MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - INKPAD 4 : Why Pocketbook limits contrast + performance problem

Loopscoop · 01-01-2024, 11:19 AM

I have to agree that the InkPad 4 is a very poor device. I have used it for a few weeks now, having previously used a 1st gen paperwhite, and otherwise not having much experience with ereaders. It hardly feels like an upgrade from that 11 year old device, as the battery life is worse and it takes longer to open footnotes and links (and in practice is much slower to open large epubs converted from a corresponding azw3, and larger files in general). It is very slow and unresponsive, and the contrast is very poor as you say.

I only checked a couple of reviews before buying to see if there were any glaring faults. My inpression is that the ecosystem around reviews and discussion of end user product testing and experience are as poor as the device.

I use koreader exclusively, which thankfully makes the device usable (and probably imminent migration to a new device eaay and painless), but even with that the device is a disappointment.

My requirements and usage needs were:

~8 in high quality display
Hassle free Koreader support (for self created dictionaries and decent translation options, unified annotations/highlights that are easily exportable etc)
Good support for RTL scripts
Academic reading, pdfs, comfortable two column views etc

I decided to buy pocketbook to support a more open platform that doesn't officially discourage sideloading e.g. koreader and doesn't require setting up accounts etc. Very much regretting this, as playing with a friends paperwhite 5 made me realize how much better amazon is at optimizing their devices.

Add to this the fact that there is no screen lock with pin, that koreader struggles to control the in device wifi, and that the screen provides greyed/washed out print, and as you point out the device uses the same, if not worse, hardware than the five year old inkpad 3.

The device is also painfully slow with large files, and while it is expected that scanned pdfs will be a bit slower as they are images, the performance is much worse than I think anyone could reasonably expect.

Seeing what you have written about the inkpad color 3, it does seem to be a huge step up. Maybe it is possible to return this device and get that instead, as the price difference is small and i already have the cover for it. Have no need for color, but if the device has updated hardware and is actually responsive, it might be worth it.

01-01-2024, 11:19 AM	#13
Loopscoop Member Posts: 12 Karma: 3162 Join Date: Dec 2023 Device: Inkpad 4, kindle pw 1	I have to agree that the InkPad 4 is a very poor device. I have used it for a few weeks now, having previously used a 1st gen paperwhite, and otherwise not having much experience with ereaders. It hardly feels like an upgrade from that 11 year old device, as the battery life is worse and it takes longer to open footnotes and links (and in practice is much slower to open large epubs converted from a corresponding azw3, and larger files in general). It is very slow and unresponsive, and the contrast is very poor as you say. I only checked a couple of reviews before buying to see if there were any glaring faults. My inpression is that the ecosystem around reviews and discussion of end user product testing and experience are as poor as the device. I use koreader exclusively, which thankfully makes the device usable (and probably imminent migration to a new device eaay and painless), but even with that the device is a disappointment. My requirements and usage needs were: ~8 in high quality display Hassle free Koreader support (for self created dictionaries and decent translation options, unified annotations/highlights that are easily exportable etc) Good support for RTL scripts Academic reading, pdfs, comfortable two column views etc I decided to buy pocketbook to support a more open platform that doesn't officially discourage sideloading e.g. koreader and doesn't require setting up accounts etc. Very much regretting this, as playing with a friends paperwhite 5 made me realize how much better amazon is at optimizing their devices. Add to this the fact that there is no screen lock with pin, that koreader struggles to control the in device wifi, and that the screen provides greyed/washed out print, and as you point out the device uses the same, if not worse, hardware than the five year old inkpad 3. The device is also painfully slow with large files, and while it is expected that scanned pdfs will be a bit slower as they are images, the performance is much worse than I think anyone could reasonably expect. Seeing what you have written about the inkpad color 3, it does seem to be a huge step up. Maybe it is possible to return this device and get that instead, as the price difference is small and i already have the cover for it. Have no need for color, but if the device has updated hardware and is actually responsive, it might be worth it.