Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler - Android based reader

    More recently, the McCenter company, which is the exclusive distributor of ONYX International products in Russia, introduced a model from a new series of devices for reading electronic books, named after the great astronomer. The main difference of the new model is that it runs on the Android operating system.

    image

    There are very few e-books on the operating system from Google. But they are slowly gaining popularity. We got a model from this small series of devices - Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler. In addition to having an OS, the novelty also offers a number of other interesting features, which we will discuss in the article.

    ▌ TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS


    The device is based on a processor with a clock frequency of 1 GHz, which allows you to instantly process complex documents, and runs on Android 2.3.1, open for installing additional programs. Onyx Boox i63SL has 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of flash memory and a slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, which allows you to store up to 35,000 books in the library. The reader is also equipped with a 6-inch E Ink Pearl HD screen with a 12: 1 contrast ratio. Of course, there is a backlight function MOON Light. And there is a sufficiently capacious battery with a capacity of 1600 mAh, which will allow you to use the device a large amount of time.

    imageScreen: 6 "E-Ink Pearl HD (1024 × 758) with backlight
    imageProcessor: Rockchip 2906 (Cortex-A8, 1 GHz, single core)
    imageOperating system: Android 2.3.1
    imageRAM: 512 MB
    imageUser memory: 4 GB + MicroSD slot with support for cards up to 32 GB
    imageOptional: microUSB and stereo 3.5 mm jack
    imageBook formats: PDF, EPUB, FB2, DOCX, TXT, DJVU, EPUB (and others, it all depends on the installed ON)
    imageImage formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP (and others, it all depends on the installed software)
    imageAudio format: MP3, OGG, WAV (and others, it all depends on the installed software)
    imageBattery: 1600 mAh
    imageDimensions: 171 × 124, 8 × 10.9 mm
    imageWeight: 238 grams

    The only difference is that the i63SL Kepler has audio output and supports MP3, OGG, WAV.

    ▌PACKING


    The device comes in a small box. The package is made in black colors with a space theme with specifications and features. Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler specifications and the official website address are located on the side. The edge of the box is securely fixed with two magnets at the edges. Packaging for the device was extremely compact. In the box under the device, we see a white satin ribbon, pulling it, we get access to accessories. Everything was packed in the package: the device, the cover, and other accessories. Together with the book, the buyer receives: a cover, a network storage device with a USB port, a miniUSB cable and a couple of papers (user manual and warranty card). Good equipment, nothing more.

    image



    image



    image



    image



    image



    image

    In general, the packaging makes a good impression.

    ▌CASE


    Thick case made of black leatherette pleasant to the touch. The back surface of the cover is covered with small holes that prevent slipping. Magnetic latch prevents cover unauthorized to open. The case, in my opinion, is comfortable and does not interfere with the use of the device. On the contrary, it gives it a protected look and will protect it from falls in the same metro, especially at rush hour. Most manufacturers try to save on covers, so it’s very nice that Onyx completes its readers with this important accessory, thus relieving the buyer of problems in choosing and buying a cover. In addition to the model with audio output, one could put headphones on, but their absence can be forgiven, because we do not have a tablet after all, but a device for reading books.

    image



    image



    image



    ▌ DESIGN, DIMENSIONS, CONTROL ELEMENTS


    The Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler case is made of matte plastic. The total thickness is 11 millimeters, the back cover is rounded at the edges. This solution visually reduces the thickness of the gadget. The main area of ​​the front side is the E-Ink Pearl HD screen, bordered by a frame. Below is a five-way joystick that allows you to navigate the menu, quickly change the font size and scale the readable documents. On the front panel, to the left of the display, there is a long key with the "Back" and "Menu" functions. It does not occupy the entire width of the frame, but as if built into the edge of the body. Clicking is quite convenient.

    image



    image



    image

    At the bottom there is a familiar set of elements - a power button, miniUSB port and a slot for microSDHC cards, as well as an audio jack. The power button is very small, sticks out of the book by almost a millimeter. When charging, it lights up in red. But the left long key is turned upside down, up - back, down - forward. At first it’s not immediately convenient to use this function assignment to the key, but then you get used to it. By the way, if someone doesn’t want to suffer from this, then the settings function of the side buttons is available in the device’s menu. The back has a reset hole and brief technical information. Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler fits perfectly in your hand. You can even hide the book in your jacket pocket if you wish.

    image



    image



    image



    image

    Build quality - no complaints, the device is assembled very well, there are no backlashes, creaks and gaps for collecting dust. The material is pleasant to the touch.

    ▌ DISPLAY


    The Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler reader uses the E-Ink Pearl HD with a 12: 1 contrast ratio and a resolution of 758 x 1024 px. Using this permission eliminates problems with any font size. The screen does not support touch input. All controls are implemented using buttons and a joystick. There is anti-reflective coating. Image quality is excellent in contrast and overall reading experience. The redraw interval can be changed in the settings.

    image



    image

    The device is equipped with a function of continuously adjustable backlight MOON Light. You can enable it by holding the joystick or the Back key, or in the menu, and the brightness is adjusted in the status bar. MOON Light uses the reflective light distribution method. The light guide layer is located above the display. Light travels through this layer, is reflected towards the screen (from the viewer), absorbed by the dark elements of the image and reflected from the light, then gets into the eye. Feels like the light in this case is similar to the light from an external source. This backlight is much more comfortable for perception. In general, the display is good, but the presence of a backlight makes it even better.

    image



    ▌ SHELL AND APPLICATIONS


    Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler has the Android 2.3.1 operating system installed, but, unfortunately, the heavily trimmed version also does not have a Wi-Fi module. You don’t get used to controlling the joystick of a system that is adapted for touch input. Despite the fact that the reader does not have a touch screen, manipulating the joystick does not seem tedious.
    The device has its own OnyxLauncher launcher, which displays the last open book on the main screen and the rest of the files are sorted by opening time just below. In the dock bar there are icons of the Library, Application Menu, Highlight and Settings. And on top of the status bar, time and current date are standardly reflected.
    The application menu is not rich in programs. By default, Gallery and Dictionary are available to us. For some reason, they refused the Calendar or the Games. But no one bothers to install additional applications (third-party readers or players) through the file manager. You won’t be able to do this through Google Play, because there is simply no Wi-Fi and the Market itself, as well as other Google services. Root rights, of course, are not given to us, but they can be obtained easily with the help of Gingerbreak and an SD card.
    The status bar shows various notifications, for example, you can configure the display of the current battery charge through third-party programs. There is also an adjustment of brightness and volume.

    imageimageimage

    The Library section displays your books on the drive. Sorting can be configured through the context menu, which opens by clicking on a special button in the upper corner. Books can be sorted (by name, type, size, creation date, title, author, publisher).
    I will add that by pointing the joystick to the file you need through the context menu, you can perform operations with this file, for example, delete it or rename it. In addition, a search function is provided. In the settings you can select the system language, set the date, system font, select programs to open one or another format (a good function), set the interval for full redrawing, auto power off and screen off. There are also settings for backlight brightness and application management.

    imageimageimage



    imageimageimage

    You can also see information about the device, find out about the memory and clear it (if necessary), configure the side buttons (as I mentioned in the review). One of the features of the reader is that it uses the QuickDic dictionary, while reading it is possible to highlight a word, perform a search in the dictionary, get a translation. Naturally, the dictionary can be used just like that, here you also need to use the virtual keyboard for input. The file manager is very similar to a library that only operates with regular files. Nothing special. When choosing a file, you can choose through which program to open it and use this application by default.

    imageimageimage



    imageimageimage



    imageimageimage

    To the advantages of this reader, it should be noted that it really works great with the listed formats. And if some type of file is not supported, then I’m sure there will be an Android program for it to open it. During the reading process, you can change the font or orientation of the screen, search for the necessary phrases, choose the line spacing, go to the content or set a bookmark. Font, margins and default spacing are quite comfortable, you can not change anything. Pages turn quickly, the speed of the menu also does not cause any irritation.

    imageimageimage

    In addition to the device, support for the DjVu and PDF formats can be attributed. At the same time, the page scales very well, there are no problems creeping out beyond the borders of the border. There is the ability to play audio, and by the way, the sound comes out very good, you can even use it as a player. In addition, the Onyx Boox i63SL reader allows you to view images in JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP and TIFF formats, but still you should not expect a juicy color picture from a black and white screen.

    imageimageimage

    Thus, an ordinary book with standard software can be easily improved. Android allows you to add notes, calendar, calculator, games and more. But, unfortunately, the lack of a touch screen will make itself felt, because not all programs are optimized for joystick control. And many points simply cannot be selected in the program. However, the Android OS is open to install programs prepared by the users themselves. Perhaps enthusiasts will make their applications with adaptation for E Link screens, such as in AlReader.

    ▌BATTERY, CHARGING, OPERATION TIME


    The built-in non-replaceable 1600 mAh battery is enough for a long time. Naturally, if you constantly use the backlight, then the charge will be faster. With the backlight on at full power, the device will last about 8-9 hours, and when it is turned off, it will last almost 17-18 hours. And I want to say that this is the minimum operating time of the device at full load. If you use the device from time to time, then the charge will last much longer. Charging time takes about three hours.

    ▌ CONCLUSION


    Onyx Boox i63SL Kepler turned out to be a good e-book. There are small nuances - the lack of Wi-Fi and a sensor. But the latter even bothers someone. After all, they often read in transport and the touch screen interferes - you must always very carefully hold the book so that you do not accidentally press the display. For those who like to mess with devices, constantly finish, try new applications, customize the interface, then Android on this device is another advantage. The average price of a device is 6 500 rubles. For comparison, the ONYX BOOX i63SML Kopernik, which is similar in parameters, costs half a thousand cheaper. Is it worth it to overpay for audio output? A moot point.

    ▌ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES


    imageE-Ink Pearl HD display with high resolution
    imageBright and even illumination MOON Light
    imageWell-thought-out and high-quality case
    imageSupport for installing third-party applications
    imageLong run time
    imageSupport for additional formats using other programs
    imageAudio output

    imageNon-touch screen
    imageNo Wi-Fi module

    If you do not have an account on Habrahabr , you can read and comment on our articles on BoxOverview.com

    Also popular now: