Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler - reader based on Android
Most recently, the company MakTsentr, which is the exclusive distributor of ONYX International products in Russia, presented a model from a new series of devices for reading electronic books, named after the great astronomer. The main difference of the new model is that it works on the Android operating system.
There are very few e-books on the operating system from Google. But they are slowly gaining popularity. The model from this small series of devices - Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler - came into our hands. In addition to the presence of the OS, the novelty also offers a number of other interesting features, which we will discuss in the article.
The device is based on a 1 GHz processor that allows you to instantly process complex documents, and runs on Android OS 2.3.1, which is open for installing additional programs. Onyx Boox i63SL has 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of flash-memory and a slot for memory cards of up to 32 GB, which can store up to 35,000 books in the library. The reader is also equipped with a 6-inch E Ink Pearl HD screen with a 12: 1 contrast ratio. Of course, there is the backlight function MOON Light. And there is a sufficiently capacious battery of 1600 mAh, which will allow to use the device for a large amount of time.
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Screen: 6 "E-Ink Pearl HD (1024 × 758) with backlight
Processor: Rockchip 2906 (Cortex-A8, 1 GHz, single core)
Operating system: Android 2.3.1
RAM: 512 MB
User Memory: 4 GB + MicroSD slot with card support up to 32 GB
Optional: microUSB and 3.5 mm stereo jack
Book formats: PDF, EPUB, FB2, DOCX, TXT, DJVU, EPUB (and others, it all depends on the installed software)
Image Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP (and others, it all depends on the installed software)
Audio format: MP3, OGG, WAV (and others, it all depends on the installed software)
Battery: 1600 mAh
Dimensions: 171 × 124.8 × 10.9 mm
Weight: 238 grams
The only difference is that the i63SL Kepler model has audio output and support for MP3, OGG, WAV.
The device comes in a small box.
Packaging is made in black colors with a space theme, indicating specifications and features.
On the side are the Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler technical specifications and the official website address.
The edge of the box is securely fixed with two magnets on the edges.
Packaging for the device was extremely compact. In the box under the device we see a white satin ribbon, pulling for which, we get access to accessories. The package fits everything: the device, the cover and the rest of the accessories.
Together with the book, the buyer receives: a case, a network storage device with a USB port, a miniUSB cable and a couple of papers (user manual and warranty card). Good equipment, nothing superfluous.
In general, the packaging makes a good impression.
Tight case made of black leatherette pleasant to the touch. The back surface of the cover is covered with small holes that prevent slipping.
The magnetic latch prevents the cover from unauthorized opening.
The cover, in my opinion, is convenient and does not interfere with the use of the device. On the contrary, it gives it a protected look and protects it from falls in the same metro, especially during rush hour.
Most manufacturers are trying to save on the covers, so it's very nice that Onyx compiles its readers with this important accessory, thus saving the customer from the problem of choosing and buying a case. In addition to the model with the audio output, you could also put the headphones, but the absence of them can be forgiven, because we don’t have a tablet after all, but a device for reading books.
The case of the Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler is made of matte plastic. The total thickness is 11 millimeters, the back cover is rounded at the edges. This solution visually reduces the thickness of the gadget. The main area of the front side is occupied by the E-Ink Pearl HD screen, framed by a frame.
Below is a five-way joystick that allows you to move around the menu, quickly change the font size and scale readable documents.
On the front panel, to the left of the display, there is a long key with “Back” and “Menu” functions. It does not occupy the entire width of the frame, but rather is embedded in the edge of the case. Pressing is quite convenient.
At the bottom is the usual set of items - the power button, miniUSB port and slot for microSDHC cards, as well as the audio jack. The power button is very small, protrudes from the book almost a millimeter. When charging, it lights up in red.
But the left long key is turned upside down, the top is back, the bottom is forward. The first time is not immediately convenient to use this assignment of functions to the key, but then you get used to it. By the way, if someone does not want to suffer with this, then the function of setting the side buttons is available in the device menu.
The back side has a reset hole and brief technical information.
Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler fits perfectly in your hand. You can even if you want to hide the book in your jacket pocket.
Build quality - there are no complaints, the device is assembled very well, there are no backlashes, creaks and gaps for collecting dust. The material is pleasant to the touch.
Onyx Boox i63SL Reader Kepler uses E-Ink Pearl HD with a 12: 1 contrast ratio and a resolution of 758 x 1024 px. Using this resolution eliminates problems with any font size. The screen does not support touch input. All controls are implemented using buttons and joystick. There is an anti-reflective coating.
Image quality is excellent in contrast and in general impression when reading. The repainting interval can be changed in the settings.
The device is equipped with a function of continuously adjustable screen backlighting MOON Light. You can turn it on by holding the joystick or the Back key, or in the menu, and the brightness is adjusted in the status bar. MOON Light uses a reflective light distribution method. The light guide layer is located above the display. The light goes on this layer, is reflected in the side of the screen (from the viewer), absorbed by the dark elements of the image and reflected from the light, then enters the eye. Feels like light in this case is similar to light from an external source. This light is much more comfortable for perception.
In general, the display is good, but the presence of the backlight makes it even better.
On Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler is installed the operating system Android 2.3.1, but, unfortunately, a heavily cropped version without the Wi-Fi module. To control the joystick system, which is adapted to the touch input, not immediately get used to. Despite the fact that the reader does not have a touchscreen, manipulating the joystick does not seem tedious.
The device has its own OnyxLauncher launcher, which displays the last open book on the main screen and the rest of the files just below are sorted by opening time. The dock bar contains the Library, Application, Backlight, and Settings icons. And on top of the status bar, the time and the current date are standardly reflected.
The application menu is not rich in programs. By default, we have access to the Gallery and the Dictionary. For some reason, they abandoned the Calendar or the Games. But no one bothers to install additional applications (third-party readers or players) through the file manager. This cannot be done through Google Play, because there is simply no Wi-Fi and the Market itself, as well as other Google services. Root-rights, of course, do not give us, but they are easily obtained with the help of Gingerbreak and SD-card.
The status bar shows various notifications, for example, you can configure the display of the current battery charge through third-party programs. There is also a brightness and volume control.
The Library section displays your books on the drive. You can customize the sorting through the context menu, which comes off clicking on a special button in the upper corner. Books can be sorted (by name, type, size, creation date, title, author, publisher).
I will add that by pointing the joystick to the file you need, via the context menu, you can perform operations with this file, for example, delete it or rename it. In addition, a search function is provided.
In the settings, you can select the system language, set the date, system font, select programs to open certain formats (a good function), adjust the full redraw interval, auto power off and turn off the screen. Immediately adjust the backlight brightness and application management.
You can also view information about the device, learn about the memory and clear it (if required), configure the side buttons (which I already mentioned in the review).
One of the features of the reader is that the QuickDic dictionary is used here, you can select a word while reading, search the dictionary, get a translation. Naturally, you can use the dictionary and just like that, here you also need to use a virtual keyboard to enter.
The file manager is very similar to the library, only operating with regular files. Nothing special. When you select a file, you can select through which program to open it and use this application by default.
The advantages of this reader should be noted that it really works fine with the listed formats. And if some kind of file is not supported, then I’m sure there will be an Android program for it to open it. In the process of reading, you can change the font or screen orientation, search for necessary phrases, select the line spacing, go to the content or set a bookmark. The font, margins and default spacing are quite comfortable, you can not change anything. Pages turn over quickly, the speed of the menu also does not cause any irritation.
In addition to the device, you can include support for DjVu and PDF formats. At the same time, the page is scaled very well, there are no problems creeping over the edges. There is an opportunity to play audio, and by the way, the sound is very good, you can even use it as a player. In addition, the Onyx Boox i63SL reader allows you to view images in JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP and TIFF formats, but you shouldn’t expect a juicy color image from a black and white screen.
Thus, the usual book with standard software can be easily improved. Android allows you to add notes, calendar, calculator, games and more. But, unfortunately, the lack of a touch screen will make itself felt, because not all programs are optimized for controlling the joystick. And many items will simply be impossible to choose in the program. However, the Android OS is open to install programs prepared by the users themselves. Perhaps enthusiasts will make their applications with adaptation for E Link screens, such as in the AlReader program.
The built-in non-replaceable 1600 mAh battery will last for a long time. Naturally, if you constantly use the backlight, the charge will be faster. With the backlight turned on at full power, the device will last about 8-9 hours, and with the lights off, almost 17-18 hours. And I want to say that this is the minimum operating time of the device at full load. If you use the device from time to time, then the charge will last much longer. Charging time takes about three hours.
Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler turned out to be a good e-book. There are small nuances - the lack of Wi-Fi and a sensor. But the last one even hinders. After all, they often read in transport and the touch screen interferes - we must always keep the book very carefully so as not to accidentally press the display. For those who like to mess with the devices, constantly finish, try new applications, customize the interface, then Android on this device is another advantage. The average price of the device is 6,500 rubles. For comparison, ONYX BOOX i63SML Kopernik, which is similar in parameters, costs half a thousand cheaper. Is it worth overpaying for audio output? Controversial issue.
E-Ink Pearl HD high resolution display
Bright and uniform MOON Light
Sophisticated and high-quality case
Support for installing third-party applications
Long working time
Support for additional formats with other programs
Audio output
Non touch screen
Lack of Wi-Fi module
If you do not have an account on Habrahabr, you can read and comment on our articles on BoxOverview.com
There are very few e-books on the operating system from Google. But they are slowly gaining popularity. The model from this small series of devices - Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler - came into our hands. In addition to the presence of the OS, the novelty also offers a number of other interesting features, which we will discuss in the article.
▌ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The device is based on a 1 GHz processor that allows you to instantly process complex documents, and runs on Android OS 2.3.1, which is open for installing additional programs. Onyx Boox i63SL has 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of flash-memory and a slot for memory cards of up to 32 GB, which can store up to 35,000 books in the library. The reader is also equipped with a 6-inch E Ink Pearl HD screen with a 12: 1 contrast ratio. Of course, there is the backlight function MOON Light. And there is a sufficiently capacious battery of 1600 mAh, which will allow to use the device for a large amount of time.
')
Screen: 6 "E-Ink Pearl HD (1024 × 758) with backlight Processor: Rockchip 2906 (Cortex-A8, 1 GHz, single core) Operating system: Android 2.3.1 RAM: 512 MB User Memory: 4 GB + MicroSD slot with card support up to 32 GB Optional: microUSB and 3.5 mm stereo jack Book formats: PDF, EPUB, FB2, DOCX, TXT, DJVU, EPUB (and others, it all depends on the installed software) Image Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP (and others, it all depends on the installed software) Audio format: MP3, OGG, WAV (and others, it all depends on the installed software) Battery: 1600 mAh Dimensions: 171 × 124.8 × 10.9 mm Weight: 238 gramsThe only difference is that the i63SL Kepler model has audio output and support for MP3, OGG, WAV.
▌ PACKING
The device comes in a small box.
Packaging is made in black colors with a space theme, indicating specifications and features.
On the side are the Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler technical specifications and the official website address.
The edge of the box is securely fixed with two magnets on the edges.
Packaging for the device was extremely compact. In the box under the device we see a white satin ribbon, pulling for which, we get access to accessories. The package fits everything: the device, the cover and the rest of the accessories.
Together with the book, the buyer receives: a case, a network storage device with a USB port, a miniUSB cable and a couple of papers (user manual and warranty card). Good equipment, nothing superfluous.
In general, the packaging makes a good impression.
▌ CASE
Tight case made of black leatherette pleasant to the touch. The back surface of the cover is covered with small holes that prevent slipping.
The magnetic latch prevents the cover from unauthorized opening.
The cover, in my opinion, is convenient and does not interfere with the use of the device. On the contrary, it gives it a protected look and protects it from falls in the same metro, especially during rush hour.
Most manufacturers are trying to save on the covers, so it's very nice that Onyx compiles its readers with this important accessory, thus saving the customer from the problem of choosing and buying a case. In addition to the model with the audio output, you could also put the headphones, but the absence of them can be forgiven, because we don’t have a tablet after all, but a device for reading books.
▌ DESIGN, DIMENSIONS, CONTROL ELEMENTS
The case of the Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler is made of matte plastic. The total thickness is 11 millimeters, the back cover is rounded at the edges. This solution visually reduces the thickness of the gadget. The main area of the front side is occupied by the E-Ink Pearl HD screen, framed by a frame.
Below is a five-way joystick that allows you to move around the menu, quickly change the font size and scale readable documents.
On the front panel, to the left of the display, there is a long key with “Back” and “Menu” functions. It does not occupy the entire width of the frame, but rather is embedded in the edge of the case. Pressing is quite convenient.
At the bottom is the usual set of items - the power button, miniUSB port and slot for microSDHC cards, as well as the audio jack. The power button is very small, protrudes from the book almost a millimeter. When charging, it lights up in red.
But the left long key is turned upside down, the top is back, the bottom is forward. The first time is not immediately convenient to use this assignment of functions to the key, but then you get used to it. By the way, if someone does not want to suffer with this, then the function of setting the side buttons is available in the device menu.
The back side has a reset hole and brief technical information.
Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler fits perfectly in your hand. You can even if you want to hide the book in your jacket pocket.
Build quality - there are no complaints, the device is assembled very well, there are no backlashes, creaks and gaps for collecting dust. The material is pleasant to the touch.
▌ DISPLAY
Onyx Boox i63SL Reader Kepler uses E-Ink Pearl HD with a 12: 1 contrast ratio and a resolution of 758 x 1024 px. Using this resolution eliminates problems with any font size. The screen does not support touch input. All controls are implemented using buttons and joystick. There is an anti-reflective coating.
Image quality is excellent in contrast and in general impression when reading. The repainting interval can be changed in the settings.
The device is equipped with a function of continuously adjustable screen backlighting MOON Light. You can turn it on by holding the joystick or the Back key, or in the menu, and the brightness is adjusted in the status bar. MOON Light uses a reflective light distribution method. The light guide layer is located above the display. The light goes on this layer, is reflected in the side of the screen (from the viewer), absorbed by the dark elements of the image and reflected from the light, then enters the eye. Feels like light in this case is similar to light from an external source. This light is much more comfortable for perception.
In general, the display is good, but the presence of the backlight makes it even better.
▌ SHELL AND APPLICATIONS
On Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler is installed the operating system Android 2.3.1, but, unfortunately, a heavily cropped version without the Wi-Fi module. To control the joystick system, which is adapted to the touch input, not immediately get used to. Despite the fact that the reader does not have a touchscreen, manipulating the joystick does not seem tedious.
The device has its own OnyxLauncher launcher, which displays the last open book on the main screen and the rest of the files just below are sorted by opening time. The dock bar contains the Library, Application, Backlight, and Settings icons. And on top of the status bar, the time and the current date are standardly reflected.
The application menu is not rich in programs. By default, we have access to the Gallery and the Dictionary. For some reason, they abandoned the Calendar or the Games. But no one bothers to install additional applications (third-party readers or players) through the file manager. This cannot be done through Google Play, because there is simply no Wi-Fi and the Market itself, as well as other Google services. Root-rights, of course, do not give us, but they are easily obtained with the help of Gingerbreak and SD-card.
The status bar shows various notifications, for example, you can configure the display of the current battery charge through third-party programs. There is also a brightness and volume control.
The Library section displays your books on the drive. You can customize the sorting through the context menu, which comes off clicking on a special button in the upper corner. Books can be sorted (by name, type, size, creation date, title, author, publisher).
I will add that by pointing the joystick to the file you need, via the context menu, you can perform operations with this file, for example, delete it or rename it. In addition, a search function is provided.
In the settings, you can select the system language, set the date, system font, select programs to open certain formats (a good function), adjust the full redraw interval, auto power off and turn off the screen. Immediately adjust the backlight brightness and application management.
You can also view information about the device, learn about the memory and clear it (if required), configure the side buttons (which I already mentioned in the review).
One of the features of the reader is that the QuickDic dictionary is used here, you can select a word while reading, search the dictionary, get a translation. Naturally, you can use the dictionary and just like that, here you also need to use a virtual keyboard to enter.
The file manager is very similar to the library, only operating with regular files. Nothing special. When you select a file, you can select through which program to open it and use this application by default.
The advantages of this reader should be noted that it really works fine with the listed formats. And if some kind of file is not supported, then I’m sure there will be an Android program for it to open it. In the process of reading, you can change the font or screen orientation, search for necessary phrases, select the line spacing, go to the content or set a bookmark. The font, margins and default spacing are quite comfortable, you can not change anything. Pages turn over quickly, the speed of the menu also does not cause any irritation.
In addition to the device, you can include support for DjVu and PDF formats. At the same time, the page is scaled very well, there are no problems creeping over the edges. There is an opportunity to play audio, and by the way, the sound is very good, you can even use it as a player. In addition, the Onyx Boox i63SL reader allows you to view images in JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP and TIFF formats, but you shouldn’t expect a juicy color image from a black and white screen.
Thus, the usual book with standard software can be easily improved. Android allows you to add notes, calendar, calculator, games and more. But, unfortunately, the lack of a touch screen will make itself felt, because not all programs are optimized for controlling the joystick. And many items will simply be impossible to choose in the program. However, the Android OS is open to install programs prepared by the users themselves. Perhaps enthusiasts will make their applications with adaptation for E Link screens, such as in the AlReader program.
▌ BATTERY, CHARGING, TIME OF WORK
The built-in non-replaceable 1600 mAh battery will last for a long time. Naturally, if you constantly use the backlight, the charge will be faster. With the backlight turned on at full power, the device will last about 8-9 hours, and with the lights off, almost 17-18 hours. And I want to say that this is the minimum operating time of the device at full load. If you use the device from time to time, then the charge will last much longer. Charging time takes about three hours.
▌ CONCLUSION
Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler turned out to be a good e-book. There are small nuances - the lack of Wi-Fi and a sensor. But the last one even hinders. After all, they often read in transport and the touch screen interferes - we must always keep the book very carefully so as not to accidentally press the display. For those who like to mess with the devices, constantly finish, try new applications, customize the interface, then Android on this device is another advantage. The average price of the device is 6,500 rubles. For comparison, ONYX BOOX i63SML Kopernik, which is similar in parameters, costs half a thousand cheaper. Is it worth overpaying for audio output? Controversial issue.
▌ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
E-Ink Pearl HD high resolution display Bright and uniform MOON Light Sophisticated and high-quality case Support for installing third-party applications Long working time Support for additional formats with other programs Audio output Non touch screen Lack of Wi-Fi moduleIf you do not have an account on Habrahabr, you can read and comment on our articles on BoxOverview.com
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/185418/
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