Picking the right Onyx Boox N96

Onyx's N96 e-reader comes in different versions and it is confusing to choose the right one. Below are the different versions of the Onyx BOOX N96:

• Onyx Boox N96: No front-light; supports pen and finger touch. 
• Onyx Boox N96C: No front-light; supports finger touch.
• Onyx Boox  N96ML: Built-in front-light; supports pen touch. 
• Onyx Boox N96CML: Built-in front-light; supports finger touch.

The above four models are previous generation devices with an E-Ink Pearl screen. The current generation is available in two models (there could be more but below are the ones I identified):

• Onyx Boox  N96 Carta+: No front-light; supports pen and finger touch.
• Onyx Boox  N96ML Carta+: Built-in front-light; supports pen touch.

The above two models are the latest generation ones with an E-Ink Carta screen. Both the previous generation and the current one support Android 4 and come with the same screen resolution (1280 X 825). The important difference is that the latest generation models have an E-Ink Carta screen. Onyx claims the E-Ink Carta refresh means darker text with more detail.

I have not tested any of these devices but, on paper, the model to choose is the Onyx N96 Carta+ (dual touch). In my view, dual touch is more important than front light functionality, as it is more convenient and with greater flexibility. In addition, if the stylus is lost, the device is still functional with touch support.