This E Ink reader that nearly replaced my Android smartphone is the lowest price ever

Important points of ZDNET

• of onyx box parma is a $279 e-reader designed to look like a smartphone. Get $30 off for a limited time.
• It runs on a stripped-down version of Android 11, allowing users to download any app or game from the Google Play Store.
• The lack of cellular connectivity and water and dust resistance are notable drawbacks, but ones that most people can live with.

When I first discovered it, onyx box parmaI was puzzled and fascinated at the same time. Sure, Kindles, Nooks, and other book-replacement devices have become popular, but does anyone really need a device the size and shape of a phone?

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If the Boox Palma couldn’t download nearly every app in the Play Store — thanks to it being part of a growing breed of Android-powered e-readers — I probably wouldn’t have been able to. But after using it over the past year, especially during long business trips and my weekly commute, I’m really glad I did.

To be clear, Boox Palma runs on a stripped-down version of Android 11, and we don’t expect the manufacturer to upgrade it to Android 11. few Android 12 will expire soon. This device doesn’t need fancy animations, camera features, or theming features to serve its purpose, so I’m okay with this to some extent.

The two main benefits of running Android on such a device are access to the Play Store. That means you can download multiple e-reader apps (and if you’re feeling iffy, you can also download TikTok, Instagram, Disney+, etc.). and deep customization. These two aspects can’t be found in mainstream e-readers like Kindle or Kobo and can really screw you over.

The flexibility of the app allows you to access (all) the main collection of e-books and audiobooks from various branded stores, as well as more content using the built-in web browser. I use the native PushRead app to save lists of web articles for offline reading. At this point, I have a routine of choosing 10-15 stories every Sunday and reading them throughout the week.

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When it comes to customizability, most settings, controls, and gestures should be familiar to both Android and iOS users. For example, you can select a navigation button or swipe gesture, swipe down from the top-right corner to adjust things like backlight, color temperature, volume, etc. from the quick settings panel, or even turn on the “floating ball” shortcut. can. Tap.

Over time, things like the ability to turn on paginated scrolling (which makes text animations less jarring on low frame rate displays) and page turning with volume buttons (great for one-handed use). You will find more complex settings. This combination of settings alone makes the Boox Palma one of the most comfortable and effortless e-readers I’ve tested.

The Boox Palma’s biggest selling point is its pocketable figure with a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display that can be handled with one hand. The micro-etched display adds depth and good contrast to the monochrome visuals, but I wish it had a higher refresh rate to get the most out of non-e-reader apps on the Play Store. Of course, this is just me nitpicking, and hardware limitations prevent me from scrolling through TikTok or catching up on YouTube videos to some extent.

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There are some other quirks in the Boox Palma’s design, such as the textured plastic lining that looks (and looks) cheap, and makes iPhone 15 Pro users wonder if there was really an action button. There are mappable side buttons such as . Innovative. I wish it had a 3.5mm headphone jack, since the Boox Palma also works as an MP3 player.

ZDNET purchase advice

In other words, onyx box parma It’s a very niche device, and for the right customer it will be very satisfying. I never thought I’d fall down the rabbit hole of a pocket-sized e-reader that runs on Android, but now, a few months later, I’m ready to pack my Boox Palma for my next trip.

Thanks to the E Ink display, you can read all the articles and e-books you normally read on your phone without worrying about eye strain. A lightweight approach to Android that balances app availability, user customization, and battery life to last. I am entering my second week with moderate use.