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 or Amazon. It's not the fastest device, but it's a great value for reading. The small form factor makes it convenient for one-handed use and easy to carry. The e-reader supports various apps, with KOReader being the preferred ebook reader app for its PDF and column view capabilities. The Kindle app is also compatible, offering a faster graphic mode for page turns. The device includes a built-in browser and note-taking app, and it can be customized through the Unlauncher interface. The front light is adjustable for reading in the dark, and a matte screen protector is included for better readability. The battery life is shorter than traditional e-ink readers due to its small size and Android operation, but it charges quickly. Despite lower specs, it's suitable for reading and note-taking, though not for heavy browsing. The InkPalm 5 has been a satisfying purchase for the reviewer, allowing for more reading throughout the day.

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 convenient for one-handed use and easy to carry.
  • 🔋 The battery life is not as long-lasting as traditional e-readers due to its small size and Android operation, offering about 10 hours of reading time.
  • 🌟 It's a great alternative to mindless scrolling, offering a convenient way to fill idle moments with reading.
  • 📈 KOReader is the recommended ebook reader app for this device, supporting PDFs and having a column view.
  • 🖼️ The device comes with a glossy screen but a matte screen protector is included to improve readability.
  • 🔧 The front light can be dimmed for comfortable reading in the dark, similar to a Kindle.
  • 🚀 Charges quickly, so despite the shorter battery life, it's easy to maintain with regular short charging sessions.
  • 📈 The device is not as fast as some higher-end e-readers, making it more suitable for reading than heavy browsing.
  • 📘 The Kindle app works well, especially when using the side buttons to turn pages to avoid page animations.
  • 🛠️ Other apps need to be installed manually as Google Play is not available, but the process is straightforward.
  • 💡 The InkPalm 5 is a niche device for those looking to increase their daily reading in a convenient form factor.

Q & A

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

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

  • Where can you purchase the Moaan InkPalm 5 e-reader?

    -The Moaan InkPalm 5 can be purchased from AliExpress and is also available on Amazon.

  • What is the approximate price of the Moaan InkPalm 5?

    -The Moaan InkPalm 5 can be bought for about $90.

  • What are the advantages of the smaller form factor of the e-reader?

    -The smaller form factor is easier to carry and use one-handed, and it can be picked up in the same handful as your phone.

  • What is the reviewer's preferred ebook reader app for the InkPalm?

    -The reviewer's favorite ebook reader app is KOReader.

  • Does the InkPalm support turning pages with volume buttons?

    -Yes, if an app supports turning pages with volume buttons, it works with the InkPalm.

  • How does the reviewer describe the battery life of the InkPalm?

    -The battery life is not as long as traditional e-readers due to its small size and Android operating system. On KOReader, the reviewer gets about 10 hours of straight reading or about 2 to 3 days of use.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the built-in browser of the InkPalm?

    -The reviewer does not use the built-in browser and instead prefers a third-party browser called EInkBro.

  • How does the reviewer feel about the screen quality of the InkPalm after applying a matte screen protector?

    -The reviewer states that although applying the matte screen protector reduces some sharpness, it is still sharp enough to read small characters and is a worthy tradeoff, especially considering the price.

  • What is the reviewer's recommendation for using resource-intensive apps on e-ink or for note-taking?

    -The reviewer recommends other devices for using resource-intensive apps on e-ink and for note-taking, as the InkPalm is more suited for reading.

  • How does the reviewer summarize their overall experience with the InkPalm?

    -The reviewer has been very happy with the InkPalm, stating that it has helped them incorporate more reading into their day and that their $100 was well spent.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the convenience of the InkPalm compared to mindless scrolling on a phone?

    -The reviewer finds the InkPalm to be a convenient alternative to mindless scrolling, as it can fill in moments with reading just as easily.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Affordable Pocket-Sized E-Reader: Moaan InkPalm 5

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a compact e-reader similar to a Kindle, designed to fit in a pocket and priced at around $90 from AliExpress or Amazon. It is not the fastest device, but it is a great value for reading. The device is shown next to an iPhone 12 Mini and a Kindle Paperwhite to illustrate its size. The presenter has been using it exclusively for reading and appreciates the convenience of its smaller form factor, which allows for easy one-handed use and mindless scrolling. The device comes with a glossy screen but includes a matte screen protector for better readability.

📱 Apps and Reading Experience on InkPalm

The InkPalm 5 supports various apps for reading, with KOReader being the presenter's favorite due to its customization options and support for PDFs and column view. The Kindle app is also usable, especially on the faster graphic mode, although page animations cannot be turned off when tapping the screen. The Libby app is demonstrated for borrowing library books, and the built-in browser, EInkBro, is praised for its ebook-like scrolling experience. A basic note-taking app is included for jotting down quick notes. The device's launcher, Unlauncher, is mentioned, along with the ability to customize settings such as the logo touch button and screensaver.

🔆 Reading in the Dark and Screen Quality

The InkPalm 5 features a front light that can be dimmed for reading in the dark, similar to a Kindle. There is a mention of some unevenness in the camera representation, but it is noted to be less noticeable in person. The screen is glossy, but a matte screen protector is included and applied, which slightly reduces sharpness but is considered a fair tradeoff for the improved readability, even for small text like Chinese characters.

⚡ Battery Life and Device Limitations

One of the main caveats of the InkPalm 5 is its battery life, which is shorter than traditional e-ink readers due to its small size and Android operating system. On KOReader, the device offers about 10 hours of continuous reading or 2 to 3 days of normal use. The presenter carries it with their phone and charges both simultaneously. The device is not as fast as some other e-ink tablets, making it less suitable for heavy browsing. The Kindle app comes pre-installed, but other apps need to be installed manually, without Google Play, which is described as an easy process.

💰 Value and Recommendations

The presenter expresses satisfaction with the InkPalm 5, stating that it has helped them incorporate more reading into their daily routine. While it is a niche device, the presenter feels that the $100 spent was well worth it. For resource-intensive apps and note-taking, other devices are recommended, and viewers are directed to the presenter's channel for videos on alternative tablets. The video concludes with a teaser for more content and a thank you for watching.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Moaan InkPalm 5

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a portable e-reader device that is similar to a Kindle but is smaller and can fit in a pocket. It is priced at around $90 and is available for purchase on AliExpress and Amazon. The device is not the fastest or most feature-rich, but it serves its purpose well for reading e-books. In the video, the presenter uses the InkPalm 5 as a replacement for idle scrolling on a phone, highlighting its convenience and portability.

💡E-ink

E-ink is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper, making it easier to read in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. It is commonly used in e-readers like the Moaan InkPalm 5. In the video, the presenter mentions that the InkPalm 5 uses e-ink technology, which contributes to its readability and the device's appeal for reading.

💡KOReader

KOReader is an open-source e-book reader application that supports multiple file formats and has various customizable settings. In the video, the presenter mentions KOReader as their favorite app for the InkPalm 5, noting its ability to read PDFs and its column view feature, although the latter is considered small and better suited for those accustomed to reading on a phone.

💡Moon Reader

Moon Reader is another e-book reader application that is mentioned in the video. The presenter states a preference for KOReader over Moon Reader due to the latter's interface not being fully optimized for e-ink displays. However, Moon Reader is still functional and can be used on the InkPalm 5.

💡Kindle App

The Kindle App is a software application that allows users to read e-books purchased from Amazon's Kindle Store. The presenter discusses using the Kindle App on the InkPalm 5, noting that they prefer to use it in a faster graphic mode and that it works well with the device's side buttons for page turning.

💡Libby

Libby is an app that allows users to borrow e-books and audiobooks from their local library. The presenter mentions using Libby to read library books through the Kindle app on the InkPalm 5, although they also note that the Libby app itself works on the device, despite the page-turning animation not being customizable.

💡EInkBro

EInkBro is a web browser designed for e-ink devices like the InkPalm 5. The presenter appreciates EInkBro because it allows for scrolling through pages or using scroll buttons, which mimics the experience of reading an e-book. This feature enhances the usability of the device for web browsing.

💡Unlauncher

Unlauncher is a launcher application for the InkPalm 5 that provides a cleaner interface by removing unnecessary elements. The presenter uses Unlauncher because it allows for customization of the device's settings, such as the logo touch button and screensaver, which are not as easily accessible through the stock launcher.

💡Front Light

The front light is a feature on e-readers that illuminates the screen, allowing users to read in low-light conditions. The presenter mentions that the InkPalm 5 has a front light that can be dimmed, similar to a Kindle, which is beneficial for reading in the dark without causing eye strain.

💡Battery Life

Battery life refers to the amount of time a device can operate before needing to be recharged. The presenter points out that the InkPalm 5 has a shorter battery life compared to traditional e-readers like Kindles or Nooks due to its small size and the use of Android operating system. However, the presenter finds that the battery life is sufficient for their reading habits, as they can charge it quickly and often carry it with their phone.

💡Resource-intensive Apps

Resource-intensive apps are software applications that require a significant amount of a device's processing power, memory, or storage. The presenter notes that the InkPalm 5 is not ideal for running such apps due to its lower specifications and limited battery capacity, making it more suitable for reading rather than heavy browsing or multitasking.

💡Note-taking

Note-taking refers to the act of jotting down quick notes or ideas. The presenter mentions a basic note-taking app on the InkPalm 5 for capturing thoughts on the go. However, for more robust note-taking capabilities, the presenter suggests considering other devices, acknowledging the InkPalm 5's primary function as an e-reader.

Highlights

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

The device is not the fastest but offers a great value for reading, with a form factor similar to a phone.

Its smaller size makes it easier to carry and use one-handed, fitting in the same handful as a phone.

The convenience of the InkPalm 5 can replace mindless scrolling with reading.

KOReader is the recommended ebook reader app for the InkPalm 5, supporting PDFs and a column view.

The Kindle app is also compatible, offering a faster graphic mode for page turning.

The Libby app allows users to read library books, although the animation cannot be turned off.

EInkBro is a preferred browser for the InkPalm 5, offering a page-like scrolling experience.

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

Unlauncher provides a customizable settings menu for the InkPalm 5.

The front light can be adjusted for reading in the dark, with a matte screen protector included.

The screen is glossy but the matte screen protector improves readability without compromising sharpness.

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

Users can expect about 10 hours of continuous reading or 2 to 3 days of regular use on a single charge.

The InkPalm 5 charges quickly, mitigating concerns about its battery life.

The device is not suitable for heavy browsing or resource-intensive apps due to its low specs.

While it comes with Kindle pre-installed, other apps need to be manually installed without Google Play.

The InkPalm 5 is a niche device that has significantly increased the user's daily reading time.

For resource-intensive tasks and note-taking, other devices are recommended.

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