Top 10: 3G/4G Internet connected e-Ink e-readers

2023. Bigme released new colour e-note S6 Color+


Bigme has unveiled its latest e-note, the S6 Color+, which comes with On-Cell Touch and boasts a vibrant 7.8-inch E Ink display based on the on-cell Kaleido 3 color e-paper technology. According to Bigme, this innovative color display incorporates fewer layers over the touch surface, resulting in improved light transmission and a brighter visual experience. Under the hood, the S6 Color+ houses a powerful octa-core 2.3 GHz processor, along with 6GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of internal storage. Should users require more storage space, the device supports expandable storage via an SD card of up to 1TB capacity. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi and 4G; however, network support is currently limited to China. To enhance user experience, the S6 Color+ is equipped with dual speakers and a microphone. On the photography front, it features a 5 MP front-facing camera and an 8 MP rear camera setup. Running on Android 11 with preinstalled Google Play Store, the device offers access to a wide range of applications. Powering the S6 Color+ is a 3000 mAh battery, ensuring extended usage. The S6 Color+ by Bigme is available at a price of $459.99.


2022. Onyx Boox launched big e-Ink tablet with keyboard and stylus



Onyx Boox has introduced a new tablet—Tab10—that serves as both an e-note device and features a 10.3-inch display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 and a density of 227 PPI. Under the hood is a 2.0GHz octa-core Qualcomm processor paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 512 GB via external means. The device operates on Android 11 and is powered by a substantial 6,300 mAh battery, which should last at least a couple of weeks. The Tab10 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G and 5G) and includes a USB Type-C port. The power button also features a fingerprint unlock mechanism for added security. It has an integrated microphone and the included Boox Pen2 comes with an eraser and attaches to the device magnetically. The e-note weighs a convenient 470 grams and is priced at $468.

2021. Kindle 3G internet will no longer work since 2022



Amazon initially provided 3G internet access on the original Kindle released in 2017. This feature allowed Kindles to connect to the nearest cell tower offering 3G data, enabling users to access the bookstore and Wikipedia. Beginning next year, this will become obsolete. Telecommunications companies worldwide are beginning to shut down their 3G networks and reallocate the frequencies to 4G/LTE and 5G.


2021. Hisense released Android-powered E Ink smartphone-reader A7 CC



Chinese electronics manufacturer Hisense has launched an Android-powered 4G LTE smartphone with a 6.7-inch color E Ink display called the Hisense A7 CC. It operates on Android 10 and does not include Google Play, similar to the monochrome model. The refresh rate for the color screen will be as swift as that of black-and-white e-paper. The 6.7-inch E Ink screen is larger than a typical Kindle, but its different aspect ratio makes it taller and narrower. Like Hisense’s other E Ink phones, the A7 CC isn’t officially sold outside of China, but some smaller retailers that ship internationally, such as the Cect Shop, are currently offering the Hisense A7 CC for about $500 USD.


2016. Amazon unveils new Kindle Oasis



The new Amazon Kindle Oasis is the smallest and lightest Kindle to date and features a handle for gripping. It gets closer to the feel of a real book with a thickness of just 3.4 mm at its thinnest point and the new one-sided handle is designed to mimic holding the spine of a book while reading. The device includes two buttons for navigating pages forward and backward. It’s unusual to see buttons reintroduced after moving away from keyboards and buttons in previous generations. However, according to Amazon, users simply prefer buttons, so they are making a return. The WiFi version of the Oasis will be priced at $289 and the 3G version will be available for $359.


2012. Txtr Beagle - e-Reader for $13


If you thought that the non-profit Kindle Paperwhite is a great bargain at $119, check out the Txtr Beagle e-reader, which sells for just $13. Of course, it lacks a touchscreen, 3G, Wi-Fi and a backlight and it's powered by two AAA batteries. However, it offers everything needed for reading: a 5-inch, 4.5-ounce E Ink screen and 4GB of storage. Additionally, it's very thick (5mm) and compact. But how can it be priced as low as a single eBook on Amazon’s store? Here’s the catch. You can add books to the Txtr Beagle only via Bluetooth from the Txtr app on Android or iPhone. Moreover, you can only add books to the app by purchasing them from the Txtr bookstore.


2011. Amazon unveils Kindle Touch e-reader



Amazon didn't disappoint tech enthusiasts this morning. The company is all about "creating premium products at non-premium prices." The new device—a e-ink e-reader—Kindle Touch, which allows users to easily read one-handed, is designed to compete with the Barnes & Noble Nook and will be priced at $99. Amazon didn’t make many changes to differentiate the Touch from the fourth-gen Kindle. In fact, the only noticeable difference between the two devices is the bezel below the screen. The toggle switch and row of buttons on the fourth-gen model have been replaced with a single home button, consisting of four small horizontal bars. It's not the most stylish option available, but it serves its purpose. Amazon also introduced a 3G version, which will retail for $149. A more affordable and compact non-touch Kindle will be priced at $79. Amazon has included its Whispersync technology, which syncs digital books to the Kindle and is also offering free cloud storage for device users.