In the fast-evolving world of e-readers, dominated by giants like Kindle and Kobo, it's easy to forget the pioneers and the bold design experiments that pushed the boundaries.
One such device, largely confined to the French market, was the Bookeen Saga. Launched several years ago (around 2018-2019), the Saga wasn't just another e-reader; it was a statement piece, incorporating a design philosophy that feels remarkably fresh and relevant even today. It was, in many ways, significantly ahead of its time.
While competitors were focusing primarily on screen technology and ecosystem lock-in, Bookeen dared to rethink the physical interaction and form factor of the e-reader itself.
The Saga's genius lay in its fully integrated, protective cover featuring built-in physical page-turn and frontlight buttons.
This wasn't just a slap-on accessory; it was conceived as an essential part of the device. Here's why that design was so forward-thinking.
Unlike the detachable cases common then (and now), the Saga's cover was part of its identity. When closed, it offered robust protection for the E Ink screen. When opened, it folded back neatly and revealed dedicated physical buttons precisely where your thumb would naturally rest while holding the device with one hand. This seamless blend of protection and enhanced usability was unique.
Every e-reader owner faced (and still faces) the decision of whether to buy a separate case for protection, adding bulk and cost. The Bookeen Saga eliminated this. You bought one device that inherently included its own stylish and functional protection. It was an all-in-one solution that simplified the user experience.
The Saga wasn't just functional; it was designed to be different. Often available in vibrant colors (a departure from the blacks and grays dominating the market), the integrated cover allowed for a more holistic and fashionable design language. It felt less like a gadget and more like a sophisticated digital book.
While the integrated cover was the star, the Saga was also a competent e-reader for its era. It typically featured:
- A reliable 6-inch E Ink Pearl display, offering good contrast and readability
- Responsive performance for page turns and navigation (at the time of its release)
- Support for open formats like EPUB, freeing users from restrictive ecosystems
- A simple and effective user interface and software
Even with advancements like high-resolution E Ink and color screens, the Bookeen Saga holds a fascinating place in e-reader history and remains relevant for several reasons.
First, no major manufacturer has truly replicated the Saga's specific integrated button-cover design. It stands as a testament to alternative thinking in hardware design. Modern readers often offer cases with page-turn buttons (like Kobo's Sage PowerCover or some third-party Kindle cases), but none have matched the elegant integration of the Saga. And the last e-readers all have the same boring plastic design.
Then, the debate between touchscreens and physical buttons for page-turning continues. The Saga remains a prime example of how physical buttons can be implemented brilliantly without compromising the device's form factor. And, it is still one of the only e-reader to have a button dedicated to the frontlight.
The Bookeen Saga was a brave and stylish e-reader that dared to be different.
Its signature integrated cover with physical buttons was a remarkably clever piece of design, solving issues of protection and usability in a way that remains largely unparalleled.
It was unfortunately only available in France (and, maybe in Belgium and Switzerland), but its core concept was genuinely ahead of its time.
For anyone interested in the history of e-readers or unique gadget design, the Bookeen Saga stands out as a fascinating example of innovation that still feels surprisingly relevant today.
Here is a video in english that show how the interface is still very good:
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