Top 10: Linux e-Readers

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.


2023. Pocketbook unveiled InkPad Color 2 e-reader



Pocketbook has unveiled a new 7.8-inch color e-reader that uses E INK Kaleido Plus e-paper technology. This device is designed to deliver full and vibrant color for digital books, manga, and other digital content. Users can access the Pocketbook Store to buy and download digital content, and the manual page turn buttons located at the bottom of the reader allow for easy and quick flipping through pages. Moreover, the PocketBook InkPad Color 2 is reliably protected against water damage, meeting IPX8 standards. The device is powered by a 2900 mAh battery that can last up to a month. Additionally, the PocketBook InkPad Color 2 is an ideal e-reader for audio enthusiasts, supporting six audio formats, and comes equipped with a built-in speaker, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Text-to-Speech function. With the built-in speaker, users can enjoy their favorite stories without the need for additional devices. The Pocketbook InkPad Color 2 is priced at $320.

2021. Kobo released Elipsa - 10.3 inch e-note and e-reader



Kobo is set to launch the Kobo Elipsa, a new 10.3-inch e-reader and e-notepad device. Priced at $399, it includes a sleepcover and a stylus. While Kobo markets it primarily as a notepad, it functions effectively as both a notepad and an e-reader. Users can write on e-books and PDFs, and it features a new note app with Dropbox import and export capabilities. One interesting aspect is that it doesn't utilize a Wacom touchscreen like most other e-notes, which likely contributed to its competitive pricing. Kobo will face tough competition in the e-note industry from established players like Sony, Onyx Boox, Boyue, Remarkable, Supernote, as well as numerous Chinese retailers such as Hanvon and Bigme. The Elipsa's advantage lies in its Linux-based operating system, enabling it to operate efficiently with a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a smaller battery.


2019. Xiaomi released its eInk reader - iReader T6



Xiaomi has introduced its first ebook reader, named the iReader T6, which is currently available in China for ¥928. Designed to compete with the Kindle and other compact e-readers, the iReader T6 boasts a 6-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a resolution of 1448×1072 and 300 PPI. The screen seamlessly blends with the bezel and offers front-lit illumination for nighttime reading. Beneath the surface, the device houses a 1GHz Freescale IMX6 Solo Lite processor and 8GB of internal storage. It is equipped with a 1500mAh battery, capable of providing several weeks of usage. With a width of 7.4mm and weighing 160g, the iReader T6 is lightweight and portable. Operating on a proprietary Linux-based OS called iReader UI 2.0, it supports various book and document formats including EBK, TXT, UMD, EPUB, PDF, and MOBI. The device comes with a pre-installed digital store featuring hundreds of books and magazines, and users can also download files over Wi-Fi.