The evolution of E Ink technology has been nothing short of revolutionary, transforming clunky e-readers into sleek, multifunctional devices. Enter the BOOX Note Air 4C (model NA4C-01), the latest innovation from Onyx Boox, a brand renowned for pushing the boundaries of digital paper. With its 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a groundbreaking color E Ink display, this tablet promises to bridge the gap between productivity and eye comfort. But does it deliver? Let’s dive in.
Design & Build Quality: Sleek, Lightweight, and Premium
The Note Air 4C retains the minimalist aesthetic of its predecessors, like the BOOX Max3, but with refinements that elevate its appeal. The aluminum alloy chassis feels premium yet surprisingly light at just 6.5mm thick, making it easy to hold for hours. The 10.3-inch screen strikes a balance between portability and usability, ideal for students, professionals, or avid readers. The included stylus snaps magnetically to the side—a thoughtful touch for on-the-go use.
Display: Color E Ink Comes Alive
The star of the show is the 6th-generation Kaleido 3 color E Ink panel, a leap forward from monochrome displays. While it won’t rival OLED screens in vibrancy, it offers 4,096 shades of color—perfect for textbooks, comics, or annotating diagrams. The 300ppi monochrome resolution ensures crisp text, and the matte finish reduces glare, even in sunlight.
That said, color E Ink still lags in refresh rates. Scrolling or video content feels sluggish, but this isn’t a dealbreaker for its intended use: reading, note-taking, and sketching. If you’re upgrading from older models like the Max3, the color addition is a game-changer.
Performance & Storage: Smooth Multitasking
With 6GB of RAM, the Note Air 4C handles split-screen apps, PDF markup, and browsing with ease. The 64GB storage is ample for thousands of eBooks or documents, though power users might wish for expandable storage. Android 11 underpins the experience, granting access to the Google Play Store. Install Kindle, Libby, or productivity apps like OneNote—it’s a versatile ecosystem.
Software & Features: Tailored for Productivity
Onyx Boox’s software shines here. The note-taking app supports handwriting-to-text conversion, layered notebooks, and customizable templates. The stylus (with 4,096 pressure levels) feels natural, with minimal latency. Palm rejection works flawlessly, and exported notes sync seamlessly to cloud services.
Advanced features like split-view (read a textbook while jotting notes) and frontlight adjustment (warm/cool tones) cater to diverse needs. The learning curve is gentle, though newcomers might need time to explore all settings.
Battery Life: Marathon Endurance
E Ink’s efficiency shines with up to two weeks of moderate use. While color mode drains slightly faster, it’s still leagues ahead of LCD tablets. A full charge takes 3-4 hours via USB-C—fair for the longevity offered.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Vibrant color E Ink display (finally!).
- Snappy performance with 6GB RAM.
- Versatile Android ecosystem.
- Premium, travel-friendly design.
Cons:
- Refresh rates hinder video/content use.
- No microSD slot for storage expansion.
- Premium price tag.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The BOOX Note Air 4C isn’t for everyone, but it’s a niche marvel. If you’re a student juggling PDFs, an artist sketching on e-paper, or a professional craving a distraction-free workspace, this tablet is a worthy investment. While the $599 price on Amazon may give pause, the blend of color, performance, and eye comfort justifies it for the right user.
For those curious about Onyx Boox’s journey, check out their earlier BOOX Max3 review to see how far they’ve come. The Note Air 4C isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a statement that E Ink can be as dynamic as it is gentle on the eyes.
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