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Best E Ink Tablets To Buy Right Now

With so many E Ink Tablets in the market, Finding the right E Ink Tablet can be tricky. Especially if its your first device. Here we have a list of articles which will guide you in making you next purchase and finding the Best E Ink Tablet for yourself!

Deciding on what E Ink Tablet to buy can be tough. Especially when the E Ink market targets specific users in mind when designing their devices. Unlike Cellphones and Tablets which have multiple functions, E Note Taking devices target a particular user. What might be great for me, may not suit you.

With so many considerations when deciding on a device and so less advice, Here we have a list of E Ink Tablets that  great for different kind of users. Dive in and find out the best for you. 

Comparison Table Best E Ink Tablets

FEATURES ONYX BOOX NOVA AIR 2 MOBISCRIBE WAVE BOOX TAB ULTRA C ONYX BOOX TAB ULTRA RATTA SUPERNOTE A5 X REMARKABLE 2 AMAZON KINDLE SCRIBE ONYX BOOX NOTE AIR 2 PLUS ONYX BOOX TAB X
Year 2022 2023 2023 2022 2020 2020 2022 2021 2023
Display
Screen type Carta HD Carta Kaleido 3/Carta 1200 Carta HD Mobius Carta (CANVAS) Carta Carta 1200 Carta 1000 Mobius Carta 1250
Screen size 7.8" 7.8" 10.3" 10.3" 10.3" 10.3" 10.3" 10.3" 13.3"
Screen resolution 1404 x 1872 1404 x 1872 2480 x 1860 1404 x 1872 1404 × 1872 1404 x 1872 1830 x 2460 1404 x 1872 1650 x 2200
Screen density 300ppi 300ppi 300ppi/150ppi 227ppi 226ppi 226ppi 300ppi 227ppi 207ppi
Hardware
CPU 1.8 GHz Octa-core 1.5 Ghz Quad-core Octa-core 1.8 Ghz Octa-core 1.3 GHz Quad-core 1.2Ghz Dual-core 1Ghz 1.8 GHz Octa-core 1.8 Ghz Octa-core
RAM 3GB 4GB 4GB 4GB 2GB 1GB 1GB 4GB 6GB
Storage 32GB 64GB 128 GB 128GB 32GB 8GB 64GB 64GB 128GB
Battery 2000mAh 2500mAh 6,300mAh 6300mAh 3800mAh 3000mAh 3000mAh 3700mAh 6300mAh
Thickness 6.3mm 8.1mm 6.7 mm 6.7mm 7.2mm 4.7mm 5.8mm 5.8mm 6.8mm
Weight 235g 285g 480g 480g 375g 405g 433g 445g 560g
Software
OS Android 11.0 Android 12 Android 11 Android 11.0 Android (Chauvet)  Linux-based Linux-based Android 11.0 Android 11.0
Handwriting recognition
Google Play Store
Other Features
Backlit Screen
Bluetooth
Speakers
Microphone
Auto Rotate
SD card slot
Waterproof

Our Top Picks

  • Boox Tab Ultra C – Best Over All
  • Supernote A5x – Best For Note Taking
  • reMarkable 2 – Best for Sketching
  • Kindle Scribe – Best For Reading
  • Mobiscribe B/W – Best Budget Buy 
  • Boox Note Air 2 – Best Android  E Ink Tablet
  • Boox Tab X – Best A4 E Ink Tablet
  • Boox Nova Air 2 – Best A6 E Ink Tablet
  • Boox Tab Ultra C – Best Color E Ink

Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C - Best Over All

Best E Ink Tablet

The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is a new addition in the Onyx Boox Inventory. A lot of E Ink Tablets have been playing with color E Ink Technology and to be honest the devices they put forth are not so great. The ghosting, color sharpness and contrasts are not so great in most color E Ink devices.

The Tab Ultra C’s primary focus remains on productivity, offering a centralized workflow on an e-ink powered device with the added advantage of color. This device aims to be a reliable tool for professionals seeking efficient and versatile options in an office environment.

Design: The Tab Ultra C maintains a professional yet modern design, with a new metallic green-gray color scheme that exudes elegance. 

Display: The Tab Ultra C’s display performance sets a new standard for e-ink devices. The device offers an unparalleled level of smoothness and responsiveness in all operations.

From general navigation to reading, browsing, and writing, every interaction is incredibly smooth and clean thanks to the specially designed GPU that enhances screen refreshing and minimizes ghosting.

Hardware: The Tab Ultra C boasts a Qualcomm octa-core CPU clocked at 2.02 gigahertz, accompanied by 4GB RAM and 128 gigabytes of storage.  

Reading: The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C provides an exceptional reading experience. Backlit screen, fast refresh rate and support of third party reading apps means you can read books from your favorite book store like the kindle library. 

Writing: The writing experience on the Tab Ultra C is smooth and responsive though the feeling is not natural like the reMarkable 2 or Supernote.

Related : Check In Depth Review of  Boox Tab Ultra C & Best Color E Ink Tablets

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Highest Color PPI screen
  • Fantastic screen resolution and refresh rate
  • Great hardware specs
  • Android with Google Play Store
  • 16MP rear-facing camera for scanning Docs
  • G-Sensor & Light Sensor
  • Extendable Storage
  • Audio Book Support (speakers and microphone and USB-C Audio Jack)
  • Great connectivity with OTG Support, screen share and external display
  • External Keyboard Turns it into Tablet PC

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Writing feels a little ‘unnatural  
  • Protruding Camera on backside, so it doesn’t lie flat without cover
  • Screen comes with dead pixels at times
  • Quite Expensive

Supernote A5x - Best Note Taking E Ink Tab

Best E Ink Tablet For Note Taking

Unlike other android based E Ink Tablets like Onyx which release multiple models each year. Ratta Supernote have focused on limited products with optimum performance.

Supernote A5 takes writing digitally to a whole new level. The surface of the Supernote A5 is coated with FeelWrite soft film, inspired by the highly elastic automotive v-belt. It’s like magic, because when you write with the stylus, it actually leaves an impression on the page, just like real paper!

The reason why I fell in love with Supernote A5x  was its premium gel pen writing experience, which you can’t find in other  devices.

Design: Ratta Supernote A5x is very well-designed and pleasing to the eyes. The feel is minimalistic and premium. The device has a plastic body with edges with right angle design, making it look a bit chunkier

Display: The Supernote A5x features a 10.3-inch monochrome display with 226ppi resolution, The displays has a premium paper-like texture that mimics real gel pen over paper like feel. 

Hardware: Supernote A5x was launched in 2020, so the hardware is a bit outdated when compared to latest E Ink devices but it run perfectly fine for its intended job. 

OS: Supernote runs on android based OS but Google play store is not supported. However, Supernote A5x has started adding third-party apps, beginning with Kindle and I have heard that more apps and developer support are in the works.

Note Taking: Ratta Supernote A5x offer all essential features for note-taking, as its primary function is note taking.  The device has numerous templates for note taking but the brushes are limited to a ballpoint pen, needlepoint pen, and marker. As tilt function is limited it has no pencil or calligraphy pen.

Reading: When it comes to reading experience, the device lack behind devices like the Kindle Scribe. But the kindle app comes preinstalled making the reading experience quite decent but key features like a back lit screen is missing.

 

These users like me are more into Taking notes and annotating PDFs then sketching / drawing. Furthermore, they require a distraction free minimalistic UI for their work. If you fall in this category, then Supernote is the device for you.

Related : Check In depth review of Supernote A5x & Best note taking E Ink Tablets

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Minimalistic UI with all essential tools & organizational features
  • The Ceramic tip doesn’t need replacement
  • Gel Pen and Paper like great writing feel
  • The handwriting recognition is quite accurate
  • Excellent after-sales service
  • The Screenshare feature is great for designers
  • In build Kindle app for reading all Amazon Books
  • The plastic screen is quite durable

Cons:

    • No Backlit Screen
    • Though its run on android but no third party app supported
    • A bit bulky and the plastic design doesn’t feels as great as other devices

reMarkable 2 - Best Sketching E Ink Tab

Best E Ink Tablet For Sketching

The reMarkable 2 is a cutting-edge tablet that redefines the way we take notes. Designed to mimic the tactile experience of pen and paper, the reMarkable 2 offers a unique blend of technology and simplicity, providing a paper-like feel that sets it apart.

At its core, the reMarkable 2 is a powerful digital note-taking device. With its E Ink display & precision stylus, it allows you to write, sketch, and annotate directly on the screen with unparalleled accuracy.

Design: The craftsmanship and attention to detail of the ReMarkable 2 are truly reMarkable. With a thickness of only 4.7 millimeters, it holds the title of the world’s thinnest tablet as of August 2020.

Display: The ReMarkable 2 features a 10.3-inch display with the same resolution as its predecessor, the ReMarkable 1. While the physical aspects of the screen may seem similar, there are notable differences in the user experience.

Hardware: The Hardware specifications though outdated are decent when it come to note taking but when reading on reMarkable I feel there is a considerable lag especially for larger files.

The UI of the reMarkable is kept minimalistic with the least amount of distraction with only a few key elements

Reading: Personally, I am not a big fan of using reMarkable as a e Reader. It lacks a lot of key features when it comes to its use as an e Reader. The device supports PDFs and ePubs along with MS Word and PowerPoint. A few of the major drawbacks that I think need attention are

Note Taking: The ReMarkable 2 offers an exceptional writing experience that is unparalleled in the market. The combination of its thin design, responsive screen, and improved pen creates a reMarkable experience (no pun intended).

Related : Check In depth review of reMarkable 2 & Best E Ink Tablets for Sketching

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Impressive Hardware Design and visually appealing
  • Excellent Writing Experience
  • Minimalistic distraction free UI
  • Simple Learning Curve

Cons:

  • The device doesn’t have a backlight or G Sensor
  • The Reading UI isnt great
  • Limited connectivity
  • Full features including cloud storage requires subscription

Kindle Scribe - Best Reading E Ink Tab

Best E Ink Tablet For Reading

The Scribe’s delayed entry into this market may leave one questioning the wait, but it’s clear that Amazon aimed to make an impact with its debut. The leading E Ink Reader brand come with a great device that too in a reasonable budget

Amazon Kindle Scribe, combines the functionality of a Kindle with the added capability of writing. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this device showcases a seamless metal back and rounded edges that provide a delightful tactile experience.

Display: The Kindle Scribe boasts an impressive 10.2-inch display with a pixel density of 300 PPI, highest in this size category.

The screen is also coated with a paper-like writing surface, offering a tactile and gritty sensation that enhances the note-taking experience. The Kindle Scribe’s dual front light is exceptional, with 24 adjustable levels to suit your preferences.

OS: Kindle Scribe has its own tailored Linux based OS just like other Kindle devices. Which works really fast and is part of the Amazon ecosystem.  The processing power may seem less when compared to Android E Ink Tablets like the Boox but the thanks to its tailored OS, everything runs really fast. 

Reading:  The Kindle Scribe is designed to provide a familiar Kindle experience but on a larger scale. The device maintains standard Kindle formatting options and navigation controls, ensuring readers can swiftly adjust settings and formats. 

The Kindle Scribe upholds Amazon’s tradition of impressive battery life. The device’s reading performance is outstanding, consuming minimal battery even with front light usage. 

Writing: Upon release, many reviewers noted that its writing capabilities were somewhat limited. Amazon has since addressed this concern with three feature updates, making the Kindle Scribe a better note-taking device.

Its value for money and comfortable Amazon ecosystem integration make it an underrated choice in the market. The Kindle Scribe is now a strong contender for those seeking both an e-reader and a note-taking device

Related : Check In depth review of Kindle Scribe

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Impressive screen image quality, clarity, and performance.
  • Built-in screen reflectivity protection enhances reading and writing experiences.
  • Exceptional writing experience with minimal latency and high responsiveness.
  • Fastest writing latency on the e-ink market, surpassing even the Tab Ultra.
  • Offers a great reading experience, particularly for graphic-rich content.
  • Boasts exceptional battery life for extended usage.
  • Beautiful design and build quality that feels premium.
  • Included premium pen adds to the device’s appeal.
  • Competitive price point for the features and hardware it offers.

Cons:

  • Conversion of imported documents is inconsistent and unreliable.
  • Sticky note implementation lacks flexibility in placement and visibility.
  • Limited customization options for the home screen, with forced suggestions.
  • Software limitations hinder overall potential but is improving with every update

Mobiscribe B/W - Best Budget E Ink Tab

Best Budget E Ink Tablet

Mobiscribe is somewhat a underdog in the E Ink Tablet Market. They have compact yet inexpensive devices and the newest edition to their line of e ink tablet is the Mobiscribe Wave B/W.

Their E Ink Tablet are the only one in the market which are waterproof and this makes them stand out from rest of the E Ink Tablet.

Design: Mobiscribe Wave is quite well-designed and resembles quite a lot like a Kindle Paperwhite. The feel is minimalistic and no buttons at the front. 

The screen is not flushed but it doesn’t cause a lot of trouble while writing with the stylus

Display: At 7.8 inches E Ink Screen with a whooping 300 PPI Screen the device shows really crisp and sharp details. Its also equipped with warm backlights with auto brightness.

OS: The Mobiscibe Wave Runs on Android 12. The system is using a custom-built UI that offers a nice overall user experience.

The learning curve is easy and you can easily figure stuff out with a little bit of trial and error.

Note Taking: The Notebook functionality of the Mobiscribe Wave shows a lot of promise, You have the ability to add text boxes, images, tables, shapes, all easily customizable. The pen response and latency is surprisingly good.

Reading: Though the pre installed reading app is lacking but you can download your favorite Reading Apps thanks to Google play store. The screen size may seem small for PDFs but back lights enhance the overall reading experience

 If you are on a budget and want something which gives a premium experience like Supernote and reMarkable then Mobiscribe is a great alternative.

Related : Check In depth review of Mobiscribe B/W & Cheapest E Ink Tablets

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • The only waterproof E Ink Tablet
  • Fantastic writing experience and quality.
  • Great pressure sensitivity and a great pen.
  • Notebook functionality and flexibility
  • OCR conversion works offline
  • Ability to store and backup notes externally in their native format.
  • Excellent note search and management Interface
  • Great value for money

Cons:

  • The stock EPUB and PDF Reader apps are lacking however third party can be installed
  • A bit heavy and larger in size when compared to other 7.8” devices.
  • Device doesn’t feel Premium when compared.
  • Performance is adequate, but not stellar.

Boox Tab Ultra - Most Versatile E Ink Tab

Best Android E Ink Tablet

The Boox Tab Ultra is marketed as a productivity-focused e-ink tablet running Android 11. It features a specially designed GPU for improved screen refreshing and reduced ghosting. The tablet has a 16-megapixel rear camera for document scanning on the go.

Design: The Tab Ultra boasts a modern, blocky design, setting it apart from traditional e-readers. It’s sleek but slightly chunkier and heavier than similar devices.

Display: Onyx developed a dedicated GPU for E-Ink displays, resulting in an unparalleled experience and reducing Ghosting. Whether in HD, balanced, fast, or ultra-fast mode, the Tab Ultra consistently outperforms traditional E-Ink devices.

The dedicated GPU also dramatically improves screen refresh speed.

The Tab Ultra features a dual-color independently controllable front light with excellent uniformity.

OS: The UI is Optimized for various apps, like OneNote and Evernote, providing a smoother writing experience. However it is limited to a few apps only.

Reading: With Android as the OS and support of Play store the Tab Ultra can be a very versatile reading device. Though the in build reader is quite good you can install 3rd Party Readers like the Kindle app if you feel like.

Boox Tab Ultra boasts a dual frontlight system with 32 levels of intensity adjustment.

Note Taking: The Tab Ultra offers a comprehensive set of note-taking tools. Notes in the device are highly customizable and flexible, providing various options for templates, brush presets, and colors.

Related : Check In depth review of Boox Tab Ultra & Best Android E Ink Tablets

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Fast and responsive writing experience.
  • Versatile usage as an external monitor for various tasks.
  • Support for a wide range of Android apps.
  • Optimized apps like OneNote and Evernote provide a smoother writing experience.
  • Document scanning feature with a 16-megapixel rear camera.
  • High Performance Hardware

Cons:

  • Slightly bulkier and heavier than advertised.
  • Protruding camera housing.
  • Learning curve for new users.
  • Relatively high price point for a 10.3-inch device.

Boox Note Air 2 - Best Android E Ink Tab

The Boox Note Air 2 Plus made quite the entrance into the world of e-ink tablets. It’s essentially an upgraded version of the Note Air 2, boasting a larger battery, a fresh greenish color finish, and added magnets for compatibility with the new magnetic flip cover.

Design: Note Air 2 Plus follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, maintaining the sleek and premium look with its strengthened aluminum alloy milled body and glass screen. The device’s ergonomic design shines through, allowing for comfortable use in any orientation.

Display: The Note Air 2 Plus retains the same 10.3-inch HD Carta glass screen with a resolution of 1404 x 1872 at 227 PPI. Its monochromatic display offers crisp text and sharp images, perfect for reading. One feature to highlight is the factory-laminated paper-like layer on the screen.

Hardware: The Note Air 2 Plus boasts an octa-core Snapdragon 665 CPU, providing ample processing power for a fluid user experience.

Reading: When it comes to reading, the Note Air 2 Plus comes equipped with Neo Reader, a versatile and powerful reader app. However, with the support of 3rd Party apps from Google play store you can download your favorite reading app like the Kindle App

Writing: The Note Air 2 Plus doesn’t just excel in reading; it’s a capable note-taking device too. With a variety of brushes, colors, and formatting tools at your disposal, you have the power to create comprehensive notes.

While there are some minor cons to consider, such as the learning curve associated with Android 11, the device’s overall value for money and feature set make it an excellent choice for those in search of a monochromatic 10.3-inch e-ink tablet.

Related : Check Out Review of Boox Note Air 2

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • The Note Air 2 Plus builds upon an already impressive design, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and functional device.
  • It boasts unmatched reader flexibility and capabilities in this segment, making it a versatile e-ink device.
  • The device impresses with its remarkable battery life, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging.
  • With Android 11 and the inclusion of the Google Play Store, the Note Air 2 Plus opens up a world of possibilities
  • High Performance Hardware

Cons:

  • The absence of anti-slip pads on the device can be a minor annoyance.
  • While Android 11 offers great power and functionality, it may present a steep learning curve for some users, especially those less tech-savvy.

Boox Tab X - Best 13.3" (A4) E Ink Tab

Best E Ink Tablet

The Boox Tab X is an impressive 13.3-inch tablet is equipped with advanced GPU systems for improved screen refresh rates, speed, and ghosting performance. It carries forward the familiar design and build quality seen in previous Max devices.

Design: The housing, including the magnesium alloy back, remains unchanged, offering a sleek and professional appearance.

Display: Image quality on the Boox Tab X is impressive, especially when operating in higher quality modes like HD. Text and icons are crisp and clear, even when dealing with dense documents. The Boox Tab X introduces multiple speed modes designed to cater to different user preferences and scenarios.

OS: The device runs on Android 11. This provides users with a familiar home screen experience, complete with customizable widgets. The inclusion of Google Play lets users install a wide range of apps, from Kindle and Kobo readers to productivity apps like Evernote and OneNote. 

Hardware: With a Qualcomm octa-core CPUsix gigabytes of RAM, and 128 gigabytes of storage, this tablet is a powerhouse for productivity tasks and reading.

Reading: With a huge screen real-estate the device is ideal for reading PDFs and other large sized documents. Neo Reader, the default e-reader on the Boox Tab X, offers a wide range of features and capabilities however you can install 3rd Party readers like the Kindle Reader as well.

Note Taking: The Tab X offers a pleasant and slightly rougher screen surface compared to the Tab Ultra. While the doesn’t feel exactly like paper, it does have a tactile and enjoyable writing experience. The surface resistance offers a good compromise between smoothness and paper-like texture.

Related : Check In depth review of Boox Tab X & Biggest E Ink Tablets

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Impressive hardware specifications (1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 3GB RAM)
  • SD card slot and 3200mAh battery for extended usage
  • Precise and responsive capacitive stylus with buttons
  • Access to Google Play Store for versatile app selection
  • User-friendly interface with customizable options
  • Versatile reading experience with various gestures and settings
  • Adjustable warm-to-cool glow light for comfortable reading
  • Seamless sharing and exporting of notes and creations
  • Impressive battery life lasting about a week
  • Reasonably Priced. 

 

Cons:

  • While the battery life is objectively good, it falls short of expectations for a device equipped with such a massive battery.
  • The absence of an SD card slot limits storage expansion options.
  • The learning curve can be steep.
  • The built-in screencasting feature often falls short, necessitating the use of third-party solutions

Boox Nova Air 2 - Best 7.8" (A6) E Ink Tab

Best 7.8" E Ink Tablet

Boox Nova Air 2 , a 7.8-inch e-ink marvel that sits at the crossroads of e-readers and note-taking devices. Boasting an impressively slim form factor and minimal weight, this device is engineered for those on the move who need a versatile companion for reading and light note-taking.

Design: The Nova Air’s design and build quality are nothing short of impressive, setting it apart in the e-reader market. Boox has taken significant strides in crafting a device that’s not just utilitarian, but also a feast for the eyes.

Display: A pivotal aspect of any e in k device is the screen, and the Boox Nova Air doesn’t disappoint. With 1872 x 1404 resolution and 300 PPI for sharp text and visuals and factory-installed paper-feel screen protector for enhanced tactile feel

Hardware: with Eight-core 1.8 GHz CPU for snappy performance and 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage for smooth multitasking it checks al the boxes for a powerful E Ink device.

OS: Nova Air operates on Android 11, google play store support  and offers extensive options, while powerful, the platform’s complexity might necessitate a learning curve for optimal usage.

Reading: Reading experience on the Boox platform is highly powerful and efficient. The in build Neo Reader handles both ePub and PDF formats, supports multi-tab usage for seamless switching. But with Android Play store the option are limitless, you can download your favorite reader like the Kindle.

Note Taking: The responsiveness, precision, and overall feel of the pen on the screen are top-notch. It’s worth highlighting that the Nova Air offers an out-of-the-box writing experience that doesn’t necessitate purchasing additional pens, nibs, or screen protectors.

As a A6 Sized E Ink Tablet with great specification it caters for a target audience who want an E Reader and a compact yet powerful note taking device which won’t break the bank. 

Related : Check In depth review of Boox Nova Air 2 

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Nova Air boasts an exceptional design and build quality.
  • The new pen included with the Nova Air is a significant improvement.
  • Maintains the exceptional reader performance
  • High-end specifications and processing power
  • Nova Air supports USB OTG, screen sharing, screen recording, and more, providing versatile connectivity options.
  • Runs on Android 11, providing an open platform with full access to the Android ecosystem.

Cons:

  • The discrepancy in battery consumption during writing is notable
  • It comes with a learning curve.
  • The AI-based OCR text recognition for handwritten notes is not up to par.
  • While the device offers excellent features, the cost might deter potential buyers.

Best Color E Ink Tablet

There is quite a few good devices in the color E Ink Tablet Market, mostly because the technology is still in its nascent stages. However recently Boox has come up with two new color E Ink Tablets which are both great and have surprising good displays.

If you are looking for a A6 sized Color E Ink Tablet then the Boox Tab Mini C is the Go to device and if you are looking for a A5 sized device then the Boox Tab Ultra C is the right choice.   

Why are e ink tablets so expensive?

E-Ink displays are pretty pricey compared to LCDs, especially as they increase in size and resolution. This is because E-Ink displays are produced by a limited number of manufacturers who cannot take advantage of economies of scale.

Why buy an E Ink tablet?

There are a number of advantages for buying E Ink Tablets, to name a few: Better battery life, ability to read outdoors, less stain on eyes, better note taking capability, distraction free and productive learning environment.

They can combine the feeling of writing in a regular notebook with many of the conveniences of digitized documents.

Are e-ink tablets good for students?

E Ink Tablets are great for students as the core function of E Ink Tablets is Note Taking while providing a distraction free and productive environment. Their core function to read, annotate and integrate with other platforms makes them ideal for students and academia

How long does an E Ink tablet last?

The e-ink display has a working lifespan of about 50,000 hours, translating to about 90,000,000 refreshes at 2 seconds each. -The electronic circuit shuts down completely while the button is not engaged.