A pocket-sized E Ink device that runs Android reading apps
The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro is a phone-sized E Ink reader that runs Android and can install apps from Google Play. During two months of testing, the reviewer found it light, pocketable, and comfortable for bedtime reading, with front lighting that can dim very low. The trade-off is that some third-party apps feel sluggish because they are not designed for E Ink screens.
The Palma 2 Pro costs $400 and combines a small E Ink display with Android and Google Play access. In testing, it weighed 175 grams, fit a small purse, and offered adjustable cool/warm front light that could go very dim for nighttime reading.
It includes a rear camera for document scans, a speaker, and a hybrid SIM slot for cellular data. Battery life ran about five to seven days; ghosting sometimes left prior text visible, though a refresh control cleared it. A stylus is supported for notes and PDF markup, but the reviewer did not test that feature.
A pocketable Android E Ink reader could appeal to commuters, bedtime readers, and people seeking a less distracting alternative to phones. Its app access may let users consolidate reading and audio services, while sluggish third-party interfaces and ghosting may limit adoption among less patient users. At $400, it may remain a niche option, potentially nudging e-reader makers toward more open, phone-sized designs without necessarily replacing Kindles or smartphones.