Top 10: Touch-screen e-Ink e-readers

2023. Rakuten unveiled Kobo Libra 2



Rakuten Kobo has unveiled the Kobo Libra 2, featuring a 7-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen display with a resolution of 1264 × 1680 pixels or 300 PPI. This e-reader offers color temperature adjustment and Dark Mode, allowing users to customize their reading experience. Powered by a 1 GHz Processor and equipped with 32 GB of onboard storage, the Libra 2 has a distinctive asymmetrical design, with a thicker right spine housing physical page turn buttons. Additionally, it boasts a fully waterproof construction and is available in Black and White variants. Customers can also purchase optional SleepCovers for $50. The Kobo Libra 2 is priced at $250 and is accessible for purchase through Flipkart and various online retailers in India.


2023. Dark Mode is now available on new Pocketbook e-readers



Dark mode is now an option on the Pocketbook Era, Pocketbook InkPad 4, and Pocketbook InkPad Color 2. This addition comes with the latest 6.8 firmware update that is accessible today. Along with dark mode, the update includes various other new features and improvements such as customizable control panel settings, additional filter options in the Notes app, a text suggestions feature, and more. In the near future, these enhancements will be made available for other Pocketbook models as well. Utilizing dark mode on your PocketBook device can enhance your reading experience in low-light conditions and during nighttime. This mode adjusts the display settings, showing white text on a dark background, which reduces contrast with the surrounding darkness and minimizes eye strain. Additionally, when reading in dark mode, you have the option to invert book illustrations if desired.

2023. Kindle Paperwhite gets new Kindle Scribe features



Amazon has rolled out a fresh firmware update, labeled as version 5.16.2.1, for the 7th generation Kindle, 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite, and the Signature edition. To obtain and install the update, users can navigate to the settings menu and check for available updates. In case the update is not yet accessible in a particular region, it is expected to be released within the next few weeks. The update incorporates a range of Kindle Scribe features, including drawing, notebook management, and sticky notes. However, these features are presently disabled and non-functional. This deliberate decision by Amazon enables them to maintain a unified code base for both their e-readers and the Kindle Scribe. Consequently, whenever an update is released for one model, it can be applied to all of them simultaneously.


2021. inkBOOK Focus - the new high-spec e-Ink reader



Polish company Inkbook has unveiled their latest flagship e-reader, the inkBOOK Focus, priced at €229. This feature-rich device boasts a larger 7.8-inch screen that displays 30% more text, providing a more immersive reading experience. With a user-friendly interface, users can effortlessly navigate through pages using the touchscreen or customize the navigation buttons to suit their preferred hand orientation, whether right or left-handed. Running on the Android operating system, the inkBOOK Focus offers unlimited access to various apps such as Kindle, Skoobe, Onleihe, Storytel, and more. What sets it apart from other e-readers is its compatibility with multiple services and e-book sources. Users can consolidate their e-reading needs into a single device, seamlessly accessing content from Kindle, Kobo, Onleihe, Tolino, Thalia, Skoobe, Nubico, Legimi, Pocket, and other platforms. Moreover, the inkBOOK Focus caters to audiobook enthusiasts, allowing users to effortlessly switch between reading and listening experiences across various services. By connecting Bluetooth earphones, users can enjoy audiobooks or synchronize audio and text if available, making it a versatile option for those who appreciate both reading and listening.


2018. Arta Tech unveiles InkBook Lumos



Arta Tech has introduced the InkBook Lumos, a new e-reading device. Sporting a six-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 800×600 and a pixel density of 167 PPI, the Lumos targets the entry-level segment, much like the Kindle Basic. Powered by a cost-effective Dual-Core Cortex A9 processor instead of a Freescale, there may be performance limitations associated with this device. It offers 128MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and does not support SD cards. Operating on Android 4.4.2, the InkBook Lumos is available for pre-order at a retail price of $88 USD via the Inkbook website.


2016. Pocketbook Announces the InkPad 2



Pocketbook InkPad 2 is an exciting new e-reader that was just announced today. This innovative device boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display with an impressive resolution of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels. It features a front-lit display for optimal reading conditions and convenient physical page turn buttons. The InkPad 2 is powered by a 1 GHz processor and equipped with 512 MB ​​RAM. While it offers 4 GB of internal memory, you have the flexibility to expand it up to 32 GB using a Micro SD card. One appealing feature of this e-reader is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy audiobooks and music. The Pocketbook InkPad 2 is expected to be available in the near future, priced at $199 Euros.


2015. Kobo launches the Touch 2.0 eReader



Kobo has recently introduced its second new e-reader of the year, the Kobo Touch 2.0. This updated version revamps the four-year-old Kobo Touch with enhanced features such as increased storage, extended battery life, a faster CPU, and a more affordable price. With a 1GHz CPU, 4GB storage, and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Kobo Touch 2.0 is positioned as a competitor to the basic Kindle, lacking audio capabilities and a card slot. The 6" screen boasts a resolution of 800 x 600 and an IR touchscreen, although it lacks a frontlight. Set to be available on September 9 in the US and Canada, the Kobo Touch 2.0 will retail for $89.99. However, we believe that for just $40 more, opting for the Kobo Glo HD would be a better value proposition, as it offers a significantly sharper screen and includes a frontlight.


2013. Pocketbook announces Pocketbook Touch 2



After a year of restructuring on the business front, Pocketbook has resurfaced with an announcement of their latest device, the Pocketbook Touch 2. This new six-inch device boasts an HD e-Ink Pearl display, similar to the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo, with a resolution of 1024×758. The front-lit display ensures optimal reading in low-light conditions. With 256 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal memory, and SD card support for up to 32 GB, users have ample storage for their digital content. The battery life is expected to be impressive, lasting through approximately 7,000 page turns. Additionally, the Pocketbook Touch 2 features an audio jack, allowing users to enjoy audiobooks and music. While Pocketbook still holds significance in eastern Europe, it struggles to gain visibility in the North American market.


2011. Amazon unveils Kindle Touch e-reader



Amazon delighted technology enthusiasts with their latest offering this morning, staying true to their commitment of delivering premium products at affordable prices. The Kindle Touch, a new e-ink e-reader, was introduced as a direct competitor to Barnes & Noble's Nook, priced at $99. While Amazon made few notable distinctions between the Kindle Touch and the fourth-generation Kindle, the most apparent difference lies in the bezel below the screen. The previous model's toggle switch and row of buttons have been replaced with a single home button consisting of four small horizontal bars. Although not the most visually striking option available, it serves its purpose effectively. Additionally, Amazon presented a 3G version of the Kindle Touch, which will be available for $149, along with a smaller and more affordable non-touch Kindle priced at $79. To enhance the reading experience, Amazon incorporated its Whispersync technology, enabling seamless delivery of digital books to the Kindle. Furthermore, customers of the device are offered free cloud storage.


2011. Kobo unveils Wi-Fi Touch Edition e-reader for $129.99



Kobo has introduced the Kobo WiFi Touch Edition, a new model of e-ink reader priced at $129.99. As the name suggests, this e-reader incorporates a touch screen utilizing Neonode's infrared technology, which is also present in Sony's 6-inch touch-screen e-readers. Additionally, it boasts E-Ink's latest generation Pearl e-ink screen, enhanced with Neonode's "responsive" zForce infrared touch technology, referred to as "Real Touch" by Kobo. The device offers 1 GB of onboard storage and a microSD card expansion slot, enabling users to add up to a 32GB card for additional storage capacity. The battery provides a charge that lasts up to two weeks. The Kobo Touch supports various file formats including ePub, PDF, and Adobe DRM, while offering color options of black (with a black back) and white (with choices of lilac, blue, or white back). It is also available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Dutch.