BOOX Max LUMI 13.3. (by Richard Larson)

In March 2021 I purchased a BOOX Max LUMI 13.3. 

Like Chris Collins I find myself reading a lot of articles in PDF and backlit displays are hard on my eyes. I had been wanting an eInk eReader with screen size comparable to my iPad Pro - i.e., a device that would present at approximately the same size as a printed page. Chris reported a good experience with his BOOX Max 13.1, so I thought I would try it despite its high price point. Following his suggestion I also purchased the Ayotu Skin Touch Feeling Folding Case for BOOX Max2 Pro 13.3. the latter fits the Max LUMI just fine even though not being designed for it specifically. 

Regarding my own user variables, I am a Mac user and don't own any Android devices. I expected setup to be more jinky and complicated than on an Apple product and it was. The complications mainly involved Google apps. Despite its use of Android, the Boox Max doesn't come with Google apps preinstalled or run them out of the box. Instead you must first install something called "Google Play", which then gives you access to the Google Play Store, which then gives you access to Google Drive, Chrome, etc. My school (SBU) uses Google apps, and I use Google Drive extensively in storing current working documents, so this was important. Once you get Google Play up & running, access to Google Drive is smooth. I haven't used other Googles apps (e.g., Google docs) yet with my BooxMax but may later. Stay tuned. Other apps like Kindle can also be installed. 

Chris has discussed uploading docs from a computer to the BooxMax via its Transfer Books app. This works just although the file structure is a bit odd.  All WiFi transfers reside within a folder in a larger folder called "Storage". This is accessible either through the Storage icon or through the Library icon at the left. The Library area includes separate folders for books, downloads, notes, "pushes" (whatever they are), shop and WiFi transfer. I think "books" must be where books downloaded from the Android bookstore go. Kindle books don't show up there, nor do books coming in by WiFi transfer.  Someday I will experiment and find out what's up with this.

One point about doc transfer. The MaxLumi comes with a little dongle that allows you attach a micro SD card.  I bought a NUFLASH Micro SD Card 128GB TF Card Full HD Memory Card Class 10 from Amazon, and was able to upload every linguistics paper and book currently resident on my computer onto that one tiny little card (although it took hours). When I plugged it in to the MaxLumi, I could see and open all of them. I recommend this as an alternative way to have access to your LIN books and papers if you don't want to download them all separately and permanently vis WiFi transfer. 

Editor's note: for another blog post on the e-readers, see:

Purchasing an E-reader for Academic Work