For nearly fifteen years, the journey through various e-readers such as Kindles and Nooks has been ongoing, but it wasn’t until 2024 that a truly remarkable e-ink experience emerged—the Onyx Boox Palma. This innovative device from Onyx International, designed in the shape of a smartphone, seamlessly integrates all the features one could desire in an e-reader, despite its unconventional design that may spark debate.

After being captivated by the Palma, curiosity led to a deeper dive into Onyx’s extensive lineup of Boox devices. While the company offers several larger e-readers that compete directly with the Kindle line, its offerings also include comprehensive e-ink tablets that strike a balance between the traditional Kindle and the versatility of an iPad.

Recently, two Boox e-ink notebooks were put to the test: the Note Air 4C and the Note Max. Both devices left a strong impression, showcasing features of adaptable digital notebooks that include a highly responsive writing surface, powerful built-in note-taking capabilities, and effective file organization tools—all underpinned by an operating system that allows for the installation of virtually any app.

For those contemplating which of these two outstanding notebooks to choose, a detailed comparison of their distinct features will provide valuable insights, which can be explored in the individual reviews linked above.