A $90 ereader to replace idle scrolling

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a pocket-sized e-reader available for approximately $90 from AliExpress or Amazon. Despite not being the fastest device, it offers a convenient form factor that's easy to carry and use one-handed, making it an ideal replacement for mindless scrolling. The device supports various e-book reader apps, with KOReader being the preferred choice for its PDF and column view capabilities. The Kindle app is also compatible, offering a faster graphic mode for page turns. A built-in browser, EInkBro, and a note-taking app are included for added functionality. The InkPalm 5 features a front light for reading in the dark and a matte screen protector for better readability. However, the battery life is shorter than traditional e-ink readers due to its small size and Android operation, lasting about 10 hours of continuous reading. The device is not recommended for heavy browsing or resource-intensive apps, but for avid readers looking to incorporate more reading into their daily routine, the InkPalm 5 is a worthwhile investment.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a pocket-sized e-reader available for about $90 on AliExpress and Amazon.
• 📱 It's designed to be phone-sized, making it easy to carry and use one-handed, similar to a smartphone.
• 🔋 The battery life is not as long as traditional e-readers due to its small size and Android operation, offering about 10 hours of reading time.
• ⚡ Despite its low specs, it charges quickly and is sufficient for reading, though not ideal for heavy browsing or resource-intensive apps.
• 📖 The device is particularly useful for replacing idle scrolling with reading, fitting conveniently into daily routines.
• 🌙 It features a front light that can be dimmed for reading in the dark, similar to a Kindle.
• 🖥 The screen is glossy but comes with a matte screen protector to reduce glare and improve readability.
• 📈 The device runs on Android, allowing for app customization and the installation of various e-reading apps.
• 📘 KOReader is recommended as the best e-book reader app for the InkPalm, supporting PDFs and offering a column view.
• 🌐 For web browsing, EInkBro is preferred for its e-book-like scrolling and navigation.
• 📝 A basic note-taking app is included for jotting down quick notes without the need for a separate device.
• 🛍️ The device does not come with Google Play, but users can install apps manually, with more details provided in the description.

Q & A

What is the name of the e-reader device that is being discussed in the transcript?

The e-reader device being discussed is the Moaan InkPalm 5.

How much does the Moaan InkPalm 5 cost and where can it be purchased?

The Moaan InkPalm 5 can be bought for about $90 from AliExpress, and it is also available on Amazon.

What is the advantage of the smaller form factor of the InkPalm 5?

The smaller form factor makes the InkPalm 5 easier to carry and use one-handed, and it can be picked up in the same handful as a phone.

What is the reviewer's favorite ebook reader app for the InkPalm 5?

The reviewer's favorite ebook reader app for the InkPalm 5 is KOReader.

How does the battery life of the InkPalm 5 compare to traditional e-ink readers like a Kindle or a Nook?

The InkPalm 5 has a shorter battery life compared to traditional e-ink readers because it is smaller and runs Android.

What is the approximate reading time one can expect from a full charge on the InkPalm 5 when using KOReader?

On KOReader, one can expect about 10 hours of straight reading from a full charge on the InkPalm 5.

What is the reviewer's opinion about the built-in browser on the InkPalm 5?

The reviewer does not use the built-in browser and instead prefers using one called EInkBro, which offers a more ebook-like scrolling experience.

How does the reviewer feel about the screen quality of the InkPalm 5 after applying the matte screen protector?

The reviewer states that although applying the matte screen protector reduces some sharpness, the screen is still sharp enough to read small characters and considers it a worthy tradeoff, especially considering the price.

What is the reviewer's recommendation for using resource-intensive apps on e-ink or for note-taking?

The reviewer recommends other devices for using resource-intensive apps on e-ink and for note-taking, as the InkPalm 5 is more suited for reading.

What does the reviewer suggest for those who need to install additional apps on the InkPalm 5 without Google Play?

The reviewer mentions that installing additional apps without Google Play is an easy process and provides more details in the description.

How does the reviewer describe the convenience of using the InkPalm 5?

The reviewer describes the convenience of the InkPalm 5 as being able to fill in moments of mindless scrolling with reading, due to its pocket-sized form factor and ease of use.

What is the overall impression of the reviewer about the InkPalm 5?

The reviewer is very happy with the InkPalm 5, stating that it has helped them to read more throughout the day and that their $100 was well spent.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Pocket-Sized E-Reader: Moaan InkPalm 5 Overview

The Moaan InkPalm 5 is a compact e-reader with a phone-sized e-ink display, which is gaining popularity without the hefty price tag. Available for approximately $90 on AliExpress and also on Amazon, it's a great value for reading enthusiasts. The device is shown next to an iPhone 12 Mini and a Kindle Paperwhite to illustrate its size. Although not the fastest or most feature-rich e-reader, it's a solid choice for reading. The convenience of its smaller form factor makes it easy to carry and use one-handed, fitting in the same hand as a phone. The presenter has been using it exclusively for reading and appreciates the ability to replace mindless scrolling with reading. The InkPalm comes with a glossy screen but includes a matte screen protector for better readability. The device runs on Android, which affects its battery life, offering about 10 hours of continuous reading or 2-3 days of use for the presenter. Despite the lower specs, it's suitable for reading but not for heavy browsing. Apps need to be installed manually without Google Play, and the device comes with the Kindle app pre-installed. The presenter is satisfied with the device, noting that it has helped to increase their daily reading.

Keywords

e-reader

An e-reader, short for electronic reader, is a portable electronic device designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital e-books and periodicals. In the video, the e-reader in question is the Moaan InkPalm 5, which is highlighted for its pocket-sized form factor and affordability, making it a convenient alternative to traditional book reading and idle scrolling on phones.

e-ink

E-ink is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper, offering a more comfortable reading experience that is easier on the eyes, especially in bright sunlight. The Moaan InkPalm 5 features e-ink technology, which is a key selling point for those looking to replace the habit of scrolling on phone screens with a more book-like reading experience.

AliExpress

AliExpress is an online retail service based in China that is part of the Alibaba Group. It is known for offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. In the context of the video, AliExpress is mentioned as one of the platforms where the Moaan InkPalm 5 can be purchased, indicating its availability and accessibility to a broad consumer base.

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite is a model of Amazon's line of e-readers, known for its high-resolution display and built-in front light for reading in various lighting conditions. The video compares the Moaan InkPalm 5 to a Kindle Paperwhite, emphasizing the InkPalm's portability and price while acknowledging the Kindle's superior display quality.

KOReader

KOReader is an open-source ebook reader application that supports multiple formats and has a variety of customizable features. It is mentioned in the video as the presenter's favorite app for the InkPalm 5, highlighting its compatibility and the ability to read PDFs and utilize column views, which adds to the device's functionality for reading.

Moon Reader

Moon Reader is an ebook reader application that is also mentioned in the video. While it is a viable option for reading on the InkPalm 5, the presenter expresses a preference for KOReader due to Moon Reader's interface not being fully optimized for e-ink technology, which affects the user experience.

front light

A front light is a feature commonly found in e-readers that illuminates the screen from the front, allowing for comfortable reading in low-light conditions. The video discusses the InkPalm 5's front light, noting that it can be dimmed sufficiently for reading in the dark, which is a significant feature for avid readers.

EInkBro

EInkBro is a web browser designed for e-ink devices, offering a user experience similar to scrolling through an ebook. The video praises EInkBro for its ability to navigate web pages in a manner that is more akin to reading a book than using a traditional web browser, which enhances the overall reading experience on the InkPalm 5.

Unlauncher

Unlauncher is a launcher application for e-ink devices that provides a streamlined and customizable interface. In the video, it is contrasted with the stock launcher that comes with the InkPalm 5, with the presenter preferring Unlauncher for its simplicity and the ability to tailor it to their needs.

battery life

Battery life refers to the amount of time a device can operate before needing to be recharged. The video points out that the InkPalm 5's battery life is not as long-lasting as traditional e-readers like Kindles due to its small size and the use of Android operating system. However, the presenter notes that the device charges quickly and the battery life is sufficient for their reading habits.

resource-intensive apps

Resource-intensive apps are applications that require a significant amount of a device's processing power, memory, or storage. The video mentions that the InkPalm 5, while suitable for reading, is not ideal for running such apps due to its lower specifications, which could lead to a slower and less responsive user experience.

Highlights

Moaan InkPalm 5 is a pocket-sized e-reader available for about $90 from AliExpress and Amazon.

The device is not the fastest but offers a great value for reading.

Its small form factor makes it easy to carry and use one-handed.

The convenience of the InkPalm 5 can replace mindless scrolling with reading.

KOReader is the preferred ebook reader app for the InkPalm 5.

The InkPalm 5 supports turning pages with volume buttons.

Moon Reader is another compatible app, though KOReader is preferred for its optimization.

The Kindle app works well in faster graphic mode, avoiding page animation when using side buttons.

Libby app allows borrowing library books, and the animation can't be turned off.

EInkBro is a recommended browser for its ebook-like scrolling experience.

A basic note-taking app is included for jotting down quick notes.

Unlauncher provides a cleaner interface than the stock launcher.

The InkPalm 5 has a front light that can be dimmed for reading in the dark.

A matte screen protector is included to improve the reading experience.

The battery life is shorter than traditional e-readers due to its size and Android operation.

Reading time on KOReader is about 10 hours straight or 2-3 days of regular use.

The InkPalm 5 charges quickly, mitigating concerns about battery life.

The device is not suitable for heavy browsing or resource-intensive apps due to its low specs.

Apps other than Kindle need to be installed manually without Google Play.

The InkPalm 5 has been a valuable addition for increasing daily reading habits.

While the InkPalm 5 is a niche device, it offers excellent value for the price.