Onyx is back with a tempting e-reader proposition: a large format, an Android system and a color screen. So what to make of this Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C?
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is a curious machine. With its 10.3-inch e-ink color screen, it looks like a high-end e-reader for demanding readers.
However, when we look at the possibilities offered by this machine, we realize that it's not just a reader, but more of a touch-screen tablet with a very high-end screen.
In fact, this machine can be used with a stylus, Android applications can be installed and a keyboard is even available for budding writers and e-mail addicts.
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Kaleido 3 color screen
First of all, it's worth noting that the machine uses an E Ink Kaleido 3 electronic ink screen. This is the third generation of the color screen available, for example, in the Pocketbook Color.
So we can't expect vivid colors, but this argument is inadmissible since the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is really presented as a product for work, not entertainment.
The sales page features businessmen and offers them a tool designed above all for working and reading important documents.
This positioning is easily explained: this Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is expensive... very expensive. You'll need to spend at least $600 (depending on customs and currency exchange rates) to get your hands on it. If you want to add a keyboard or a protective cover, you'll have to add a bit more...
But above all, as with all screens of this technology, the color part displays fewer pixels than the black-and-white part.
So, while the screen displays a density of 300 PPI in black and white, you'll have to make do with 150 PPI in color.
Android and Onyx tools
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C runs on Android 11, which lets you install new software on this machine.
Onyx also offers a smartphone application that lets you synchronize documents and associated information (such as annotations) between your e-reader and your mobile device.
There's also a document-reading application that supports 24 file formats (including Epub, PDF and HTML).
The focus is on note entry, with a comprehensive tool available. This application lets you enter notes by hand (with a stylus), draw freely, add shapes and more.
Given the machine's power (octa-core processor), it seems possible to easily browse the Internet with the supplied browser.
With its 10.3-inch screen and interesting technical capabilities, this Boox Tab Ultra C could be of interest to heavy Internet users who want to use an e-ink screen to avoid tiring their eyes.
Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C technical specifications
Here are the technical specifications of the Boox Tab Ultra C e-reader/tablet:
- E Ink Kaleido 3 screen: 300 PPI in black and white and 150 PPI in color
- Qualcom Octa-core processor (8 cores)
- 4 GB RAM memory
- 128 GB storage memory
- 16 MP camera
- micro-SD expansion
- Bluetooth
- Wifi
- Weight 480g
- Android 11
- 6300 mAh battery
- Available accessories: keyboard cover, stylus
Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C: yes, but for whom?
This Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C e-reader is clearly attractive, despite a number of shortcomings.
The first is availability, which forces us to turn to imports, for lack of a French distributor. This means we have to buy online from an e-commerce site.
The second shortcoming is, of course, its screen, with colors that are always a little too bland (but, it's true, you get used to them), which may disappoint the most demanding users.
Last but not least, the price of the Boox Tab Ultra C will put some people off: for this price (between 600 and 700 euros), you can invest in a very decent laptop, a nice iPad and even for the combination of Android tablet and e-reader.
In short, it's an expensive e-reader.
However, for the person who works in front of a screen every day and wants to protect their eyes, then using a machine of this type with an e-ink screen could be an excellent idea.
Because, with Android 11, you'll find your favorite applications, you can check and reply to emails and - of course - read documents.
So, it's a pretty interesting machine for work, but I think that if you want to dedicate this machine to reading, you'll have more comfort (weight, bulk), autonomy and simplicity by turning to a Kindle, Kobo or Pocketbook machine.
