The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →An older BOOX can still be useful for tasks that mostly involve reading or showing information that does not change often. Depending on its model and software, it might work as a simple planner, a focused document reader, or a secondary screen for static text. The right choice depends on its Android version, handwriting support, refresh behavior, and the apps you need.
Why an older BOOX can still be useful
BOOX devices pair an E Ink display with Android app support. E Ink reflects ambient light rather than producing light like a conventional backlit display, a difference in screen behavior—not a guarantee of reduced eye strain. BOOX explains how its E Ink displays work.
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BOOX says its tablets and e-readers run Android and can install compatible apps, but compatibility is not universal. An app that works on a newer device may not support an older model or its Android version. Check your device’s model and software version before building a routine around a third-party app. BOOX’s app-installation guidance and general Android device support response are useful starting points.
Choose a use that fits the device
Think about how often the screen needs to change, how much setup you want, and whether the device has the features the task requires.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- For a low-effort planner: Try Calendar Memo if it is built into your device. Handwriting features are limited to models that support handwriting.
- For reading from another computer: A VNC setup can make an older BOOX a secondary display for mostly static text, but it takes more setup and has latency.
- For a task list or recipe screen: These are plausible repurposing ideas, but they depend on a compatible app, a reliable way to keep the screen awake, power, and a safe mounting arrangement.
Any use that needs smooth motion, precise drawing, color accuracy, or frequent fast interaction is a poor fit for the limitations described here. A task that leaves the display mostly unchanged is more promising.
Use Calendar Memo as a planner or reminder screen
BOOX’s built-in Calendar Memo app can manage events and sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, and CalDAV. Its documented tools include date-specific memos, reminders, recent notes, and reading history. BOOX says memo and recent-note features are available only on models with handwriting functions. Check BOOX’s Calendar Memo documentation for feature details.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If your device has the app and supports the features you want, this is the simplest documented repurpose: use it for calendar reference, brief notes, or reminders rather than relying on it as a fast, constantly updating dashboard. Confirm that calendar sync works with your accounts and that your model supports handwriting before making notes part of the plan.
Turn a Note Air 2 into a VNC reading display
In a report published December 23, 2025, Tom’s Hardware described developer Alireza Alavi using an older BOOX Note Air 2 as a VNC display for reading lengthy documents. His initial attempt with Deskreen over Wi-Fi had unacceptable streaming quality and input lag; he switched to VNC and the Android AVNC client. The report says setup on his Linux PC took about 20 minutes. That timing and result describe one person’s configuration, not a general setup estimate or guarantee. Read the report on the Note Air 2 VNC setup.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The reported use was reading, not drawing or demanding interactive work. Expect older-device latency, and treat a VNC display as a way to view mostly static text casually—not as a replacement for a responsive monitor. The account does not establish a universal installation procedure for every BOOX model, Android version, or computer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Consider a recipe or task-list display carefully
BOOX owners have suggested using an older device to show task lists or kitchen recipes. These are user ideas rather than verified, device-specific instructions. Before relying on either, check that the app works on your model and Android version, decide how the screen will stay awake, and make sure the device can be powered and mounted safely in the intended location. A recipe page that changes occasionally is a more natural E Ink task than an interface requiring constant taps or animation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Check these points before committing
- Model and software: Find the exact model and Android version, then confirm the apps and services you plan to use are compatible.
- Handwriting support: Verify whether your model supports handwriting if you want Calendar Memo notes or recent-note features.
- Screen behavior: Favor reading and reference material that changes infrequently; frequent refreshes and lag can undermine interactive uses.
- Power and placement: For an always-visible planner or recipe, plan for safe power and a stable mount without assuming every device or accessory fits.
- Display requirements: If the task depends on color, fast response, animation, or precise touch input, an older E Ink device may not suit it.
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