Icarus has a new ebook reader up for pre-order called the Illumina XL HD that is expected to get released in August.
It features a 7.8-inch E Ink screen with 300 ppi, making it the first ereader to knockoff the Kobo Aura One.
However, aside from having the same screen it’s completely different than the Aura One.
The Illumina XL HD runs Android 4.2 and comes with Google Play to install apps.
It also features twice as much storage space (16GB) and RAM (1GB) as the Aura One, and it has a faster 1.8GHz processor. Plus it adds support for audio.
It’s quite a bit heavier than the Aura One though at 275 grams (the Kobo is 230 grams) and it doesn’t have the auto adjusting frontlight or the customizable color tone.
It’s hard to tell from the pictures but it doesn’t look like it has a flush glass screen either, and it’s definitely not waterproof like the Aura One.
Nonetheless, it’s good to see more 7.8-inch 300 ppi ereaders hitting the market because that’s a great screen size for reading.
The Illumina XL HD sells for €199 and is expected to get released in August. Icarus often sells their ereaders on Amazon so maybe this one will turn up there too eventually.
Specs List
- 7.8″ E-Ink Carta HD
- 1872 x 1404 resolution (300 ppi)
- 16GB internal memory (no memory card slot)
- Capacitive touchscreen
- Frontlight
- USB 2.0
- WiFi 802.11 B/G/N
- Supported formats: PDF, FB2, EPUB, RTF, MOBI, TXT, HTM, MP3, JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG
- 2800mAh battery
- Android 4.2 OS with Google Play
- Size: 145 x 200x 9mm, 275 grams
- Price: €199
Any one know if this ereader can accpet a android custom rom?
Do you know if there is a way to highlight the text?
According to the product page there’s highlighting.
Does it work well with with Pdf books (in Greek, Russian etc) ?
I’ve got a weird question for you guys. I’m looking to use an ereader primarily as text editor going forward (allows distraction-free outdoor work etc.) and currently I’m looking at the Icarus Illumina XL HD/Pro or the Onyx Boox N96.
Which would be better for text editing?
I should probably add that it would need to be able to recognise and successfully use a bluetooth keyboard.
Your best bet would be one of the newer Boox N96 Carta models. I just ordered one and plan on posting a review soon. I’m not sure a Bluetooth keyboard would even work with the new Icarus since it’s made by Boyue. I tried pairing a keyboard to the Inkbook Prime, another Boyue device, but it would only work with Bluetooth headphones. The Pro is the same as the N96 but their version still uses older Pearl screens.
Thank you for the information! how do you see the two-column pdf? Is it easy to navigate through them? Could you underline text?
I don’t think it’s even been released yet, but no ereader is going to be very good for two-column PDFs at that size. I’d go for a 10-inch or larger model.
I am debating which way to go the Kobo Aura One or the Icarus Illumina XL HD don’t know way to go. What do you recommend out of the two???
I’d recommend the Aura One over everything except maybe the new Kindle Oasis.
It should be illegal to offer devices running on Android 4.2 at this time and age… The OS was introduced 2012 and has not received any security patches for a long time.