New Boox Picco to Compete with XTEINK

[Yapyap]

Originally Posted by kandwo

Some Reddit user pointed out that:

“This is non news. Every BOOX device with a FCC filing has all those variants in it. According to FCC filings and following the thinking of readme club, we also have a Note Max Color, Note Max Plus, Note Max Pro etc. This goes for each and every single BOOX device, they always claim those 6 names.

This is not news, just bad research unfortunately.”

On the other hand Boox has announced that the Picco is the first in line and that there will be other “Tile” devices. Hopefully, small devices with 300 PPI and a magnet for good folio covers

Yes, I also saw that later, and I am also not taking it as a fact (even the readme article itself says there’s no guarantee about those extra devices coming out). But I agree, since Boox has made it clear the Picco is the first of a whole new product line, they’re very much considering new options already.

I’m not sure how much power they could pack into these ESP-32 based tiny bodies, but I guess we’ll see.

It’s also possible this whole mini-reader thing just turns out to be a fad and will die down soon enough, especially if prices start going up but the hardware and use cases hit their limits.

[kandwo]

Originally Posted by Yapyap

Yes, I also saw that later, and I am also not taking it as a fact (even the readme article itself says there’s no guarantee about those extra devices coming out). But I agree, since Boox has made it clear the Picco is the first of a whole new product line, they’re very much considering new options already.

I’m not sure how much power they could pack into these ESP-32 based tiny bodies, but I guess we’ll see.

It’s also possible this whole mini-reader thing just turns out to be a fad and will die down soon enough, especially if prices start going up but the hardware and use cases hit their limits.

I'm sure a lot of people still would want an Android based mini-reader, so that they can use Koreader, RSS and Kindle/Kobo.

I would want a 300 PPI option.

I don't think it'll die out anytime soon. People have been clamoring for a new Kobo mini/cheaper Boox Palma for ages.

[mbovenka]

Originally Posted by kandwo

I'm sure a lot of people still would want an Android based mini-reader, so that they can use Koreader, RSS and Kindle/Kobo.

XTEINK has the S4 out in China, effectively an X4 Pro running Android 11. Not yet out anywhere else (not even on Aliexpress, it looks like).

[Gormagon]

Originally Posted by kandwo

I would want a 300 PPI option.

That's the main reason for me not to buy the Picco and that I can't use epub files directly from the microSDcard with the original firmware. I don't want to use a website or an app to be able to read books on a device.

Android may be nice but then the device would need more RAM, larger battery and so on. An useful native reader app on the device which lets me install various dictonaries and look up word(s), select my own fonts, allows adjusting of font size, font weight, margins, line height and maybe one or two other things would be enough.
I'd also prefer a mini reader with no front light. And of course I should be able to buy it in my country. I don't want to import it from the PCR.

[rantanplan]

I’ve seen a review where Chalid was already able to run Crosspoint on the device so there’s a firmware available that can handle standard epub from sdcard.

[pepperminttree]

2026 brings you tablet sized mobile phones and thumbnail sized e-readers. What a bizarre stray from purpose

[mbovenka]

Originally Posted by Gormagon

That's the main reason for me not to buy the Picco and that I can't use epub files directly from the microSDcard with the original firmware. I don't want to use a website or an app to be able to read books on a device.

Android may be nice but then the device would need more RAM, larger battery and so on. An useful native reader app on the device which lets me install various dictonaries and look up word(s), select my own fonts, allows adjusting of font size, font weight, margins, line height and maybe one or two other things would be enough.
I'd also prefer a mini reader with no front light. And of course I should be able to buy it in my country. I don't want to import it from the PCR.

The SeedStudio reTerminal Sticky would fit (https://www.seeedstudio.com/reTermin...ky-p-6861.html) running Crosspoint. Or the XTEINK X3 or X4 Classic if you would import from China.

[Gormagon]

Originally Posted by rantanplan

I’ve seen a review where Chalid was already able to run Crosspoint on the device so there’s a firmware available that can handle standard epub from sdcard.

I've seen and linked this video here. But if I pay >100 Euros for a device I want to be able to use it with the original firmware. Besides flashing the firmware may break the warranty.

@mbovenka
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't use credit cards or Paypal and don't want to import an electronic device myself. That's why the Picco, which will be available in my country with other payments options, would have been an option if it had better hardware and software. But it is what it is and maybe Boox will release something better in the future. I'm not really in a hurry. I still have my small Android-based mp3-player plus a smaller actual phone (Oukitel C17 Mini with Android 16 Go) which are quite usable for reading on the go with a matte screen protector. All can run KOReader and Librera.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by kandwo

I'm sure a lot of people still would want an Android based mini-reader, so that they can use Koreader, RSS and Kindle/Kobo.

A Android mini ereader might be nice but the current trend seems to be using ESP32 processors which, at this time, do nor run KOReader or much of anything else. Given the hardware needs for newer Android versions (4GB/2GB for Go version RAM, 32GB of storage, quad-core CPU, 1280 x 720 display, etc.), the chances of a cheap ESP32-based implementation is non-existent.

I must admit that I haven't looked at any ESP32 implementations since June, 2025. At that time, the card I picked up listed a dual-core Xtensa L6 processor @ 240MHz with 520KB of built-in RAM. It was fun trying to squeeze the program into that amount of RAM since the database was stored in RAM for speed of access.

[nana77]

Originally Posted by DNSB

A Android mini ereader might be nice but the current trend seems to be using ESP32 processors which, at this time, do nor run KOReader or much of anything else. Given the hardware needs for newer Android versions (4GB/2GB for Go version RAM, 32GB of storage, quad-core CPU, 1280 x 720 display, etc.), the chances of a cheap ESP32-based implementation is non-existent.

I must admit that I haven't looked at any ESP32 implementations since June, 2025. At that time, the card I picked up listed a dual-core Xtensa L6 processor @ 240MHz with 520KB of built-in RAM. It was fun trying to squeeze the program into that amount of RAM since the database was stored in RAM for speed of access.

The DuRoBo Krono claims to have an octa-core processor, personally I won't ever mind to have an e-reader of those sizes; thought it's priced also: https://www.durobo.com/pages/krono
I like them form factor, its rolling wheel to scroll, and that back ledge bar:

It seems available only on EU, @279$.
I understand now the company is from Netherland.

(OMG what's that's mouse? - edit: Lofree Touch PBT)

[DNSB]

Sorry but I thought we were discussing ESP32 based low cost ereaders. A 6.13" ereader which Amazon.ca shows at $447.99 Cdn (~€285) is not what I personally would consider low cost. A Kobo Libra Colour clock in at $299.pp Cdn and weigh a massive 26 gm more didn't strike me as low cost.

When I looked at their website, the only site they showed as having stock (likely shipping to Canada affected that) was Hong Kong and the price from there was shown as €249.99 (~$393 Cdn) which is cheaper than Amazon.ca but the shipping was 4+ weeks compared to Amazon's next week.

[nana77]

Originally Posted by DNSB

A Android mini ereader might be nice but the current trend seems to be using ESP32 processors which, at this time, do nor run KOReader or much of anything else. Given the hardware needs for newer Android versions (4GB/2GB for Go version RAM, 32GB of storage, quad-core CPU, 1280 x 720 display, etc.), the chances of a cheap ESP32-based implementation is non-existent.

I must admit that I haven't looked at any ESP32 implementations since June, 2025. At that time, the card I picked up listed a dual-core Xtensa L6 processor @ 240MHz with 520KB of built-in RAM. It was fun trying to squeeze the program into that amount of RAM since the database was stored in RAM for speed of access.

My last try: it won't be that bad if, if that 4,5" becomes "trendy", to see some manufactures on DAP devices to adopt an e-ink screen (as for to use it also for reading, them already that sizes). Still a though for the prices .

[Gormagon]

Here's another youtube video (from "David @ Tablet Tech") with a test unit of the Picco, which may or may not be identical to the final unit Boox will sell: https://youtu.be/6ew2RpIfAo0

[nana77]

Originally Posted by DNSB

Sorry but I thought we were discussing ESP32 based low cost ereaders. A 6.13" ereader which Amazon.ca shows at $447.99 Cdn (~€285) is not what I personally would consider low cost. A Kobo Libra Colour clock in at $299.pp Cdn and weigh a massive 26 gm more didn't strike me as low cost.

When I looked at their website, the only site they showed as having stock (likely shipping to Canada affected that) was Hong Kong and the price from there was shown as €249.99 (~$393 Cdn) which is cheaper than Amazon.ca but the shipping was 4+ weeks compared to Amazon's next week.

From the ones that gets mentioned as from those pocket-size ereader, thought this one doesn't looks bad (but the AI ): Metalio E-INK4.
https://www.litnxt.com/products/meta...nk-touchscreen

(lol the rope)

[Gormagon]

The E-INK 4 Plus with 297 ppi looks interesting, although with 4.7" I don't think of it as small.