A $90 ereader to replace idle scrolling

If $300 for a Boox Palma or $200++ for a Hisense seem too much for distraction-free reading, maybe this $90 ereader is for you. This Moaan Inkpalm 5 Mini review also covers using Kindle and Libby, and apps like KOReader - to show you can meet your reading and productivity goals with an e-ink screen that actually fits in your pocket.
Moaan InkPalm 5 Mini on AliExpress (Xiaomi Global Electronics Store): www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Moaan InkPalm 5 Mini on Amazon: amzn.to/3Q4Ifj0 (at a chunky markup)
🌱 Sign up for the Leaflet for newsletter-exclusive content and hand-picked tips, delivered right to your inbox: pixel-leaves.com/theleaflet 🌱
▬▬▬ Extra InkPalm tips ▬▬▬
Note that I have an InkPalm MINI/32GB. There is also an InkPalm PRO, which has 64GB storage, but is the same specs otherwise. The InkPalm PLUS (orange back), on the other hand, is newer, bigger and has more RAM, and is more expensive.
► My device came already in English, and with Kindle and Amazon App Store already installed. All I had to do was log into the Amazon App Store app, no rooting or command line required. This might vary depending on vendor.
► To easily install Unlauncher, KOReader, EInkBro, Markor: Download the F-droid .apk at f-droid.org and put the apk file in your Inkpalm. Then simply open the apk file on the Inkpalm to install it*. You can then use the F-droid app store to browse and install the other apps.
(*The same process, to download the apk and then open on-device, can be followed to install any apps not on F-droid.)
► If you're looking for an ebook font that's better than the default options, my favorite free one is Literata: fonts.google.com/specimen/Lit...
► I did disable a bunch of unused stock apps and services on the Inkpalm, but this is entirely at your preference (and risk).
I used the list/guide here on GitHub (section 5): github.com/philips/inkpalm-5-... and the list on this Reddit post: / inkpalm_5_apps
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 inkpalm
01:08 demo - kindle, libby, koreader, moon reader etc
03:11 other pros and cons
STUFF I USE DAILY
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pixel-leaves.com/gear
CUSTOMIZABLE E-INK DOWNLOADS
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Fully customizable linked PDF notebooks and editable templates for Supernote, Kindle Scribe, Remarkable and Boox e-ink tablets.
🛒 on Etsy at pixelleaves.etsy.com and at hellopixelleaves.com
▬▬▬ To buy me a ☕ ▬▬▬
ko-fi.com/pixelleaves
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♪ “Morning Calm” & "Rain and Vibe" - StreamBeats by Harris Heller
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6GTRL...
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This video description contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission for purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you.

[@pixelleaves]

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[@catpawjack7687]

You can turn off animations from developer options on every android device.

[@carl4352]

Thanks for shining a light on the niche that is tiny ereaders. I really think it’s an under appreciated market and it’s cool to see another Korea’s enthusiast. Great video

[@BrandonKBoswell]

This is a great video (as usual). Making reading as effortless as doom-scrolling is 100% the goal. Thank you for the mention!

[@pixelleaves]

Thank you for watching Brandon, that means a lot coming from you! :)

[@jmanjuice710]

100% 💯

[@vernabailey3671]

This is a great alternative to the Palma. Thanks! I wasn’t going to spend almost 300 for the Palma but 90 is doable.

[@eunicecontreras5690]

I’m already envisioning myself sneaking in reading time at concerts where you can only take a small clutch with you. This is a great review. Thank you for sharing!

[@sebdoesntreply]

Just got this one! It's great how much having a dedicated device for reading always at hand makes it so much more likely that I do!

[@bobbyhinner3225]

I got the boox palma and a phone sized ereader has really changed things. Much less doom scrolling and the issues that come with overuse of social media. It is really my favorite device.

[@myster8769]

I love your videos. I started watching them last year when I was looking for references of the Supernote A5X and last January I just got it. I mainly use it for studying and annotating pdfs for school. It is the best investment I have ever made. And now I am liking this device since I have been trying to build my reading habit and it is just perfect for that along with ending mindless scrolling (which is highly toxic haha)

[@mr.stu.425]

I just ordered one. I’m so excited.

[@rina7497]

I also have this ereader and I love it so much. I really didn't like how big and heavy the Hisense and Boox Palma were. I love how it's only as big as my iPhone 13 mini too. I use it when I'm on the go or when I'm lying down on bed trying to unwind. Koreader kinda drives me crazy though because I can't figure out how to make the settings be the same across all ebooks like what Moonreader does. Moonreader has an E-ink mode of some sorts but it's just turning off the animations, but I love how the library is organized by series instead of by folder like the Koreader. My only wish is that I could annotate in this reader faster though. :')

[@pixelleaves]

I feel like this reader is so underrated and could hardly find any videos on it in English, so it’s really cool to hear you have one and like it too! It did take me a bit to set up KOReader, it has maybe the densest menu system I’ve seen in an app like this… 😅

[@DarkStarPL]

Many of KOReader settings are applied per ebook, however you can set them to be the defaults if you long-press on them. They should have a star icon displayed next to them and those settings should carry over to the other ebooks. I'm not sure if all settings can be adjusted like that, but the ones pertaining to the reader app, grouped under the second menu from the left (the icon looks like a page of text) can. Things like the font, style adjustments, footnotes, etc.

[@katherinelangford981]

The smaller form factor is nice for sure. These things have just gotten bigger and bigger. I have one called a Kobo Mini that fits in a pocket simialr to a phone and it's way more convenient for carrying and getting in some.extra reading. It's nice to know there's an alternative when that finally gives up the ghost or as a gift.

[@minttea99]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've been eyeing this for a while but was put off by the battery capacity. As a daily user of e-reader, totally agree with you on the mobility advantage of this size. I could see myself keeping my current device for comic and reading at home while having this handy one to read on my daily commute I wish there will be more e-reader with this form factor in the future. Just a reading device, no fancy stuff like web browsing, application blah blah. A built in dictionary, warm backlight, a decent battery and pocket size is all we need. Hope this reaches the marketing & product design team from these brands cuz I think there's definitely a market for this

[@kuemagecollector]

Thank you! I had the palma and returned it. I know that size is only good for reading. So, palma wasn't worth the price but this you showed us is a really good value.

[@pixelleaves]

Happy to help! I personally couldn’t bring myself to spend that much for a device this size just for reading so I was really happy to find this one

[@ajwalker4416]

Interesting to see this at a different price point. I already have a Scribe and a Paperwhite so I'd be hard-pressed to find a reason to get another device for reading even at $90 but it's nice to know this product exists.

[@dboyedoe]

KOReader is siiiiiiiickkkk. I use it on my phone and the pdf + epub import comes in clutch.

[@sadiaafrin4825]

I just ordered a hisense touch just for the smaller size. With the new kobo release, I was debating if I would use the mobile size reader at all or should sell it when it comes. Your video again inspired me to stick to it. I read mostly on phone during journey, so hopefully this will increase my reading count Thank you for your videos. I also ordered nomad just to go minimal and your videos helped a lot

[@2rx_bni]

Thank you for reviewing this. Been wondering. I am still considering a HiSense for a phone but not right now since I just lost my job. This is way more affordable.

[@Change-1820]

Thank you for this video, I enjoy your perspective. I have been talking a lot lately about intentional tech use and this fits into that category. I think the trap we all fall into, myself included, is either not wanting to carry another device or expecting one device to do everything. I think I am at least done looking for the "unicorn" device at this point.

[@pixelleaves]

I’ve seen your videos and posts on the subreddits! Appreciate the comment, and totally agree. Thanks for watching!

[@alberte6109]

Neat, studying in China right now and a pocketable E-reader would be useful right now.

[@Palabyab]

Oh wow this is tempting

[@zorglubmagnus455]

This is amazing!

[@Tocy777isback0414]

and the fun part of KOReader is taht you can sync reading progress across devices

[@SpaceTimeBeing_]

It needs to be a tiny bit more powerful to at least make the animation smoother, this slowness doesn't seem to be because of the eink display's rendering time.

[@MAllen-ec9by]

Interesting that you bought this to read books when I does so much more and looks like it has a lot of distractions, I like the thought of reading books over a range of devices too, but to have that many apps on it, I wouldn't get much reading done? Don't get me wrong, I may yet purchase this device, (for work, pdf manuals, and there are a lot?) but I recently bought the Kobo Colour Libra, and I like the direction they have gone down, as now with colour it's a better experience. Though with reading, B/W is my preferred choice. Size would also be an issue as this device is not for the older generation, (eye's you know?) But you covered the device well, and the longer battery life, and the fact it can speak any book, that might be the reason alone to buy it? I haven't seen that feature since they removed it from the Kindle? Well done, great Review.

[@xpmon]

Fyi if you like this i would suggest poke boox 3 or 5, 7 inch but a bit wider than the moaan but can comfortably hold in one hand. Boox ereaders are android based so you have a lot of options of ereader apps

[@Majo2011G]

I have an inkpalm 5 too, got it like 2 weeks ago, with koreader too. But I was reading on a physical book so I haven't used it that much

[@whitty9216]

Hey I've got one of these too! I have mine set up pretty similarly, though i didn't realize the libby app would run on it. I'll have to get that set up

[@pixelleaves]

Glad the demo helped! :)

[@kevenreis224]

I hope big tech companies like apple and samsung launch products like this. This is a must for anyone who wants to consume digital content and stay focused (and sane).

[@Chessskid]

they released an upgraded version of this called the inkpalm pro and it has more ram and storage and is only like $10-$15 more. buy that one.

[@pixelleaves]

It only has more storage, actually, same RAM. I don’t need that much space so I opted for this one since I love the color. The Plus (which is bigger) does have more RAM though!

[@bremsberg]

The idea is great but the battery life is a no-go for me. Would like to see that thing running something less power consuming. Good overview though.

[@gerrya2133]

Kindle works and buttons for page turning? And only $90? That seems pretty cool.

[@sr2291]

Does it have a bold font?

[@gilbertpillbrow6978]

I've got a Kobo Libra 2. I take it everywhere and I don't own a smartphone

[@sariosario6631]

Can it read epub or mobi file format ? And work similar to moon reader ?

[@Adamborries]

Is there any way to get Google Play Store on it?

[@LenaMellow]

Looks like the Boox Palma.

[@TheBlueGirl18]

Interesting

[@weasleyblue7733]

hey have you tried using Reader Readwise on the device? how is it?

[@HonestyOwl]

I tried it a few months ago and the app loads but only displayed blank documents. I emailed support but they didn’t seem interested in addressing bugs in eink devices at this time.

[@toomanybarts]

That’s a deal breaker for me - if it’s not an ebook on kindle then really it’s all ReadWise. Hope the devs see this post!

[@leonboy9388]

Nice video! How heavy is this reader?

[@pixelleaves]

115g, super light!

[@Catkovi]

What do you think about the quality? Is the 284 PPI good? Does it provide sharp image?

[@pixelleaves]

I think it’s quite good! Though, again, applying the matte screen protector takes the sharpness down a little bit, so it really depends on your priorities. I know some other users on r/ereader prioritize the sharpness over the finish and leave the screen protector off

[@Catkovi]

@@pixelleaves Thank you! I prefer shiny screen so I will definitely going to get this ereader! AndI was about to buy Palma :D

[@zorglubmagnus455]

I’ve been waiting for Apple to offer this of the reverse side of the iPhone.

[@siraa__27]

Can this open pdf file

[@iantullie]

I've been tempted by this, but not sure that having a separate device is something I would naturally keep on me at all times, unlike my phone which has the Kindle app (etc) to enable me to read when I'm away from my Kindle. How do you think it compares to using the app on a phone (pros and cons)?

[@pixelleaves]

Honestly, I absolutely hate reading long form on a regular screen. I’m usually reading a book or more a week so that’s a lot of time staring at a device, and I find e-ink way easier on the eyes. I also enjoy getting lost in a good book on something without notifications etc, so a phone app is a non starter for me 😅 Different for everyone though!

[@iantullie]

@@pixelleaves Thanks for replying! I completely take your point on reading for a long time on regular screens, but I'm not away from my Kindle for long. If I were, then this device looks ideal - and I'm still tempted by it!

[@mfmr200]

too small though, how wide is the screen

[@jymkym11]

Where did you find a case for it, I've looked all over.

[@pixelleaves]

The one in the video came with the reader since I got the reader+case bundle, and I just stuck the loop on the back. I also picked up a translucent one to show off the color from an Asian Amazon equivalent, but they definitely just dropshipped it from Aliexpress because it's the same photo as this listing: www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804177485749.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.11.464314ed409SAk&algo_pvid=e6767f96-7b31-47d7-bc1e-3dfd28e0c933&algo_exp_id=e6767f96-7b31-47d7-bc1e-3dfd28e0c933-5&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%212.69%212.29%21%21%212.69%212.29%21%402101efab17137737375905466e9205%2112000028915369625%21sea%21US%211802788012%21&curPageLogUid=cB9uYO1g1FVO&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

[@wesleythompson5914]

I had the same problem but live down the street from a Dollar store. I brought my reader with and dug through the assortment of cheap cases. One of the iPhone ones fit perfectly side to side and had approx 5mm extra space top to bottom. Total cost was $1.25 US

[@girlyvoice3210]

I feel like this should have been either a slim usb second screen for your phone, or a full fledged phone

[@kompassorpigo7600]

Does it do audiobooks? I hate straining my eyes unnecessarily when TTS is a thing.

[@cha7er]

it has android, im sure theres ebook apps with tts

[@mindovermatter1453]

I want this but i would like to know how the english translation of the system is

[@wesleythompson5914]

It is pretty decent translation. There are a few tutorials that will walk you through the setup. And if I can figure it out, I guarantee you can.

[@GaiaCarney]

Thanks @pixelleaves 🕊 I didn’t know these little ereaders existed!

[@abhilashjonna3386]

Kindle 6" actually fits in pocket

[@benxneo]

can u use it for music?

[@pixelleaves]

Yes, technically, but I wouldn’t-you’ll drain that battery so fast!

[@tanura5830]

Just read on phone when you are outside and read on bigger ereader at home. Doesnt make sense to carry two phone sized devices

[@flmalegre]

Koreader gang

[@rondhi2]

The AliExpress link is broken 😢

[@pixelleaves]

You can try again now, just replaced the link, but if that's still not showing up not sure what's wrong :( You could try searching Ali and just choosing the listing from the same shop

[@TheBloodyNights]

This does look pretty cool, however...I don't think I'd bring it over my phone, nor do I think I would carry this and my phone at the same time. However I've also never had an e-reader before, nor do I read many books, though I'd like to change that in the future. Though I'm curious how much better and E-reader is over just using the Eye shield feature most modern smart phones have now.

[@copywritingbyrazvan249]

As a Kindle Scribe user, I find this amusingly small.

[@antoniogordo4149]

can you play podcast?

[@HonestyOwl]

Yes with a Bluetooth device

[@thatsnatss]

Kindle is the same price.

[@thepaintedsock]

Looks frustratingly slow and flickery

[@carlwadley1175]

M

[@hackk37]

Boox Palma way better

[@bonle3771]

It need to be a phone

[@fcf8269]

Looks good but you forgot demographic. You may be young and still have good eyes, but most people that buy products like e-reader are not that young and are often with problems to their eyes. So such small device is not feasible, even if the form factor is portable. A kindle is probably the best fit in terms of viewable size and portability for the demographic at which such products aim. I won't hold my breath to see people walking around with e-readers that are younger than 50 to be honest; as the devices sold these days to kids are phones and not e-reader. This is why you don't see that many devices sold in that form factor, like this one you show. IF these devices were also phones, then yes, things would be way different, as you use it as phone mainly and for email maybe; and also read on it; but as pure reader, it is a niche of a niche, which works for some people like us, but you still have to carry 2-3 devices to be "functional" during the day (if you have a standard job of course; otherwise this does not apply of course)

[@pixelleaves]

While I agree an older person may want a bigger device for efficiency if using a larger font, I would like to push back on ereaders as an over 50 thing. Anecdotally, I personally know many more people with Kindles and Kobos below the age of 50 than over it. Of the videos on phone-size devices I show in the intro, the most viewed one there is by KZbinr jvscholz, who is an undergrad. Some of the most-viewed videos on Kindles are by productivity KZbinr Ali Abdaal who is in his late 20s. Eink is more comfortable for long reading sessions, even without specific eye issues, and there are many younger avid readers of ebooks (and/or fanfic). That said, I acknowledge this form factor is not for everyone regardless of age; it being a niche in a niche I agree with. I just had to gush since I’ve been really enjoying it so far!

[@liliajoon]

Would like to second what OP says here. The first time I heard about kindle was when I was in high school coming from a fellow high schooler. The second time I heard about how someone loved their ereader was in college. The amount of people under 50 using ereaders is immense. There’s also all of BookTube to peruse through to see how many folks under 50 are avid readers and love ereaders for the portability. I’d be interested to see the stats of sales…

[@fcf8269]

@@pixelleaves Yes, increase font size works for some cases; but with such small surface you end up hitting the limits of what makes sense though. There is a reason why some devices have specific size: 6 inches for a phone, 10 to 13 for a tablet and readers being in the 7-13 range for most part. I am not saying that e-readers are a "old person item"; I am just saying that by demographic, some categories of people are more likely to use it. A young person, unless is into the "no distractions" or "ecology" train of thoughts, would not like to have a separate device just for reading, when a tablet or computer can do that way better as single device. My point is merely in saying that function without substance is just serving the purpose of a small niche of users, while having something that serve more roles, simplify our lives. I don't give up on my phone for a dedicated reader, but I would throw away my phone in a flash if there was a reader that would let me make call, send email and use productivity apps as my phone does :) Then of course to each their own, that was never a problem to start with. I just see those devices being incomplete and a waste of money in my eyes, until they can do what a phone can do. Otherwise, a kindle is the perfect compromise for reading and portability for me (which is again, subjective, but most data show that some form factor are better than others for specific usages)

[@fcf8269]

@@liliajoon The data about e-readers sale seems to dispute that experience of yours though. Today unless you are into no-distraction philosophy (which can be solved by turning off notifications and internet from any device, let's be real) or you want to save paper, you won't be gravitating towards e-readers unless you are an avid reader. Most of the kindle sales are coming from people using the kindle books store; and readers can be of any age of course; but when you market something portable, that compete with a phone or foldable device, you are going in a territory where it makes little sense for a large target group of users to be in it. I know young people that read books, and old folks that go totally digital; but those are incidental and mostly based on my limited pool of contacts. When we look at actual sales data and demographics, the picture is way different. Amazon invented the ereader market with Sony in the end, and they never planned a device smaller than the one they always sold, so that should tell you something about market research and where a company make a profit.

[@user-lu8ue4ns4w]

Sorry, but what are you on about? Most content on Kindles and Kobo on Booktube/Booktok are made by younger creators for their audience, who is mostly 30 and below on average. I'm in my mid-20s and almost everyone I know around my age group has or wants an ereader. Even Facebook groups for kindles exist with members up to 100-200k people, and they are all relatively young. think your views on this piece of tech is extremely outdated, and frankly, instead of this creator forgetting the demographics, I believe you're the one who is mistaken and you're actually not the target demographic of this video and reader.

[@giannismentz3570]

It's not a great buy no. epaper displays are still expensive. This serves one function only, that is reading. And for that function alone, this is not a good form factor. You need a bigger one, and you might need it to be able to open pdf as well to be useful. And those are expensive.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Order placed

[@pixelleaves]

Hope you like yours as much as I do mine!

[@dayeah765caoni3]

@@pixelleavesI’m sure. 👍 I’ve been looking for an affordable/small e-reader for WeChat read app for a while now😂

[@itsphuntyme4965]

I own a Boox Palma and to be honest, I wish I bought this instead. I only use it for reading and while having android built into it is cool, but my phone does all the things I thought I was going to use the Palma for.