Top 8 e-Ink Note-taking e-Readers

February 21, 2024 | Editor: Dhaval Parekh
Note-taking e-Readers not only allow reading books but also keep useful notes. Taking into account the long battery life of these devices, they are much more suitable for these tasks than regular phone or tablet.
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The ONYX BOOX Note is a device for reading electronic books with the E Ink Mobius screen with a diagonal of 10,3 with higher definition. This eReader can be the perfect choice for those who often have to read academic or technical literature, for musicians and programmers. Its large and comfortable for eyes display, powerful processor in combination with double sensor control are the optimal tools for reading PDF and DjVu files. Its built-in Wi-Fi module allows one to use the device for full Internet surfing and for connecting to net-libraries.
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The only tablet that feels like paper. Take handwritten notes, read, and review documents, take notes directly on PDFs. Paper-like writing and reading. All your notes, organized and accessible on all devices
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ONYX BOOX Nova Air is an e-book reader with an increased screen diagonal and high resolution. The stylus that comes with the device allows you not only to take notes in a separate application, but also directly in the text of documents. The body of the reader is made of magnesium alloy, which makes it lightweight and durable. The NOVA Air model is based on the Android which allows you to use various third-party applications and makes the device more multipurpose. Thanks to the increased screen diagonal and double touch control, the e-reader will be an ideal choice for those who read fiction books and work with technical documents.
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Kobo Elipsa provides intuitive note-taking experience and an expansive 10.3” touchscreen. Use the Kobo Stylus to make notes in eBooks and PDFs. Plus, you can create your own notebooks, where you can instantly convert your notes to clean typed text, and export them off your device as needed. When you want to listen to a story, enjoy Kobo Audiobooks with Bluetooth wireless technology. And when you're ready for a break, simply close the SleepCover to protect Kobo Elipsa and put it to sleep. Kobo Elipsa is your book, notebook, and bookstore combined, bundled with everything you need to make your ideas a reality.
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Kindle Scribe is the first Kindle for reading and writing, with a 10.2” 300 ppi Paperwhite display, includes Basic Pen. Take notes within millions of titles in the Kindle Store – Handwrite thoughts on sticky notes in your favorite book with the included Basic Pen. Notes are automatically organized by book in one place, so you can browse, review, and export them via email.
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e-Ink tablet for reading and productivity. Take notes, sketch, annotate printed documents, read ebooks and unleash your creativity with the distraction-free digital notebook. You can take notes directly on PDFs, EPUBs and emails, even edit Word documents by writing proofreading marks.
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ONYX BOOX MAX is the first ONYX device with 13,3" E Ink screen. The model is based on the Android operating system and can be the perfect choice for those who often have to read academic or technical literature. Its large and comfortable for your eyes display, a powerful processor in combination with 1 GB of RAM are optimal tools for reading PDF and DjVu files. A built-in Wi-Fi module allows one to use the device for full Internet browsing greatly expands its functionality.
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ONYX BOOX Tab X is a 13.3" E Reader that is not only ideal for reading, but is also a perfect tool for working with various types of documents. The Android 11 operating system allows you to install and use third-party apps.The body of the E Reader is made of lightweight and durable aluminum-magnesium alloy, the screen is covered with additional protective glass. A high-capacity battery of 6300 mAh provides long autonomous work.

Latest news about e-Ink Note-taking e-Readers


12.12.23. Onyx Boox Note Air3 is now available



Onyx BOOX has released the Note Air3, an exceptional black and white E-Ink notepad designed for distraction-free note-taking. The Note Air3 series offers users a choice between the Note Air3 and Note Air3 C, offering a monochrome screen or a colour screen, respectively. The Note Air3 is available with a free magnetic case and the Boox Pen 2 Plus stylus for $399.99 The Note Air3 boasts a 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen offering a crisp reading experience while minimizing eye strain. There is WIFI to connect to the internet, and it has a USB-C port for transferring data or charging. It is powered by a 3700 mAh battery. Running on the Android 12 OS, the Note Air3 gives access to numerous apps for note-taking and reading. Equipped with the latest firmware, the Note Air3 comes preloaded with the game-changing Smart Scribe feature, empowering users to refine their note-taking skills effortlessly. With this innovative addition, users can annotate books with handwritten notes and seamlessly transform them into perfect shapes, highlights, underlines, or even easily erase their handwriting. Furthermore, the Note Air3 features a more realistic handwriting experience. It also offers comprehensive note-taking tools, including keyword search to find relevant notes instantly, converting handwritten notes into editable text, and seamless integration with related files or websites for quick reference.


2023. Bigme introduced its first 7-inch e-note - B751



Bigme has introduced the B751, a compact e-note device equipped with a 7-inch E Ink display. Beyond its sleek design, the Bigme e-note stands out for its advanced AI technology, achieving a speech-to-text accuracy of over 98%. With support for 36 languages and 27 dialects, the device offers features such as translation, transcription, intelligent summarization, smart chat, intelligent creation, smart drawing, and intelligent translation. The package includes a 4096-level pressure-sensitive stylus, and the device operates on a 3000 mAh battery, running on the Android 11 open system for seamless cloud reading and writing. Additional features include physical page-turning buttons, external OTG expansion for enhanced versatility, and compatibility with accessories like keyboards, mice, and headphones. Priced at $240 USD, the Bigme e-note combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly functionality.


2023. Onyx Boox firmware update adds note-taking functionality



The Onyx Boox Firmware V3.5 introduces a range of versatile and advanced tools aimed at enhancing your efficiency, creativity, and productivity while using BOOX devices. This update is now available for various models including Onyx Boox Max Lumi 2, Note Air 2 Plus, Note Air 2, Palma, Page, Note 5, Note 5+, and the Nova Air C. Among the new features are the ability to add blank pages in PDFs, enabling more space for jotting down ideas, an AI Read function providing book summaries, author details, and related book suggestions in under two minutes, and an enhanced scrolling view option. Note-taking capabilities have been improved with upgraded hyperlinks for easy navigation, a flexible lasso tool for selecting and manipulating parts of your notes, and a fill tool for adding colors to enclosed shapes. Additionally, the update includes a calendar screensaver, adjustable split-screen size, customizable system fonts, and personalized mouse settings, allowing users to tailor their BOOX experience according to their preferences.


2023. Onyx Boox Note Air 3C is released



Onyx Boox has recently unveiled the Note Air 3C, featuring a spacious screen capable of displaying A5 documents. Immerse yourself in a paper-like reading and writing experience that's gentle on the eyes, thanks to the advanced 10.3″ E INK Kaleido 3 color e-paper technology. The BOOX Note Air 3C seamlessly combines contemporary technology with traditional comfort. It runs on the latest Onyx operating system, Android 12, offering complete access to the Google Play Store. Priced at $499.99, it includes a complimentary magnetic case and stylus. The power button integrates a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, and it can connect to the internet via both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi. For charging and data transfer, there's a convenient USB-C port. Equipped with a robust 3,700 mAh battery, this device weighs 430g, offering exceptional value. Onyx supports all Android languages, making it accessible to users worldwide. The device incorporates Boox Super Refresh technology, with HD mode delivering optimal performance for reading books and PDF files.


2023. Pocketbook unveiled its first e-note - Pocketbook InkPad X Pro



Pocketbook has introduced its first e-note, the Pocketbook InkPad X Pro, specifically crafted for digital note-taking. This innovative product is tailored for note-taking, freehand drawing, and PDF file editing due to its incorporation of a WACOM screen. The package includes a novel jet-black stylus with an eraser, boasting an impressive 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. Nevertheless, the device is also compatible with third-party styluses. The highlight of the device is its 10.3-inch E INK Mobius display, which contributes to its lightweight design. Boasting a resolution of 1404×1872 pixels at 227 PPI, the screen is also capacitive, enabling users to employ finger gestures like pinch-to-zoom, tapping, and page-turning swipes. Convenient manual page-turn buttons, a home button, and settings button are situated at the device's bottom. Notably, this marks the company's first foray into the Android product realm, as all their previous offerings have been based on Linux. Anticipated to be released in late September, the InkPad X Pro will be priced at $420.00.


2023. Bigme released new colour e-note S6 Color+


Bigme has unveiled its latest e-note, the S6 Color+, which comes with On-Cell Touch and boasts a vibrant 7.8-inch E Ink display based on the on-cell Kaleido 3 color e-paper technology. According to Bigme, this innovative color display incorporates fewer layers over the touch surface, resulting in improved light transmission and a brighter visual experience. Under the hood, the S6 Color+ houses a powerful octa-core 2.3 GHz processor, along with 6GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of internal storage. Should users require more storage space, the device supports expandable storage via an SD card of up to 1TB capacity. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and 4G; however, network support is currently limited to China. To enhance user experience, the S6 Color+ is equipped with dual speakers and a microphone. On the photography front, it features a 5 MP front-facing camera and an 8 MP rear camera setup. Running on Android 11 with preinstalled Google Play Store, the device offers access to a wide range of applications. Powering the S6 Color+ is a 3000 mAh battery, ensuring extended usage. The S6 Color+ by Bigme is available at a price of $459.99.


2023. iReader Smart 4 Pro e-note offers features for professionals



iReader has introduced the Pro version of the iReader Smart 4. This cutting-edge e-note features a 10.3-inch E Ink display on the front and a powerful quad-core CPU on the other side, ensuring a seamless reading experience. Powering this device is a substantial 4000 mAh battery, which, according to iReader, can support an impressive 120 hours of continuous reading time. Accompanying the e-note is the X-Pen 3, a stylus with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. This pen provides an ultra-low latency writing experience and supports global writing in various formats. The device runs on iReader's proprietary SmartOS that includes a schedule management feature, simplifying your daily operations, and a card-style design for effortless navigation through the device. The e-note also offers a smart note-taking feature that allows you to compile your notes into a separate book and save it on the bookshelf. Additionally, it doubles as an exceptional e-reader with dedicated page turn buttons for easy navigation. Moreover, the device boasts an AI-enabled feature that can read the book aloud for you, enhancing your reading experience even further.


2023. Onyx launches Mini version of its e-Note reader Onyx Boox Tab



The new Tab Mini C by Onyx Boox showcases the latest E INK Kaleido 3 colour e-paper technology. This compact e-reader and digital note-taking device offer exceptional portability and boast contemporary hardware specifications designed to provide longevity. Running on Google Android, it grants users full access to the Google Play Store. It is priced at $449.99 and includes a complimentary case and stylus. The Onyx Boox Tab Mini C is equipped with a 7.8-inch E INK Kaleido 3 e-paper screen, which can vividly display 4096 colours. The screen is seamlessly integrated with the bezel and protected by an AG glass flat cover-lens. Additionally, magnets are placed on the right side to conveniently secure the accompanying Boox Pen 2 Plus stylus to the device.


2023. Kobo releases new update focused on note-taking



Kobo has recently released a firmware update primarily focused on the Kobo Elipsa, introducing several enhancements for note-taking. These updates include the addition of new templates for notes, such as musical sheets and calligraphy, along with the ability to search handwritten notes within a Notebook. In Basic Notebooks, users can now create precise shapes by drawing and holding the pen in place, allowing for the conversion of drawn circles into perfect circles, for instance. Furthermore, the update introduces the Lasso feature in Basic Notebooks, enabling users to move, delete, copy, resize, and convert their handwritten notes into typed text. Users can now conveniently organize their notebooks using folders and safeguard them by enabling the Notebook Backup feature, which saves them on the Kobo Cloud for easy access on kobo.com/notebooks. Moreover, in Advanced Notebooks, it is now possible to adjust line spacing and highlight text using the stylus button. Lastly, the update includes the addition of a brightness icon within Notebooks for improved visibility.


2023. Xiaomi unveiles Moaan W8 – e-note with a 10-inch display



The Moaan W8, Xiaomi's latest addition to their e-paper device lineup, is essentially an e-note device. It is equipped with a Wacom layer and designed specifically for note-taking. With its spacious 10-inch display, it provides ample screen space for comfortable reading. By default, the Moaan Plus Reader offers a slightly darker background, making the black font less prominent. Thankfully, the app provides options to customize the background according to your preferences. Additionally, you have the flexibility to install e-book reading software such as Kobo, Amazon Kindle, Aldiko, and more if desired. Writing on the W8 delivers a delightful experience, especially for those who appreciate the tactile sensation of writing on paper with an e-note. The device is priced at approximately $450.


2023. Kindle Scribe can now convert handwritten notes to text



Kindle Scribe has recently received the latest firmware update and one notable feature of this update is the ability to convert handwritten notebooks into text when exporting them. This allows users to conveniently edit and share their notebooks with friends, family, or colleagues via email. Within the Share menu, customers now have the options to "Convert to text and quick send" or "Convert to text and email" their standalone notebook as a .txt file. With the latter option, users can preview, review, and make edits to the converted text before sending it to up to 5 email addresses. Additionally, the new firmware introduces the lasso select tool, which can be used in notebooks, sticky notes, and PDFs uploaded to the Kindle library via the "Send to Kindle" feature. Furthermore, there are improvements in PDF reading capabilities, and a wider selection of books and titles that support direct on-page writing.


2023. Guoyue K3 Color e-note comes with 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 display



The Guoyue K3 Color is a new e-note tablet featuring a 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display. The display specifications, such as support for 4096 colors and a 300 PPI resolution in Black and White mode, should already be familiar. The tablet includes its own reading engine called xReader, which offers support for 5 pen types, 16 handwriting colors, 5 levels of width adjustment, and 4 options for sharing or exporting content. Additionally, there is a wide selection of over 100 note templates available. For added security, the e-note incorporates a fingerprint scanner integrated within the Power button. Operating on Android 11, the tablet offers a smooth and efficient user experience. The bundled pen provides 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring precision and accuracy. The price of the Guoyue K3 Color is $500.


2023. Bigme updates UI for its e-notes and e-readers


Bigme is rolling out a new firmware update for a majority of its existing devices, including the Good e-Reader, Bigme Galy, and Bigme InkNote Color+. These devices now boast Kaleido 3 colour e-paper, thanks to the successful implementation of the update. The company has also revamped the user interface, which now bears similarities to the Onyx Boox. The interface is now more precise, concise, and has a bubbly feel, a significant departure from the previous version which was more technical and less user-friendly. The new interface has reduced the number of choices and increased redundancy, making it easier to use. The developers claim to have improved the battery efficiency by 30%, although measuring such a claim is challenging. Additionally, they have added ChatGPT functionality to the note-taking section and made some changes to the note-taking options.


2023. Onyx Boox is launching the Tab Ultra C with Kaleido 3 color e-paper



Onyx Boox has announced Tab Ultra C, a new 10.3-inch digital note-taking device and e-book reader. It features the latest generation of color e-paper, E INK Kaleido 3, with a flush bezel and a protective layer of glass. The warm and cool light system allows users to read in low-light environments or at night, and the 6,300mAh Li-ion Polymer battery provides power for several weeks. Measuring at 225 x 184.5 x 6.7 mm and weighing 480g, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is equipped with Google Android 11 and preloaded with the Google Play Store. This feature enables users to access millions of free and paid apps by signing into their accounts. Additionally, the device comes with a free Pen 2 Pro stylus that has an eraser and a magnetic sleep cover case, available for $600. An optional case with a full keyboard can be purchased for an additional $110.


2023. Bigme S6 - e-note with built-in ChatGPT



Bigme S6 is the latest e-note device from Bigme, and it comes with some noteworthy changes. One of the most significant is the addition of built-in support for ChatGPT, making it the first e-note device to offer such a feature. This integration with ChatGPT is reportedly available on all Bigme devices, with the S6 being the first to offer it. The S6 also features a new display, which has been changed from the E Ink Kaleido Plus display found on the original S6 to a monochrome E Ink display of the same 7.8 inch size. The real star of the show, however, is the generative AI that powers the device. With this technology on board, the S6 can perform a wide range of tasks, including creating meeting minutes summaries, writing essays, scripts, and other compositions, composing and sending emails, translating texts in real-time, editing notes, writing code, and more.


2023. iReader Smart4 - e-note with 10.3-inch E Ink display



The iReader Smart4 e-note tablet has been launched, which can be utilized for various purposes such as e-book reading or audiobook listening. Featuring a 10.3-inch E Ink display, a dual-core MT8113T processor with 2.0 GHz, 1 GB of memory, and 64 GB of onboard storage, the Smart4 e-note is marketed as an intelligent E Ink tablet designed for millennial users who expect more from their devices. The device supports multi-terminal data synchronization and seamless connection of different scenes. The bundled pen makes writing on the Smart4 e-note feel similar to writing on real paper. The Smart Assistant version 3.0 provides additional user convenience, allowing for easy function execution with minimal human intervention. The e-note comes with a 4000 mAh battery that offers 120 hours of reading time. One of the notable features of the device is its ability to provide instant proofreading of voice and manuscript. Priced at 275 USD, the iReader Smart4 e-note is an attractive option for those who require an advanced E Ink tablet.


2023. Hanvon AI - e-note reader for students



Chinese manufacturer Hanvon unveiled its latest product, e-paper learning notebook Hanvon AI e-note. This new e-note is specifically designed for students aged 5 to 18 years old, boasting a 10.3-inch E Ink display that provides convenience and eye safety for studying. With a slim profile of just 6.8 mm thickness and a weight of 390 grams, the e-note is easy to carry around. Hanvon's proprietary screen reducing layer ensures a flicker-free and blue light-free experience. The e-note also comes with 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, a pair of microphones and speakers, and a large 6000 mAh battery that can comfortably last for weeks.


2023. Kobo unveiled 2-generation Elipsa 2E e-note and e-reader



Kobo has announced their second-generation Elipsa 2E 10.3-inch e-note and e-reader. Compared to the previous model, it is 45% faster. Illumination has improved the front-light display with the brand-new Confortlight Pro lighting system, which is brighter. The Kobo Pen has been redesigned; it now has an eraser at the top and a single button on the side to do highlights; the pen nib is better to write with since it is 25% lighter. Your notes can now be saved to the Kobo Cloud and viewed on the Kobo website, allowing users to view content and email it to themselves or a 3rd party. Finally, the retail packaging and case are almost 100% recycled, and the device itself is 80% and uses ocean-bound plastic.


2023. reMarkable powers up its e-paper tablet with a keyboard case for distraction-free writing



The reMarkable 2 tablet is highly suitable for reading extensive documents, annotating them, taking notes, and sketching. However, it wasn't originally ideal for extensive writing tasks. That changed when they introduced a remarkable keyboard folio, which effectively transforms the tablet into a minimalist yet compelling writing station, albeit at a slightly higher price point. The new folio case features a leather or leather-like exterior and functions as a regular cover for note-taking or portrait reading. When the cover is flipped off, the tablet can be placed on a surface by holding a couple of tabs, allowing the screen to detach from the keys beneath. The case can be folded up and secured with magnets, enabling comfortable typing.


2023. Mobiscribe Wave unveiled water-proof e-note reader



Mobiscribe has recently unveiled the Wave, a dedicated e-reader and digital note-taking device. They offer two models, one featuring a traditional black and white E INK display, and the other equipped with a color e-paper display utilizing Kaleido Plus technology. The black and white version is currently available, while the color variant is set to ship in April. The Mobiscribe black and white model boasts a 7.8-inch E INK Carta HD display with a resolution of 1404×1872 and 300 PPI. It is powered by a Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.5GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. This model is waterproof, making it suitable for use in environments like bathtubs or the beach. It comes with a USB-C cable for charging and document transfer. Bluetooth 5.1 enables wireless headphone or external speaker pairing, although it also features its own external speaker. The device is equipped with a 2500 mAh battery and is the first e-note to adopt Android 12.

Editor: Dhaval Parekh
Dhaval possesses a strong passion for technology and actively stays informed about the most recent advancements in the tech industry and cutting-edge gadgets. He pays special attention to dedicated e-Ink eReaders, e-Ink note-taking devices and tablets. In addition to his writing pursuits, Dhaval enjoys immersing himself in books and audiobooks, indulging in movies and series. Each month, he devotes his time to reading 1-2 fiction and tech books, and he proudly owns a diverse collection of eReaders. Having previously worked at TechCrunch, Dhaval now shares his expertise by contributing articles to various tech portals. You can contact Dhaval via email dhaval@bookrunch.com