I came across a video on YouTube that was uploaded yesterday comparing two 8-inch ebook readers, the Onyx Boox i86ML and PocketBook InkPad.
The most interesting thing about the video isn’t the comparison itself, it’s the fact that the Onyx Boox i86 shown in the video, the i86 ML, has a frontlight, and the video was uploaded by eReader Store, so it stands to reason they are going to start selling them at some point soon.
The i86 first appeared 1 year ago this month but delays kept it from ever getting released.
The Boox i86 started selling from a few places a couple months back, but it was a model without a frontlight, and was rumored to be a pre-production model that wasn’t supposed to be released.
Now the i86 ML with frontlight has emerged, and it looks like it could be a really good all around ereader.
There are very few options for ebook readers with larger screens, and while the i86 isn’t as big as the Boox M96 or Sony DPT-S1, the 8-inch E Ink screen is a good step up from 6-inch screen that most ereaders use. And with the added benefit of the frontlight, which the larger ereaders don’t have, it’s a good compromise in more ways than one.
The screen on the i86 looks fantastic in the video below. The frontlight is evenly distributed and has a natural tone. Text is clear and dark with the 1600 x 1200 E Ink screen. Plus the i86 runs Android, so it’s open to all kinds of possibilities.
So far the i86 ML isn’t for sale anywhere yet but I’ll keep you posted when it turns up. Subscribe to The eBook Reader Blog for updates.
Thank you for the info; I’ve been waiting over a year for this to finally be released. Hopefully it comes out soon.
God bless,
very nice. the onyx is looking very good
I think it is also important to mention some new technical details about i86 ML:
It has got an IR touch screen. The screen has got the highest possible contrast. (Other 8″ devices have got capacitive touch screen – i kind of transparent layer above the actual screen, which still affects contrast of the image a little bit)
We are going to offer a “plus” version of i86 ML with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage (regular version has got 512MB RAM and 4GB Storage)
Cool, thanks for the info, Booxtor. When are you expected to start selling them?
You are welcome 🙂
We expect to start selling within of 2-3 weeks. Our new batch is already in production.
Hi Booxtor,
ABout 1GB Ram version: Will it be available within 2-3 weeks or it will take longer to launch?
Where to preorder one please?!
Hello Booxtor,
Will you sell any more of the i86ML in the near future?
I would be very interested.
At last! Been waiting for this for a long while. Thank you!
How do you feel its ability in the PDFs reading?
Comparing to the m96c
They’re made company so all the features and apps will be the same, just a different size screen. Check back in a few weeks. I plan on posting a review.
Hi Nathan! The Onyx Boox i86ML sounds wonderful. Do you know if it has Bluetooth? I’m also curious about whether the screen is Pearl or Carta. Thanks!
Not positive but the non-frontlit one has Bluetooth, and I think it uses a Triton screen, minus the color.
Hi all,
I’m getting antsy. Just sold my arta-tech version of the Onyx Boox M96. That was a superb reader, but the lack of a front-light became a little annoying over time. Hoping the i86 gets released soon!
Nathan, I also look forward to your review.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
hello
is the i86 review plan abandoned?
i hope not..
I won’t be posting one but other readers might. There was quick review just posted the comment before yours: http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2015/05/28/onyx-boox-i86-with-frontlight-pre-orders/#comment-272944