First, how I met BOOX
Full disclosure: I work with BOOX
Last April ('22) I began my working relationship with Onyx, the company behind BOOX. At that time, I was looking for a writing & reading gadget - AND - I was also looking for a premium electronics brand to work with on content creation. Serendipitously, both pursuits found eachother in a 2-birds-1-stone scenariao: BOOX generously gave me an e-Reader to get familiarized with their products, and then we started filming YouTube tutorials the next month.
And since then I've learned a few tips by having my first e-Reader, the Note Air 2, as well as an iPad and a few other reading/writing ..things.
Here are 5 advantages of using an eReader over a tablet:
1) E-Ink display
E-readers typically have a display that uses E-Ink technology, which is easier on the eyes and reduces strain when reading for long periods of time.
2) Long battery life
E-readers typically have much longer battery life than tablets, which means you can read for longer without having to worry about recharging.
3) Single purpose
E-readers are designed specifically for reading, so they don't have the distractions of other features and apps that you might find on a tablet.
4) Lightweight and portable
E-readers are typically smaller and lighter than tablets, which makes them more portable and easier to carry around.
5) Cost
E-readers are generally less expensive than tablets, so they may be a more budget-friendly option for people who just want a device for reading.
E-readers are ideal for people who want a dedicated reading device that is lightweight, portable, and easy on the eyes. Tablets, on the other hand, are a good choice for those who want a more versatile device that can be used for a wider range of activities, such as web browsing, streaming video, and playing video games.
I use my eReader (Note AIr 2) specifcally for researching, reading and taking notes, mostly for my Master's program, since it's a non-color device. But I reserve my iPad for webrowsing and I have another (cheap) tablet for the very occasional watching of Netflix, but that's another story..
Got it. But are e-readers better than tablets?
What are you looking for in a device? E-readers, such as the Leaf 2, are specifically designed for reading books and offer a number of features that make them well-suited for this task, such as a high-resolution display that is easy on the eyes and built-in lighting. iPads, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including reading books. iPads also offer a larger screen, so you can see more text on the page at once. However, this can also make them less portable and more difficult to hold for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use the device.
E-readers vs. Traditional Old Paper Notepads
Another Disclaimer: I still write in my paper notebook on a regular basis
Here's why it's easier writing notes on an e-Reader rather than on old, traditional paper:
Portability: An eReader is much more portable than a stack of paper, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. This can be especially convenient if you're a student or if you attend a lot of meetings or conferences.
Searchability: With an eReader, you can easily search through your notes to find specific information. This can save you time and make it easier to review your notes later.
Digital organization: An eReader allows you to organize your notes digitally, which can be more efficient than trying to organize physical notes. You can also use features like highlighting, underlining, and annotation to help you better understand and retain the material.
Environmental benefits: Using an eReader can help reduce your use of paper, which has environmental benefits.
That being said, there are also some potential advantages to taking notes on paper:
Writing by hand may help you better understand and retain the material.
Some people prefer the tactile experience of writing on paper.
Ultimately, whether you should take notes on an eReader or paper will depend on your personal preferences and what works best for you. It may be worth trying both methods to see which one is more effective for you.
More about BOOX and Onyx
BOOX is a brand of e-readers and tablets that are made by Onyx International, a company based in China. You can purchase Boox devices directly from Onyx International's website or from a number of online retailers in the US, including Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy.. Keep in mind that availability and prices may vary depending on your location.
Do some research and compare prices before making a purchase. Always read reviews of the specific model you're interested in to get a sense of its features and performance.
Parting thoughts on E-readers
E-reader tablets like the BOOX Leaf are great for reading books because they are lightweight and portable, making it easy to take them with you wherever you go. Additionally, many e-reader tablets come with built-in lighting, so you can read in low light conditions without straining your eyes. E-reader tablets also offer a large selection of free, downloadable books, so you can easily access your favorite titles or discover new ones. Plus, with an e-reader tablet, you can store thousands of books in one place, without being hindered by all the memory spacthaso you don't have to worry about running out of space on your virtual bookshelf. See the Leaf 2 below.
PS Curious about the science of e-paper?
Electronic paper, also known as e-ink or electrophoretic display, is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ordinary ink on paper[1]. It reflects ambient light like paper, making it more comfortable to read and providing a wider viewing angle than most light-emitting displays.
E-paper screens are made up of millions of capsules containing particles with different colors and electric charges. Electrodes are placed around the capsules to control the movement of the particles, which creates an image when an electric current is applied.This technology allows for low power consumption since it only uses power when the content on the screen is changing. Additionally, e-paper displays provide a wider viewing angle than other displays and are easier on the eyes due to their reflective nature.
E-paper technology has been used in various devices such as ebook readers, computer monitors, laptops, tablets and ID cards. It has also been used in projects such as parking signs and origamis showing its versatility.
