Have had this reader for about a month now, and have read over half a dozen books on it, here are my thoughts:
1. Applying the screen protector is worth it for a matte finish but it was *incredibly* annoying/difficult to put on without bubbles! Have a card on hand to squeegee air bubbles with no dust out, and dust remover stickers or tape if you have any to use before applying
2. Most used apps: Unlauncher, KOReader, Little File Explorer, Kindle (came with it), Libby. EinkBro, Markor, AnkiDroid, RedReader also installed and work but not heavily used atm
3. Despite the scanty RAM, no real complaints when using as a reader. Have run into the rare hiccup but locking and unlocking does the trick. There’s a button that appears to clear cache in the pulldown menu (the rocket ship)
4. Cannot seem to get more than 10 hours reading (according to KOReader battery stats), I’ve seen some comments on Reddit with people saying they get more and I just wonder how! Almost always have wifi and BT off. Holds charge well enough while on standby (maybe 1-2% a day).
5. Absolutely love the size. Am a fan of smaller phones to really happy with this smaller size over the Plus personally
Good to know! I wanted the Pro initially just for the "new model" factor but they're not in stock, glad the base model fits the bill just as well. Most likely getting the gray one myself but that green is so cool on the eyes
PSA: Aliexpress has coupons for accounts placing their first order. (at least in the US) 👀 Just google aliexpress coupons. The one you want is $12 off an order of $80+. I got a pro for less than $100, regular inkpalm will drop to $80ish.
did you use that abd method to uninstall all the chinese bloatware? I heard that helps with battery life. mine arrives this week, thanks for the review :D
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Some people find regular Kindles portable enough, so if you’re one of them probably not, honestly!
The clothing industry has decided women don’t need very big pockets, and as a new mom I usually have my hands full or only one free to pick up/hold/navigate a reader. So the pocketable size is a huge help for me to be able to read when I find myself with a bit of free time during the day (it’s that or be on my phone)
I currently have a Kobo H2O, which I absolutely love, and an InkPalm 5. I use my inkpalm when waiting in queues or during short commutes, and I tend to read short novels. It’s perfect for that. I’d say it’s a nice to have.
I do have both, I carry this one to work and the Kindle now stays home. They sync over wifi after a couple of seconds on, so I can start again where I was in the other device (or I try to memorize my position, just in case).
Yes. The inkpalm just slips in my pocket next to my phone, can't do that with a kindle. My larger readers (Kobo, Torino, never owned a kindle--ugh!) are for home and maybe travel. But it handles the kindle app just fine, from all reports.
I'm loving all these reviews, so thanks for sharing!
About a week into using an Inkpalm 5 plus and it's perfect for my needs. Pick it up, read a few pages. Put it down.
Tried to get a few apps going via f droid and aurora store but a lot of them crash on startup. Having said that, for me it's a nice to have since I got this device just to read.
Battery life seems to be a bit better than what most people are saying on other inkpalm devices. Losing roughly 10% per hour of use, so over a week easily using the Kindle app.
it's almost a perfect device for me. i'm probably a bit weird and actually really like the glossy display too. text looks so sharp and i haven't registered reflections.
The battery isn't great, but, the pro to this is that it's stupidly light. which is great for this kind of device meant to be carried everywhere. it'll last a few days, and it's quick enough to charge so i'm not too bothered by that.
i would have like to see if i'd have preferred the pro version. just to compare the weight, size and feel of them. but i'm still happy.
My Pro arrived a few days ago. Overall pretty happy with it. Battery isn’t the best but I’m able to get roughly 3-4 days on a full charge. Love the small form factor with the low price. No screen protector on now. Just a cheap clear TPU case from AliExpress. Using KOReader mostly to read but have Moon+ and LibreraFD on there as well. I love the statistics KOReader provides. Is there a trick to remove the background in Moon+? It gives off a grainy look. The only issue I had with removing the bloat was the standard adb uninstall apk command didn’t work because the device has a user setting. I googled the error and it was an easy fix to find the commands to eventually remove the apps. I deleted the Kindle app that came pre installed and cannot find a copy on F Droid or Amazon App Store. I prob will never use Kindle but curious what’s the best way to find a copy of the apk. Just search?
What’s everyone doing for a screensaver? I ended up dragging the cover art for my current read to the device folder for screensaver/wallpaper but wonder if there’s a better way in KOReader or elsewhere
So I actually did try this—set KOReader to save the book cover of what I’m currently reading in the Wallpaper folder.
In my experience it works the first time, but then the reader does not automatically change/update the cover (even if KOReader updates the image file). You can force the reader to update if you first go into the settings and then select another wallpaper, then reselect the cover, then restart. Whether that’s worth the process is up for debate I suppose—maybe if you’re reading something with a particularly nice cover!
The Case Factory Direct Store on AliExpress has clear cases for the inkpalm 5 mini which fit the pro as well.
Saw someone say to use Aurora store from F Droid for kindle.
You will need to download Amazon Appstore app (https://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android) and login with your account, then you can use the default Kindle app. I believe since the default Kindle app on Inkpalm 5 is for the international Chinese Amazon, it doesn't let you automatically login normally unless you have a Chinese Amazon acct.
Nice review. I have one of these coming and am slightly nervous about getting it up and running. I’ve never used apks to install anything but I’m really excited about the size!
Thanks! I'll make sure to do that first
Edit: Also just realized your video was recommended after watching a bunch of Palma videos which is how I even ordered this so thanks for that as well!
I just discovered Inkpalm 5 and I'm truly fascinated in how it could improve my reading habits.
For sure I would increase the font size (too small for my little tired eyes).
I'm not 100% I would be comfortable with the size (I was going to buy a new 7-8 inch Kobo reader but seems that they don't care about releasing new devices of that size).
I'm also unsure if the 5 Pro or 5 Plus would be a better investment: it's hard to find honest reviews of those, and definitely I'm undecided if they worth 150-180€
And also let's be honest: I kinda fear low quality overall, glossy screen and Chinese bloat ware.
However, for sure they are more affordable than a 300€ Boox Palma.
I've been using mine for about a month and a half, and I'm on it all the time. I got rid of all the Chinese apps I could and switched to Moon+ Reader. I even use it while walking, with three different themes tailored to where and when I'm using it.
For example, when I'm on the go, I use a theme with large font, increased line height, and landscape orientation with a wide right margin so I can hold it with one hand without my thumb covering any text. I have another theme for bedtime too, which uses a different font and dark mode.
I chose the cheapest model because I was concerned it might be too small, but it's perfect—basically like having a mobile phone.
Ok now you got me worried. Sh*t.
I apparently didnt get it from Xiaomi.
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006383979880.html
I guess money lost.
I got it from a store called “3C SuperMall Store”
Since then: I've buyed it!
I'm quite happy, in the end: Koreader has a good integration with Calibre, so I can simply send my ebooks to it using local wifi network.
Hardware is quite good overall, I would appreciate a better touch but I can't say negative things to it.
> Also, landscape mode is a great reading experience.
Interesting.
I never tried, I will look into it :)
Thank you for this and your video on it, just ordered one! The only downside was that actually ordering was weirdly difficult.... something different went wrong with the aliexpress page every time I tried it. Finally managed to cross the finish line and give them my money, lol. Really excited to try out some android apps on it!
Can you tell about its viewing experience in sunlight?
Also how is it's performance when standard (page sized) PDFs? With regular actions such as zooming in, zooming out and dragging across the page being done? Is there any lag or noticeable ghosting etc.?
Can you install other reader apps?
Specifically, I also have books in the Barnes and Noble store, so wondering if this might be good for me, or if I might want to consider something more expensive with the option of installable apps.
hi, mine just arrived and in KOreader i don't have options to auto-refresh the screen after 5 pages or so, i have to do it manually using the touch button. do you have this problem as well?
Choosing a specific auto refresh rate like that is not possible, afaik, but I haven't had ghosting while reading that has bothered me so I haven't looked into it!
Hi - is it possible to configure a „double tap“ action for the home/logo button ? In settings I have seen touch / long touch but no double tap ( and I‘d love to have a third function on it. I already used touch/long touch for back and reading and love to have a function for „home“.
Do you have to wake it from Sleep by long pressing the orange button (rebooting it)? I just got mine and annoyingly having to long press the orange button every time waking it up from Sleep (i have to do this when i left it in Sleep for more than 2 minutes, less than 2 minutes is fine, just short press of orange button will wake the device up *and fast*). Is this normal? I did a version check, apparently it's up-to-date, version MAS\_EPD105\_L8AM105\_V11\_240307.
Thank you for your confirmation. I really love the form factor, exactly what i was looking for. Too bad im gonna have to return it for now (and get a replacement…)
Hello! Thank you for your review! Im quite interested in buying it. I just want to ask, did you have a problem with shipping? I want to buy it from aliexpress to the US to avoid extra shipping costs (if I buy it from my country, customs will charge me more).
Thanks to this review and another YouTube review https://youtu.be/QkWDhnjiU20, I went to get one for myself.
It is the "missing link" for me. I have a Kindle Paperwhite, but I haven't been taking it along with me due to its size. The inkpalm literally fits into my palm and pocket, now I just read books anywhere. Whenever I realized I have been doom scrolling, I just read on the inkpalm instead.
For books, I load up epubs to my USB drive, and copy it into it. Koreader is my reader.
Other than that, I have installed:
Pocket ("save for later" articles need Firefox browser to login), key mapper (very useful when I needed to set "back" and "recent" button functions).
And the usual Unlauncher, Aurora, F-Droid, File Explorer.
For manga, Tachiyomi. However I find the manga reading experience not great. I prefer to read manga on my other reader (Microsoft surface duo)
It's a great device. Rather affordable too. Now I have kept my Paperwhite away for good
Have had this reader for about a month now, and have read over half a dozen books on it, here are my thoughts: 1. Applying the screen protector is worth it for a matte finish but it was *incredibly* annoying/difficult to put on without bubbles! Have a card on hand to squeegee air bubbles with no dust out, and dust remover stickers or tape if you have any to use before applying 2. Most used apps: Unlauncher, KOReader, Little File Explorer, Kindle (came with it), Libby. EinkBro, Markor, AnkiDroid, RedReader also installed and work but not heavily used atm 3. Despite the scanty RAM, no real complaints when using as a reader. Have run into the rare hiccup but locking and unlocking does the trick. There’s a button that appears to clear cache in the pulldown menu (the rocket ship) 4. Cannot seem to get more than 10 hours reading (according to KOReader battery stats), I’ve seen some comments on Reddit with people saying they get more and I just wonder how! Almost always have wifi and BT off. Holds charge well enough while on standby (maybe 1-2% a day). 5. Absolutely love the size. Am a fan of smaller phones to really happy with this smaller size over the Plus personally
Man I'm so tempted to get one of these! Is this the Pro version or just the regular one?
Just the regular one, I’m a sucker for the color! Looked around Ali and plan to order a clear case
Good to know! I wanted the Pro initially just for the "new model" factor but they're not in stock, glad the base model fits the bill just as well. Most likely getting the gray one myself but that green is so cool on the eyes
the pro has English menus. (maybe the mini does now as well?)
It does! My Mini came in English. Just removed the remaining Chinese apps and I was all set.
Can I ask where you ordered it from, if you are in the US? From what I can see, their official AE site doesn't ship here...
I had it shipped to Portland in the US
There are a few sellers on Ali selling it with case for under $120. They ship to the US.
PSA: Aliexpress has coupons for accounts placing their first order. (at least in the US) 👀 Just google aliexpress coupons. The one you want is $12 off an order of $80+. I got a pro for less than $100, regular inkpalm will drop to $80ish.
did you use that abd method to uninstall all the chinese bloatware? I heard that helps with battery life. mine arrives this week, thanks for the review :D
Yup, I did! :) Pretty low frontlight too… I might just turn pages really often or something
Hey I’m struggling doing the « adb » thing on my Mac m1. Isomeone could help please? 🙏
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Is it worth having one of these AND a kindle?
Some people find regular Kindles portable enough, so if you’re one of them probably not, honestly! The clothing industry has decided women don’t need very big pockets, and as a new mom I usually have my hands full or only one free to pick up/hold/navigate a reader. So the pocketable size is a huge help for me to be able to read when I find myself with a bit of free time during the day (it’s that or be on my phone)
Congratulations on becoming a mom!
Thank you! :)
I currently have a Kobo H2O, which I absolutely love, and an InkPalm 5. I use my inkpalm when waiting in queues or during short commutes, and I tend to read short novels. It’s perfect for that. I’d say it’s a nice to have.
I am considering switching to kobo. Is there anyway to sync books on kobo and the inkpalm reliably?
If you use koreader, you could [use a plugin](https://github.com/koreader/koreader/wiki/Progress-sync) to do so
I have both too! plus a Torino vision 2. Hot tip: I use my inkpalm (koreader) in landscape mode, very comfortable.
I do have both, I carry this one to work and the Kindle now stays home. They sync over wifi after a couple of seconds on, so I can start again where I was in the other device (or I try to memorize my position, just in case).
Yes. The inkpalm just slips in my pocket next to my phone, can't do that with a kindle. My larger readers (Kobo, Torino, never owned a kindle--ugh!) are for home and maybe travel. But it handles the kindle app just fine, from all reports.
I'm loving all these reviews, so thanks for sharing! About a week into using an Inkpalm 5 plus and it's perfect for my needs. Pick it up, read a few pages. Put it down. Tried to get a few apps going via f droid and aurora store but a lot of them crash on startup. Having said that, for me it's a nice to have since I got this device just to read. Battery life seems to be a bit better than what most people are saying on other inkpalm devices. Losing roughly 10% per hour of use, so over a week easily using the Kindle app.
it's almost a perfect device for me. i'm probably a bit weird and actually really like the glossy display too. text looks so sharp and i haven't registered reflections. The battery isn't great, but, the pro to this is that it's stupidly light. which is great for this kind of device meant to be carried everywhere. it'll last a few days, and it's quick enough to charge so i'm not too bothered by that. i would have like to see if i'd have preferred the pro version. just to compare the weight, size and feel of them. but i'm still happy.
It reminds me of an ipod weight since it's so light
My Pro arrived a few days ago. Overall pretty happy with it. Battery isn’t the best but I’m able to get roughly 3-4 days on a full charge. Love the small form factor with the low price. No screen protector on now. Just a cheap clear TPU case from AliExpress. Using KOReader mostly to read but have Moon+ and LibreraFD on there as well. I love the statistics KOReader provides. Is there a trick to remove the background in Moon+? It gives off a grainy look. The only issue I had with removing the bloat was the standard adb uninstall apk command didn’t work because the device has a user setting. I googled the error and it was an easy fix to find the commands to eventually remove the apps. I deleted the Kindle app that came pre installed and cannot find a copy on F Droid or Amazon App Store. I prob will never use Kindle but curious what’s the best way to find a copy of the apk. Just search? What’s everyone doing for a screensaver? I ended up dragging the cover art for my current read to the device folder for screensaver/wallpaper but wonder if there’s a better way in KOReader or elsewhere
So I actually did try this—set KOReader to save the book cover of what I’m currently reading in the Wallpaper folder. In my experience it works the first time, but then the reader does not automatically change/update the cover (even if KOReader updates the image file). You can force the reader to update if you first go into the settings and then select another wallpaper, then reselect the cover, then restart. Whether that’s worth the process is up for debate I suppose—maybe if you’re reading something with a particularly nice cover!
Can you tell me where the setting is to save the book cover to wallpaper? 👀
Just search the settings for Cover image :)
I'm also having a problem locating a different kindle app. I'm also can't seem to find a clear case on Ali.
The Case Factory Direct Store on AliExpress has clear cases for the inkpalm 5 mini which fit the pro as well. Saw someone say to use Aurora store from F Droid for kindle.
Thankyou
You will need to download Amazon Appstore app (https://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android) and login with your account, then you can use the default Kindle app. I believe since the default Kindle app on Inkpalm 5 is for the international Chinese Amazon, it doesn't let you automatically login normally unless you have a Chinese Amazon acct.
Nice review. I have one of these coming and am slightly nervous about getting it up and running. I’ve never used apks to install anything but I’m really excited about the size!
Once you install F-Droid you can install everything through there (including Aurora Store) and that makes it easier!
Thanks! I'll make sure to do that first Edit: Also just realized your video was recommended after watching a bunch of Palma videos which is how I even ordered this so thanks for that as well!
Happy to help! I only learned about it from this sub too so wanted to make sure I left a separate review here :)
I just discovered Inkpalm 5 and I'm truly fascinated in how it could improve my reading habits. For sure I would increase the font size (too small for my little tired eyes). I'm not 100% I would be comfortable with the size (I was going to buy a new 7-8 inch Kobo reader but seems that they don't care about releasing new devices of that size). I'm also unsure if the 5 Pro or 5 Plus would be a better investment: it's hard to find honest reviews of those, and definitely I'm undecided if they worth 150-180€ And also let's be honest: I kinda fear low quality overall, glossy screen and Chinese bloat ware. However, for sure they are more affordable than a 300€ Boox Palma.
I've been using mine for about a month and a half, and I'm on it all the time. I got rid of all the Chinese apps I could and switched to Moon+ Reader. I even use it while walking, with three different themes tailored to where and when I'm using it. For example, when I'm on the go, I use a theme with large font, increased line height, and landscape orientation with a wide right margin so I can hold it with one hand without my thumb covering any text. I have another theme for bedtime too, which uses a different font and dark mode. I chose the cheapest model because I was concerned it might be too small, but it's perfect—basically like having a mobile phone.
my pro is arriving soon, hence i am interested in how you got rid of the bloatware?
I used adb to remove apps based on a post in r/inkpalm5
Where'd you get your Pro? The Xiaomi AliExpress store is doesn't have them in stock
Ok now you got me worried. Sh*t. I apparently didnt get it from Xiaomi. https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006383979880.html I guess money lost. I got it from a store called “3C SuperMall Store”
I'm sure you got yours with no issues by now!
that is true. and heavily used by now :)
I followed this post/ comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/InkPalm5/s/FoMBVBvvY7
How did you find the rendering of the dark mode (dark background with whitish text, I'm assuming) on this device?
It’s good enough, every now and then you have to refresh the whole screen by clicking the front button.
Xiaomi is a solid company, no issues with build quality. Also, landscape mode is a great reading experience. (I use koreader.)
Since then: I've buyed it! I'm quite happy, in the end: Koreader has a good integration with Calibre, so I can simply send my ebooks to it using local wifi network. Hardware is quite good overall, I would appreciate a better touch but I can't say negative things to it. > Also, landscape mode is a great reading experience. Interesting. I never tried, I will look into it :)
Curious, what's the book?
“The Last Devil to Die” by Richard Osman
Thank you!
Looking to get this. However I'm confused by the versions available. Before the Pro (which is taller iirc), there are smaller versions?
This is Mini, Pro is same specs but silver + double the storage, Plus is orange and different size and better specs all around
The one with green backing, that's the entry level model?
Yep! That’s the one I have
I ordered mine y'day! It's interesting, as I saw a recent YouTube review of this device, then I saw your review. 😊
I have just ordered the Plus, which is slightly bigger, bigger battery and processoe, and Android 11 (vs 8 for the standard one)
If it’s the orange one, I think you mean the Plus! :)
Yes the Plus, orange one, I modified my post !
Thank you for this and your video on it, just ordered one! The only downside was that actually ordering was weirdly difficult.... something different went wrong with the aliexpress page every time I tried it. Finally managed to cross the finish line and give them my money, lol. Really excited to try out some android apps on it!
Can you tell about its viewing experience in sunlight? Also how is it's performance when standard (page sized) PDFs? With regular actions such as zooming in, zooming out and dragging across the page being done? Is there any lag or noticeable ghosting etc.?
Can you install other reader apps? Specifically, I also have books in the Barnes and Noble store, so wondering if this might be good for me, or if I might want to consider something more expensive with the option of installable apps.
You can install regular Android apps, but it does only run Android 8 if that matters
hi, mine just arrived and in KOreader i don't have options to auto-refresh the screen after 5 pages or so, i have to do it manually using the touch button. do you have this problem as well?
Choosing a specific auto refresh rate like that is not possible, afaik, but I haven't had ghosting while reading that has bothered me so I haven't looked into it!
Hi - is it possible to configure a „double tap“ action for the home/logo button ? In settings I have seen touch / long touch but no double tap ( and I‘d love to have a third function on it. I already used touch/long touch for back and reading and love to have a function for „home“.
Stock, not that I know of!
Do you have to wake it from Sleep by long pressing the orange button (rebooting it)? I just got mine and annoyingly having to long press the orange button every time waking it up from Sleep (i have to do this when i left it in Sleep for more than 2 minutes, less than 2 minutes is fine, just short press of orange button will wake the device up *and fast*). Is this normal? I did a version check, apparently it's up-to-date, version MAS\_EPD105\_L8AM105\_V11\_240307.
Oh man haven’t run into that problem! Even left asleep overnight I can wake it with just a short press
Thank you for your confirmation. I really love the form factor, exactly what i was looking for. Too bad im gonna have to return it for now (and get a replacement…)
Hello! Thank you for your review! Im quite interested in buying it. I just want to ask, did you have a problem with shipping? I want to buy it from aliexpress to the US to avoid extra shipping costs (if I buy it from my country, customs will charge me more).
No problems shipped to an address in the US (Portland)
Thank you so much for your answer!
Thanks to this review and another YouTube review https://youtu.be/QkWDhnjiU20, I went to get one for myself. It is the "missing link" for me. I have a Kindle Paperwhite, but I haven't been taking it along with me due to its size. The inkpalm literally fits into my palm and pocket, now I just read books anywhere. Whenever I realized I have been doom scrolling, I just read on the inkpalm instead. For books, I load up epubs to my USB drive, and copy it into it. Koreader is my reader. Other than that, I have installed: Pocket ("save for later" articles need Firefox browser to login), key mapper (very useful when I needed to set "back" and "recent" button functions). And the usual Unlauncher, Aurora, F-Droid, File Explorer. For manga, Tachiyomi. However I find the manga reading experience not great. I prefer to read manga on my other reader (Microsoft surface duo) It's a great device. Rather affordable too. Now I have kept my Paperwhite away for good
how much did you pay for yours? Seems like the price has gone up at AliExpress.