Cover Image for The Boox Palma 2 features a faster processor and a fingerprint reader.
Wed Oct 23 2024

The Boox Palma 2 features a faster processor and a fingerprint reader.

A new version of the portable and affordable e-book reader has arrived.

Boox has unveiled the Palma 2, the new version of its smartphone-sized e-reader that has gained popularity. This model addresses several limitations of its predecessor, enhancing processor speed to eliminate interface lag and running a more recent version of Android. The Boox Palma 2 is now available for pre-order in ivory white or deep cyan black at a price of $279.99, which is exactly the same price as the original model. However, it remains pricier than some premium e-readers, such as the recently announced Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which has a significantly larger screen and a more refined interface, being offered at $199.99.

The original Palma ran on Android 11, but the new Palma 2 will debut with Android 13. Although this device retains its compact size and access to thousands of applications, making it an attractive alternative to Kindle and Kobo. The Palma 2 retains the same 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display with 300ppi as its predecessor, providing 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as well.

While specific details haven’t been shared, Boox assures that the new Palma 2 features a “faster octa-core processor,” which should improve the speed of its interface. This upgrade will also enable the device to access new features, such as an improved copy and paste system, offering a couple of years more support compared to the original model.

Another significant advancement in the Palma 2 is the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, enhancing its security by allowing quick unlocking with one hand. Additionally, the Palma 2 features a 16MP rear camera with flash, which can be used for digitizing documents, a feature that was thought might be removed in a limited version of the device intended for China.

Alongside the Palma 2, Boox has also announced two new electronic paper note-taking devices. The 10.3-inch Note Air4 C features the latest generation of E Ink Kaleido 3 display, presenting better refresh rates and an octa-core processor that, according to the company, makes the tablet 50% faster than its predecessor. Priced at $499.99, this model also runs on Android 13 and presents a new tablet-like user interface, facilitating the customization of the home screen and app organization.

The new Boox Note Max is a black-and-white tablet, stylus-compatible, with a 13.3-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display and a powerful 2.8GHz octa-core CPU. With a thickness of just 4.6 millimeters, the Note Max is nearly half the thickness of the Boox Palma 2, although unlike the other two devices launched today, it will not be available for pre-order on the company’s online store for a few more weeks.