Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a niche new tech category emerge onto the mobile gadget scene: pocketable e-reader-esque devices with ePaper or E Ink displays. Many of these devices run a variant of the Android OS, making them a potential smartphone alternative for anyone looking to reduce digital distractions and to tackle eye strain — plus, they benefit from wonderful outdoor display visibility, and they often feature a multi-day battery life to boot.
A major player in the pocket-sized e-reader space is Onyx, with its current-generation Boox Palma 2 model first releasing to the public in November 2024. The device, which normally sells for around $330, is currently on sale on the Wellbots online storefront for $270 — a savings of $60. Available in both black and white variants and shipping with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, this limited promotion also throws in a free Flip-fold Cover Case, which is an appreciated inclusion.
Over on Boox’ official website, the Palma 2 is also temporarily listed as being on sale, marked down by $30 for the Standard Bundle (which comes with a protective matte transparent case), as well as roughly $40 off for the Flip-fold Protective Case Bundle (which comes with a Flip-fold Cover Case).
The Boox Palma 2 is niche tech at its best
At its temporarily reduced price point, I’m more than tempted to scoop up a unit
At its normal MSRP, the Boox Palma 2 is a funky and compelling gadget that falls just a bit above the price point I’d be willing to pay for an experimental, niche device of its kind. At $60 off, however, and with a case included, I’m genuinely tempted to pick up a model and to see what all the hype is about.
Conceptually, I’m a fan of pocketable pads that offer the flexibility of Android mixed together with the merits of ePaper technology. The Palma 2 itself is a solid offering, with an octa-core CPU, a built-in capacitive fingerprint sensor, a 6.13-inch Carta 1,200 ePaper Display, dual-tone front lighting, and Boox’ in-house Super Refresh Technology for smoother ePaper scrolling.
For reading e-books, writing out notes and to-do lists, listening to music and podcasts, and other day-to-day activities, the Palma 2’s ePaper display is ideal in that it disincentives social media doom-scrolling, while also optimizing battery life far beyond what a typical smartphone can ordinarily achieve. Just note that there’s no SIM card slot or cellular compatibility here, so it isn’t necessarily designed to be a full-blown smartphone replacement product — for that, you’ll want to check out the higher-end Boox Palma 2 Pro.
