PocketBook vs Tolino

Last updated: July 10, 2023
PocketBook and Tolino are two well-known eReader brands that offer a range of devices with their own unique features and characteristics.

One key difference between PocketBook and Tolino lies in their ecosystem and content availability. PocketBook offers a more open platform, allowing users to access eBooks from various sources and supporting multiple formats such as EPUB, PDF, and MOBI. This flexibility allows users to acquire eBooks from different online stores and libraries, giving them more options for expanding their digital library. On the other hand, Tolino has a more closed ecosystem that primarily focuses on partnering with local bookstores and libraries in specific regions. It provides a centralized eBookstore and seamless integration with local content providers, catering to users who prefer a more localized reading experience.

Another significant difference is the design and build quality of their devices. PocketBook eReaders typically feature a compact and lightweight design, making them comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. They often have touchscreen interfaces for easy navigation and may include additional features like physical page-turn buttons and expandable storage options. Tolino devices also offer a sleek design and comfortable form factor but tend to prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness. They may feature front lights for reading in different lighting conditions and waterproofing capabilities in some models, enhancing the durability and versatility of the device.

When it comes to software features, PocketBook and Tolino both provide common eReader functionalities such as adjustable font sizes, customizable fonts, highlighting, and annotations. However, there may be differences in additional features and customization options. PocketBook devices often offer more advanced settings and customization options, allowing users to personalize their reading experience to a greater extent. Tolino, on the other hand, places more emphasis on simplicity and ease of use, with a straightforward user interface that is accessible even to users who may not be technically inclined.
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PocketBook
PocketBook - the best choice for reading professional literature, periodicals, work with graphs and tables including PDF and Djvu. PocketBook is perfect for reading both at the workplace and at home. School and college students will appreciate e-reader of such a format.
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Tolino
Tolino relies on openness and leaves it up to you to decide which bookseller you would like to purchase your eBooks from. This way, you always enjoy the complete variety of offers from all available tolino eBook retailers. You can easily download existing EPUB and PDF eBooks to the tolino ereader and read them there; with the tolino cloud synchronization and the tolino library link, tolino offers you particularly practical functions for this.
PocketBook vs Tolino in our news:

2024. Tolino e-readers will no longer use Android



Tolino e-readers, initially targeting the European German-speaking demographic, have been on the market since 2013. In 2019, Kobo took over the hardware design for all forthcoming e-readers while maintaining Android as the operating system. However, a recent report suggests a significant shift: upcoming models like the Tolino Shine, Tolino Vision Color, and Shine Color will run on Linux with an entirely revamped UI and menu layout. This marks a transition where Kobo oversees both hardware and software development. Upon their release in June, these new Tolino e-readers will offer a user experience resembling Kobo's, though with subtle distinctions. Users can still access various German bookstores, purchase and listen to audiobooks, and enjoy continued support for European libraries, facilitated by LCP DRMs.


2022. Tolino Epos 3 e-reader is now available



Tolino has unveiled their latest e-reader, the Epos 3. It boasts an 8-inch screen equipped with a cutting-edge E INK Carta 1200 display panel. The standout feature is the smartLight, a unique attribute that ensures optimal lighting for your Tolino Epos 3 at all times. The intelligent color adjustment is complemented by the integrated reading light, which automatically adapts and transitions from cool white light in the morning to warm white light in the evening, based on the time of day. This innovative technology not only enhances the reading experience but also improves page turn speed by 25% and overall performance by 30%. Priced as the most premium unit in their lineup, the Epos 3 is now available for purchase at Tolino Alliances' distribution partners such as Thalia, Weltbild, and Hugendubel, retailing for 279,00 €.


2022. Pocketbook to add support for AZW ebooks



Pocketbook has recently started incorporating support for the Amazon Kindle AZW ebook format. The Inkpad 3, a Pocketbook e-reader, became the first device to officially offer this functionality following a firmware update on July 20th. Additionally, the official Send to Pocketbook app, available on all Pocketbook e-readers, now allows users to directly send AZW and AZW3 books to their devices. The AZW format, developed by Amazon specifically for their Kindle e-readers, is commonly used for DRM-protected ebooks. It bears similarities to the Mobipocket PRC file format, which does not require DRM protection.


2022. PocketBook launched Era - 7-inch e-reader with 300 PPI



Pocketbook Era is an innovative e-reader that harnesses the cutting-edge E INK Carta 1200 e-paper display panel. This advanced technology brings a 15% increase in image contrast and a 20% improvement in touch screen response time. With its 7-inch diagonal screen, the Pocketbook Era strikes the perfect balance between portability and readability, allowing you to view more text on a single page compared to traditional 6-inch e-readers. Adapt to any lighting environment with ease, thanks to the SMARTlight function, which enables adjustment of brightness and color temperature for a comfortable reading experience. The Pocketbook Era boasts a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display featuring E INK Carta 1200 technology, offering a resolution of 1264×1680 with a pixel density of 300 PPI. The screen is shielded by a flush, protective layer of glass, ensuring enhanced anti-scratch durability, and making it a reliable companion for even the most active usage. Additionally, this waterproof device is well-suited for reading in the bathroom or outdoor environments.


2020. Tolino Web Reader gets text to speech feature



Tolino is renowned for its range of e-readers and also offers an online web reader that enables users to read ebooks using popular internet browsers. Recently, the company released the 5.1 update, introducing a text-to-speech feature that allows users to have their books read aloud. This new functionality is particularly beneficial for Tolino users with visual impairments. While they were previously able to adjust the font size to suit their needs, the addition of the reading function now enables them to comfortably listen to their eBooks.


2020. Pocketbook uveiled Basic 4 e-Reader



Pocketbook has given their entry-level e-reader, the Basic 4, a complete redesign, and it is set to be released at the end of this month. In contrast to previous models, this version features page turn buttons located at the bottom of the display, along with a vibrant and cheerful home button. The overall appearance of the device no longer resembles a budget e-reader, as Pocketbook has essentially revamped the entire industrial design. The Pocketbook Basic 4 sports a six-inch E INK Carta HD display with an expected resolution of 1024×758 and 212 PPI. Under the hood, it is equipped with a Freescale 1GZ processor, 256MB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage, expandable via an SD card slot supporting up to an additional 32GB of storage. With dimensions of 161.3 × 108 × 8 mm and an incredibly lightweight construction weighing only 145g, the Basic 4 offers impressive portability.


2020. PocketBook e-readers get new bookstore



Pocketbook has recently released the highly anticipated firmware version 6.0 for its PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro and Pocketbook Touch HD 3 e-readers. With this update, users now have access to a brand new bookstore where they can purchase bestselling ebooks and audiobooks. The main menu and user interface have undergone a complete redesign, offering a refreshed look and feel. Additionally, a new music player has been introduced. These updated e-readers are also compatible with EPUB3 format. Notably, the redesigned main menu now includes a list of recommendations featuring selected books such as the latest novels and bestsellers. Furthermore, users have the ability to personalize their e-reader's Home Screen by adding application icons and enabling or disabling book recommendations, among other customization options.


2017. Pocketbook launched Basic Lux and Basic 3 models



Pocketbook has recently unveiled two upcoming e-readers that are scheduled to be shipped in the coming months. The Basic Lux and Basic 3 models are both entry-level devices, offering competitive alternatives to the Kindle Basic and Kobo Touch 2.0. The PocketBook Basic 3 is an entry-level e-reader equipped with a 6-inch E Ink screen boasting a resolution of 800×600 pixels, along with an integrated Wi-Fi module. On the other hand, the Pocketbook Basic Lux features a 6-inch E-Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels, providing a pixel density of 212 PPI. Notably, it also includes a front-lit display for reading in low-light conditions and physical page turn buttons, providing an alternative to relying solely on the touchscreen for navigation.


2017. Pocketbook announced Aqua 2 e-Reader



Pocketbook has introduced their second generation waterproof e-reader, the Aqua 2, priced at $141. This advanced device showcases a six-inch E-Ink Carta display boasting a resolution of 1024×768 with 212 PPI. With 8GB of internal storage, it can accommodate an extensive collection of e-books. Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy audiobooks. The Aqua 2 comes with a built-in front-light for reading in low-light conditions and possesses IP57 standard waterproof and dustproof capabilities. Utilizing WIFI, it enables internet connectivity. E-books can be conveniently sent directly to the device via the Dropbox connection and the Send-to-PocketBook service. Furthermore, for those reading foreign-language e-books, the Aqua 2 comes equipped with a range of preinstalled Abbyy-Lingvo dictionaries.