Say Goodbye to Paper
There's cool, and then there's cool. The Original 8.5 Boogie Board is the latter. For starters, it's not an extreme sports apparatus (snowboard, surfboard, etc.) but rather an iPad mini-lookalike, that rekindles fond memories of the Etch A Sketch... minus the bulk and frustration. Keep in mind, this is the original 2012 version, which isn't quite as spectacular as the newer Boogie Board Sync 9.7 (currently on sale for $79.99 on Amazon) but a whole lot cheaper (just over 20 bucks.)
The positives are endless, especially for note taking (even movie reviews) family bulletin boards and as a very cool (there's that word again) conversation starter. It's impossibly lightweight (only four ounces) and paper-thin (1/8".) It also comes with a handy, clip-on stylus holder and four magnetic squares, so you can stick it on your file cabinet or refrigerator. I literally tuck it behind my iPad mini, in my briefcase or camera bag. Mine's black, but you can get it a number of different colors and designs.
As far as writing on it, prepare to be amazed. It's not nearly as "scratchy" as you'd expect... but rather pressure-sensitive and sleek. If you write in cursive, you might even forget you're not writing on paper. Best of all, it takes just the press of a button to erase everything, and start over instantly. Size-wise, I had no complaints; although I'd be tempted to upgrade to its larger, 10.5" older brother, which sports a clever erase lock switch and replaceable batteries (if given the choice.)
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| Now you see me... |
It's hard to come up with any negatives, save for the device's obvious limitations (inability to save, sync, etc., which the aforementioned Sync 9.7 takes care of... and then some.) Then again, why tamper with simplicity and near-perfection? I keep mine on my fridge, and use it every day. It's also worth a couple of oohs and aahs on the Metro, which my fancier electronics don't seem to garner anymore. I can't wait to play around with the Sync 9.7 (hopefully we'll have another review soon) but until then, I'm more than happy to "settle" for the Original. "Settling" never felt (or looked) so cool.
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| ... now you don't. |
From our friends at Boogie Board...
The Boogie Board Original 8.5 LCD eWriter is the model that started the paperless writing revolution. Ultra light (4 oz) and thin (1/8"), one just isn’t enough. Get one for on the go, in the office and multiple places around the house - almost anywhere you’d keep memo pads or scrap paper.
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| Back view (with magnetic strips) |
The revolutionary Reflex LCD featured in the Original 8.5 Boogie Board LCD eWriter retains an image indefinitely without power until you press the erase button to clear the screen. The perfect item for anybody on your gifting list. Great for children to practice writing and playing games in the car. Perfect for grocery lists, to-do lists and leaving notes for friends and family.
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| Literally paper-thin |
Features:
• Erase your image with the touch of a button.
• Sealed 3V watch battery provides over 50,000 erase cycles.
• Ultra 1/8" thin and light - fits easily into backpacks, schedulers, or purses.
• Case and LCD made from durable, shatter-proof, non-toxic plastic.
• Pressure-sensitive LCD writing surface is easy to clean and maintain.
• Write or draw with the included stainless steel stylus or almost any other instrument - even your finger.
• Includes magnets and stylus clip.
