Top 10: Waterproof e-Ink e-readers

2024. Onyx unveiled Boox Kant 2 e-reader



Onyx Boox has introduced the Kant 2, a novel e-reader designed in the form of a smartphone. Sporting a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta Plus monochrome display boasting a 2:1 aspect ratio and a resolution of 824 x 1648 pixels with 16 shades of gray, this device offers a visually immersive reading experience. Powered by a 2GHz quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot, it ensures smooth performance and ample space for your digital library. Connectivity features encompass Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Additionally, a 3950mAh battery sustains prolonged usage. Notably, the Kant 2 is splash-resistant and runs on Android 11, facilitating user familiarity. Equipped with a microphone and speaker, it doubles as an audiobook player, complemented by features like auto-rotation and a built-in flashlight. While lacking a camera, it supports various e-book and audiobook formats and incorporates a handy built-in dictionary.


2023. MobiScribe released color waterproof eNote - MobiScribe Wave Color



Earlier this year MobiScribe has introduced the MobiScribe Wave with 7.8-inch black and white E Ink screen, and now there is a color variant of the MobiScribe Wave as well. The MobiScribe Wave Color is priced at $320, while the black and white version costs $285. The MobiScribe Wave Color boasts a 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus screen and operates on Android 12. It includes a built-in speaker for audio playback and a frontlight with adjustable color temperature. The device's battery capacity is 2500mAh. As expected, it comes with a stylus, and the touchscreen supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity using a Wacom touchscreen, similar to most eNotes. Additionally, the MobiScribe Wave is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, enabling it to endure submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

2023. New waterproof 7.8″ Nook GlowLight 4 Plus is available



Barnes and Noble has officially introduced the Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, a new 7.8-inch e-reader. You can now pre-order it on their website for $199, and they offer free shipping. However, it will not be available for a few more months. This latest Nook model is essentially an upgraded version of the Nook GlowLight Plus, which was first released in 2019 as B&N's initial 7.8-inch Nook. The new Nook features a flush-front screen, physical page-turn buttons on both sides of the display, and it is waterproof. Additionally, it now supports B&N's audiobooks. With a single charge, the battery allows for up to 3 weeks of reading time, while continuous audio playback over Bluetooth can be enjoyed for approximately 9 hours.


2023. Pocketbook Era waterproof e-reader wins Red Dot Award for Design



The PocketBook Era e-reader has been honored with the prestigious Red Dot Award for its exceptional product design. As the flagship model of the brand, it underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a sleek and ergonomic design that offers an unparalleled reading experience. The Red Dot Award, which has been recognizing excellence in design, innovation, functionality, and quality across various industries since 1955, has acknowledged the outstanding design of the PocketBook Era. According to Alexander Morokko, the Industrial Designer of PocketBook Era and other brand products, the design of PocketBook Era embodies the philosophy of modern minimalism, combining elegant lines with phenomenal usability.


2023. Mobiscribe Wave unveiled water-proof e-note reader



Mobiscribe has recently unveiled the Wave, a dedicated e-reader and digital note-taking device. They offer two models, one featuring a traditional black and white E INK display, and the other equipped with a color e-paper display utilizing Kaleido Plus technology. The black and white version is currently available, while the color variant is set to ship in April. The Mobiscribe black and white model boasts a 7.8-inch E INK Carta HD display with a resolution of 1404×1872 and 300 PPI. It is powered by a Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.5GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. This model is waterproof, making it suitable for use in environments like bathtubs or the beach. It comes with a USB-C cable for charging and document transfer. Bluetooth 5.1 enables wireless headphone or external speaker pairing, although it also features its own external speaker. The device is equipped with a 2500 mAh battery and is the first e-note to adopt Android 12.


2022. Tolino Shine 4 - waterproof ereader with free cloud storage and free wi-fi



The Tolino Alliance has introduced the Shine 4, an impressive e-reader equipped with an E Ink Carta 1200 display panel that offers a 30% increase in performance compared to its predecessor. With its six-inch, 300 PPI display, reading ebooks from various online retailers becomes an exceptional experience. The Tolino Shine 4 is currently available for purchase at a retail price of €139.00. This e-reader features a 6-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display, boasting a resolution of 1072×1404 and a pixel density of 300 PPI. Additionally, the Tolino Cloud offers 25 GB of online storage in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It supports WLAN 802.11 ac/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) for internet connectivity, and users in Germany can enjoy free access to Deutsche Telekom AG Hotspots. The Shine 4 can be powered via USB-C, either from a computer or a wall outlet, and it is equipped with a 1500 mAh battery, providing a reading time of approximately 2-3 weeks. Furthermore, this waterproof e-reader has an IPX8 rating, allowing it to be submerged in fresh water at a depth of up to 2 meters for a duration of 60 minutes, making it suitable for reading in the bathtub or at the beach.


2022. Kobo's new waterproof Clara 2E e-reader takes on Kindle



Kobo is set to release the Kobo Clara 2E, a new waterproof e-reader that poses a strong competition to Amazon's Kindle e-readers. The device boasts an exterior crafted from over 85 percent recycled plastic, with 10 percent of it sourced from ocean-bound materials. Notable features of the Kobo Clara 2E include Bluetooth technology for audiobooks, water resistance for up to two meters for 60 minutes, increased storage capacity of 16GB for eBooks compared to previous Kobo models, a six-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 screen that is glare-free and equipped with dark mode and blue light reduction, and an extended battery life lasting for weeks. Priced at $150, the Kobo Clara 2E falls in a mid-range bracket, being cheaper than the company's previous Forma model but more expensive than the Nia model. Additionally, Kobo's SleepCovers for the device are environmentally friendly, made from recycled polyester with an inner microfiber lining composed of 40 percent recycled plastic water bottles. The SleepCovers are available in various colors such as Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Coral Reef Orange, and Sea Glass Green.


2018. The new Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and waterproof



Kindle Paperwhite has recently received several upgrades, enhancing the overall user experience while maintaining its affordable starting price of $130. One of the most exciting upgrades is the addition of waterproofing, boasting an impressive IPX8 rating. This means that the device can be submerged in water up to two meters deep for up to an hour without any damage. Similar to its predecessor, the Oasis, the Kindle Paperwhite now features a flush front design, eliminating the raised bezels found in older and more economical models. This change not only enhances the device's premium feel but also provides added protection against water infiltration. Additionally, this upgrade contributes to making the Paperwhite the thinnest and lightest version to date. Another noteworthy improvement is the increase in the number of LEDs from four to five. Although seemingly minor, this enhancement significantly improves the uniformity of the front lighting, eliminating the patchy consistency observed in previous models.


2018. Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Forma



Kobo has introduced the Forma, their latest addition to the lineup of e-ink e-readers, showcasing a range of enhancements. The Forma is equipped with an 8-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) e-ink display, combining high resolution with an immersive reading experience. Its new ergonomic design stands out, featuring a handle on the side that not only provides a fresh aesthetic but also improves the device's grip. Along the right edge, convenient buttons simplify page-turning, offering a more tactile alternative to touchscreen interactions. Weighing just 197g, the Forma is approximately 15 percent lighter than the Kobo Aura One, without compromising durability. Kobo assures that the e-reader can withstand drops from two meters. Furthermore, with its IPX8 rating, the device is water-resistant and capable of enduring submersion in up to two meters of water for around 60 minutes. The Forma is available in an 8GB version starting at $299.99 CAD.


2017. Amazon's Kindle Oasis gets big and waterproof



Amazon is introducing a significant update to its flagship e-reader, Kindle Oasis, bringing about radical changes. This latest model boasts the largest screen size ever seen on a Kindle device, measuring 7 inches. Moreover, it marks Amazon's first foray into creating a waterproof e-reader. Remarkably, the device is incredibly thin on one side, measuring a mere 0.13 inches, while accommodating a thicker battery section on the other side, which measures approximately a third of an inch. To enhance the reading experience, Amazon has increased the number of LED lights positioned over the screen to 12, ensuring more uniform lighting compared to the previous 10 lights. Notably, the integration of the Audible Audio Book service is another major addition. Despite Amazon's ownership of Audible, this service was previously separate from the Kindle, but now users can conveniently browse and purchase Audible Books directly on the device. Furthermore, the Kindle Oasis now starts at a price of $249 for the 8 GB storage variant.


2015. Barnes & Noble created waterproof Nook



After more than a year since discontinuing the Nook and Nook HD+, Barnes & Noble has finally given its flagship e-reader a much-needed update with the introduction of the GlowLight Plus - the company's first waterproof e-reader. Along with its waterproof feature, the Nook GlowLight Plus introduces user profiles, catering to couples or reading partners who enjoy sharing their reading experiences. Priced at $130, the new version offers a 300ppi display, doubling the pixel density of its predecessor, and boasts a sleek aluminum body that is both slimmer and slightly heavier than the GlowLight. The addition of waterproof capabilities means Nook enthusiasts can now enjoy their favorite e-books even while indulging in a relaxing soak in the tub. The Nook GlowLight Plus is now available for purchase.


2014. Waterproof Tolino Vision 2 is available



Tolino Alliance, based in Germany, has introduced the Tolino Vision 2, a new waterproof e-reader with a design similar to its predecessor. One notable difference is its waterproof feature, resembling devices like the Kobo H2O and Pocketbook Aqua. The Tolino Vision 2 also introduces a unique functionality called Tap2Flip, transforming the entire back of the device into a pressure-sensitive touchscreen for easy page-turning in eBooks. Equipped with the latest e-Paper innovation, e Ink Carta, the Tolino Vision 2 boasts the same screen technology as the Kindle Paperwhite 2 and Kobo Aura H2O. It is important to note that although marketed as a waterproof e-reader, it is more accurately described as splash-resistant and may not withstand complete submersion in water, primarily due to the absence of a waterproof protective flap for the bottom Micro USB port.


2014. Kobo unveiled waterproof Aura H2O Reader



Kobo has unveiled the Kobo Aura H2O, a new waterproof device priced at $179, set to be released on October 1. This addition to Kobo's product lineup targets the premium segment of the market, offering a purpose-built e-reader tailored for avid readers. The Kobo Aura H2O serves as a versatile, all-terrain e-reader, catering to users who desire to bring their devices to unconventional locations such as the bathtub or the beach. With a sleeker and lighter design compared to the Kobo Aura HD, the Kobo Aura H2O features an upgraded high-definition display and a dustproof, air-tight construction that can withstand submersion in water for up to thirty minutes.