do. The Nomad is a bit more refined when it comes to the UI and has more comprehensive note taking features, but there are also some things I personally don't like about it (e.g. no dedicated homescreen).
But generally Supernote offers the better devices when it's just for note taking imho. It's nice that you have the Kindle app on here as well, but that's about it.
The Boox Go 10.3 just can do a lot more. I especially like the audio recording feature in notebooks which I would have loved to have when I was still in university. But also open Android can be really useful ... but that all only matters if you intend to do more with it.
So it's hard to give a recommendation, because it really depends on the use case. Both can be great devices, depending on what you want to do. And neither is really a bad choice. Hope that helps :D
My eyes have become painfully sensitive to tablet front lights making it too uncomfortable for prolonged reading and it was that experience that led me to move to eink. My current favourite device is the no-front light Book Max 3 13.3", just make sure that an external light source is available and all is good. If Boox were to produce a Max Go 3 then I would be seriously checking my credit card balance.
Also, the pen should have an eraser. The notes app can erase with scribbling, but other apps cannot.
Have to buy a different pen like the Wacom One that has a button
Ironically, it works better with the Remarkable 2 Marker Plus. Writing is still better on the Remarkable. But reading books is much clearer on the Boox.
Please suggest less discomfort and eye fatigue paper book e reader tablet
Nice device! Good video!
What happens, when the Go is sleeping?
Can it show the notes, so i don't have to touch it to read my latest notes after 30 minutes?
Thanks! :)
You have two options: You can set the standby-image to "transparent" in the "screensaver"-app and that way the note you're currently viewing is also shown as the lockscreen even when you put the device to sleep.
Or you can just set the screen timeout to 30 minutes, 1 hour or "never" and just keep the device running with the note on the screen.
How does this compare to the note air 3 black and white. I was about to purchase it and it is now sold out on the Boox website. Will it be discontinued?
Would you say the Go 10.3 is better?
I doubt the Note Air 3 will be discontinued at this point. Maybe when a Boox Note Air 3 Plus (with 300 ppi?) launches, but I would be surprised if that's happening before Q4/2024.
But I noticed Boox sometimes doesn't have devices in stock for some reason. The Boox Page was also out of stock for a while and is now available again.
Comparing the Go 10.3 and Note Air 3 they are very similar in almost all things. The Note Air 3 got a software update a few days ago which makes the UI look identical to what I've shown here.
The main difference is the screen: The Boox Go 10.3 has better contrast levels and a better resolution. Both are noticeable in direct comparison.
Thank you for the review 🎉 Can you please compare it with Supernote for overall writing, reading and using experience 😊
Thanks - yes, already preparing something :)
Is the pen latency something than can be improved with a future software or firmware update?
I suspect it's possible in theory, because Bigme also managed to improve the E-Ink screen's speed and refresh behavior with updates. But honestly, I can't say if Boox would go for the same thing, because they have Boox Super Refresh technology on other devices and the focus seems to lie with that.
To be fair, the pen latency on the Go 10.3 isn't that bad. I never felt it was too slow. It's mostly only noticeable when having multiple devices side by side to compare.
Hello the best review I see the device is an important question. Unfortunately, the screen accuracy is less .. With this I still love GO10.3 .. Any advice?
..
I didn't have any issues with accuracy of the touchscreen (you mean?)
@@ChalidRaqami
Sorry I mean worried about the inner lighting theme and I started to think of the Nair 3 but I love GO10.3 more because of lightness, sweet and high accuracy what to advise me?
@@assommnor2309 Yeah, the frontlight on the Note Air 3 is a bit uneven. Personally I find it a bit annoying, but that's not an issue for everybody. The Go 10.3 has the higher resolution and the better contrast levels, so reading is definitely great.
In the end it depends on when you want to use your device most. At night? Then the Note Air 3 is probably the better choice. Typically only during the day? Then the Boox Go 10.3 should be fine.
@@ChalidRaqami
Thank you reply to you a lot of questions I have finally decided to buy GO10.3 but if I read it at night sometimes or get out is enough for small lighting to be easier?
Nice review focusing on reading which would be my primary use. If only Kobo had made this. Now torn between it and the Elipsa. It's shelf life is intentionally small like most Onyx machines and while nice to be thin, the future here in Europe remains with removable batteries. No way to get that into this device. It remains very desirable though.
I think the remarkable screen is better to write on but 300 dpi is a huge difference
The plastic strip running down the back is supposed to look like a paper notebook with an elastic band that keeps it closed!
Thanks for pointing that out, I actually didn't notice that part on the product page. Makes sense now - but I'm still not a fan of the haptics of it :D
I wonder if they'll make another 8 inch e note
If the only function I need is just write down the note in the meeting (I dont like to use paper) should I buy this Boox 10.3 or there are other better solutions ? thank you.
It's totally fine for that, but I'd suggest also taking a look at the Supernote A6X2 or Remarkable 2 if you just need note taking and nothing else. The Boox Go 10.3 is definitely more capable in general but I'd say not as refined in terms of the UI because of that. The others aren't as versatile but have a better note taking focus with more consistent long term support.
I'm currently using the Supernote A6X2 as my daily driver and I'm just finishing up my long term review. If you can wait a couple of days, that should give you a good idea of what to expect with one of those devices.
@@ChalidRaqami Appreciate your advise !
Will you check out Huion kamvas ink?
No plans for that right now
I want a version with BSR. Ghosting and lag are too annoying. I have the Tab X and its BSR is awesome, compared to other tablets without it. I will not downgrade to anything that lacks BSR.
For just note taking, should i get this or remarkable 2?
The writing feeling is much better on Remarkable 2, simply because of the friction. Kindle scribe also has good friction. The Onyx is still too slippery, so note taking is not great. If you want to read books, Onyx is much clearer and has better contrast.
Would you rather buy this or wait for a future Note Air that would have both 300dpi and frontlight? I'm on the verge of if to buy this or not. Would use it mainly for night time use so lack of frontlight sounds like a bother. Note Air 3 lacks 300dpi, and this lacks frontlight
But not knowing when we are going to get a 10 inch 300dpi android device with frontlight sucks
E-Ink Carta 1200 is pretty nice and even works well enough in dimmer environments. But tbh if that was my main use case, I'd definitely would pick a device with a frontlight, because "well enough" might still be a bit bothersome at one point or another.
I suspect Boox will release a 300 ppi Note Air at the end of the year... But just guessing.
As much as I love the design factor of the Go, I do prefer having a front light. I own the Supernote A5X and the Note Air 1. Even though I prefer some note taking aspects of the A5X I turn much more to my NA especially for reading pdfs. One major reason being the front light. So I will also wait for a 300 ppi Note Air and see if that will make me leave my NA1.
Buy Note X3 Pro
Buying a non-Carta 1300 device in 2024 is a non starter. Definitely wait
This is off topic but how did you get the Star Trek theme behind you and what is it
Star Trek is never off-topic :D The screen is actually the website mewho.com (not made by me). Check out the Titan app. Absolutely incredible work. The badges on the right I got from etsy.
Thanks
Unfortunately, Boox developers are unable to create a highlighter pen. Major fail, might have to return the device just for this reason.
China exclusive version of the 10.3 Go called the "Note X3 Pro" has a front light. Wonder what the odds of a 10.3 Go Pro version later this year?
I'd say the odds are pretty good either for Go 10.3 Pro or a Note Air 3 Plus.
I much prefer the pro pen with eraser, I don't really use eraser but it has a much better feel then the new white stylus
Yes, the Pen 2 Pro definitely feels better and I also love the convenience of the eraser. Feels much more natural to use imho.
How is the pen latency compared with the remarakble? I
The Remarkable 2 has a slightly quicker pen latency. I measured around 23 ms with the Remarkable compared to the 30 ms with the Boox Go 10. When looking closely for it, you can see it, but it's not especially obvious and also not very noticeable when just using the tablets. But still, lower is definitely preferable.
@@ChalidRaqami Recibido! Muchísimas gracias!
@@ChalidRaqami Could you turn off the line smoothing feature on the Boox and see if the latency is quicker? I disable this feature and the lag is very minimum to naked eyes.
@@yannpoco I mean 30 ms isn't really slow, it's just not as fast as some others. So to the naked eye it's still not like it super obviously dragging behind the pen.
The line smoothing typically happens after the stroke is finished, so it shouldn't have any impact on the latency. Also - where do you turn that off in the default notes app?
Looks cool but lack of backlight and eraser on a pen is a big turnoff.
why are you turning the page every 15 seconds in the battery test? wouldn't 60-90 seconds lead to a more accurate consumption measurement?
I settled on 15 seconds for a couple of reasons.
1. It's easier to maintain consistency in testing for actual battery drain of actively using the device across different brands and screen sizes.
2. Making the test 60+ seconds or longer (4x to 6x) makes repeatability much harder. Additionally, longer intervals would prevent me from using the device for other testing within that timeframe.
3. Testing with a 15 seconds interval also provides insights into broader usage patterns outside of reading, such as using apps that trigger more frequent E-Ink refreshes.
So, while it's obviously not a perfect approach for every situation, I found it to be the most accurate method to predict battery life in general.
The fact that the rough surface is not provided by a screen protector is great! That looked so cheap on previous devices IMO.
Also, the new UX is also available as a software update. I'm currently using it on my Note Air 2 Plus
How does it compare with SN writing feel?
The writing feel itself (pen on display): Boox Go 10.3 is better for me, because pressing harder on the Supernote's screen results in a bit of an uneven writing feel (especially with a ceramic pen tip).
But the Supernote A6X2 has a noticeable lower pen latency, so in the end it still feels better imho.
Learn to use the nav ball and you will thank me
I hate the battery life on Boox devices.
crispness has nothing to do with resolution! my laptop has 125 and it's as sharp as anything, just have to turn the anti aliasing off. my kindle basic at 167 is less sharp, because i can't turn the damn antialiasing off. i had a 400 ppi phone once, and it was nice, but not better than the low resolution laptop
What you're describing sounds to me more like the choice between having pixelated text but higher contrast, or smoother text and lower sharpness.
With a higher resolution you can have less pixelated, but still smoother and crisper text all in one, without having to compromise to much on any of those things.
But obviously it also depends on viewing distance. I'd say 300 ppi is a good compromise for most.
@@ChalidRaqami almost exactly. i mean if we had control over antialiasing on all devices, turning it off would mean equally crisp text except the shape of letters would be different. this is the case with LCD displays, but suspect it's the same on e-ink. i can't test this as neither e ink device here gives control. i've seen a device that has this but don't remember the name. it'd be kinda sorta interesting to see a low resolution e ink vs a high resolution e ink device, both with antialiasing off, and look at the actual edge of the letters with a macro lens because i suspect this is a myth. i'm not too keen on antialiasing as you may have gathered from all this
Okay it is nice, but it seems like you are simply getting less hardware for the same price. The Note Air 3C is also around $500 (USD). I understand the "Go" is lighter, but that is because there is less hardware in the device ... don't you think less hardware should translate to less cost for the consumer?
Fair point and I generally agree - but in this case I suspect the 300 ppi E-Ink Carta 1200 panel even without the frontlight is pretty expensive so it evens out.
EXACTLY! Which also means it's easier to break😮
This device should have been $100 cheaper than the Note Air 3
@@ChalidRaqamiCarta 1300 is already out so its likely Boox is buying old inventory at a discount and charging a premium price by using Carta 1200
Doesnt even have Carts 1300. Seems like Boox ripping people off with old inventory and cutting options vs the Note Air 3