The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro is a smartphone-sized e-reader designed for people who want to read books, articles, and documents on a small E Ink display. However, it offers more than just a dedicated reading experience because it runs Android and supports Google Play, giving you access to third-party apps. Think of it as a cross between a Kindle and a compact Android tablet.
What drew me to reviewing the Palma 2 Pro was its size. When I’m not reading a physical book, I like to lie on my side and read at night before bed. Most e-readers are squarish and hard to hold without something like a PopSocket, and they can feel too big for reading while lying down.
So even though I own a Kindle, I often ended up reading on my iPhone simply because it was more comfortable in my hand. But, reading on your phone for too long can of course cause eye strain. The Palma 2 Pro ultimately solved this problem for me during the two months I spent testing it.
The device’s front-lit screen lets you choose between cool and warm lighting. This was a big plus for me because when I’m reading in bed at night, I don’t want to disturb my sleeping husband with the light. While you can lower the brightness on a smartphone, the Palma 2 Pro can be dimmed to an exceptionally low level.
Even when reading in complete darkness, I could see the screen clearly without straining my eyes or disturbing my husband. Not only was the Boox Palma 2 Pro easier on my eyes, but it was also noticeably lighter than my iPhone, weighing just 175 grams and making it even more comfortable to hold. And since it’s pocket-sized, I ended up carrying it everywhere, from the doctor’s office to the airport, especially since it fits in my small, everyday purse that isn’t big enough for a Kindle.
So, in moments when I would normally scroll on my phone, I was getting some reading in instead. Since it’s not a locked-down e-reader, you can download apps like Kindle, Kobo, and Libby, as well as apps for audiobooks, podcasts, read-it-later services, and email. This means that you don’t have to use the built-in reader app, and can choose to read on your preferred app.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
