Boox Go 10.3 Review

My New Hyper-Focused Journaling and Writing Tool

Since moving away from the Kindle and trying other e-ink devices like the Onyx Boox Go 7 and Kobo Libra Color, I’ve realized how vast the e-ink space really is. After watching countless reviews of various e-ink devices including the Go 7 and Libra Color, YouTube began recommending even more. I quickly found myself deep in the e-paper world.

I previously used a Boox Note Air when I was exploring Kindle alternatives before ultimately deciding to leave Amazon’s ecosystem. While I liked the Note Air, as with the Boox Go 7, I found the amount of configuration and settings changes needed for each app to be overwhelming—so I returned it.

Part of the reason the Note Air didn’t work for me was that I didn’t have a clear purpose for it beyond reading Kindle books. I thought it might replace my iPads and serve as my main reading device for all text-based content, but the setup process—especially for Kindle, RSS readers, and other apps—was too cumbersome to enjoy.

Another reason I didn’t stick with the Note Air was that I wasn’t fully embracing it for what it is. Trying to make an e-paper tablet an iPad replacement isn’t the right approach. New color models bring it closer to traditional tablets, but for video or graphically intensive tasks, an iPad or Android tablet still makes more sense.

Ultimately, I decided to keep the Libra Color as my new e-reader. With my iPad Mini no longer fitting into my needs, I revisited my setup. Not only did I replace my main 12.9-inch iPad Pro—which I’ll talk about more soon—but I also picked up a Boox Go 10.3.

Getting the Go 10.3 started as a curiosity, but it’s proven to be exactly what I needed in several areas—like reading long-form articles and journaling. One unexpected but incredibly welcome discovery was how great it is as a writing device.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard is an excellent setup. The keyboard is comfortable, and the display is gorgeous thanks to its mini-LED screen. But like most modern tech—iPads, iPhones, MacBooks—the endless options for what you can do on them often lead to distractions and lack of focus.

That’s a me problem, sure, but I know I’m not alone. I also believe the right tools can help build focus, and that’s where the Go 10.3 shines. As an e-ink device without a backlight, it becomes a more intentional tool—only usable in specific environments. The iPad, by contrast, is always on, always available.

The Go 10.3 has really stood out for me in that way. Its 300 PPI display is incredibly sharp, and without a backlight, the text and handwriting look amazing—almost like real paper. Since it’s a newer e-ink device, the technology has improved a lot. Ghosting and slow refresh issues are minimal or non-existent.

I’ve been journaling on the Boox Go 10.3 every day for the past few weeks. Sometimes it’s a simple brain dump; other times, I use prompts from The Daily Stoic, which I read every morning. This daily journaling habit had slipped away for a while, mostly because I couldn’t decide between using a paper notebook or the iPad Mini.

The Go 10.3 has brought back that focus. Its display makes handwriting feel as close to real paper as I’ve ever experienced, especially with the included pen. I’m considering trying other pens, but so far, the included one works well.

I currently use the built-in notebook app, and the writing options feel endless. I mostly stick with the pen tool but have also tried the pencil setting for sketching—it feels very natural. I used to sketch more in the past and have been thinking about getting back into it—maybe using the Go 10.3 as a sketchbook while listening to music or audiobooks as a screen break.

I haven’t done a ton of reading on the Go 10.3 yet, but I do have Inoreader and the New York Times Android app installed. Since it runs full Android, it’s very capable in terms of app support. I plan to use it mostly for reading, and one thing I really appreciate is that, due to the lack of a backlight, I can only use it in well-lit environments—during the day or with a light on.

This might seem like a drawback, but I actually see it as a feature. It gives me another device that’s only available for specific tasks. The limitations enhance its usefulness. For instance, if I want to journal early in the morning, I need to turn on a light. This small requirement has helped create new habits: wake up, make coffee, and sit down with the Go 10.3 to journal.

Something else I didn’t expect: it’s become my focused writing device. I’d tried to use the iPad Mini for this before, but the Go 10.3 has been exceptional. For writing, I’ve returned to Obsidian. Its features allow for a customizable writing environment, and the minimal theme has an e-ink mode that looks fantastic on the Go 10.3.

A new habit I’ve picked up is writing during lunch. I used to go home, but staying at my desk helps me avoid toddler snacks. Now, I either read, watch shows on Plex, or write for Techuisite. I used to write on the iPad, but I’d often get distracted and end up watching YouTube instead.

With the Go 10.3, I just want to write. I pair it with an Apple Magic Keyboard—the standard version with the lock key instead of Touch ID—and a foldable case that protects the keyboard in my bag. It’s part of a larger shift in my gear: I always carry this keyboard and the Go 10.3 with the pen.

I tried out Nuphy and Keychron keyboards as well, but I stuck with what I know and love. The Magic Keyboard has great battery life, easy connectivity, and it’s slim enough that I barely notice it in my bag.

This setup has become my favorite writing environment. The Go 10.3 and Magic Keyboard both have great battery life and provide a focused, paper-like experience that makes writing feel effortless. I have other devices I can use for writing, but this has become the one I want to use.

Now that I’ve shared how I use the device, let’s quickly cover the hardware. I already mentioned the lack of backlight and the crisp 300 PPI display, but the form factor is another highlight. It’s slim and light—an absolute joy to hold. I love the white color, especially for writing, because it feels like typing on a literal sheet of paper.

The thicker side bezel on the left side provides a comfortable grip, and like the Go 7, the textured back feels great in hand. The texture is different from the Go 7—it’s smoother, more like leather, compared to the rougher feel of the Go 7—but both are very nice. Its lightweight design makes long reading sessions—like scrolling through RSS feeds or the NYT—very comfortable.

Boox includes a case with the Go 10.3 that’s functional and thin enough not to add bulk. However, it has a few issues. It doesn’t hold the device up well when angled, and it extends a bit too far on the left side, which weakens the magnetic connection for the pen compared to when the case is off.

Aside from that, the Go 10.3 is simply an excellent device. I almost feel sad it took me this long to appreciate the benefits of a true e-paper tablet. I don’t use it for everything—and that’s the point. But when I do use it for the specific tasks I bought it for, it shines every time—and I look forward to picking it up.