Cheapest Boox Device with Split Screen

[Bi-lingual]

After some research, I have come to the (hopefully correct) conclusion that the easiest way to read two books simultaneously on an e-reader is by using a Boox device.

My use case is fairly simple: I am learning a foreign language and want to have the same book in both languages side by side.

1. I need to be able to change pages on each opened book independently.

2. I must have access to the dictionary on both books as well simultaneously.

With that in mind, I want to know if the above are possible, and what is the cheapest device I can get that accomplishes this. I am hopeful that some older generation device can do these on a discount.

Thanks in advance.

[alllexx]

I think you can use Readest for your purposes on any modern Boox reader, since they're Android based. It's just a matter of deciding how big of a screen you'd be comfortable to split-screen read.

[Bi-lingual]

Originally Posted by alllexx

I think you can use Readest for your purposes on any modern Boox reader, since they're Android based. It's just a matter of deciding how big of a screen you'd be comfortable to split-screen read.

Isn't split screen a feature only available on 10+ inch devices?

[alllexx]

According to the README, no:

Multiple Layouts: Read one book fullscreen or up to four books simultaneously in split view.

I see no mentions of 10+ inch limitation or anything. It's just an uncomfortable feature to use on a small screen. You can try it on your phone to make sure (I haven't)

[cellaris]

I tried the split-screen feature when I bought the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C (8"). If I remember correctly, you had to use two different e-reader apps, but I’m not entirely sure as I haven’t used it since (I imagine you could use, for example, AlReader X and AlReader X Eink if you want to keep the same settings on both sides of the screen).

[Bi-lingual]

Originally Posted by cellaris

I tried the split-screen feature when I bought the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C (8"). If I remember correctly, you had to use two different e-reader apps, but I’m not entirely sure as I haven’t used it since (I imagine you could use, for example, AlReader X and AlReader X Eink if you want to keep the same settings on both sides of the screen).

That looks amazing. And it's exactly what I have in mind. Are you able to switch pages on each app freely and access the dictionary?

[cellaris]

I’d have to try it again, but I think each reading programme worked independently. In other words, you could do what you’re suggesting. (If I have time later, I’ll give it a go and let you know.)

[cellaris]

I’ve had a quick go and the reading apps work independently. You can turn pages and look things up in the dictionary in each one. What I’m not sure about is whether you can have the dictionary open in both at the same time.

Edit: Depending on the app and dictionary you use, you can have them open in both places at the same time. For example, you can have the Kindle app open with its own dictionary and AlReaderX open with the Onyx dictionary at the same time.

There are some e-reader apps that aren’t compatible with split-screen mode. KOReader is one of them (at least for me). But most work: Kindle, PocketBook, Readest, Moon Reader, Librera, Alreader X...

[cellaris]

On a 7-inch e-reader, I think split-screen mode looks better in portrait orientation, although that will depend on personal preference.

(In this case, the screenshot is from a Bigme, not an Onyx Boox).