A $90 ereader to replace idle scrolling

pixel leaves
21 Apr 202404:54

TLDRThe Moaan InkPalm 5 is a pocket-sized e-reader available for around $90 on AliExpress and Amazon. Despite its small size, it's a great value for reading, offering a convenient alternative to mindless scrolling. It supports apps like KOReader for PDFs and column view, and the Kindle app for accessing library books through Libby. The device has a glossy screen but comes with a matte screen protector for better readability. It features a front light for reading in the dark and a fast charging battery, though it doesn't last as long as traditional e-readers due to its size and Android operation. The InkPalm 5 is not as fast as higher-end devices and is not recommended for heavy browsing. However, it's a niche device that has helped the reviewer increase their daily reading, making it a worthwhile investment for avid readers.

Takeaways

  • 📚 The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a pocket-sized e-reader available for about $90 on AliExpress and Amazon.
  • 📱 It has a phone-sized e-ink form factor, making it easy to carry and use one-handed.
  • 🔋 The device is not as fast or feature-rich as larger e-readers, but it's suitable for reading.
  • 📈 The convenience of its size makes it a good alternative to mindless scrolling on phones.
  • 🌟 The preferred ebook reader app for the device is KOReader, which supports PDFs and has a column view.
  • 📖 The Kindle app is also compatible and can be used in a faster graphic mode.
  • 🌜 The InkPalm 5 has a front light that can be dimmed for reading in the dark.
  • 🔌 The battery life is shorter than traditional e-readers due to its size and Android operation, offering about 10 hours of reading time.
  • 🔌 It charges quickly, which is convenient for users who carry it with their phone.
  • 🛠 The device comes with the Kindle app pre-installed, but other apps need to be installed manually without Google Play.
  • 💭 It includes a basic note-taking app and a launcher called Unlauncher for customization.
  • 📉 The screen is glossy but a matte screen protector is provided to improve readability.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the e-reader device that is being discussed in the transcript?

    -The e-reader device discussed in the transcript is the Moaan InkPalm 5.

  • How much does the Moaan InkPalm 5 cost, and where can it be purchased?

    -The Moaan InkPalm 5 can be bought for about $90 from AliExpress, and it is also available on Amazon.

  • What are the advantages of the smaller form factor of the Moaan InkPalm 5?

    -The smaller form factor of the Moaan InkPalm 5 makes it easier to carry and use one-handed, and it can be picked up in the same handful as a phone.

  • What is the reviewer's favorite ebook reader app for the InkPalm, and why do they prefer it?

    -The reviewer's favorite ebook reader app is KOReader because it is customizable and supports turning pages with volume buttons, reading PDFs, and has a column view.

  • How does the Kindle app perform on the InkPalm, and what is the reviewer's preference when using it?

    -The Kindle app performs well on the InkPalm, but the reviewer prefers using it on the faster graphic mode because the page animation can't be turned off when tapping the screen.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the built-in browser on the InkPalm, and what alternative do they use?

    -The reviewer does not use the built-in browser and instead prefers using an alternative called EInkBro, which allows for scrolling through a page or tapping on scroll buttons for a more ebook-like experience.

  • What customization options are available for the InkPalm through the settings menu?

    -Through the settings menu, users can customize aspects of the InkPalm such as the function of the logo touch button and the screensaver.

  • How does the front light feature of the InkPalm compare to the reviewer's Kindle?

    -The front light on the InkPalm can get as dim as the reviewer's Kindle, making it suitable for reading in the dark.

  • What is the main caveat regarding the battery life of the InkPalm, and how does the reviewer manage it?

    -The main caveat is that the InkPalm's battery life is not as long-lasting as traditional e-readers due to its small size and Android operation system. The reviewer manages it by charging it quickly and carrying it with their phone.

  • How does the performance of the InkPalm compare to other devices like a Boox in terms of speed and battery capacity?

    -The InkPalm is not as fast as a Boox due to its low specs, and it also has a lower battery capacity, making it unsuitable for heavy browsing or resource-intensive tasks.

  • How does the reviewer feel about the overall value of the InkPalm, and what other devices do they recommend for different uses?

    -The reviewer is very happy with the InkPalm and feels that it was a good investment for $100. For resource-intensive apps on e-ink and note-taking, they recommend looking into other devices, which they have reviewed on their channel.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the screen quality of the InkPalm, and how does the matte screen protector affect it?

    -The reviewer finds the screen quality of the InkPalm to be sharp enough for reading small characters, even after applying a matte screen protector which slightly reduces sharpness but provides a better reading experience.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introducing the Pocket-Sized Moaan InkPalm 5 E-Reader

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a compact e-reader with a phone-sized e-ink display that is gaining popularity for its portability and affordability. Priced at approximately $90, it can be purchased from AliExpress or Amazon. The device is not the fastest or most feature-rich, but it's an excellent choice for reading. The reviewer has been using it exclusively for reading and appreciates its convenience for one-handed use and the ability to carry it alongside a phone. The small form factor enhances the convenience of reading, similar to mindless scrolling on a phone. The InkPalm supports various apps, with KOReader being the reviewer's favorite for its customization options and support for PDFs and column view. The Kindle app is also compatible, offering a faster graphic mode for page turns. The device includes a built-in browser and a note-taking app, and it can be customized via the Unlauncher. The front light is adjustable for reading in the dark, and a matte screen protector is included to reduce glare. Despite its glossy screen, the matte protector maintains readability. However, the device has a shorter battery life due to its small size and Android operation system, lasting about 10 hours of continuous reading. It is not recommended for heavy browsing or resource-intensive apps and requires manual installation of apps without Google Play. The reviewer concludes that the InkPalm 5 is a worthwhile investment for its price and has significantly increased their daily reading.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡e-reader

An e-reader, short for electronic reader, is a portable electronic device designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital e-books and periodicals. In the context of the video, the e-reader is the Moaan InkPalm 5, which is a pocket-sized device that allows for convenient reading on-the-go, replacing the habit of idle scrolling on phones.

💡Moaan InkPalm 5

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a specific model of an e-reader that is highlighted in the video. It is notable for its affordability, costing around $90, and its compact size, which makes it easy to carry and use one-handed. The device is used to demonstrate the potential of replacing mindless scrolling with reading.

💡e-ink

E-ink refers to a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper, providing a comfortable reading experience similar to printed text. It is used in e-readers like the Moaan InkPalm 5 to offer a more natural and less eye-straining reading experience compared to traditional LCD screens.

💡KOReader

KOReader is an open-source e-book reader application that supports various file formats, including PDFs, and offers features like a column view. In the video, it is mentioned as the presenter's favorite app for the InkPalm 5, highlighting its compatibility and usefulness for reading on the device.

💡front light

The front light is a feature on some e-readers that illuminates the screen, allowing users to read in low-light conditions or darkness. The video discusses the InkPalm 5's front light, which can be dimmed to suit the user's preference, similar to the Kindle's dimming feature.

💡battery life

Battery life refers to the amount of time a device can operate before needing to be recharged. The video points out that the InkPalm 5's battery life is not as long-lasting as traditional e-readers due to its small size and Android operating system, with about 10 hours of continuous reading time.

💡Android

Android is an operating system used by the Moaan InkPalm 5, which allows it to run various apps and functions beyond just e-reading. The video mentions that running Android affects the device's battery life compared to e-ink readers that use proprietary systems.

💡Libby

Libby is an app that allows users to borrow e-books and audiobooks from their local library using their library card. In the video, it is mentioned that the presenter uses the Libby app to access library books, which can be read through the Kindle app on the InkPalm 5.

💡EInkBro

EInkBro is a web browser designed for e-ink devices, offering a reading-like experience when browsing the web. The video praises EInkBro for its user interface that allows for page-by-page scrolling or tapping on scroll buttons, making it feel more like reading an e-book.

💡Unlauncher

Unlauncher is a launcher application for the InkPalm 5 that provides a more streamlined and customized interface compared to the stock launcher. The video discusses how Unlauncher allows for personalization of the device, such as changing the logo touch button function and setting the screensaver.

💡resource-intensive apps

Resource-intensive apps are software applications that require a significant amount of a device's resources, such as processing power or memory, to operate. The video notes that the InkPalm 5 is not suitable for running such apps due to its lower specifications, making it more ideal for reading and light browsing.

Highlights

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a pocket-sized e-reader available for about $90 from AliExpress and Amazon.

It's not the fastest or fanciest device, but it's a great buy for reading.

The smaller form factor is easier to carry and use one-handed, similar to a phone.

It can replace mindless scrolling with the convenience of reading.

KOReader is the recommended ebook reader app for the InkPalm.

KOReader supports turning pages with volume buttons and can read PDFs.

Moon Reader is another app that works, but KOReader is preferred for its eink optimization.

The Kindle app is usable on the InkPalm, especially in faster graphic mode.

The Libby app is compatible with the InkPalm for borrowing library books.

EInkBro is a preferred browser for its ebook-like scrolling and navigation.

A basic note-taking app is included for jotting down quick notes.

Unlauncher is a launcher that allows customization of the InkPalm's settings.

The front light can be dimmed for comfortable reading in the dark.

The screen is glossy but a matte screen protector is included.

The battery life is shorter than traditional e-readers due to its small size and Android operation.

Reading time on KOReader is about 10 hours straight or 2-3 days of normal use.

The device charges quickly, mitigating battery life concerns.

The InkPalm is not as fast as some other devices and is not recommended for heavy browsing.

Apps need to be installed manually without Google Play, but the process is straightforward.

The InkPalm has helped the user incorporate more reading into their daily routine.

It's a niche device, but the user feels their investment of $100 was well spent.