BOOX - 6" Poke5 E-Reader - 2023

This is a very nice e-reader. The screen is very responsive and the clarity is excellent. Because it is an Android based device, the learning curve is greater than something like a Kobo, Kindle, Book or Pocketbook e-reader. But, after some initial tinkering it works perfectly as a pure reading device, although you can install almost any app from the Google Play Store. Expandable storage is a plus. I do wish the battery life was a bit better. Best to keep it on airplane mode, as WiFi and Bluetooth will drain the battery quickly. When not online, the device could last several weeks on a charge depending on how often you read, as well as how bright the front light setting is. Oh, about that front light... Don't expect an amber "warm" light. You do get the option for warmth, in addition to the standard blue/white, but the warm option isn't amber. It's more of a mild pea soup green, which is true of most Boox devices of late. Still, not unpleasant and good for night reading if the colder light bothers you at all.

If you're expecting a general purpose Android tablet, you're going to be disappointed. This is an ereader. It's all about static content. The screen is slow and at times, loading can be a little slow. But Android adds a lot compared to other devices. It means you can source content from multiple places, including those with DRM, or news-type content that's time sensitive, directly on your device. You do need mild hoop jumping for the play store, but boox's modifications to Android to handle the low refresh rate are better than any others I've experienced. I also had to turn off 5GHz wifi on my router for connection stability.

I love this book it's the right size and it allows me to listen to audiobooks on the Libby app from the library. No more worrying about my cell phone battery dying. And the screen is so easy on the eyes.