Pocketbook is offering a new e-reader called Pocketbook Era. And there's going to be some change!
With its 7-inch screen, this new Pocketbook Era e-reader will go head-to-head with the new Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Libra 2.
The screen features the very latest in electronic ink (E Ink Carta 1200), and special attention seems to have been paid to integrating the screen into the case, and to the lighting, which features color temperature adjustment (blue light filter).
The Pocketbook Era's new design is reminiscent of the Kobo Libra 2, with buttons on the side and a grip that suits both right- and left-handed users.
The e-reader is also waterproof, which already makes it an excellent alternative to the two competing e-readers.
But Pocketbook has finally integrated something really useful in its Pocketbook Era e-reader: speakers.
These speakers let you take advantage of the text-to-speech function to transform a classic ebook into an audio book! In addition, it is also possible to listen to audiobooks directly from the Pocketbook Era.
You can still use the Bluetooth function to connect headphones, speakers and even use your e-reader in a car.
Pocketbook Era technical specifications
Two options are available for the Pocketbook Era e-reader:
- A version priced at around $200 with 16 GB storage
- A version at around $250 with 64 GB storage
Technical specifications :
- 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display, color temperature-controlled illumination, touchscreen
- Storage: 16GB to 64GB
- Voice synthesis
- Loudspeaker
- Bluetooth
- Wifi
- Waterproof with IPX8 certification
- 1700 mAh battery
- Supported ebook formats: EPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF
- Audiobook formats: as yet undisclosed (probably MP3)
My opinion of the Pocketbook Era e-reader
For the moment, it's difficult to give an opinion on this e-reader until I've had it in my hands.
But knowing the history of Pocketbook and its products, it seems clear that we have a fine e-reader that will undoubtedly be listed among the best e-readers of the year.
This Pocketbook Era is more complete than the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Libra 2, the two flagship e-readers of 2022 and 2023.
My only downside comes from the price, which at first glance seems a little high ($200) compared with the competition for the addition of speakers.
But speakers with a waterproof e-reader must represent an additional technical difficulty that may justify the price.
All in all, it's a good e-reader, and only the Pocketbook InkPad 4 overshadows it with its larger screen and similar features at a similar price.
You can find all e-readers reviews on this page and a guide for the best ereaders available here.
