Palma 2 vs Palma 2 Pro displays

[ArizonaGuy]

I have been trying to decide between these two devices for a small portable eReader but because no stores in my area actually carry both (or either) in stock I can not directly compare the displays.

Does anyone have both so that they can give me some feedback about how the displays compare for eBooks? I don't read graphic novels so the B&W would seem to be the logical choice but the 2 has a really old Andoid Version and I worry that future apps may not be compatible with Android 13. An I suppose color might be helpful when doing other stuff than reading books.

Mostly I wonder if there is any difference in the eBook display quality and if the differences between B&W and color refresh might have some effect on the display as well.

Thanks for any help.

[Renate]

I think that the Palma 2 Pro has GPS and the non-pro doesn't.

[ArizonaGuy]

Originally Posted by Renate

I think that the Palma 2 Pro has GPS and the non-pro doesn't.

I did don't know that. Thank you. That is a significant addition because it should allow its use as a navigation app even in remote areas and without wifi.

I assume the Palma 2 Pro requires use of the front light even when outside because of the darker screen and that means more battery usage, and that is a disadvantage, but the addition of A-GPS does, I think, more than make up for that. As well as the later Android OS.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by ArizonaGuy

I have been trying to decide between these two devices for a small portable eReader but because no stores in my area actually carry both (or either) in stock I can not directly compare the displays.

Does anyone have both so that they can give me some feedback about how the displays compare for eBooks? I don't read graphic novels so the B&W would seem to be the logical choice but the 2 has a really old Andoid Version and I worry that future apps may not be compatible with Android 13. An I suppose color might be helpful when doing other stuff than reading books.

Mostly I wonder if there is any difference in the eBook display quality and if the differences between B&W and color refresh might have some effect on the display as well.

Thanks for any help.

The color screen has 150 ppi, but only black can be displayed at 300, which in my opinion is too low for such a narrow screen.
The Android version is completely irrelevant—installed applications remain valid and usable.

[Renate]

This is my old Nook with an added GPS module.
You can see from the redacted coordinates about where I was.

[ArizonaGuy]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

The color screen has 150 ppi, but only black can be displayed at 300, which in my opinion is too low for such a narrow screen.
The Android version is completely irrelevant—installed applications remain valid and usable.

Which are you saying is too low a psi value? The 300 for B&W? Or the 150 for color?

As it turns out, the Palma 2 seems to be out of stock everywhere while the Palma 2 Pro is ready to ship. Perhaps that also says something about the color version.

As for the Android level, I have some older Android phones running Android 12 and that Android version is already too old on those phone for some of the new apps. That is why I am concerned about the older Android version.

This is only supposed to be an eBook reader but these devices have the habit of making themselves useful for other functionality so I can not assume that all I will end up using it for is for reading eBooks and I would want to make sure that the phone is up to date enough to continue to be useful. Otherwise I will end up having to buy another one. Installed applications will, of course, continue to function, but new ones might not.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by ArizonaGuy

Which are you saying is too low a psi value? The 300 for B&W? Or the 150 for color?

Palma 2 Pro has a Kaleido 3 color screen with 150 ppi, which only displays black in 300.
Palma 2 has a Carta (b/w) screen with 300 ppi

[cfrizz]

Originally Posted by ArizonaGuy

Which are you saying is too low a psi value? The 300 for B&W? Or the 150 for color?

As it turns out, the Palma 2 seems to be out of stock everywhere while the Palma 2 Pro is ready to ship. Perhaps that also says something about the color version.

As for the Android level, I have some older Android phones running Android 12 and that Android version is already too old on those phone for some of the new apps. That is why I am concerned about the older Android version.

This is only supposed to be an eBook reader but these devices have the habit of making themselves useful for other functionality so I can not assume that all I will end up using it for is for reading eBooks and I would want to make sure that the phone is up to date enough to continue to be useful. Otherwise I will end up having to buy another one. Installed applications will, of course, continue to function, but new ones might not.

These devices have very limited updating options because they are mainly supposed to be used for reading, therefore they don't need to be updating to the newest version of Android, nor do they have the space to do so.

Having the ability to download your favorite reading apps and listen to music or audiobooks is a bonus.

You need to decide if you just want a very portable reader or not.

I have several older phones that I use as backup readers and haven't been updated in years. They function just fine in that capacity.

[Renate]

Originally Posted by ArizonaGuy

I have some older Android phones running Android 12 and that Android version is already too old on those phone for some of the new apps.

Do you know what the exact issue is?

If you look at the Android version history you see such astounding improvements like "battery icons are now in landscape mode".

As an app developer I try to keep compatibility with the oldest Android versions.

[kandwo]

If you're only going to use it for reading, I would definitely get the Palma 2. Kaleido screens will always be much darker and add a grainy layer on top of the BW screen underneath.

I bought an additional Palma 1 on discount long after the introduction of the Palma 2. And it has been my most used device for reading.

The only situation in which I would consider a Kaleido device is for almost exclusive colour content use.

I also recommend getting the black version since it has a better screen (scratch resistant glass rather than plastic).