InkPad 4 Fault

[bluepeter]

I've just had to return an InkPad 4 to Amazon. A thin black line appears at the foot of the page in the centre - right across the KOReader status bar (see photo).

This is the second one I've had to send back for this reason. The first one didn't exhibit the fault until I'd had it a few weeks. This one only arrived this afternoon, and the line was present when I first opened a book.

Has anyone else had this problem, or am I just unlucky?

[gillesit]

Hi, I have that line at the bottom of my InkPad 4 as well; if I recall correctly, it appeared after the last firmware update. Whether I use Koreader or the PocketBook reader, the line doesn't cover the page numbering—which is the only indicator I use. Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything else about it.

[bluepeter]

Ah, I see. That makes sense. It also suggests that PocketBook was a bit sloppy in testing the firmware before releasing it.

I probably wouldn't be too bothered if I used the PocketBook reader, since the line is well below anything that it displays. Unfortunately, KOReader is my default reader on mt PocketBooks, and it's quite a big deal for me.

Thank you very much for your helpful comment.

[gillesit]

I use Koreader for reading too, but I don't see a line above the page numbering or whatever else might be there. Try this: in the Koreader settings, go to Gear -> Status Bar -> Configure Items -> Bottom Margin and increase the value. I tried it, and the book's page number indicator does indeed move upwards.

[VladimirS]

Do you guys run into situation in which device freezes during regular usage from time to time,
and only remedy is to restart it using power button (holding it some amount of time)?

Thanks in advance and happy reading !

[bluepeter]

Originally Posted by gillesit

I use Koreader for reading too, but I don't see a line above the page numbering or whatever else might be there. Try this: in the Koreader settings, go to Gear -> Status Bar -> Configure Items -> Bottom Margin and increase the value. I tried it, and the book's page number indicator does indeed move upwards.

It's too late to try this on the InkPad - as I said above, I've already returned it. However, I do use KOReader on other devices, and have always wished that the status bar wasn't right at the very bottom of the screen. I didn't realise that I could move it, so thanks very much for the information. I've moved it up 15 (pixels?) on another, and it looks much better.

[PioXX]

Hello bluepeter,
I’m experiencing the same issue on two InkPad 4s (one from 2024 and one brand new).
I, too, suspect that the firmware update caused this.

[PioXX]

The ‘bar’ was introduced with the latest firmware update for the Inkpad 4. We’ll just have to get used to it now.
If you hold down the bar (until it gets a bit thicker) and swipe upwards, this takes you to the (also redesigned) Task Manager. This is intended to make it easier to access, even without using a button. :-))

[bluepeter]

So it's deliberate, then, and not just an accidental artefact? Oh, joy. Since I've never had any use for the Task Manager, easier access to it isn't something that I want or need.

I suppose the implication is that PocketBook will add this unwanted "feature" to the firmware of other models. I'd better not accept any more firmware updates to my other PocketBook devices. I guess that it's just as well that I sideload all my books.

[NullNix]

Originally Posted by bluepeter

So it's deliberate, then, and not just an accidental artefact? Oh, joy. Since I've never had any use for the Task Manager, easier access to it isn't something that I want or need.

I suppose the implication is that PocketBook will add this unwanted "feature" to the firmware of other models. I'd better not accept any more firmware updates to my other PocketBook devices. I guess that it's just as well that I sideload all my books.

My Era Lite has the new task manager and koreader and shows no black line, neither in koreader nor out of it. I wonder if there's a setting somewhere...