The Boox Palma 2 Pro, priced at $400, is an e-reader the size of a mobile phone, designed for those who wish to read books, articles, and documents on a small E Ink screen. However, it offers more than just a dedicated reading experience; it runs on Android and supports Google Play, allowing users to install third-party applications. It can be considered a combination of a Kindle and a small Android tablet.
What attracted me to review the Palma 2 Pro is its size. When I’m not reading paper books, I like to read while lying on my side before bed. Most e-readers have an awkward shape and are not very convenient to hold in the hand, unless you use accessories like the PopSocket. Even then, they can still seem too large when reading while lying on your side. So, even though I own a Kindle, I often prefer to use the iPhone for reading because it’s more comfortable to hold. However, reading on a phone for too long can certainly cause eye fatigue. During my two-month test period, the Palma 2 Pro finally helped me solve this problem.
The front light screen of this device can switch between cool light and warm light. For me, this is a great advantage, as I don’t want to disturb my husband who is sleeping when I read in bed at night. Although mobile phones also allow for lowering the brightness, this device can be adjusted to an extremely low level of brightness. Even when reading in complete darkness, I can still see the screen clearly without straining my eyes, and it doesn’t disturb my husband either.
Boox Palma 2 Pro Not only is it more eye-friendly, but it's also significantly lighter than my iPhone; it weighs only 175 grams, making it much more comfortable to hold in the hand.
And because it’s pocket-sized, I ended up taking it with me everywhere – from clinics to airports. Especially since it fits into my small handbag that I use daily, which can’t hold Kindle. As a result, during the times when I would usually be scrolling through my phone, I found myself reading quite a few books instead.
Since it is not a closed-type e-reader, you can download applications such as Kindle, Kobo, and Libby. You can also install audiobooks, podcasts, later-read services, and email applications. This means that you don't have to use the built-in reader application; instead, you can choose your favorite platform to read on.
Applications enable this compact E Ink device to become a more versatile tool for reading, research, and productivity. It's worth noting that when scrolling through these applications, the animations and some interfaces may appear a bit laggy, as not all apps are optimized for E Ink. Although this device can also display color content, the brightness of the images is certainly not as good as that of smartphone screens.
For me, Palma 2 Pro has become a device dedicated to reading and listening to audiobooks, allowing me to enjoy both experiences without the common distractions of a smartphone.
The Boox Palma 2 Pro also features a rear-facing camera for document scanning; a built-in speaker for listening to audio without headphones; and a hybrid SIM SIM card slot for using cellular data when out and about.
This device is compatible with a stylus, so you can take notes and make annotations on the PDF. However, I cannot evaluate this aspect of the experience, as the review unit did not come with a stylus.
As for battery life, this device can last for about 5 to 7 days, which is sufficient for me. However, for those accustomed to Kindle devices that can last for weeks on a single charge, this might be considered a downside. Additionally, if you want to further extend the battery life, you simply need to turn off Wi-Fi.
One drawback I've noticed, especially for e-readers at this price point, is that the afterimage is quite noticeable. When flipping to the next page or returning to the main screen, the text from the previous page may remain on the screen. There is a refresh button in the navigation bar that can quickly clear the afterimage, but for some users, repeatedly performing this action might be a bit annoying.
I think the Boox Palma 2 Pro is very suitable for a very specific type of reader: those who want a device the size of a smartphone that also offers comfort, portability, and access to applications. If you already really like the Kindle, I don't think this device is for you. But if you, like me, are tired of reading on your phone and tired of eye strain or headaches, then the Boox Palma 2 Pro is a good choice.
Of course, for an e-reader, this price is quite high, so you need to decide whether the additional versatility and portability are worth the extra cost. It's worth mentioning that Boox is about to launch the Palma 3 without Pro, priced at $340, featuring a black and white screen, and it will replace the Palma 2.
