Picco: One of the Smallest E-Readers Ever
▼ Summary
– Boox has announced the Picco, a new ultra-compact e-reader featuring a 3.97-inch monochrome screen.
– The device is priced at $100 and is scheduled to begin shipping in November.
– It includes physical page-turning buttons, a microSD slot supporting up to 2 TB of storage, and magnetic mounting capabilities.
– The Picco operates on Boox’s Tiles system for ebook access and integrates productivity apps like Pomodoro and Todo.
– This release positions Boox as a key competitor in the shrinking e-reader market alongside brands like Xteink, Kindle, and Kobo.
Boox has introduced the Picco, a new e-reader that pushes the boundaries of compact design. While smartphones continue to grow in size, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on smaller reading devices. Boox already gained traction with the popular Palma model, but the newly announced Picco takes miniaturization further. Preorders for the device open today, offering readers an alternative that is significantly more portable than current market leaders.
The most striking feature of the Picco is its display. The 3.97-inch screen is roughly the size of a standard playing card. This makes it noticeably smaller than the Xteink X4 Pro, which features a 4.3-inch panel, and far more compact than the upcoming Boox Palma 3, which boasts a 6.19-inch display. It sits just above the 3.7-inch Xteink X3 in terms of physical footprint. Previous testing of similarly sized devices revealed that while the form factor was pleasing, navigating interfaces and sourcing books could be difficult. The Picco aims to address these usability issues by leveraging Boox’s more accessible ecosystem, even if it does not match the convenience of dedicated stores like Kindle or Kobo.
A Compact Productivity Hub
Priced at $100, the Picco is scheduled to ship in November. Despite its diminutive stature, the hardware specifications are robust. The monochrome display offers a resolution of 235 pixels per inch and includes an adjustable front light capable of switching between warm and cool tones. Storage is handled via a microSD card slot that supports up to 2 TB of flash memory, with a 16 GB card included in the box. Input methods include both a touchscreen and physical buttons on the side for page turning, providing tactile feedback for navigation.
Portability is enhanced by a magnetic ring embedded in the case, allowing users to attach the reader directly to the back of a smartphone. This feature transforms the device into an accessory rather than a standalone gadget. However, real-world compatibility may vary; attaching previous small e-readers to phones has yielded mixed results due to fit and magnet strength issues. Once attached, the Picco serves as a companion for productivity as well as reading. It runs a streamlined operating system focused on digital utility, featuring built-in apps for the Pomodoro technique, task management (Todo), and countdown timers. These tools provide additional motivation to keep the device tethered to a phone even when not actively reading.
Content Access and Future Outlook
Content acquisition on the Picco is facilitated through Boox’s new Tiles lineup, which serves as the primary method for accessing ebooks. Users can also transfer files via USB-C or Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless pairing with other devices. This approach balances simplicity with flexibility, catering to users who prefer managing their own libraries over browsing integrated stores.
The Picco represents a significant shift for Boox, potentially challenging the status of the Palma as the brand’s most popular entry-level reader. Whether the Picco will surpass the Palma 3 in consumer preference remains to be seen. Both devices offer distinct advantages depending on whether users prioritize extreme portability or larger screen real estate. Detailed evaluations of both models will determine which option provides better value for different types of readers.
(Source: Wired)
