Would you still buy a Onyx Boox N96 today?

[tommyer]

Hi,
I am considering to buy a device from the Boox N96 series.

What I expect from an 9,7'' E-reader is summed up by Jean-V in another thread:

"The ideal device should also be able to export easily notes (or allow me to export the pdf with embedded notes). To rephrase it, I do not want my notes to be locked in the device."

I have settled for the N96 - Capacitive + Digitizer touch without front light. There is another one called N96C (somewhat cheaper) with Capacitive but no Digitizer. I like that one too (also because of the price advantage), but this time I would like to get to know working with a digitizer/stylus. So it would be the N96 - Capacitive + Digitizer touch.

Prices have come down a bit recently at Banggood and Ereaderstore. May be that is because something new is coming up from Boox on the 9 and 10'' level later this year which is much more advanced as compared to the older M92, M96 and N96 series.

That's why I ask myself if I should invest 400€ for N96 now while there is a possibility to get a new and much more refined device ranging between 400 and 500€ towards the end of the year?

A Boox N96, is it really still worth a 400€ today?

[franzli]

I personally have been thinking about getting a 10 inch reader, but am holding off for the moment for roughly the reason you mentioned. Initially, I was hoping for upgraded specs on the new devices, although it now seems like the next 10 inch devices will still have the same old crappy single-core SOC. However, there's a chance that prices on the remaining stock of N96 could go down when the new stuff is out. So if you don't need the device now, it might be worth waiting. Of course, as always in tech, there always is something new coming out, so if you need it now, you might as well buy now (and possibly sell and upgrade later).

[tommyer]

Originally Posted by franzli

the next 10 inch devices will still have the same old crappy single-core SOC.

That's too bad. I am not really into computer hardware but I understand that the Onyx Boox devices would benefit a lot from a more powerful hardware.

And you're absolutely correct, prices for the remaining N96 stock could go down once again when the new series will be available.

If, for example, banggood had the N96 Dual Touch in stock, I would probably order it right now. But it's the one model of the N96 series which is currently out of stock at banggood. And in my mind there is some uncertainty as to what total price you will get at banggood regarding tax and customs.

If the price difference in total prices between banggood and for example ereaderstore.de is only 20-30€, I would always go for ereaderstore.de or e-readerweb.nl because it is in Europe ( language, shipping and service; i.e. I live in Europe and service is worth money as well).

[franzli]

At least for shipping to Germany, banggood are supposed to have an option where you wouldn't have to part extra for taxes (and I think tablet like appliances are supposedly customs free in general, at least in Germany). Of course, servicewise you're likely much better off with the European vendors.

[tommyer]

Originally Posted by franzli

At least for shipping to Germany, banggood are supposed to have an option where you wouldn't have to part extra for taxes (and I think tablet like appliances are supposedly customs free in general, at least in Germany). Of course, servicewise you're likely much better off with the European vendors.

I've seen something like this too (or was it aliexpress?; can't remember), but at the moment I cannot find the option at banggood.

Originally Posted by franzli

you wouldn't have to part extra for taxes (and I think tablet like appliances are supposedly customs free in general, at least in Germany).

Not sure about that either. So far I thought that EU-wide you have to pay 3.7% custom and 19% tax with Ereaders. So far I think you cannot work around the import tax. But I think you are right on the tablets, seems like there is no custom there:
http://www.zoll.de/DE/Privatpersonen...e4672?nn=17384

[ZedSahrif]

Evening guys,
I am considering buying a Onyx Boox for my PDF reading, specifically for my PhD.
After doing some research and actually getting to use the N models at an offline store, i am sure that Onyx is the best option but i need your comments on which should I buy.
The N models are costing around 2000 RMB here in China and I can also buy the older used models starting from 999 RMB (M92) going upto 1500 RMB for M96plus (i think).
I am thinking of getting M92 as it is the cheapest but the hardware is slow and old, by looking at the specs I mean.
So whats your advice? Should I buy M92 as its cheap and get used to it and later save more and finally buy a latest model? or borrow some and buy the latest version? or buy M96?

[Randy11]

My comment for you in an other thread : https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...6&postcount=17

Forget the M92 (that I have), it's an too old device today. I've ordered a Max2. If the price is the main criteria, take the most recent device that you can.

With Onyx, it's always the same thing, the old devices are forgotten, don't expect an upgrade of the firmware.

With the Note (549.78 €) or Max2 (798.89 €), many problems are solved like the annotations. And we can, seriously, expect some upgrades.

For your PhD, you have many years of work. The Note seems really adapted of this type of work, I invite you to read the others thread. The choice of a device of the N/M... series is the SD-Card.

[gimble]

The N96 is stuck with 1200x825 resolution (about 150ppi), whereas both max2 and note have screens with better resolution (208 and 227 ppi respectively).

With a 9.7" screen at that ppi, you will likely need to switch to landscape mode frequently to read some academic pdf papers comfortably.

I would say, the only advantage of N96 over the newer devices is price and the sd card slot.

[ZedSahrif]

Originally Posted by Randy11

My comment for you in an other thread : https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...6&postcount=17

Forget the M92 (that I have), it's an too old device today. I've ordered a Max2. If the price is the main criteria, take the most recent device that you can.

With Onyx, it's always the same thing, the old devices are forgotten, don't expect an upgrade of the firmware.

With the Note (549.78 €) or Max2 (798.89 €), many problems are solved like the annotations. And we can, seriously, expect some upgrades.

For your PhD, you have many years of work. The Note seems really adapted of this type of work, I invite you to read the others thread. The choice of a device of the N/M... series is the SD-Card.

Thanks again, I posted my query on 3 different posts just to get a reply as i thought this might be an old thread, but awesome that you guys have replied, Kudos.
The price is one of the biggest issues actually. The Note and Max 2 are way out of price range for now. I was thinking of buy an M series and using it for a while till I save enough to buy either N or 13" ones.

[gimble]

Originally Posted by ZedSahrif

Thanks again, I posted my query on 3 different posts just to get a reply as i thought this might be an old thread, but awesome that you guys have replied, Kudos.
The price is one of the biggest issues actually. The Note and Max 2 are way out of price range for now. I was thinking of buy an M series and using it for a while till I save enough to buy either N or 13" ones.

I understand. If you can find a used N96 at good price, go for it while saving up for the Max2 for serious academic use. Don't go for too old a device though, as ultimately the time wasted fighting with unresponsive UI managing tons of files is really not worthwhile.

[JSWolf]

At the price of an N96, I'd go with an iPad for PDF reading. It beats eInk at anything less than 13.3".

[ZedSahrif]

Originally Posted by gimble

I understand. If you can find a used N96 at good price, go for it while saving up for the Max2 for serious academic use. Don't go for too old a device though, as ultimately the time wasted fighting with unresponsive UI managing tons of files is really not worthwhile.

Yeah, thanks. I think I will, as we say, gulp up the hard swollow (of the price) and go for an N model.
I'm also trying to find a used piece but finding that in China is a big hassle.

[ZedSahrif]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

At the price of an N96, I'd go with an iPad for PDF reading. It beats eInk at anything less than 13.3".

Ipad is same to me as any monitor or laptop screen, too hard for my eyes for longer reading. Lesser strain on the eyes is the main reason I am shifting to E-ink. Have used Ipad mini, one year and then Ipad air for almost 2 years.

[Waiting4somethin]

I would go with n96ml+ as it has 1gb of ram (and frontlight). Though it doesn’t have capacitive touch.

Also I think the + model is the one to get as apparently its carta screen has a faster response.

Originally Posted by ZedSahrif

Ipad is same to me as any monitor or laptop screen, too hard for my eyes for longer reading. Lesser strain on the eyes is the main reason I am shifting to E-ink. Have used Ipad mini, one year and then Ipad air for almost 2 years.

Yup, me too, I can’t wait to stop using my iPad.

[ZedSahrif]

Originally Posted by gimble

I understand. If you can find a used N96 at good price, go for it while saving up for the Max2 for serious academic use. Don't go for too old a device though, as ultimately the time wasted fighting with unresponsive UI managing tons of files is really not worthwhile.

I just had a look at at a used N96 today, from a private seller, and another seller but in another city with N96 Carta+ or N96ml Carta + (dont know if its the same model), here is my break down;
- N96 and N96 carta being sold at the almost the same price i.e. 1500 RMB (roughly 190 euros)
- N96 i checked personally today and its in immaculate condition, the guy bought it for his son and apparently realized that he is too young for Onyx Boox , so the device is never used. Not a single scratch anywhere on the whole body. Carta+ I have to travel shanghai to check it out
- N96, if I buy, I can check for a week if there is any funcitonal fault and it can be returned, though spending about 30 min with quick checks it seems fine.
-If i have to check the Carta+, i have to spend about 70 RMB just to go and check out the device but if its in good condition as N96, it might be a better buy
So, what do you people recommend?
is Carta+ worth a buy just because of Carta screen and 1G ram?
I am an adept user and am not easily frustrated by working around the official OSes and rooting devices, for mobiles i.e. So a bit playing around with N96, if i buy, I dont mind.