The folks from Arta Tech released two new 6-inch ebook readers last month, the InkBook Prime and the InkBook Classic 2, and both are now available from Amazon.
The InkBook Classic 2 became available a few weeks ago for $89, and now they’ve got the InkBook Prime available for $139 with free shipping.
It’s not in stock until next week but orders can be placed now.
The InkBook Prime has a couple of new interesting features going for it.
On the surface the InkBook Prime looks like an attempt at a premium ereader, but they forgot to include a high-resolution screen—it still uses a 212 ppi E Ink Carta display like the much-cheaper InkBook Obsidian.
The screen has one difference in that it uses new “Rapid Refresh” technology. They neglect to go into any detail about it so I guess we’ll have to wait and see how it compares to existing products.
Another surprise in the specs is the fact that they list a quad-core Cortex A9 processor that goes up to 1.6 GHz, which would make it the first E Ink ereader to get a processor upgrade in several years.
RAM is 512MB. It comes with 8GB of internal storage space and it supports microSD cards up to 32GB.
Other features include the addition of Bluetooth, it has Wi-Fi, a frontlight, and a capacitive touchscreen, with page buttons on each side of the screen.
Like the other InkBook models it runs open Android 4.2.2 so there’s no change there. It comes with the Midiapolis app store, not Google Play.
It supports the usual list of formats, like ePub and PDF, plus many others via Android apps.
Another interesting detail, the description says that the touchscreen can be turned off to avoid accidental presses—that would be a first for an ereader.
Does the Prime have audio? Amazon says nothing about it.
By the way, I’m still waiting for your mentioned review of the Airbook City LED?
Yeah, it has Bluetooth for audio. I forgot to add the link to the main InkBook website for more details: https://inkbook.eu/shop/inkbook-prime/
Also, I never mentioned anything about reviewing the Airbook. I would but there just isn’t enough interest in off-brand ereaders like Airbook to justify the time and expense. A review of a Kindle’s USB port would probably get ten times more views. 😀
I can’t find your post about the Airbook, but I do remember “thinking” you mentioned a review.
Didn’t you use to have a site search button?
Here’s the page: Airbook City LED. The search box is in the upper right in the header but it won’t appear if you’re using an adblocker.
Hmmm, so much for “thinking”.
Thanks, Nathan.
I’m new so if I buy this thing I can read B&N and Kobe books also? With my Kindle I cannot do this.
It can read Kobo ebooks but not Nook books unless the Android app works well enough with E Ink but that’s usually not the case.
Hi,
do you know if the front light can be turned off?
Yeah, frontlights can always be turned off, or in the case of the Kindle it’s low enough you can’t tell it’s on.
Hello! Does this model allow connection to a keyboard via Bluetooth or USB? I’m looking for my first e-reader and that feature is rather important to me.
No, I couldn’t get a keyboard to work, only headphones and speakers.