Onyx has a new 10.3-inch Note 2 model that has been revealed at a trade show in Hong Kong.
The new Note 2 is basically a combination of the Note Pro and the new 13.3-inch Onyx Max3. It has the same exact design as the Note Pro, but with a different-colored backplate, and it has most of the upgraded features found on the Max3, minus monitor support.
Like the Max3, the Note 2 has a Qualcomm octa-core 2.0GHz processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage space.
The addition the USB OTG support allows for connecting memory cards, keyboards, etc.
Support for 5GHz WiFi has been added as well, and the battery is slightly larger at 4300 mAh.
Onyx has a tendency to release new models frequently, so the Note 2 isn’t much of a surprise now with the Max3 out, but the Onyx Boox Note Pro has been on the market for less than 6 months and now it’s already getting replaced.
Since Onyx has already said they would be updating the Note Pro to Android 9, the main things the new Note 2 adds is USB OTG support, 5GHz WiFi support, and they’re switching from a quad-core processor to an octa-core processor.
Is it really worth releasing a new model for that?
As noted in the Max3 vs Note Pro comparison review, the Max3 isn’t even faster than the Note Pro with the quad-core processor and Android 6 when using the ebook app or the web browser so is it really better? Perhaps that’s just because of the larger screen, but it’s not like there’s a big difference either way.
In the video he says the Note 2 (a name that makes no since considering it’s the 5th or 6th different Note model they’ve come out with in the past two years) will be released in November (so probably December or January). There’s no word yet on pricing.
via: Notebook Italia
One thing I would like to change on my Boox Note is the need for the A2 refresh mode in some apps (Like Kindle for page turning), I think I read somewhere that there are better refresh modes with some NXP CPUs… Does that include this Qualcomm CPU for the Note 2? Hopefully.
I don’t have to use A2 mode at all with the Kindle app. Do you have the app settings optimized?
Is it possible to estimate number of Android eink devices? It seems that Google, in the first place and the rest of application developers does not know or acknowledge this kind of devices. Since introduction of Dark mode was broadly announced maybe Google may add Eink mode. Maybe it is complicated, maybe not feasible or we should wait for new kind of eink screens.
These things are useless for reading without proper e-ink support for apps like Amazon and B&N Nook and no access to purchase quality new ebooks. I learned my lesson a few Onyx devices ago. Never again.
Clif, what do you mean without proper e-ink support for Amazon (I do not use Nook)? It is Android and you can use Kindle application for sure.
The Nook and Amazon Kindle apps are clumsy, ugly, and frustrsting to use on these Onyx E-ink devices. Try it. I think that you will be very disappointed.
The Kindle app works fine for me. With the app optimize settings configured correctly it works better than any other Android ereaders I’ve come across. It used to be so slow on their older devices that I found it unusable, but it works much better now.
You don’t sound too convinced by it…
I’m on the verge of returning my note pro and waiting for this.
Do you think the performance difference will be significant? Is there any chance it will actually be available on amazon in November? (ereader store actually has it on preorder already, though they have had complaints in the past…).
It’s nothing against the device itself, but Onyx’s tendency to release a newer model every few months with minor changes is annoying and it makes posting reviews seem pointless if they’re just going to replace everything with a new model in a few months. I don’t think the performance difference will be significant at all. To me 5GHz WiFi is useless on an E Ink device and I have no use for USB OTG when the Note can already use wireless Bluetooth devices. The processor is the wildcard. The Max3 wasn’t noticeably faster than the Note. In fact it was often slower, although that might be attributed to the larger screen. Mostly the upgrades are just another marketing charade that gives Onyx a reason to jack up the price another $50 again.
Thanks for the replies, reviews and info!
It’s all really useful.
Pre-order is now available from a site that seems to have a history of shipping from China and it seems to be priced the same as the Note Pro.
In any case, I think you’re right. Improvements won’t bring much to the table for my use case.
I’m wondering though if you’ve been able to notice any performance differences between the Max 2 Pro and the Max 3 (that would make the screen resolution factor irrelevant for comparing cpus). Max2Pro has the same soc as Note Pro, right?
Indeed. But I’ve never had the Max2 Pro. Onyx is going to start taking orders tomorrow for the Note2. It also has a fingerprint sensor like the Max3, so that’s another new thing to add to the list.
Do you know how soon we could see it on amazon?
Probably within 2 weeks. They usually start taking orders on Amazon a week or two after they release a new device on their website.
Nathan, I have seen and appreciated a lot of your reviews and I am interested in buying an e-reader about the 9.7″ to 10″. Which e-reader would you suggest?
To me the Onyx Note Pro is the best large-screen ereader released yet. The addition of a frontlight makes a big difference, Onyx’s software is the most advanced out there, and the build quality feels more solid than earlier Onyx devices I’ve owned. Obviously the Note 2 will be in the same class since it’s 95% the same.
For me the only nteresting is the capability to watch videos on eink. (“The Note 2 will have an all new refresh system. This will allow you to watch Youtube videos, stream music or podcasts or do many things online, that typically you wouldn’t be able to do with other e-readers.”) And this allow to watch videos. If you can help, I want to watch one video about this function. Please, and Thank you Nathan.
Cman, you only have 16 shades of gray. You’ll understand what’s about in most videos, but it won’t be fun to watch.
I have Max3, it isn’t fast at all but acceptable and slow at times. I think it’s because of the large screen and its lag.
Thanks you
In his review, he doesn’t play a video, but he shows the web capabilities at about 10:51:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPb5BgB7frY&t=10m51s
In this review, they play a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X1WxeOUd2E&t=18m41s
BTW, if that’s what you’re looking for then you’re probably going to be disappointed with ereaders. Playing videos is not only difficult on e-ink screens (because the hardware has a slow refresh rate) but it kind goes against the whole philosophy of these devices (productivity and all) .
Hi everyone,
And about the software, there will be a great difference between the software in Onyx Note 2 and in Onyx Note Pro? Best Regards.
Onyx is updating the Note Pro to have the same exact software as the new Note2.
Would Note 2 support USB C PD chargers and not be constrained to their idiotic USB-A to USB C cable? I cannot get it to charge or connect to a laptop with USB C port like a MacBook Pro.
I currently have the original Boox Note that I bought when it was first released in 2018, and I wonder if you think that it is a worthwhile upgrade to get a Note 2. I use it a lot for reading and writing and I really like it, but I feel that the note-taking on the original Note leave a bit to wish for. Would I notice more than as slight difference in response time when taking notes and reading books, or would I actually feel the difference? What is your opinion?
Thank you for your advice!
The addition of a frontlight is going to be the biggest difference. I don’t think there is any noticeable speed difference when it comes to writing with the stylus.
And what about the screen? Does it feel different to write on, and is there any difference in sharpness when reading?
Thank you very much for your reply.
It does feel different with the glass and there is a slight difference in contrast, especially when using a screen protector. I talked about that some in the Note vs Note Pro comparison review.