Hi there, I’m currently using DT Pro and I’m quite satisfied with it. I’m still in the process of reading through the manual and grasping all its functionalities.
I’m considering upgrading to the Server version because my workflow involves multiple e-ink Android tablets (BOOX Max Pro and Palma 2). Unfortunately, the manual doesn’t provide many details about the web browser version of DT.
Before making a purchase decision, I’d like to know if certain tasks are possible to perform through a web browser. Specifically, I’m interested in knowing if I can:
Attach an annotation note to an existing document
Create replicants
Highlight or annotate a PDF
Read an ebook within the browser
Additionally, I’d be curious to hear about other users’ workflows when using DT Server locally with non-Apple devices.
No. Technically, it may be possible depending on the browser and its PDF framework. However, those changes are local to the browser so they will not affect the file in the database.
I use DT Server on both those Boox models (except that my Max is a Max Lumi and my Palma the original Palma 1). It works smoothly on both, but in practice the Palma screen is too cramped to do anything very useful; you can read ePubs if you hide the sidebar and list, and one of the very good things about Server is the ePub navigation with a permanently-visible contents pane – but unfortunately it’s competing with the experience of reading an ePub natively on the Palma, which is so good that it rather spoils you for anything else. But Server is very usable on a bigger screen like the Max, at least for searching, reading, and Markdown, which are all I tend to do with it.
The built-in Boox browser NeoBrowser can’t natively handle PDFs in DT Server, but third-party browsers can. (I use Firefox.) As @BLUEFROG says, Server functionality is limited and you can’t create Annotation files – though you can edit existing ones, for what that may be worth.
The best way to get a sense of what Server can and can’t do for you is to try its features out on an unexpired trial version of DT, which has the Server features unlocked. If you paid for a DT licence before your trial expired, I believe it’s possible to restore DT temporarily to the trial state by quitting DT, moving the Registration.plist file out of the folder ~/Library/Application Support/DEVONthink/, and relaunching – though I’ve never had cause to try this myself and so shouldn’t be trusted, unless @BLUEFROG says it’s okay…
I agree that NeoReader offers a fantastic native experience for the Boox platform. Since Server’s functionalities are limited, my workflow involves using NeoReader to read, highlight, and annotate documents. I then import these documents back to DT via the browser.
Here’s a breakdown of my workflow:
Throughout the day, I capture items using DTTG.
I access these items on my BOOX devices using DT Server.
I read, highlight, and annotate the documents directly in NeoReader.
I export the highlights and annotations as .txt files and create an annotated note to the document in DT. I can also use AI inside DT to summarize the highlights and extract key points. I wonder though if there’s a way to transfer highlights made elsewhere directly to the PDF inside DEVONthink.
When taking notes on the documents, I do it directly inside DT Server.
I’d be interested to know if you use NeoReader or if your workflow differs from mine.
Yes, I still do most of my annotating in DT on desktop, but NeoReader is great for basic highlighting while reading PDFs, and then I just copy the highlighted PDF back into DT on desktop, export the highlights, and copy them into an annotation file as lemmata to comment on. (I think this is the same as what you’re describing in your third and fourth bullets.) DT Server isn’t directly involved in this, but if I’m working with a document on the Boox I’ll often have DT Server open in a browser for various kinds of quick on-device lookup and search, or just to make written notes in a Markdown document back on desktop.
I also have a Boox Mira Pro monitor (in portrait orientation) as my primary desktop reading screen, which obviates much of the need to switch between devices – but sometimes you just want to sit with your document on a handheld e-ink screen for comfortable, undistracted reading and simple touch markup.