Onyx is getting set to release a new Note Max model, and it will be their first 13.3″ eNote to have a 300ppi E Ink screen. It’s not available just yet, but it’ll most likely get released later this month.
This new Note Max is a lot different than Onyx’s previous gen 13.3″ Tab X model. It has a new design similar to the Boox Go 10.3 that I reviewed earlier in the year, and the new model is using a glass-based Carta 1300 screen instead of a flexible plastic-backed Mobius screen.
The problem with that is the screen will be more prone to break, especially considering the device is only 4.6mm thick, and the glass screen adds extra weight. The Note Max weighs 615 grams, whereas the Tab X weighs 560 grams, and that’s with a much smaller battery on the new model (3700mAh vs 6300mAh).
However, there are two big positives about the switch to a Carta 1300 screen. First off, the resolution has increased from 207ppi on the Tab X to 300ppi on the Note Max, and the price is much lower. The new Note Max has a retail price of $649, which is by far the lowest a 13.3″ eNote has ever sold for (the retail price of the Tab X is $879, and it’s now on sale for $799 with the new model coming out).
The new Note Max also lacks a frontlight and they did away with the microSD card slot, but it does have 128GB of internal storage space, with 6GB of RAM, and it’s powered by a 2.8GHz octa-core CPU.
Other features include a rotation sensor, dual speakers, a built-in microphone, there’s WiFi and Bluetooth, of course, and it has a USB-C port with support for OTG (so it does support expandable storage that way). It also comes with a stylus (Wacom) for notetaking.
The software is based on Android 13 and it can install apps from Google Play. It also supports Onyx’s BSR technology for smoother and faster refreshing.
All in all, it looks like a nice upgrade for the price if you can get along without a frontlight. It does help make the screen look better without the added light layer, and it makes it so there’s less distance between the tip of the stylus and the screen with the thinner front layer.
The new Boox Note Max is available to pre-order at B&H for $649.99, but they don’t list a release date. The Note Max isn’t listed on Onyx’s Amazon store yet, but it’ll probably show up soon, and they do have the official case listed for $50.
300 ppi for 13 inch screen size, plus USB OTG. Wish it had a front light, but promising release for this screen size.
E-ink without front light? Very limited usability. At least for us olderrrs.