Abstract
- Boox Palma 2 is a distraction-free eReader with a 6.13-inch show.
- There are solely minor upgrades on the Palma 2 in comparison with the unique mannequin.
- Whereas the Palma 2 performs properly, it is an costly gadget to make use of primarily as an eReader.
The Onyx Boox Palma 2 would not must reply whether or not a phone-sized eReader is a good suggestion—it’s! However this second model ought to be attempting more durable to atone for the primary model’s missteps, and it doesn’t do this. As a substitute, it looks like Onyx is solely taking one other run on the unique concept.
Onyx Boox Palma 2
The brand new technology Palma 2 is a distraction-free gadget that allows you to reclaim your focus within the center between tech and life.
- Pocketable type issue
- Snappy efficiency
- Sharp-looking E Ink display
- Runs Android apps
- Dear for an eReader
- No SIM slot or mobile connectivity
Worth and Availability
The Boox Palma 2 is offered in white or black and retails for $279.99. Though the gadget might seem like a telephone and have many of the items, it doesn’t have a SIM card slot or any mobile connectivity. It does have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, although, and may run most Android apps.
The primary Palma gadget continues to be accessible from Onyx for $251.98.
The Palma 2 Is Solely a (Very) Minor Improve
I spent plenty of time in my overview of the primary Boox Palma debating the deserves of a phone-sized eReader. Should you’re interested in that facet of it, you need to give {that a} learn. In truth, that overview covers plenty of what the Palma 2 provides as a result of not a lot has modified. Let’s begin at the start actual fast.
The unique Palma debuted in 2023 with a 6.13-inch 300-pixel-per-inch E Ink show. It options 6GB of RAM and a 2.0GHz octa-core + BSR GPU chip. It even had a digicam on the again for doc scanning. It shouldn’t be used for snapping photographs to view again in grainy grayscale.
That was the “previous” one. The Boox Palma 2 nonetheless has the identical 6.13-inch 300PPI E Ink show. It seems to be almost similar. The variations are primarily a greater superior octa-core CPU, Android 13 (as an alternative of Android 11), and a fingerprint sensor for bio authentication. The RAM and storage stay the identical together with the opposite particulars.
It was even powerful to inform the 2 aside after they have been sitting subsequent to one another. One of the best ways I discovered to do it’s by taking a look at its fingerprint reader on the facility button. The button is bigger and flatter on the brand new gadget.
These few minor upgrades haven’t offered me with any meaningfully higher expertise than the primary Palma. I doubt they may for anybody else who already owns the first-gen mannequin.
That stated, the fingerprint sensor works surprisingly properly. It is fast and largely responsive. However you’ll must sort a password into the gadget every time it activates after being powered off, which the gadget is ready to do after a sure time period by default. Do most individuals even want a password on their eReader?
As for the inclusion of the fingerprint sensor, my present working principle is that Onyx is definitely slowly constructing a mobile phone underneath the guise of an eReader—understanding how you can mix fashionable telephone parts and an E Ink display.
Even with a extra superior octa-core processor, it’s arduous to see the Palma 2 as a real second model of the gadget. At greatest, it’s a mushy revision. I primarily spent my time with it studying novels utilizing completely different Android apps corresponding to Kindle. On this regard, I didn’t discover any distinction between the primary and second generations. The apps have been snappy to open, and guide pages turned as anticipated on each gadgets.
If there’s a particular space of the Palma 2 that advantages from the bumped processor, I didn’t hit on it. Equally, I didn’t instantly discover the variations between Android 11 and 13. Nonetheless, the up to date software program will supply longer assist, so it’s in all probability essentially the most compelling motive to purchase a Palma 2 over the unique mannequin—which continues to be on the market.
Sure, There’s a Digicam on the eReader
In most methods, the digicam is totally forgettable. It’s alleged to be for snapping pictures of paperwork that may then be saved as PDFs for studying later. I by no means remembered to do this outdoors of obligated testing. I hope the Palma 3 ditches the digicam and comes down in worth.
Equally, the twin audio system and microphone on the Palma 2 have been wasted on me. I didn’t use the baked-in Music app for MP3s. I did obtain Apple Music out of curiosity, however I don’t advocate anybody purchase the Palma 2 to make use of as a music participant.
The amount buttons on the suitable aspect can be utilized as web page flip buttons too, however the outcomes are depending on particular person apps. Regardless of altering the settings to allow it within the settings part and within the Kindle app the buttons nonetheless didn’t flip these guide pages. They did work for different apps, nevertheless.
The button on the left aspect isn’t tied to something particular and is supposed to be customized. I modified it a number of instances, however landed on utilizing it to return to the house display. I do like the thought of utilizing the button to refresh the paper-like monochrome display if the ghosting ever turns into noticeable.
There’s an non-compulsory case accessible for the Palma 2, however I hated utilizing it in follow. The folio-style case creates a cumbersome again when opened that often flops round. The little magnetic flaps to safe the entrance cowl have been all the time in my means. However largely, I do not just like the case as a result of it makes the amount and energy buttons more durable to make use of.
If I used to be apprehensive concerning the Palma 2 being broken in my bag I might need given the case extra consideration, however the eReader doesn’t appear fragile to me. I don’t suppose it wants any additional safety. Possibly there’s a fabric sleeve you’ll find for it should you’re actually involved about scratching the display, however I might skip the Boox-made case and use the Palma 2 with as little bulk as potential.
Evaluating the Palma 2 to Different Boox Gadgets
Regardless of the looks of the Palma 2 being the smallest reader to take round, the 6-inch Boox Poke 5 is likely to be simply as transportable. It’s a bit of wider so it doesn’t slot in jean pockets properly, however in any other case, it may well discover a place in most baggage or slings.
When it comes to studying, I discover myself preferring the bigger or extra sq. eReaders. I have a look at my telephone all day and regardless that the Palma 2’s E Ink display is less complicated on my eyes, it nonetheless looks like extra of the identical.
My disappointment with the Poke 5 in comparison with the Palma 2 is generally about velocity. The Palma 2’s processor and RAM don’t differentiate it from final yr’s mannequin, however they do set it aside in comparison with different eReaders. The Palma 2 feels snappy when opening studying apps, whereas even the newer Boox Go Shade 7 can really feel a bit sluggish compared.
Should you’re simply on this for studying, I might advocate a minimum of contemplating a less expensive possibility as a result of most 6- or 7-inch eReaders are nonetheless extra transportable than an 8- or 10-inch iPad.
Ought to You Purchase Onyx Boox Palma 2?
Like the unique Boox Palma, the latest Oynx Boox Palma 2 stays a very good, albeit difficult, product. Its slender dimensions may make it an ideal on-the-go eReader to your commute. It’s an not easily seen solution to learn on a aircraft with out draining your telephone’s battery.
Nonetheless, I don’t advocate any consumers of the primary Palma contemplate upgrading. The brand new stuff simply isn’t compelling sufficient to spend one other $280 on.
Should you don’t have both gadget however need one, the selection between the primary and second-generation fashions is a bit tough. There’s solely a few $30 distinction at launch, so I might in all probability go for the newer model strictly due to the Android 13 working system. If you’ll find a greater deal on a first-gen Palma that dips a lot nearer to $200, then I might go for that.
Until you want a phone-looking eReader, nevertheless, I might advocate actually contemplating a 6-inch one from Boox, Kobo, or Amazon to economize with out sacrificing a compact gadget to learn whereas touring.
Onyx Boox Palma 2
The brand new technology Palma 2 is a distraction-free gadget that allows you to reclaim your focus within the center between tech and life.
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