Hey Habr! ONYX BOOX has a large number of e-books for any task in its arsenal - it's great when there is a choice, but if it is very large, then it's easy to get confused. To prevent this from happening, we tried to make the most detailed reviews on our blog, from which the positioning of a particular device is clear.
But a little over a month ago, the company freaked out and released several 6-inch e-books at once. Having used them, we decided not to do a detailed review of each, but to collect summary information on new products in one publication. Welcome under cat.
All new e-books are representatives of existing ONYX BOOX reader lines: Caesar 3, Vasco da Gama 3, Darwin 5, Darwin 6 and Monte Cristo 4. We will dwell on the last model in more detail in a separate review, but for now let's talk about the rest.
What common?
To begin with - briefly about what unites these devices (not for nothing that they were presented together?). Firstly, all book readers are based on a quad-core processor, which primarily differs not so much in its power as in its power saving capabilities. When the book is in "idle" mode, the cores are disabled automatically, which allows you to increase the battery life of the device with the same battery capacity. The new processor works better with "heavy" documents and helps to increase the speed of the reader as a whole.
In addition, all new products have the MOON Light + function for smooth backlight control. Moreover, you can not only change the brightness, but adjust the temperature: for warm and cold light, there are 16 "saturation" divisions each, which adjust the backlight shade. In fact, this is an independent adjustment of the brightness of "warm" and "cold" LEDs, which allows you to adjust the backlight to the ambient light. So, for example, in the daytime it is more pleasant to read from a white screen, in the evening (especially if there is no lamp at hand) - set up a predominantly yellow tint, since the blue color slows down the production of melatonin, which is responsible for sleep. Even in pitch darkness, half the backlight value is enough. With active backlighting, the maximum brightness of the white field is approximately 215 cd/m². This is an important feature of ONYX BOOX readers, which has found a place in all the manufacturer's flagships, while in most other e-readers the screen still just glows white (at best, white with a tint, which does not really change the essence).
The screens of new devices are still perfect for reading in bright sunlight. Even if you decide to read on the beach, you will not notice any glare, unlike tablets, where a matte film saves a little from glare.
In fairness, it’s worth saying that many smartphones, tablets and computers now have the function of adjusting the backlight shades, but in mobile devices the light is directed directly into the eyes, so it can be difficult to read for a long time before going to bed on an iPhone or other smartphone. In an e-reader, the backlight illuminates the screen from the side, which is why the eyes do not get tired even after several hours of reading.
Left to right: ONYX BOOX Vasco da Gama 3, Caesar 3, Darwin 5, Darwin 6
Another common feature of the presented readers is support for the SNOW Field screen mode, which reduces the number of artifacts on the E-Ink screen during partial redrawing, which is what most e-books sin like that. If you activate it, full redrawing while reading simple text documents is completely disabled, which helps a lot when working with graphs and diagrams in PDF format.
All devices (Caesar 3, Vasco da Gama 3, Darwin 5 and Darwin 6) run Android 4.4 KitKat. Not Android P, of course, but the reader doesn't need more.
Now let's move on to the most interesting - the differences between the presented e-books, because they will help determine the main purpose of a particular device.
ONYX BOOX Caesar 3
| Display | 6″, E Ink Carta, 758×1024 dots, 16 grayscale, SNOW Field |
| backlight | MOON Light + |
| Operating system | Android 4.4 |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, capacity 3000 mAh |
| Processor | quad-core, 1.2 GHz |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Built-in Memory | 8 GB |
| Memory card | MicroSD/MicroSDHC |
| Supported Formats | TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, FB3, FB2.zip, DOC, DOCX, PRC, MOBI, CHM, PDB, EPUB, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, PDF, DjVu |
| Dimensions | 170 × 117 × 8,7 mm |
| The weight | 182 g |
This is the youngest model in the line, which in the new iteration received an E Ink Carta screen with an increased resolution. The control is carried out only by mechanical buttons, the display is not touch-sensitive. At the same time, the reader has a proprietary software shell ONYX BOOX, which is an "add-on" to Android, supports all major text and graphic formats, and also allows you to work with texts in other languages - some of the dictionaries are already preinstalled here.
For whom: for those who primarily need a good e-book to read without needing additional features.
Despite the fact that this is one of the most affordable ONYX BOOX readers, it has not been spared by the increased amount of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory - plus there is always the possibility to expand the storage by installing memory cards.
The case is made in black matte color, made of good plastic. The control buttons are only physical - the touch screen was not delivered, for this you already need to turn to more advanced models in the line, as well as for the Wi-Fi module. There are four buttons: one is located in the center and acts as a joystick: you can switch between menu items, use the button as an OK key, just like in Nokia smartphones of the 2000s. And the other two are symmetrical on the sides, which by default serve to turn the page. Well, the power button on top. The last two points are common to all presented 6-inch readers.
Otherwise, there is everything that we are used to seeing in ONYX BOOX e-books. There are 5 icons on the navigation bar: "Library", "File Manager", "Applications", "MOON Light" and "Notes". You can read both in OReader (more suitable for fiction) and in NeoReader 2.0 - it copes with opening complex PDFs with a bang. Both reading apps are already built in.
Well, as a bonus, there are a lot of images with Caesar, both when you turn it on and when you put the device into sleep mode. I am glad that ONYX BOOX continues to develop a chip with famous personalities, it is easier to distinguish readers from each other, each device has its own zest.
It is powered, like all new items, from micro-USB. There is no USB-C - this is already for the older models of the manufacturer.
This is a good reader for comfortable reading with an optimal ratio of price and quality. It can be used as a study assistant device (the child will not be distracted by entertainment on the Internet), and as a reader for people of age who primarily need a good screen and decent battery life (here - about a month).
Price: 7 990₽
ONYX BOOX Vasco da Gama 3
| Display | Touchscreen, 6″, E Ink Carta, 758×1024 pixels, 16 grayscale, multi-touch, SNOW Field |
| backlight | MOON Light + |
| Touch screen | Capacitive multitouch |
| Operating system | Android 4.4 |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, capacity 3000 mAh |
| Processor | Quad-core, 1.2 GHz |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Built-in Memory | 8 GB |
| Memory card | MicroSD/MicroSDHC |
| Supported Formats | TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, FB3, FB2.zip, DOC, DOCX, PRC, MOBI, CHM, PDB, EPUB, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, PDF, DjVu |
| Wireless communication | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n |
| Dimensions | 170 × 117 × 8,7 mm |
| The weight | 182 g |
In addition to many photos of the famous Portuguese navigator of the era of great geographical discoveries, ONYX BOOX Vasco da Gama 3 already has a capacitive touch screen with multi-touch support. For an e-reader, the screen is truly flagship, not only thanks to fine temperature control, but also good responsiveness and high letter definition even when choosing a small text size.
Multitouch opens up new possibilities for interacting with text. Not only can you zoom in on text with the usual two-finger pinch, but you can also flip the page (both with a short press and a swipe gesture), make notes in the text, select a word to translate using the built-in dictionary, and quickly adjust the MOON Light + backlight. ONYX BOOX usually uses this type of screen in its flagship readers, here a capacitive multi-touch display is also available in an affordable model.
Here is a more familiar interface: in the center - the current and last opened books, at the top - the status bar, which shows the battery charge, active interfaces, time and the Home button, at the bottom - the navigation bar. Also in this reader, another control button is implemented under the screen - as in other inexpensive readers of the manufacturer (for example, ""). That is, this is no longer a joystick, as in Caesar, but a regular button that can turn the backlight on and off (in addition to its direct purpose).
Left to right: ONYX BOOX Vasco da Gama 3 and Caesar 3
Another feature of this reader in comparison with the "younger" model of the updated line is the presence of a Wi-Fi module that allows you to access the Internet - it's not for nothing that the Browser application appears on the bottom navigation panel. The latter pleases with its responsiveness, you can visit your favorite Habr and participate in discussions. Redrawing, of course, is, but does not interfere.
In fact, Vasco da Gama 3 is a “pumped Caesar 3”, which already allows you to work with the screen without physical buttons and go online. The presence of an Internet connection allows you to download books using electronic libraries.
For whom: Those who are used to working with a touch screen and want to have all possible sources of e-books at their fingertips.
Price: 8 990₽
ONYX BOOX Darwin 5
| Display | Touchscreen, 6″, E Ink Carta, 758×1024 pixels, 16 grayscale, multi-touch, SNOW Field |
| backlight | MOON Light + |
| Touch screen | Capacitive multitouch |
| Operating system | Android 4.4 |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, capacity 3000 mAh |
| Processor | Quad-core, 1.2 GHz |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Built-in Memory | 8 GB |
| Memory card | MicroSD/MicroSDHC |
| Supported Formats | TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, FB3, FB2.zip, DOC, DOCX, PRC, MOBI, CHM, PDB, EPUB, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, PDF, DjVu |
| Wireless communication | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n |
| Dimensions | 170 × 117 × 8,7 mm |
| The weight | 182 g |
Differences Darwin 5 from Vasco da Gama 3 begin with the package. Firstly, the reader comes with a mains charger, which allows you to connect it to any outlet - no need to run around the shops looking for an adapter.
Also included is a cover-book, which imitates rough leather with embossing and has a rigid frame. Inside there is a soft material to protect the screen. The e-book "sits" in it securely, so that the accessory performs not only an aesthetic, but also a protective function. And so that the case does not accidentally open during transportation, it has magnetic latches. By the way, the cover has also been endowed with smart functions: thanks to the Hall sensor, the book automatically goes into sleep mode when the cover is closed, and wakes up when it is opened.
The cover, as is already the case with ONYX BOOX, has its own zest - it depicts the "Tree of the Origin of Life", the main symbol of Darwinism.
The cover performs not only a protective function, it can also be used as a stand. It will come in handy if you use the reader at school - for example, open a textbook in landscape orientation. The case is already made of cooler soft-touch plastic; holding such a device in your hands is even more pleasant.
From left to right: ONYX BOOX Darwin 6 and Darwin 5
Well, for dessert - an increase in RAM up to 1 GB. Moreover, it is really noticeable in comparison with 512 MB for younger models, especially when working with diagrams and graphs that require fast rendering. To store books, 8 GB of internal memory is provided (a couple are reserved for the system), which can be completely dispensed with if you read only works of art. For everyone else, there is a slot on the bottom for microSD memory cards.
When reading, both a full-fledged multi-touch with support for five simultaneous touches comes in handy, as well as calling the translation of a word using a loaded dictionary (just touch the desired word and hold until the translation appears) and automatically remembering the last open book and page.
For whom: Those who not only read works of art, but also work with “heavy” documents often take the reader with them to the office or to study.
Price: 10 190₽
ONYX BOOX Darwin 6
| Display | Touchscreen, 6″, E Ink Carta Plus, 1072 × 1448 pixels, 16 grayscale, multi-touch, SNOW Field |
| backlight | MOON Light + |
| Touch screen | Capacitive multitouch |
| Operating system | Android 4.4 |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, capacity 3000 mAh |
| Processor | Quad-core, 1.2 GHz |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Built-in Memory | 8 GB |
| Memory card | MicroSD/MicroSDHC |
| Supported Formats | TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, FB3, FB2.zip, DOC, DOCX, PRC, MOBI, CHM, PDB, EPUB, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, PDF, DjVu |
| Wireless communication | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n |
| Dimensions | 170 × 117 × 8,7 mm |
| The weight | 182 g |
ONYX BOOX decided not to be too smart and, together with Darwin 5, released ... yes, Darwin 6! But what, Apple shows several new iPhones at the same time, why can't you use such a scheme with readers. Moreover, the difference between the sixth Darwin and its predecessor is significant - an advanced E Ink Carta Plus screen with a resolution of 1072 by 1448 pixels (and a slightly different shade of soft-touch plastic case). The increased resolution with the same screen diagonal (6 inches) made it possible to increase the pixel density to 300 ppi, and this, by the way, is already in line with paper printing. With the usual E Ink Carta, it is very comfortable to read, but here it is indistinguishable from a real paper book. Well, the page isn't rough.
Otherwise, Darwin 6 repeats the fifth model - from the complete cover with the same design to technical specifications and the familiar ONYX BOOX interface. The interface is responsive, you will not notice any lags and freezes, regardless of the open document: be it a small manual or a huge PDF book.
The main navigation screen of the book allows you to access the library, open the file manager, open the applications section, open the MOON Light + backlight setting, enter the general settings, and also launch the browser. A little higher, the last opened books and the work that you are currently reading are displayed, indicating the progress and date of the last opening of the book. Among the applications installed by the manufacturer, in addition to the browser, you can find a calculator, a clock, an email client, and others.
ONYX BOOX Darwin 6
For whom: Those who want not just to read, but to read from the most advanced screen; for whom small details are important (for example, in diagrams), which can only be seen on a high-resolution screen.
Price: 11 990₽
Similar but unique
Representatives of the new 6-inch ONYX BOOX line are very similar to each other (even the size and weight are the same!). Can we say that these are several modifications of one device? No. It's just that the manufacturer decided to release a model for a specific reader, so that everyone can choose a reader according to their needs. From the e-book does not need anything other than reading? We take Ceasar 3. Do you sometimes want to go to Habr and use e-mail? Then Vasco da Gama 3. Touchscreen and more RAM to handle a ton of PDFs? It is worth paying attention to Darwin 5 or Darwin 6.
Left to right: ONYX BOOX Vasco da Gama 3, Caesar 3, Darwin 5, Darwin 6
The most affordable device from the line will cost 7 rubles, with "bells and whistles" - almost 990 rubles. Considering the use of almost all the latest technologies, including the MOON Light + backlight for reading at night, the price is not so high. All presented readers have a battery with a capacity of 12 mAh, which is easily enough for a month of reading before going to bed. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that the lack of a minijack for listening to audiobooks, our experience shows that this is not the most requested feature for readers. Oh, and the “love” of the case for fingerprints, but with the complete cover you will forget about it 😉
Be that as it may, they are all great readers, with each of which you will want to “start reading” (or continue hard), go to university so as not to carry a ton of textbooks with you, or go to work to study building plans for hours and schemes. The main thing is to choose a reader according to your needs.
Source: habr.com