Recently, I received a rather heavy package, and the reason for the weight was clear: it contained not one, but three boxes of gadgets from BigMe, a Chinese company that specializes in creating various devices, especially those equipped with E Ink screens. BigMe’s focus on E Ink technology makes their devices stand out, offering users a unique and eye-friendly experience. This particular package included the BigMe B1051C tablet, a stylus, and a host of accessories that are part of the tablet’s ecosystem. So, let’s dive into the details of this tablet and see what makes it worth considering for readers, writers, and productivity enthusiasts.
Unboxing the BigMe B1051C Tablet
When I first opened the box, I found that it was well-packed with the B1051C tablet and various other items. The packaging included the tablet itself, a stylus, a small box of accessories, and two types of cases—a regular protective case and a keyboard case. All items were securely packaged and designed to fit well together, showcasing BigMe’s attention to detail.
The B1051C is part of the B1051 series, which includes different versions: the Pro, C, and Light models. The Pro version comes with more powerful specs, including an 8GB RAM, a 256GB storage capacity, and a Mediatek 1080 processor, while the C version, which I received, comes with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a Mediatek Dimensity 900 processor. Additionally, the C and Light versions are available with either a color E Ink screen or a traditional black-and-white screen. The color version of the screen uses the latest Kaleido 3 technology, which significantly improves the pixel density and overall screen quality, making it better suited for color displays.
Stylus and Accessories
Along with the tablet, I found a well-made stylus that’s great for both controlling the interface and drawing on the tablet. Unlike previous models, the stylus for the B1051C doesn’t require charging, and it’s designed to work seamlessly with the tablet’s screen. It even includes a spring-loaded eraser button on the top, making it feel more like drawing with a pencil on paper. There are also spare stylus nibs and a useful tool for replacing them. The small accessory box also included a USB-C cable, a card ejector tool for memory cards, and additional spare parts for the stylus.
The Cases: Protection and Productivity
BigMe provides two types of cases for the B1051C tablet. The first is a regular case that attaches magnetically to the tablet, providing good protection without added bulk. The second case is a keyboard case, which turns the tablet into a makeshift laptop. The keyboard case includes a generously sized touchpad with clickable left and right buttons, and a six-row keyboard with function keys (F1–F12), which is great for users who rely on those keys for productivity.
Both cases are made from high-quality materials and fit the tablet perfectly. However, a downside is that neither case includes a dedicated holder for the stylus, so it could easily get lost. Additionally, the magnetic attachment of the regular case makes it easy to snap the tablet in and out, but the keyboard case requires more care, as it uses clamps to hold the device in place. Still, the added keyboard functionality makes it an excellent choice for productivity tasks like typing emails, creating documents, and even video calls.
Display and Performance
The BigMe B1051C comes equipped with a 10-inch color E Ink screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The display is vibrant and crisp, thanks to the Kaleido 3 color E Ink technology. While the display is impressive for an E Ink screen, it’s important to note that E Ink screens, in general, have limitations when it comes to refresh rates, making them less ideal for fast-moving content like videos or gaming. The refresh rate tops out at around 30 frames per second, which can cause some lag when interacting with the screen, especially with touchpad gestures.
On the performance side, the tablet uses the Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset and comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The tablet performs well for basic tasks such as reading, note-taking, and light productivity. However, for more demanding multitasking tasks, the Pro version, with its 8GB RAM and Dimensity 1080 chipset, would likely be a better option. The tablet runs Android 14, which offers smooth performance, although it comes with a custom launcher that lacks some multitasking features, such as split-screen mode.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The tablet comes with a 3700mAh battery, which provides decent usage time, although it could be larger for longer sessions. The device has a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which could be a drawback for users who prefer wired audio. Instead, you’ll need to use USB or Bluetooth headphones. For audio, the tablet has a mono speaker, but it does provide stereo sound when you connect headphones.
Camera and Additional Features
The BigMe B1051C has a 5MP rear camera, which isn’t particularly exciting for taking photos but is more than adequate for scanning documents. The built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software allows you to convert those scanned images into editable text, making it useful for document management. The tablet also includes some AI support through BigMe GPT, a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, which could be handy for quick queries or assistance.
Who Is This Tablet For?
The BigMe B1051C is not a device for everyone. It won’t replace a traditional laptop or tablet for all tasks, especially if you need a high-refresh-rate display or a more robust feature set for video streaming and gaming. However, for users who prioritize reading, note-taking, document creation, and long work sessions, this tablet shines, thanks to its reduced eye strain due to the E Ink screen. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate the unique nature of color E Ink technology and want an alternative to traditional LCD tablets.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time reading eBooks, editing documents, or working on spreadsheets, this tablet is definitely worth considering. It’s a great device for reducing eye strain, and while it’s not a powerhouse in terms of performance, it excels in tasks where prolonged screen use is involved. However, if you need a device for more demanding applications, the Pro version may be a better fit.
Final Thoughts
The BigMe B1051C is a unique tablet that’s perfect for niche use cases, particularly for those who prefer E Ink screens and are looking for a device that’s gentle on the eyes during long reading or writing sessions. While it’s not as fast or feature-packed as traditional tablets, it offers excellent performance for tasks that don’t demand high-speed graphics or intensive processing. The inclusion of a keyboard case, stylus, and excellent display make it a worthy option for professionals and creatives who want to explore a different way of working with technology.
If you’re looking for something outside the ordinary and want to try a tablet that’s perfect for reading, writing, and reducing eye strain, the BigMe B1051C could be exactly what you need.