Tech Review - Onyx Boox Go Color 7

I recently found myself wanting a new e-reader and, after some (probably too much) research I settled on the Boox Go Color 7, by the company Onyx. This is my review of the reader after having it for a couple of weeks. 

This review isn't sponsored (though if Onyx would someday, that'd be cool, hint hint).

Image from B&H - 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1836428-REG/boox_opc1210r_7_go_color_e_reader.html

Even though (or probably because) I'm used to reading on my phone screen, I wanted an e-ink display. While most tablets have a clear, glassy, LCD color display, e-readers are known for having basic, black and white screens. While they look dull next to an iPad, e-ink displays have the benefit of looking much like real paper, making them easier on the eyes. This is what I wanted the most. 

I initially looked into getting a Kindle, but for two reasons decided against it -- Libby and Hoopla. I read a lot on these library apps and Kindles don't let you download any apps or use any services other than the proprietary Kindle system (Libby can work with Kindle, but it's a workaround). The Boox tablets, in contrast, are full Android tablets, and the Color Go 7 runs Android 12. The Google Play Store is included and allows the user to install any Android app (though I wouldn't try running games like Genshin Impact), including library apps like Libby, Hoopla, and Flipster; as well as other e-book apps like Kindle and Kobo; and manga and webcomic apps. This gives me the flexibility of reading I wanted -- I like manga (no kidding) and I especially use Hoopla, so being trapped in one ecosystem to me is a waste of the resources e-publishing can offer.

A book in the Kindle app

Besides any e-reader app you could want to install, Onyx has its own reading program, BOOX Neo Reader, as well as a built-in storefront made up of free public domain books from Project Gutenberg. It's just public domain texts and the categories are a little janky (it put Jack London's White Fang under, inexplicably, fanfiction). I imagine most readers will add their own books or use apps like Kindle and Libby rather than this store. Books can also be added via cloud services like Google Drive, Zotero, and Dropbox, as well as several Chinese services such as Youdao Note and Baidu Cloud. 

Anyone else reading Dan Da Dan?

The Go Color 7 has a 7 inch color e-ink Kaleido 3 display, with a density of 300 ppi for black and white and 150 ppi for color. Colors are muted, unlike the vibrancy you'd expect from an LCD screen like on an iPad. I would liken the visual feel of the screen to roughly that of newsprint. This is not an issue for reading text or manga, but for manwa, webcomics, and Western graphic novels this may be a dealbreaker. (Don't know what manwa is? Take a look at my previous post to find out!)

The MANGA Plus app, demonstrating the color e-ink screen

The unit has a 2.4 Ghz octa-core processor, which is definitely enough to handle the daily work of an e-reader. As I said before, it's not going to be your new streaming or gaming device, but it does what it needs to do well. In fact, I've noticed it downloads apps from the Play Store quite quickly. It's certainly faster than my old 2017 Kindle Fire. It has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB storage, which can be expanded with a micro SD card. Audiobooks can be listened to via the built-in speakers or via Bluetooth, though I'll keep using my phone for audiobooks.

My current lockscreen - Edward Gorey

Customization is limited, but possible. You can set your own lockscreen and power off display. This is far nicer than the Kindle's omnipresent ad screens -- one of the reasons I was tired of my Fire was the ads -- especially the lockscreen, which you have to pay to remove.

The build quality is good. I've heard complaints that the back, which is textured, feels cheap, but since I keep mine in a case I haven't noticed anything. Having the page turn buttons is really nice, even if there are only a few apps the work with -- they work with the built-in reader, Kindle, and Libby, but not Hoopla or MANGA Plus, but that's an issue for the app developers, rather than the hardware. The 7 inch screen is just the perfect size for reading, and the unit as a whole feels really nice in the hand. 

After spending a few weeks with the Boox Go Color 7, I like it a lot. It's as flexible in its apps as any Android device, and it feels great to hold and look at. It won't replace your smart phone or tablet in everything but it doesn't need to -- all it needs is to be a solid e-reader.