Thinking of Buying a Note

kini · 01-01-2019, 06:59 PM

There are a couple of issues I want to make sure are not issues before I continue. First of all, can I get a built-in dictionary with AZW files? Any other file types that don't allow for these? Second, how are the batteries for these tablets? Even my Kindle only lasts 7 hours of non-stop reading, so I'm worried these will serve me less than that. How are the styluses? Is it easy to annotate with them? Is it easy to export annotations?

kini · 01-02-2019, 05:15 AM

So it looks like I can convert my AZW books into epub or maybe something else. Please advise on what would be the best format for a Boox Note Plus, and I'll take a look. I think I'm about to take the dive. Is there anything I should know about these tablets? Do they break? Why can't they use Google Play anymore? Is that a big deal to you guys? So many questions, so little time, lol.

nozonyan · 01-02-2019, 11:28 AM

The best format is PDF. The epub reading experience is fine but far from perfect, unless you install some 3rd party app. Between azw and epub I'd recommend you go epub regardless.

You can use google play store but you have to workaround to get it working, and occasionally it stops working (usually after Note updates).

Annotating with stylus is very easy although not straighforward. To annotate a PDF you have to enter scribble mode which means at least 2 clicks before you can write, plus a third one once you want to exit scribble mode. You can read the book while scribble mode is enabled but you won't be able to use features such as highlighting, dictionary and so on, basically just annotation and page flipping. Also mind you, you won't be able to use scribble mode with epubs/mobis/azw, only with PDF and DJVU.

Highlightings are automatically exported in a separated .txt file. In-book annotations must be exported via a designated option. Boox Note doesn't automatically override the original PDF.

Battery is fine if you turn everything off and not overload the system with useless apps. It definitely lasts me more than 7 hours worth of reading.

The stylus is quite responsive but holding it in different angulations can mess up the writing precision, definitely unsuited for drawing.

Question Mark · 01-02-2019, 11:35 AM

Although some people seem to be having some issues with Google Play on various Onyx models, it works fine on my Onyx Note. It's currently updating the apps which I have on it, including a paid app.

The stylus works very well in the native reading app and it the native note taking app. I haven't used it much in other apps so can't speak to that.

Battery life seems to be very decent. Comparable to my Kobo Aura One. However, I seldom use my Note with the wifi on except when I am checking for updates.

I only have one book from Amazon so I converted it to an epub. However, if you have a lot of books from Amazon, you could always try using the Kindle app.

kini · 01-02-2019, 05:52 PM

Thankfully Calibre allows me to convert all my files to PDF. Regarding annotations, can I use a pop-up keyboard or anything of that sort, and export them into a text document?

kini · 01-02-2019, 05:55 PM

Also, can I read Esquire and New Scientist e-magazines on this?

nozonyan · 01-02-2019, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kini

Thankfully Calibre allows me to convert all my files to PDF. Regarding annotations, can I use a pop-up keyboard or anything of that sort, and export them into a text document?

Yes you can add annotations though pop-up keyboard. Keep in mind that the feeling will be quite sluggish since einks do not have the same responsiveness as standard screens.

Not sure whether there is character limit though. Onyx software can get quite weird at time.

kini · 01-04-2019, 09:28 AM

Alright.

01-01-2019, 06:59 PM	#1
kini Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: none	Thinking of Buying a Note There are a couple of issues I want to make sure are not issues before I continue. First of all, can I get a built-in dictionary with AZW files? Any other file types that don't allow for these? Second, how are the batteries for these tablets? Even my Kindle only lasts 7 hours of non-stop reading, so I'm worried these will serve me less than that. How are the styluses? Is it easy to annotate with them? Is it easy to export annotations?

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01-02-2019, 05:15 AM	#2
kini Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: none	So it looks like I can convert my AZW books into epub or maybe something else. Please advise on what would be the best format for a Boox Note Plus, and I'll take a look. I think I'm about to take the dive. Is there anything I should know about these tablets? Do they break? Why can't they use Google Play anymore? Is that a big deal to you guys? So many questions, so little time, lol.

01-02-2019, 11:28 AM	#3
nozonyan Enthusiast Posts: 35 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2016 Device: none	The best format is PDF. The epub reading experience is fine but far from perfect, unless you install some 3rd party app. Between azw and epub I'd recommend you go epub regardless. You can use google play store but you have to workaround to get it working, and occasionally it stops working (usually after Note updates). Annotating with stylus is very easy although not straighforward. To annotate a PDF you have to enter scribble mode which means at least 2 clicks before you can write, plus a third one once you want to exit scribble mode. You can read the book while scribble mode is enabled but you won't be able to use features such as highlighting, dictionary and so on, basically just annotation and page flipping. Also mind you, you won't be able to use scribble mode with epubs/mobis/azw, only with PDF and DJVU. Highlightings are automatically exported in a separated .txt file. In-book annotations must be exported via a designated option. Boox Note doesn't automatically override the original PDF. Battery is fine if you turn everything off and not overload the system with useless apps. It definitely lasts me more than 7 hours worth of reading. The stylus is quite responsive but holding it in different angulations can mess up the writing precision, definitely unsuited for drawing.

01-02-2019, 11:35 AM	#4
Question Mark Wizard Posts: 1,419 Karma: 6513838 Join Date: Mar 2016 Device: More than I need, but not as many as I would like.	Although some people seem to be having some issues with Google Play on various Onyx models, it works fine on my Onyx Note. It's currently updating the apps which I have on it, including a paid app. The stylus works very well in the native reading app and it the native note taking app. I haven't used it much in other apps so can't speak to that. Battery life seems to be very decent. Comparable to my Kobo Aura One. However, I seldom use my Note with the wifi on except when I am checking for updates. I only have one book from Amazon so I converted it to an epub. However, if you have a lot of books from Amazon, you could always try using the Kindle app.

01-02-2019, 05:52 PM	#5
kini Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: none	Thankfully Calibre allows me to convert all my files to PDF. Regarding annotations, can I use a pop-up keyboard or anything of that sort, and export them into a text document?

01-02-2019, 05:55 PM	#6
kini Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: none	Also, can I read Esquire and New Scientist e-magazines on this?

01-04-2019, 09:28 AM	#8
kini Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: none	Alright.