Over the years I’ve tried them all; the reMarkable 2 and the RMPP Move, Supernote Manta, and Nomad, they all have their own strengths and quirks. I still like them all in different ways, but after living with each for a while, it’s become clear what I actually want from an e-ink setup.

That realisation has led me here: the Boox Tab Mini C (TMC). While I’ve been waiting (rather longer than expected) for Boox to release the replacement for the Tab Ultra C Pro, I’ve been using the TMC as a stop-gap mobile work device. And, quite unexpectedly, it’s turned into a surprisingly capable little workstation.

Paired with the a folding keyboard (Nillkin Cube Pocket Keyboard) and its built-in trackpad, the TMC is compact, quiet, and genuinely productive exactly what I’d been hoping for all along although its got a relatively small screen.

A proper little workstation

The TMC may be small, but its high-resolution colour e-ink screen makes it comfortable for long sessions. Text is crisp, colours are muted yet clear, and the matte display is easy on the eyes.

Because it runs Android, I can use OneDrive, Google Docs, Outlook, Kindle, Spotify, and whatever else I need. Turning it from a simple note-taking tablet into a fully fledged mobile productivity device.

It’s perfect for travel, quick writing sessions, reading documents, or managing files without the glare and distractions of a standard tablet.

Why it beats the reMarkable, Supernote – and even the iPad

Here’s where the Boox quietly wins.

• reMarkable 2: Beautifully minimal and incredibly intuitive to use. The companion app is excellent clean, reliable, and easy to sync across devices but it does come with a subscription cost if you want the full cloud functionality. It’s wonderful for handwriting, yet limited once you move beyond PDFs and notes.
• Supernote: Excellent pen feel, but awkward file management and dated apps. Great for handwriting, less so for integrated workflows.
• iPad: Undeniably powerful, yet endlessly distracting. Bright screens, notifications, and battery drain don’t lend themselves to focus.

For TMCC strikes a balance; Android flexibility without the noise. I can open, edit, and sync everything directly through OneDrive or Google Drive and use them easily across many devices.

Typing and navigation on the go

The Nillkin Cube Pocket Keyboard completes this setup. The keyboard’s compact design and integrated trackpad make navigation simple, and it folds small enough to slip into a jacket pocket.

Together, they form a neat, quiet, distraction-free system for writing, editing, and catching up on admin wherever I am flights, trains, hotel rooms, or cafes. It’s practical, portable, and dependable.

Where it still falls short

If there’s one weak point, it’s handwriting. The TMC’s glass surface is smoother than the reMarkable or Supernote, so pen input lacks that satisfying paper-like texture. For handwritten work, I’d still reach for the Boox Go 10.3, which offers a crisper monochrome screen and more tactile feel.

But for typing, reading, and managing files, the TMC more than holds its own. It’s light, reliable, and better balanced than its size suggests.

Closing thoughts

I initially bought the Tab Mini C to tide me over until Boox finally releases the new Tab Ultra C Pro, but it’s ended up being far more useful than expected. It’s not just a placeholder — it’s my current e-ink setup of choice.

Compact, distraction-free, and capable of real work, the Boox Tab Mini C, paired with the Nillkin Cube Pocket Keyboard, has proven itself a genuinely effective portable workstation. Until the next Ultra C Pro appears and perhaps even after this combination has earned a permanent place in my bag.