Top 10: Shockproof rugged e-Ink e-readers

2018. Kobo Forma - e-Ink reader with IPX8 case



Kobo has introduced a new eBook reader called the Kobo Forma. It’s Kobo’s most advanced e-reader to date and surpasses the Kindle Oasis in several aspects. It features a similar design to the Kindle Oasis with page buttons on one side of the screen and a contoured back (but without the wedge). You can read in both portrait and landscape modes and the screen can be set to rotate automatically. The Kobo Forma boasts an 8-inch screen and is waterproof. You can borrow eBooks directly from Overdrive, which helps save money over time. It also includes ComfortLight technology to reduce the bright white screen when reading at night. The Forma’s adjustable front light is gentle on your eyes and gradually decreases blue light exposure, helping you read before bed and then fall asleep easily. This e-reader has an IPX8 rating and is waterproof for up to 60 minutes. Additionally, the Forma comes with the popular library app OneDrive pre-installed, allowing you to easily connect your library account to the e-reader.


2018. Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Forma



Kobo has introduced a new e-reader called the Forma, the latest enhancement in the company’s line of e-ink devices. The Forma boasts an 8-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) e-ink screen, a new ergonomic design, waterproofing, weeks of battery life and a range of other new features. One of the most notable aspects is the new design, which includes an ergonomic grip on the side of the device that provides a fresh look while also making it more comfortable to hold. There are also several buttons on the right edge of the Forma that make page-turning effortless, especially compared to tapping or swiping on a touchscreen. The device weighs 197g, about 15 percent lighter than the Kobo Aura One. Despite its lightweight design, the e-reader remains robust, with Kobo claiming it can endure a two-meter drop. Additionally, the device can be submerged in up to two meters of water for around 60 minutes thanks to its IPX8 rating. The Forma starts at $299.99 CAD for the 8GB version.

2016. Earl, an E Ink survival tablet - didn't survive



In 2014, a “backcountry survival tablet” called Earl was introduced through a crowdfunding campaign. Featuring a 6-inch E Ink screen, solar panels, various radios and other features, the campaign aimed to raise $250,000 but ended up collecting $700,000. The concept of an E Ink tablet with open Android, solar power, a water and dust-resistant casing, frontlight, high-resolution maps, GPS, weather sensors and radios was especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The Earl could also handle basic tasks like e-reading. However, designing and producing such a device proved to be much more complex and time-consuming than originally expected. The Earl was initially slated for release over a year ago, but the developers reported that it is still under development. Even Onyx provided significant assistance with the creation of the Earl tablet. Ultimately, the project has been discontinued.


2014. Earl - a shockproof rugged e-reader



Earl is an Android device featuring a 6-inch flexible, sunlight-readable E-ink screen (1024x758) with a front light. It's akin to a Backpacker's Guide to Earth (it should have "Don't Panic!" somewhere on it). It boasts impressive resistance to water and dust and can endure temperatures as low as 50 degrees below zero. Additionally, it includes a solar panel, making it ideal for attaching to the outside of your pack (assuming you're not hiking in the UK). The price starts at $299 for pre-orders (the crowdfunding campaign has ended). Being Android-based, you should be able to install an ePub reader, such as the one from Graphilos Studio. The meetearl.com page notes that ePub, MOBI and PDF formats are supported, but it's unclear whether this software is pre-installed or not.