Last year blogger Michael Kozlowski of Good e-Reader decided to launch the “ultimate” eReader by starting a crowdfunding campaign for a 13.3 inch E Ink device with a high-resolution display, pen and finger touchscreen input, and Google Android software.
Like a lot of people, I was kind of skeptical, of the endeavor, which is why I didn’t write about it in 2016. But I was pleasantly surprised to notice today that some units started shipping to backers in February.
Some early users have reported problems getting the Google Play Store to work properly, but others are pleased with the hardware and see room for software-based improvements.
The 13.3 inch eReader is still available for purchase from Indiegogo for $729, but don’t expect super-quick shipping: some people who placed an order with expected delivery in September, 2016 are still waiting.
It features a 1600 x 1200 pixel E Ink Mobius display, a Freescale i.MX6 SoloLite processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage, an SD card slot for up to 32GB of removable storage, and a 1,270 mAh battery that’s said to be good for up to 4 weeks of usage.
The system comes with a pen that supports 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, letting you make hand-written notes on your reading materials or use the tablet as a sketchpad.
The system measures 310mm x 233mm x 6.6mm (12.2″ x 9.2″ x 0.26″) and weighs 350 grams (12.3 ounces)\.
Good e-Reader may be selling the tablet under its own name, but this is actually a branded version of the Netronix ED0Q02 running Android 4.0 software.
If you’re willing to spend a little more for a very similar device, you can order an Onyx BOOX Max 13.3 inch E Ink eReader with pen input from Amazon for $769.
via MobileRead
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15 Comments on "Good e-Reader’s 13.3 inch reading tablet actually started shipping this year"
Amazing device. I had to double-check the weight and still can’t believe it’s only 12.3 ounces on a device this size. The 4:3 aspect ratio is fantastic too! I’m always on the lookout for the perfect comic book reading device, even if it’s just a dedicated device. This is sooo… close. It hit all the checkmarks except color:-(
Yeah, the reason I didn’t report on this last year is because I had little faith that it would even ship in the first place. So I’m pleasantly surprised to be wrong on that front.
But it’s not like Kozlowski has any experience running this kind of business, so the delays and lack of support aren’t surprising.
I agree. Yet another reason why you have to be skeptical of hardware on indiegogo. Especially for a new group that hasn’t pulled off something similar before.
I will post updates on my refund, but I would say in this price range this device is not a bargain. The onyx book max 13.3 does have bluetooth, a speaker (text to speech support), and a microphone. And easier to buy on amazon.
I hope my eve v tablet works out…sigh.
The one thing holding me back on the boox max is no light. I read a lot at night, don’t like having room lights on.
wish these devices would go down a bit $500-$700+ is pretty steep
They’re fragile too. I’ve had too many ereaders break in my bag as they can’t be coated with some strong glass like phones/tablets. The display is the main cost so if it breaks you’re paying 80-90% of item price to replace it. This is why I no longer have ereaders, though I’d love to own a 13.3″ model for all of the one week it’d survive.
They’ll only get cheaper if there’s a market for them. Amazon sells their devices in the millions, so the development costs come out as a few pennies a sale. Not so much for these beasties.
I read the screen alone is about $520 dollars. Although the makers of the goodereader campaign claim since its plastic and not glass, it should be more flexible and less vulnerable to damage. Time will tell. Mine had a different problem. I did read somewhere samsung was working on an e-screen so if anyone can get it right, it would be them.
I have a Tolino Shine I scored on ebay for ~$15. I love it for reading books, but I’ll hold on buying a new e-reader, until a color e-ink display becomes available, because I also want to read my comics archive on it. I fell there have been no real improvement on e-readers since about the 3rd / 4th gen Kindle. Sure, slightly bigger resolution, and a bit better contrast, backlight and waterproof devices, but there is no real reason why someone using a 5-6 yo Kindle (or equivalent) should change.
If anyone is still interested…
after posting a few more inquiries to various goodereader websites, I finally got a response today about my refund. My last email was sent feb 21st…so its about 3 weeks later.
There is an issue with a chargeback which I’ll have to address on paypal, but the campaign owner was upset I didn’t call his cell to address the problem.
So if you have bought a device and have problems…email and then call his cell. Apparently.
so…they are still taking orders but there is at least a 3 month turn around time. Worse, the software is still pretty buggy and no indication when a promised android 5.0 update will be available. The onyx book max is about the same price but has a few more useful features..and will likely ship from amazon sooner. I’m still waiting on my refund due to some really annoying indiegogo policies. The usual advantage of a crowdfunded device is trying to get it cheaper if you order and wait. As the price on this is not that cheaper…it defeats the purpose somewhat. The device is nice and the screen/weight ratio is amazing, but the software is…buggy and processor slow. I would beware as for the price the use is extremely limited by the cpu and software.
Still waiting for mine. 13 months and counting…