A $90 ereader to replace idle scrolling
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 16. 05. 2024
- If $300 for a Boox Palma or $200++ for a Hisense seem too much for distraction-free reading, maybe this $90 ereader is for you. This Moaan Inkpalm 5 Mini review also covers using Kindle and Libby, and apps like KOReader - to show you can meet your reading and productivity goals with an e-ink screen that actually fits in your pocket.
Moaan InkPalm 5 Mini on AliExpress (Xiaomi Global Electronics Store): www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Moaan InkPalm 5 Mini on Amazon: amzn.to/3Q4Ifj0 (at a chunky markup)
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âŹâŹâŹ Extra InkPalm tips âŹâŹâŹ
Note that I have an InkPalm MINI/32GB. There is also an InkPalm PRO, which has 64GB storage, but is the same specs otherwise. The InkPalm PLUS (orange back), on the other hand, is newer, bigger and has more RAM, and is more expensive.
âș My device came already in English, and with Kindle and Amazon App Store already installed. All I had to do was log into the Amazon App Store app, no rooting or command line required. This might vary depending on vendor.
âș To easily install Unlauncher, KOReader, EInkBro, Markor: Download the F-droid .apk at f-droid.org and put the apk file in your Inkpalm. Then simply open the apk file on the Inkpalm to install it*. You can then use the F-droid app store to browse and install the other apps.
(*The same process, to download the apk and then open on-device, can be followed to install any apps not on F-droid.)
âș If you're looking for an ebook font that's better than the default options, my favorite free one is Literata: fonts.google.com/specimen/Lit...
âș I did disable a bunch of unused stock apps and services on the Inkpalm, but this is entirely at your preference (and risk).
I used the list/guide here on GitHub (section 5): github.com/philips/inkpalm-5-... and the list on this Reddit post: / inkpalm_5_apps
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 inkpalm
01:08 demo - kindle, libby, koreader, moon reader etc
03:11 other pros and cons
STUFF I USE DAILY
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Fully customizable linked PDF notebooks and editable templates for Supernote, Kindle Scribe, Remarkable and Boox e-ink tablets.
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âŹâŹâŹ To buy me a â âŹâŹâŹ
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You can turn off animations from developer options on every android device.
Thanks for shining a light on the niche that is tiny ereaders. I really think itâs an under appreciated market and itâs cool to see another Koreaâs enthusiast. Great video
This is a great video (as usual). Making reading as effortless as doom-scrolling is 100% the goal. Thank you for the mention!
Thank you for watching Brandon, that means a lot coming from you! :)
100% đŻ
I really hope that these devices get more popular in western markets and push the price down a bit. I really like my inkpalm 5 but it was quite expensive in AUD and honestly it's a very low-end device!!
This is a great alternative to the Palma. Thanks! I wasnât going to spend almost 300 for the Palma but 90 is doable.
Iâm already envisioning myself sneaking in reading time at concerts where you can only take a small clutch with you. This is a great review. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for this. I saw the video a couple of weeks ago, ordered and got mine delivered today. A fantastic little reader!
Just got this one! It's great how much having a dedicated device for reading always at hand makes it so much more likely that I do!
I got the boox palma and a phone sized ereader has really changed things. Much less doom scrolling and the issues that come with overuse of social media. It is really my favorite device.
I love your videos. I started watching them last year when I was looking for references of the Supernote A5X and last January I just got it. I mainly use it for studying and annotating pdfs for school. It is the best investment I have ever made. And now I am liking this device since I have been trying to build my reading habit and it is just perfect for that along with ending mindless scrolling (which is highly toxic haha)
I just ordered one. Iâm so excited.
The smaller form factor is nice for sure. These things have just gotten bigger and bigger. I have one called a Kobo Mini that fits in a pocket simialr to a phone and it's way more convenient for carrying and getting in some.extra reading. It's nice to know there's an alternative when that finally gives up the ghost or as a gift.
I just ordered a hisense touch just for the smaller size. With the new kobo release, I was debating if I would use the mobile size reader at all or should sell it when it comes. Your video again inspired me to stick to it. I read mostly on phone during journey, so hopefully this will increase my reading count
Thank you for your videos. I also ordered nomad just to go minimal and your videos helped a lot
I also have this ereader and I love it so much. I really didn't like how big and heavy the Hisense and Boox Palma were. I love how it's only as big as my iPhone 13 mini too. I use it when I'm on the go or when I'm lying down on bed trying to unwind. Koreader kinda drives me crazy though because I can't figure out how to make the settings be the same across all ebooks like what Moonreader does. Moonreader has an E-ink mode of some sorts but it's just turning off the animations, but I love how the library is organized by series instead of by folder like the Koreader. My only wish is that I could annotate in this reader faster though. :')
I feel like this reader is so underrated and could hardly find any videos on it in English, so itâs really cool to hear you have one and like it too! It did take me a bit to set up KOReader, it has maybe the densest menu system Iâve seen in an app like this⊠đ
Many of KOReader settings are applied per ebook, however you can set them to be the defaults if you long-press on them. They should have a star icon displayed next to them and those settings should carry over to the other ebooks. I'm not sure if all settings can be adjusted like that, but the ones pertaining to the reader app, grouped under the second menu from the left (the icon looks like a page of text) can. Things like the font, style adjustments, footnotes, etc.
Do you know if you can Spanish books?
Thank you! I had the palma and returned it. I know that size is only good for reading. So, palma wasn't worth the price but this you showed us is a really good value.
Happy to help! I personally couldnât bring myself to spend that much for a device this size just for reading so I was really happy to find this one
Interesting to see this at a different price point. I already have a Scribe and a Paperwhite so I'd be hard-pressed to find a reason to get another device for reading even at $90 but it's nice to know this product exists.
Thank you for presenting this device. i baught it and love it !
Thanks for sharing your experience. I've been eyeing this for a while but was put off by the battery capacity.
As a daily user of e-reader, totally agree with you on the mobility advantage of this size. I could see myself keeping my current device for comic and reading at home while having this handy one to read on my daily commute
I wish there will be more e-reader with this form factor in the future. Just a reading device, no fancy stuff like web browsing, application blah blah. A built in dictionary, warm backlight, a decent battery and pocket size is all we need. Hope this reaches the marketing & product design team from these brands cuz I think there's definitely a market for this
My guess is they don't sell well enough to produce. Kobo used to have a mini, and I'd imagine they would have made a new model by now if it sold well. Every other size class has had 2-3 revisions except for the Mini.
Thank you for reviewing this. Been wondering.
I am still considering a HiSense for a phone but not right now since I just lost my job. This is way more affordable.
Cool little device. I just recently purchased a slightly larger Meebook M6 that also runs Android and I am really liking it. 6" is becoming a niche size for readers too but it is just right for my needs and is also pretty responsive. Just got my first e-reader in about 10 years after my Aluratek Colour which even Aluratek seems to have no record of anymore.
Oh wow this is tempting
Thank you for this video, I enjoy your perspective. I have been talking a lot lately about intentional tech use and this fits into that category. I think the trap we all fall into, myself included, is either not wanting to carry another device or expecting one device to do everything. I think I am at least done looking for the "unicorn" device at this point.
Iâve seen your videos and posts on the subreddits! Appreciate the comment, and totally agree. Thanks for watching!
KOReader is siiiiiiiickkkk. I use it on my phone and the pdf + epub import comes in clutch.
This is amazing!
Great video. Wish Ali express wasnât so junk to sign up (still waiting on a verification code!), but this thing is definitely something I want
Neat, studying in China right now and a pocketable E-reader would be useful right now.
I have an inkpalm 5 too, got it like 2 weeks ago, with koreader too. But I was reading on a physical book so I haven't used it that much
This device looks amazing! Would love a smaller device to pick up and go on the reading. How does it handle with highlighting books? It would be nice to be able to capture quotes on the go as well!
It needs to be a tiny bit more powerful to at least make the animation smoother, this slowness doesn't seem to be because of the eink display's rendering time.
I ordered one of these a couple days ago based on your video! Hoping to have it in my hands soon. I went ahead and got the case that was offered on AliExpress from the shop selling it but was wondering if thatâs the same case you show at the end. Thanks for informing me about this awesome looking ereader!
Hope you like it as much as I like mine! Yup, it's the same case from the shop/bundle, I just stuck a loop on it. :)
Hey I've got one of these too! I have mine set up pretty similarly, though i didn't realize the libby app would run on it. I'll have to get that set up
Glad the demo helped! :)
Can it read epub or mobi file format ? And work similar to moon reader ?
and the fun part of KOReader is taht you can sync reading progress across devices
Interesting that you bought this to read books when I does so much more and looks like it has a lot of distractions, I like the thought of reading books over a range of devices too, but to have that many apps on it, I wouldn't get much reading done?
Don't get me wrong, I may yet purchase this device, (for work, pdf manuals, and there are a lot?) but I recently bought the Kobo Colour Libra, and I like the direction they have gone down, as now with colour it's a better experience.
Though with reading, B/W is my preferred choice. Size would also be an issue as this device is not for the older generation, (eye's you know?) But you covered the device well, and the longer battery life, and the fact it can speak any book, that might be the reason alone to buy it?
I haven't seen that feature since they removed it from the Kindle?
Well done, great Review.
Can you type one this device with Bluetooth keyboard
How much does it weigh?
Edit: product page says 115g
hi there! great review! i saw you could turn bluetooth on or off. With bluetooth on, can you connect headphones to it? If so, can you install Audible or other audiobook apps to listen on the go?
You probably could! I just don't because that would drain the battery quickly
Kindle works and buttons for page turning? And only $90? That seems pretty cool.
Can you scroll read books with the kindle app? Or is there a limited number of apps that let you scroll?
Does this have bluetooth? Are you able to connect an external keyboard to it? Thanks.
Does it have a bold font?
Sometimes I donât carry my kindle, but if I had this I would carry it everywhere.
Is there any way to get Google Play Store on it?
they released an upgraded version of this called the inkpalm pro and it has more ram and storage and is only like $10-$15 more. buy that one.
It only has more storage, actually, same RAM. I donât need that much space so I opted for this one since I love the color. The Plus (which is bigger) does have more RAM though!
What do you think about the quality? Is the 284 PPI good? Does it provide sharp image?
I think itâs quite good! Though, again, applying the matte screen protector takes the sharpness down a little bit, so it really depends on your priorities. I know some other users on r/ereader prioritize the sharpness over the finish and leave the screen protector off
@@pixelleaves Thank you! I prefer shiny screen so I will definitely going to get this ereader! AndI was about to buy Palma :D
Iâve been waiting for Apple to offer this of the reverse side of the iPhone.
How do you sync reading position between this reader and say a kobo or kindle side loaded book?
I would assume you canât and would have to manually search for a phrase of words to find your spot
There's probably some solution with KOReader or Calibre but I don't use them (I don't own a Kobo, and my Kindle books are not sideloaded since I use send-to-Kindle)
I hope big tech companies like apple and samsung launch products like this. This is a must for anyone who wants to consume digital content and stay focused (and sane).
hey have you tried using Reader Readwise on the device?
how is it?
I tried it a few months ago and the app loads but only displayed blank documents. I emailed support but they didnât seem interested in addressing bugs in eink devices at this time.
Thatâs a deal breaker for me - if itâs not an ebook on kindle then really itâs all ReadWise. Hope the devs see this post!
Thanks @pixelleaves đ I didnât know these little ereaders existed!
I've been tempted by this, but not sure that having a separate device is something I would naturally keep on me at all times, unlike my phone which has the Kindle app (etc) to enable me to read when I'm away from my Kindle. How do you think it compares to using the app on a phone (pros and cons)?
Honestly, I absolutely hate reading long form on a regular screen. Iâm usually reading a book or more a week so thatâs a lot of time staring at a device, and I find e-ink way easier on the eyes. I also enjoy getting lost in a good book on something without notifications etc, so a phone app is a non starter for me đ Different for everyone though!
@@pixelleaves Thanks for replying! I completely take your point on reading for a long time on regular screens, but I'm not away from my Kindle for long. If I were, then this device looks ideal - and I'm still tempted by it!
Fyi if you like this i would suggest poke boox 3 or 5, 7 inch but a bit wider than the moaan but can comfortably hold in one hand.
Boox ereaders are android based so you have a lot of options of ereader apps
Can you use epub on this device?
Koreader and moon reader both read epubs fine
Can this open pdf file
I've got a Kobo Libra 2. I take it everywhere and I don't own a smartphone
too small though, how wide is the screen
Where did you find a case for it, I've looked all over.
The one in the video came with the reader since I got the reader+case bundle, and I just stuck the loop on the back.
I also picked up a translucent one to show off the color from an Asian Amazon equivalent, but they definitely just dropshipped it from Aliexpress because it's the same photo as this listing: www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804177485749.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.11.464314ed409SAk&algo_pvid=e6767f96-7b31-47d7-bc1e-3dfd28e0c933&algo_exp_id=e6767f96-7b31-47d7-bc1e-3dfd28e0c933-5&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%212.69%212.29%21%21%212.69%212.29%21%402101efab17137737375905466e9205%2112000028915369625%21sea%21US%211802788012%21&curPageLogUid=cB9uYO1g1FVO&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
I had the same problem but live down the street from a Dollar store. I brought my reader with and dug through the assortment of cheap cases. One of the iPhone ones fit perfectly side to side and had approx 5mm extra space top to bottom. Total cost was $1.25 US
Nice video! How heavy is this reader?
115g, super light!
Interesting
Does it do audiobooks? I hate straining my eyes unnecessarily when TTS is a thing.
it has android, im sure theres ebook apps with tts
The idea is great but the battery life is a no-go for me. Would like to see that thing running something less power consuming. Good overview though.
I want this but i would like to know how the english translation of the system is
It is pretty decent translation. There are a few tutorials that will walk you through the setup. And if I can figure it out, I guarantee you can.
Looks like the Boox Palma.
can u use it for music?
Yes, technically, but I wouldnât-youâll drain that battery so fast!
I feel like this should have been either a slim usb second screen for your phone, or a full fledged phone
This does look pretty cool, however...I don't think I'd bring it over my phone, nor do I think I would carry this and my phone at the same time. However I've also never had an e-reader before, nor do I read many books, though I'd like to change that in the future. Though I'm curious how much better and E-reader is over just using the Eye shield feature most modern smart phones have now.
Are the menus only in Chinese?
Settings and menus on mine were already in English. :)
The only Chinese I've run into are the names of the Chinese reading etc. apps (which I don't use) and the option to go into developer options (but the developer options themselves are in English).
The AliExpress link is broken đą
You can try again now, just replaced the link, but if that's still not showing up not sure what's wrong :( You could try searching Ali and just choosing the listing from the same shop
Kindle 6" actually fits in pocket
So you're saying you're a grower not a scroller?
As a Kindle Scribe user, I find this amusingly small.
From idle scrolling on Instagram, to idle scrolling in wattpad.
Koreader gang
Just read on phone when you are outside and read on bigger ereader at home. Doesnt make sense to carry two phone sized devices
I cant find this for $90 anywhere....
The Ali link in the description currently has the silver color at $88.49 (for new Ali users I think) in the US
(I actually got mine for $87.99 during the March anniversary sale, I suppose one could also wait til the 11.11 sale)
can you play podcast?
Yes with a Bluetooth device
Itâs cool but carrying it around all the time along with your phone seems like it would be inconvenient
No less convenient than a kindle
Why girls are so aesthetic in every thing they do????? Such an amazing video
I used to read on my old iPhone, so no need for an eink reader really.
M
Boox Palma way better
Kindle is the same price.
Looks frustratingly slow and flickery
It need to be a phone
Looks good but you forgot demographic. You may be young and still have good eyes, but most people that buy products like e-reader are not that young and are often with problems to their eyes. So such small device is not feasible, even if the form factor is portable.
A kindle is probably the best fit in terms of viewable size and portability for the demographic at which such products aim.
I won't hold my breath to see people walking around with e-readers that are younger than 50 to be honest; as the devices sold these days to kids are phones and not e-reader. This is why you don't see that many devices sold in that form factor, like this one you show.
IF these devices were also phones, then yes, things would be way different, as you use it as phone mainly and for email maybe; and also read on it; but as pure reader, it is a niche of a niche, which works for some people like us, but you still have to carry 2-3 devices to be "functional" during the day (if you have a standard job of course; otherwise this does not apply of course)
While I agree an older person may want a bigger device for efficiency if using a larger font, I would like to push back on ereaders as an over 50 thing. Anecdotally, I personally know many more people with Kindles and Kobos below the age of 50 than over it. Of the videos on phone-size devices I show in the intro, the most viewed one there is by CZcamsr jvscholz, who is an undergrad. Some of the most-viewed videos on Kindles are by productivity CZcamsr Ali Abdaal who is in his late 20s. Eink is more comfortable for long reading sessions, even without specific eye issues, and there are many younger avid readers of ebooks (and/or fanfic).
That said, I acknowledge this form factor is not for everyone regardless of age; it being a niche in a niche I agree with. I just had to gush since Iâve been really enjoying it so far!
Would like to second what OP says here. The first time I heard about kindle was when I was in high school coming from a fellow high schooler. The second time I heard about how someone loved their ereader was in college. The amount of people under 50 using ereaders is immense. Thereâs also all of BookTube to peruse through to see how many folks under 50 are avid readers and love ereaders for the portability. Iâd be interested to see the stats of salesâŠ
@@pixelleaves Yes, increase font size works for some cases; but with such small surface you end up hitting the limits of what makes sense though.
There is a reason why some devices have specific size: 6 inches for a phone, 10 to 13 for a tablet and readers being in the 7-13 range for most part.
I am not saying that e-readers are a "old person item"; I am just saying that by demographic, some categories of people are more likely to use it. A young person, unless is into the "no distractions" or "ecology" train of thoughts, would not like to have a separate device just for reading, when a tablet or computer can do that way better as single device. My point is merely in saying that function without substance is just serving the purpose of a small niche of users, while having something that serve more roles, simplify our lives.
I don't give up on my phone for a dedicated reader, but I would throw away my phone in a flash if there was a reader that would let me make call, send email and use productivity apps as my phone does :) Then of course to each their own, that was never a problem to start with.
I just see those devices being incomplete and a waste of money in my eyes, until they can do what a phone can do. Otherwise, a kindle is the perfect compromise for reading and portability for me (which is again, subjective, but most data show that some form factor are better than others for specific usages)
@@liliajoon The data about e-readers sale seems to dispute that experience of yours though. Today unless you are into no-distraction philosophy (which can be solved by turning off notifications and internet from any device, let's be real) or you want to save paper, you won't be gravitating towards e-readers unless you are an avid reader.
Most of the kindle sales are coming from people using the kindle books store; and readers can be of any age of course; but when you market something portable, that compete with a phone or foldable device, you are going in a territory where it makes little sense for a large target group of users to be in it.
I know young people that read books, and old folks that go totally digital; but those are incidental and mostly based on my limited pool of contacts. When we look at actual sales data and demographics, the picture is way different.
Amazon invented the ereader market with Sony in the end, and they never planned a device smaller than the one they always sold, so that should tell you something about market research and where a company make a profit.
Sorry, but what are you on about? Most content on Kindles and Kobo on Booktube/Booktok are made by younger creators for their audience, who is mostly 30 and below on average. I'm in my mid-20s and almost everyone I know around my age group has or wants an ereader. Even Facebook groups for kindles exist with members up to 100-200k people, and they are all relatively young. think your views on this piece of tech is extremely outdated, and frankly, instead of this creator forgetting the demographics, I believe you're the one who is mistaken and you're actually not the target demographic of this video and reader.
It's not a great buy no. epaper displays are still expensive. This serves one function only, that is reading. And for that function alone, this is not a good form factor. You need a bigger one, and you might need it to be able to open pdf as well to be useful. And those are expensive.
Order placed
Hope you like yours as much as I do mine!
@@pixelleavesIâm sure. đ Iâve been looking for an affordable/small e-reader for WeChat read app for a while nowđ
I own a Boox Palma and to be honest, I wish I bought this instead. I only use it for reading and while having android built into it is cool, but my phone does all the things I thought I was going to use the Palma for.