I write a significant portion of my articles on an old RadioShack Tandy 102 computer from 1987.
It’s not the most practical technology, and I’ve gotten more than a few looks carrying it around, but I place a high premium on distraction-free writing.
Don’t knock it until you try it, and I promise you’ll be shocked by how the words and ideas pour forward when you’re not constantly bombarded by notifications or the nagging need to edit your text on the fly.
It’s led me to seek out other areas where I can streamline my workflow, and I love finding purpose-built devices that help me be more productive.
I’m reviewing the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C. It’s a capable E Ink tablet with full Android.
It’s changed the way I work, and it’s made me a better and more efficient writer. Here’s how.
Getting more research done
All the apps you need, and none that you don’t
Research is a huge part of my job, as I strive to make sure the facts and figures I’m using are accurate.
I used to sit and open up a bunch of tabs on my PC, scanning through them as I wrote, but that was rife with problems.
Distractions were everywhere, making it hard to resist the occasional YouTube video or to expand my research into other areas.
It was also easy to get lost on other tangents, talking with coworkers, or responding to an email notification that could’ve waited until later in the day.
It’s been said by NFL players that the best ability is availability, and the Note Air4 C makes it easy to take all of my notes with me everywhere.
Yes, there are still temptations on an E Ink tablet, such as the Boox Note Air4 C, but you can limit them by only installing the Android apps you need.
The E Ink display is limited with media content, and I find myself sticking to web pages and documents, but that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
The E Ink display also helps with eye strain, and any time I can spend saving my eyes is a good thing, especially since my day is usually dominated by screens.
The more you carry it around, the more you’ll use it
Better note-taking is essential
I love taking physical notes. Something about writing information down helps me absorb it better, and I remember items I’ve written with more accuracy than things I’ve merely typed out.
Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of wasted paper and stationery, and it becomes particularly troubling when working on articles.
I use my Note Air4 C and stylus to edit documents and work, saving me on countless printed sheets and wasted ink.
I love that the Note Air4 C has color, meaning I can highlight as needed and markup any corrections in a different shade.
It’s been said by NFL players that the best ability is availability, and the Note Air4 C makes it easy to take all of my notes with me everywhere.
It’s light and thin, and I don’t have to wonder if I’ll need my E Ink tablet at my destination, like I would with a Chromebook or laptop.
It’s perfect to throw in a messenger bag and forget about it. I can also sync all my notes with my PC when I get home. Instead of carrying around multiple notebooks or files, I can handle everything on one device.
All-week battery life if needed
I don’t want to scramble for a charger daily
I consistently get outstanding battery life from the Boox Note Air4 C’s 3,700mAh cell, and it’s a significant advantage for E Ink tablets. Unlike traditional slates with LCD or OLED displays, I don’t have to recharge nightly.
If I forget to take it out of my bag or top off at night, it’s not the end of the world — I can most likely get another few days’ worth of use.
Long battery life gives me added peace of mind, and it’s another reason why it’s easier to drag an E Ink tablet around with me than any other device besides my smartphone.
Onyx also provides a variety of first-party apps designed to make the most of an E Ink display.
I use the daily planner app to replace paper planners. I can choose which setup I want and can mix handwritten notes with printed dates and appointments.
It’s another way an E Ink tablet cuts down on the number of things I have to carry. If I have a planner with me all the time, I use it more, and I’m more productive as a result.
E Ink tablets are more useful than you think
I used the new Boox Note Air4 C as my primary example, since I’ve been testing it, but I’ve long been a proponent of E Ink tablets.
I still love my Boox Go 10.3, and I’m a huge fan of ereaders like the Kobo Clara Colour.
Full Android E Ink tablets have opened up a world of productivity possibilities. Purpose-built devices are making a comeback. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
- Resolution
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2480 x 1860 b/w, 1240 x 930 color
- Storage
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64GB with microSD card slot
- Brand
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Onyx
- Screen Size
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10.3-inch
The Onyx Boox Note Air4 C features a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 Carta 1200 color E Ink display. The Boox Note Air4 C runs a full version of Android 13, with access to the Google Play Store. That allows you to download your favorite content and apps. It also features a large 3,700mAh battery for extended use.
