E-reader comparison table & tool

[Guido]

Originally Posted by Frogm4n

Thanks again, for continually adding to and tweaking this tool. It's been very handy to do comparisons!

You're welcome! Happy to do it

Originally Posted by Renate

You can add hidden fields to sort by. This is an example which works in MediaWiki (although your JavaScript probably does something similar):

<td data-sort-value="0.0">Free</td>

<td data-sort-value="1.0">$1/mo</td>

<td data-sort-value="1.25">$30/2yr</td>

This way you can sort by cost/month even if the price is per year, per half year, per month.
For multiple values you could make it a bitmap, although you would probably have to do some coding yourself.

Interesting. I'm a bit constrained as to what solutions I can use though, as I'm using a WordPress plugin for the main comparison table and it's filter functions. I have been able to add a bunch of extra functionality on top of what the plugin offers with my own code, but I can't change any of the core functionality of the plugin without forking it (which I might have to do eventually). But I'll see what I can do.

Originally Posted by chronoreverse

According the Koreader system information readout, the Paperwhite 6 has 1GB of RAM and not 512MB. Doesn't really make a difference for most purposes luckily.

Thanks for this tool, it's very helpful!

You're welcome! And did you check that out yourself using KOReader, or do you have another source for this that you can share? The 512 MB that I've listed is based on someone using this device information detection tool which reported 512 MB, as well as GoodEreader reporting it to be 512 MB here here. Luckily RAM doesn't make much of a difference for non-Android e-readers indeed, but I'd like to get it right.

Originally Posted by patrik

If you have the time, there are three new ereaders from InkBook; Solaris, Focus Plus and Focus Color.

https://inkbook.eu/products/inkbook-focus-plus
https://inkbook.eu/products/inkbook-focus-color
https://inkbook.eu/products/e-book-r...nkbook-solaris

Thanks for letting me know; I have just added all of these devices!

I have also just added the Meebook M8 and M8C, which I seemed to have missed earlier. Also added the Bigme HiBreak Pro recently.

Something else I've added is a new feature to do a quick relative size comparison of two devices in the side-by-side comparison tool. You can now simply check the checkbox for 'Compare size' to see the difference in size between any two devices.

Here's a link to a comparison of two devices with a clear size difference to see it in action: https://comparisontabl.es/e-readers/...eSize=true#sbs

As well as a screenshot of the result:



I've also made a lot of small design and UX improvements lately. For instance, the filter options and page numbers are now 'sticky' on horizontal scroll, meaning you don't have to scroll to back to the left to find them.

As always, any feedback and suggestions are welcome!

[chronoreverse]

Originally Posted by Guido

You're welcome! And did you check that out yourself using KOReader, or do you have another source for this that you can share? The 512 MB that I've listed is based on someone using this device information detection tool which reported 512 MB, as well as GoodEreader reporting it to be 512 MB here here. Luckily RAM doesn't make much of a difference for non-Android e-readers indeed, but I'd like to get it right.

I checked on my own PW6 (non-signature) in Koreader. I think the extra RAM is unlikely to be of any use except for really really large PDFs/epubs.

Technically, it says 956.89 Total memory (MB) but I think that corresponds to 1GB.

I guess since I have Koreader open I might as well open the terminal and pull out some more information.

-CPU is definitely dual-core. A Mediatek Cortex-A7 according to /proc/cpuinfo with BogoMIPS 26 for each core
-Max frequency is 2GHz according to /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_max_freq
-Battery capacity is 1865mAh (so marketing number of 1900mAh is fine) according /sys/class/power_supply/bd71827_bat/charge_full_design

Geez, in comparison my Libra 2 is a hog. Single-core 1GHz Cortex-A9 with BogoMIPS of 3

[tomsem]

A quibble about Dark Mode:

Kobo Clara Colour and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition do not have system wide Dark Mode, it is a reading setting only. User Interface elements retain white background. Maybe this deserves an asterisk.

Kobo Clara Colour does have Invert Screen option (if you enable Developer options), which requires restart to enable and disable, and is not very discoverable. Moreover, it is incompatible with color content: it inverts colors as well and the toggling the reading Dark Mode will not invert the color inversion. So to me it does not qualify as Dark mode.

PocketBook InkPad Color 3 only has System dark mode, which can be toggle in quick settings in any context. Unfortunately like Kobo's hidden invert screen option. it inverts colors so is unusable with color content. Maybe that's a double asterisk Dark Mode.

There must be some underlying reason why it is problematic with Kalaeido 3 to avoid the compromises that all of the above have.

I do not use Dark Mode on any of my e-Ink devices any more, it is just a better reading experience to keep some lights on. But to me it is or would be annoying to read in near total darkness and get blasted with light just changing a font or to select another book.

[ldcgreen]

Love the comparison tool! Could you please add Pocketbook Era (Black and White).

Thanks!

Lisa

[patrik]

Originally Posted by ldcgreen

Love the comparison tool! Could you please add Pocketbook Era (Black and White).

Thanks!

Lisa

Huh? As far as I can tell, the Era (and Era Color) are there.

[Biep]

Thank you!
Would it be possible to add a column in the Software section telling whether it runs KOReader (and maybe other e-book reading software)?
Info on how hard to install (no - jailbreak - yes) and whether supported or not. Some of that information is available here.

[Guido]

Back again with an update! I have added more devices, and the table is now up to 244 e-readers (by 30 different brands).

I have added all current Vivlio e-readers, recent Geniatech e-readers, some e-notes: iFlytek AInote Air 2, Penstar eNote, and the Paperslate and Paperslate Pro. Also added devices by two (mainly) Spanish brands: Woxter and SPC. I also randomly came across a really cheap (discounted to €80) e-reader by Silvergear, which I have added as well.

As always, if you want to see anything added, let me know and I'll try to include it in the next round of updates!

Apart from that, I've now created separate specifications pages for all devices in the table, which makes it easier to just quickly check the specs of one device rather than comparing it to a bunch of other devices (and doing a ton of sideways scrolling).

Some examples if you want to check it out: reMarkaple Paper Pro, Kindle Scribe 2024, Pocketbook Verse, Boox Palma 2, Hisense A9. In the main comparison table, you can now simply click on the name of the device in the 'name' column of the main comparison table get these pages, as all names are now links to pages like these.

Note that there's also a link on the top right of all of these pages to add the device you're currently viewing to the side-by-side comparison tool, which will save you some time if you find a device you want to compare to another.

An upcoming development I've got planned is the much requested ability to compare more than 2 devices side-by-side. Not sure what to cap it at, but it'd be nice to put the entire current lineup of Kobo devices side-by-side, for instance.

Other than that, I'm also working on adding tablets and smartphones to the site, which is also a ton of work.

Originally Posted by chronoreverse

I checked on my own PW6 (non-signature) in Koreader. I think the extra RAM is unlikely to be of any use except for really really large PDFs/epubs.

Technically, it says 956.89 Total memory (MB) but I think that corresponds to 1GB.

I guess since I have Koreader open I might as well open the terminal and pull out some more information.

-CPU is definitely dual-core. A Mediatek Cortex-A7 according to /proc/cpuinfo with BogoMIPS 26 for each core
-Max frequency is 2GHz according to /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_max_freq
-Battery capacity is 1865mAh (so marketing number of 1900mAh is fine) according /sys/class/power_supply/bd71827_bat/charge_full_design

Geez, in comparison my Libra 2 is a hog. Single-core 1GHz Cortex-A9 with BogoMIPS of 3

Interesting, thanks for the info. Will have another look at the RAM and CPU specs on the latest Kindles later to see if I can figure out this puzzle, and how to display it in the table.

Originally Posted by tomsem

A quibble about Dark Mode:

Kobo Clara Colour and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition do not have system wide Dark Mode, it is a reading setting only. User Interface elements retain white background. Maybe this deserves an asterisk.

Kobo Clara Colour does have Invert Screen option (if you enable Developer options), which requires restart to enable and disable, and is not very discoverable. Moreover, it is incompatible with color content: it inverts colors as well and the toggling the reading Dark Mode will not invert the color inversion. So to me it does not qualify as Dark mode.

PocketBook InkPad Color 3 only has System dark mode, which can be toggle in quick settings in any context. Unfortunately like Kobo's hidden invert screen option. it inverts colors so is unusable with color content. Maybe that's a double asterisk Dark Mode.

There must be some underlying reason why it is problematic with Kalaeido 3 to avoid the compromises that all of the above have.

I do not use Dark Mode on any of my e-Ink devices any more, it is just a better reading experience to keep some lights on. But to me it is or would be annoying to read in near total darkness and get blasted with light just changing a font or to select another book.

Interesting. I haven't considered system-wide vs in the reader only, and especially not the hidden developer options. So far, I've just gone by what the marketing material says, and/or checked review videos to see if there's a dark mode / invert option or toggle anywhere. I think I'll leave it like that for now, as I don't fancy going over 200+ devices again right now; which I'd have to do to keep the column consistent if I'd start placing asterisks...

Originally Posted by ldcgreen

Love the comparison tool! Could you please add Pocketbook Era (Black and White).

Thanks!

Lisa

Thanks Lisa!

The Pocketbook Era is already in the table. Note that there are multiple pages, maybe that's why you missed it.

Originally Posted by patrik

Huh? As far as I can tell, the Era (and Era Color) are there.

Yep!

Originally Posted by Biep

Thank you!
Would it be possible to add a column in the Software section telling whether it runs KOReader (and maybe other e-book reading software)?
Info on how hard to install (no - jailbreak - yes) and whether supported or not. Some of that information is available here.

You're welcome! If there's a clear list of devices and their installation methods available somewhere, I could add it. Some other reading apps are already listed, but so far I've only gone by whether they're preinstalled or can be easily installed from an app store.

[charles_cinci]

I've been a Nook user since the first one. One feature I've often wished more, but have never seen is a "zoom" mode. As I often read books with maps or diagrams. Does any eReader offer such functionality?

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by charles_cinci

I've been a Nook user since the first one. One feature I've often wished more, but have never seen is a "zoom" mode. As I often read books with maps or diagrams. Does any eReader offer such functionality?

Kobos do when reading in kepub format.

Wouldn't surprise me if Tolinos did as well.

[Graham44]

Deleted, please remove this post (misread last post I was responding too)

[LastMK]

Hi!

Is there a reason why Pocketbook aren't considered page turning buttons?

[Guido]

Just wanted to post an update: I'm still keeping the e-reader comparison table up to date, and have added recent models like the Kindle Colorsoft 2025, Bigme B6, Boox Go Color 7 Gen 2 and Boox Tab X C. There are now over 250 e-readers available for comparison. If you're missing something, let me know and I'll make sure to add it!

Also, I've now added a way more advanced size comparison tool, which you can find below the comparison table (here). It's essentially a canvas on which you can add any combination of e-readers from the table. Size reference items, like a credit card and A5 & A6 paper sizes can also be added.

Here's a screenshot:


There are a bunch of options and customization settings available to change what to show and how everything looks. Any item can be dragged around and rotated freely on the canvas, but there's also an option to automatically line them up based on height or release date.

You can also use this full version of the size comparison tool, which has all items on the entire site available for comparison. This means that you'll also be able to (for instance) compare an e-reader you're interested in to your current smartphone to get a better idea of its size. This full version also creates a unique link for any comparison layout you make so you can easily share it or save it to revisit.

I'd be very interested to hear any feedback on the new tool, so let me know if you have any!

I also have plans to add an AR mode, which means that (when on mobile), you'll be able to see any e-reader in your space, which probably gives you an even better idea its size.

Originally Posted by charles_cinci

I've been a Nook user since the first one. One feature I've often wished more, but have never seen is a "zoom" mode. As I often read books with maps or diagrams. Does any eReader offer such functionality?

On Kindle you can do this by double-clicking on an image, and then using pinch-to-zoom.

Originally Posted by PeterT

Kobos do when reading in kepub format.

Wouldn't surprise me if Tolinos did as well.

Good to know!

Originally Posted by LastMK

Hi!

Is there a reason why Pocketbook aren't considered page turning buttons?

No; I just started adding the Pocketbook e-readers without specifying the button type, and haven't fixed it yet. I know this is an issue for people trying to filter on specific types of buttons. I've been really busy lately but I'll try to fix this as soon as possible (likely tomorrow)!

[Gormagon]

Hi Guido,

I like to suggest an improvement to the table. When I view all models, the table is naturally large and scrollbar for horizontally scrolling is only available on the bottom of the table. Could you also include a scrollbar on top, maybe only when "Brand" "All" is selected or when the number entries is larger than 10 or so.

Also it would be helpful if the filter line moves with the scrollbar. At the moment I have to scroll back horizontally when I'm at the end of the table (e.g. at Ports & battery or more info) and want to change a filter option.

The browser I used is Vivaldi Version 7.8.3879.3 (Official Build) (64-bit).

[Guido]

Originally Posted by Gormagon

Hi Guido,

I like to suggest an improvement to the table. When I view all models, the table is naturally large and scrollbar for horizontally scrolling is only available on the bottom of the table. Could you also include a scrollbar on top, maybe only when "Brand" "All" is selected or when the number entries is larger than 10 or so.

Also it would be helpful if the filter line moves with the scrollbar. At the moment I have to scroll back horizontally when I'm at the end of the table (e.g. at Ports & battery or more info) and want to change a filter option.

The browser I used is Vivaldi Version 7.8.3879.3 (Official Build) (64-bit).

Hi Gormagon,

I have just fixed both of the issues you mentioned! Already had these on my (massive) to-do list for the site for a while, but prioritized it since you brought it up.

For the scrollbar issue, I've just made a 'sticky scrollbar'; meaning there's now always a scroll bar visible at the bottom of your screen, whenever you're on the table. I've also added additional scrolling buttons (below the original ones) that instantly jump you to the end or the start of the table on click.

And the filters are now always visible, regardless of how far you scroll horizontally!

Let me know how you like it! Haven't tested it with your specific browser yet, but as far as I know, this should work on any modern browser.

General update on the site: apart from development, I've also kept up with adding newly released e-readers to the table, like the ViWoods AiPaper Reader, iFlytek AINOTE 2, the Xteink X4 and a few others. As always - let me know if you're missing something in the table and I'll make sure to add it.

I'm also starting to branch the site out to more product categories, and have recently released a smartphone comparison table with over 350 devices so far! TCL Nxtpaper phones as well as all E Ink smartphones will be added to that soon. A tablet comparison table is next after that.

Any feedback and suggestions are always welcome!

[Gormagon]

Hi Guido!

Thanks for the update. Now the table is much easier to navigate for me.
I noticed, though, that the permanent scrollbar and the symbols for scrolling like "<" or ">" only appear after allowing JavaScript from code.jquery.com. I haven't looked up how much JS code from code.jquery.com is implemented, but I wonder why you didn't include this code on your own domain comparisontabl.es.

Since the info under "CPU clock speed" is missing: The Viwoods AIPaper Reader has the Helio G99 / MT8781V/CA as CPU with 8 cores and 2x2.20 and 6x2.00 GHz. That's what the app Device Info HW says on my device, see the attached screenshot.

Edit:
The Reader also has a fingerprint scanner, although with firmware 1.1.0 one can set up a fingerprint only with wifi enabled. Quite strange, same goes for setting up a PIN as security measure. Though Viwoods told me they want to fix this in a future firmware so that it works without wifi/wlan.