What's Wrong With the Boox Tab Ultra? An Excellent Tablet I Want to Love, But Just Can't

(if you buy a Boox device from their shop via the link above, I get a small percentage)

00:00 - Intro
01:34 - The Problem
12:46 - Conclusion
#mydeepguide #boox #tabultra

So I've owned the Boox Tab Ultra for half a year now, and I've tried to transition to it, but it's just not happening. I really want to finally fall in love with it, so that I can start using it like I used my Note Air 1, but it seems that I simply can't, and here are the reasons why.

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[baltgames]

For me its a good experience. I really like Onyx boox direction. I will support them if they will stay in this direction.

[Paula-buds-pro]

Very interesting to hear your point of view. I have had my Ultra for about 1.5 month. I use it everyday, approx 3-4h a day and I love it. One selling point for me was the fact that i can pair it with the bluetooth keyboard i already had and it works great for typing in google docs etc. I think videos like this is important to really make the point that specs and hype is one thing, personal preference a nother. There is no "one size fit all" in tech. 😊

[skipper]

I had the Note Air 2 and slowly I was using it less and less, the audible app had stopped working, the lag and the lack of color started irritating me. Now with my newTab Ultra C it is another game. There is no lag when typing, no lag when browsing and the colors help a lot. Day and night. I was also positively impressed by the weight, only 60gr heavier without covers, so I can still use it with one hand for reading in bed without any cover. Yes the protruding camera is very irritating (I use a little piece of blue tack that I stick it next to the camera when in the case and put it on the opposite side when I want to write for a long time without the case (much thinner and practical without the case). When traveling I like the keyboard cover, sometimes it can replace the laptop. But I am not such an avid hand written notes taker, I love it more for reading and emails.

[slydog]

I have the Note 2 and the Tab Ultra C. I really enjoyed the Note 2 and used it extensively, but it was getting really slow and had problems running some apps. I was ready for an upgrade which is the Tab Ultra C. I will not comment on the color experience because this video is about the Tab Ultra.

I think Boox missed with the protruding camera as does almost everyone else. But all my electronic devices (phones, tablets, Eink, etc) are always in a case. I want something to protect my devices from mishaps and I certainly want to protect the screen when not in use. So, I ALWAYS have the cover on, and that eliminates any issue with the bump. The cover is very thin and hardly noticeable when folded back in the open position. Neither does it add significantly to the weight. So, I don't understand the aversion to using the case. The case can definitely be improved. I want magnets to keep it in the open position rather than those sticky spots (which I keep covered because I don't like them.) I also want something that truly secures the pen. Though the magnets are quite strong, I still end up knocking the pen off, and I don't trust that it would ever prevent the pen from getting lost. The keyboard cover does better with the flap that wraps the pen, but it is more bulk and weight than I want to always have, so the keyboard case, which I really like having for the few times it is useful, doesn't work most of the time.

I haven't had a problem with the edges yet. Yeah, it's there, but it doesn't affect or annoy me.

The surface for writing is totally fine for me. Before the Boox devices, I used my Surface tablet for writing, which doesn't even attempt to provide anything but a completely smooth surface. I was delighted to not have to use paper for many things and was happy with the Surface in that regard. So I have no need for a paper-like writing experience. I don't see why paper is somehow the standard to be pursued, and I've been happy using any my electronic devices for writing, and that certainly includes the Tab Ultra.

I can appreciate style, but that is not even secondary to how something works, it is just a little frosting of pretty minor importance. I develop a connection with a device based on how well it works, not on how it looks.

The OS works for me. I don't care for the new home page layout, but I got rid of the boxes for notes and books/documents and instead use the icons (I think I had to add a couple) at the bottom to navigate when needed. The rest of the home page is filled with app shortcuts, and that is working. I would also like a somewhat lighter device for use when not on a desk, but it doesn't have to be super thin either. I don't understand the focus on thinness that I often see.

I find the speed and minimal ghosting to be very pleasing, and when using the Tab Ultra C, it indeed does give me a clear sense of satisfaction. It has been a great upgrade from my Note 2. Now if they could downsize it to a 7-inch device or upgrade it to a 25-inch device (both with color) that would certainly grab my attention.

Nothing is going to please everyone, and those who don't like it should definitely look for something that they can live in harmony with. But for now, my search is over.

[imacexpress]

Voja - It’s so entertaining in ways to listen to your language as you describe the situation. I don’t know of any other tech related channels that use terms like “connection” (ie: emotional), “feel right”, “not inviting” etc. But as I gaze to the background of all your guitars, I smile and understand.

In many ways, Boox breaks my technical heart. So much potential, so much frustration. Bottom line is that “aimless” is probably the best description of their approaches. Almost continually experimental.

Specifically,
- inconsistent functionality across reader/notetaking
- confusing design choices for software and OS maintenance.
- Over abundance of immature features — what happened to “less is more” in design?

Overall the Boox is striving to be too much of everything, sinking users into a myriad of choices, decisions and often errors on almost every operational choice.

[bcfuerst]

I only used the Kindle scribe and the Tab Ultra C. The Scribe did too little and the Onyx does too much. But I don't mind too much because it gives me options. The Camera is a non issue as I always have it in the cover anyway and it's a nice way to add pictures to my journal or scan a document. I also got the keyboard and while I use it rarely it gets the device to a point where I can realistically leave my laptop at home and just remote into my desktop for example.

The thing is that I don't just want to replace pen and paper with one device. I can replace my iPad Pro or Surface Pro with it AND pen and paper and a Kindle. It's not yet perfect but it's like 95% there for my use cases.

[jano.]

Sorry to hear that you're not getting used to your Tab Ultra. I think it's a good thing that different companies take turns in bringing out the best devices on the market.

Since your first impressions video on the Tab Ultra C, I have actually bought a unit and been using it for a few days now. I use it mainly for reading content, scrolling through pages in the browser. I'm very very impressed by the speed and the colors look very gorgeous being controllable by the front light and warmth sliders.

Love the size of it too. I think you are right with your first impression that it's the best colors eink on the market right now.

[murich]

Voja, I agree with your conclusion. I recently received the new Tab Ultra C, and after dealing with several days of frustrating bugs, especially in the notes app, and then losing hours of work reviewing a contract in the pdf app due to a bug, I decided to sell my Tab Ultra C. Also, with my Remarkable 2 and iPad Pro siting on my desk next to my Tab Ultra C, I had no urge to pick up the Ultra C, instead always going for my Remarkable 2 for the significantly superior note taking ability, or my iPad Pro for every thing else. The Tab Ultra C just seems lost. It tries to be a full tablet that competes with the iPad and Samsung tablets, but it falls flat. It tries to be your note taking device, but writing on the screen feels like writing on glass (and I already have this on my iPad), and so writing on the Remarkable 2 feels so much more satisfying. Also, someone at Onyx fell asleep and forgot to include the highlighter pen. One of the main reasons for going color is the ability to highlight your notes, but not on this device. And don’t get me started on the bugs. Finally, the colors on the Ultra C are so washed out that it is almost better to use a black and white device.

[MatthewSSchwartz]

Voja, what a personal and relatable take. I feel similarly, except my displeasure is with the Tab Ultra C (which I purchased after your initial gasps of glee and excitement during your extended quick look video). After having it for a few weeks now, I am going to return it and keep my Note Air 2 Plus, for basically all the same reasons you've mentioned. It just doesn't feel personal. It feels sterile. I feel a sense of calm and peace holding my NA2+ which I don't get from picking up the TUC. I know the TUC is more powerful, but I just don't like it as much. It doesn't *feel* as nice to use. The screen is too dark and needing backlight on all the time negates the simplicity and immediacy of e-ink. And the screen doesn't feel nearly as good to write on.

If I were in your shoes, I'd sell it and pick up a NA2+. I promise you'll enjoy it so much more. And yes, totally agree that a Note Air 3 incorporating the GPU would absolutely be the best of both worlds. If and when that ever comes out, I'll definitely be selling my NA2+ to upgrade!

Thanks for your amazingly thoughtful and detailed reviews. -Matt

[pcti]

I agree and thanks as always for your thorough review. I mistakenly have purchased 1/2 dozen Boox devices because the hardware is excellent and I assumed the software would catch up. Recently I bought a Supernote and will never look back. It works perfectly TODAY as opposed to next year.

[raigne]

I think what I am getting from you evaluation is that his device lacks personality, and that's a big factor in your desire to pick it up. You don't just want a tool, you want a device that feels like a companion, and this device's design cues feel... very... corporate? Some exec is carrying this around in his padfolio. He's not using it for a creative purpose. I think it's a qualitative assessment that's very valuable to a lot of people, even if it's a very personal one.

[michaelhall]

Writing to you from a Tab Ultra C using handwriting... Just get a quality leather case from Etsy. Now you have style, no sharp edges, and no camera bump. (I asked for no camera hole in mine.)

Also, get the Kaweco CONNECT EMR stylus. (I asked for my case to have the right size pen loop.) You can even buy the EMR unit separately and use any Kaweco Al Sport or a number of other pens from other manufacturers. So the style will be totally "you". There is an add-on clip available in two styles and several colors. The nib was too grippy for me, but replacement nib was fine(?!) and it also takes Lamy Z107 nibs. And you can try a screen protector to see if the writing experience improves for you.

As for the software, yeah, it is not intuitive. Important functions are hidden. Too many options where I don't need them and too few where I do. I am hoping it eventually becomes second nature. They need a simple optional skin - and they actually do have a simplified Home page that you can get to via a swipe. Or could try a launcher. But that does not help Notes or Neoreader.

[maevekelly]

It's a fascinating difference here. The Tab Ultra is *massively* better than other eink devices for me...
But what I want is an eink replacement for things I did with a Surface Pro. So playing better with other android is way better to me.
The software feels much more like regular android which is a big improvement to me.

[ralphw]

Interesting video. I love my Tab Ultra. I don't have the issues with the physical properties that you have. Still, it was interesting to hear your take on it. I use mine every day. V3.3.2 does have a lot of issues, however. Boox has always been very slow with updates. I hope a bug fix update comes REAL SOON!!! Love your reviews and your MDO!!

[JojoNY]

I'm watching this video as I await for my Supernote to arrive either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. The Tab Ultra is on sale now so I was having a bit of FOMO. Luckily, your video has given me some peace of mind. Thanks!

[MrReedmonkey]

Thanks Voya, i appreciate your honesty. Personal preferences are important and i think a bit of reality is always helpful on youtube....too many one off enthusiastic reviews from shills and not enough measured, user- case focussed opinions. Love your work.

[santanu-io]

My only issue is that camera bump, an useless and annoying thing. Other things I can compromise. For Note series on the other hand, the 8mm extra width is annoying for me, device looks too wide.

[WMARUoriginal]

I feel this video so much! I’ve tried most modern e-ink tablets but I didn’t find the one that fit for ME until I tried the Remarkable 2. I totally wrote it off because it has so very few features compared to everything else but in the end that’s what makes me love it. I just want the ultimate notebook and in a super thin, metallic frame that does what I need for work and journaling and it does that for me.

[karlmunford]

My studies were *_'heavily'_* built around paper note taking with piles of papers and folders relating to various topics stacked everywhere, and all this while loose notes literally slid off my table... so the Supernote suits me perfectly with the addition that I'm not distracted by discovering what more it can do or what apps it can run as with my Macbook.

My Supernote doesn't, nor can it be used to _'entertain me'_ and personally I find that limitation productive, whereas if it could run videos, play games or allow me to gain access to social media... I'm certain it would directly challenge my productivity.

If my work required much of what Boox offered, then I'd look towards something like the iPad and as I have mentioned often, ... that leaves me wondering where Boox is heading and what would happen if one of the giant tablet manufacturers slapped an e-ink screen in one of their devices with the addition of a great note taking app.

[ekwmhroucg]

I own an Tab Ultra C (after upgrading from an Tab Ultra recently). I do not get the "taste" point, I like the "clear" appearance of the device how it is. I can understand all other points, and they are annoying me too, but only slightly. I use it as a full tablet replacement, and though it is not perfect in some use cases, most of them it handles fine enough and the friction points, may it be in the performance, the UI or the physical flaws, are not big enough for me to not use it.