PocketBook InkPad (840) Review: The Large-Format Pioneer
The PocketBook InkPad (840) stands out as an early large-format e-reader. It offers a spacious screen and features aimed at avid readers who want a more immersive experience.
Device Context
The PocketBook InkPad (840) launched in 2014 as one of the first 8-inch e-readers. It filled a gap between standard 6-inch devices and larger 9.7-inch models.
At the time, few options existed for readers wanting a bigger screen without the bulk of 10-inch tablets. The InkPad (840) aimed to provide that middle ground.
Its 8-inch E Ink Pearl display offered 1600 x 1200 resolution. This gave users more text per page than typical 6-inch readers.
Target Audience
The InkPad (840) caters to serious readers and professionals. It’s ideal if you read a lot of PDFs, technical documents, or academic papers.
The larger screen works well for viewing complex layouts. You’ll find it easier to read magazines, textbooks, and graphic novels.
If you have vision issues, the InkPad’s bigger text and adjustable fonts can help. The device is also great for those who simply prefer a more book-like experience.
Key Features
The InkPad (840) packs several useful features:
- 4GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
- Built-in frontlight for reading in the dark
- Support for many file formats (EPUB, PDF, MOBI, etc.)
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy book downloads
- Long battery life (up to one month)
Its software includes a built-in dictionary and text-to-speech function. You can take notes, highlight text, and even browse the web in a pinch.
The device weighs about 350 grams. This makes it heavier than 6-inch readers but still comfortable for long reading sessions.
Technical Specifications
The PocketBook InkPad (840) boasts impressive specs that set it apart in the e-reader market. Let’s explore its key features and capabilities.
Display Details
The InkPad (840) features a large 8-inch E Ink Carta HD touchscreen. This display offers crisp text and images with a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels at 250 PPI. The screen uses 16-level grayscale technology for smooth gradients and detailed graphics.
You’ll enjoy the built-in frontlight with adjustable color temperature. This feature lets you read comfortably in any lighting conditions. The frontlight ranges from cool blue to warm amber tones, reducing eye strain during long reading sessions.
The display is also glare-free and mimics the look of real paper. This makes it easy on your eyes, even when reading outdoors in bright sunlight.
Hardware Capabilities
Under the hood, the InkPad (840) packs a punch with its 1 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. This combo ensures smooth page turns and quick menu navigation. The device comes with 8 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32 GB via microSD card.
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to one month on a single charge with moderate use. The 2500 mAh Li-Ion battery charges fully in about 3 hours via micro-USB.
The e-reader supports a wide range of file formats, including:
- EPUB (DRM)
- PDF (DRM)
- FB2
- TXT
- HTML
- RTF
- MOBI
It also handles image files like JPEG, BMP, PNG, and TIFF.
Connectivity Options
The InkPad (840) offers multiple ways to connect and access content. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you download books directly to your device. The micro-USB port serves for both charging and file transfer from your computer.
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair wireless headphones or speakers. This is great for audiobook listening or using the text-to-speech feature.
The device includes a web browser for light internet browsing. You can also sync your reading progress across devices using PocketBook Cloud.
Real-World Usage
The PocketBook InkPad 840 shines in everyday use. It offers a comfortable reading experience, intuitive navigation, long battery life, and handy special features.
Reading Experience
You’ll love the crisp, clear text on the InkPad 840’s large 8-inch E Ink screen. The 1600 x 1200 resolution makes words pop, while the front light lets you read in any lighting. The big display means fewer page turns, great for longer reading sessions.
The device is light enough to hold comfortably for hours. You can adjust text size, font, and margins to suit your preferences. The InkPad 840 supports many file formats, including EPUB, PDF, and MOBI.
Navigation
Getting around on the InkPad 840 is a breeze. The touchscreen responds quickly to taps and swipes. Physical page-turn buttons on the side give you options for flipping pages.
The home screen shows your current reads and library. Tap a book to open it. Use the menu to access settings, the store, and other features. The search function helps you find specific books or passages fast.
Battery Life
You won’t need to charge the InkPad 840 often. Its battery can last up to a month with moderate use. Even heavy readers might go 2-3 weeks between charges.
The e-reader uses very little power when displaying static text. Turning pages and using the frontlight drain the battery faster. USB-C charging gets you back to full quickly when needed.
Special Features
The InkPad 840 packs some nice extras. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you buy and download books right on the device. It syncs your reading progress across devices if you use the PocketBook app.
A text-to-speech feature can read books aloud to you. The InkPad 840 also has a basic web browser for light internet use. You can listen to audiobooks or music through Bluetooth headphones.
Performance Analysis
The PocketBook InkPad 840 delivers solid performance across key areas. Let’s examine its speed, file support, screen quality, and battery life.
Speed Tests
The InkPad 840 responds quickly to user input. Page turns take less than a second, and the device boots up in about 15 seconds. Opening large PDF files can take 3-5 seconds, which is reasonable for an e-reader.
The onboard dictionary loads definitions in under 2 seconds. Web browsing is functional but not lightning-fast. Pages load in 5-10 seconds on average over Wi-Fi.
Menu navigation feels snappy. You can quickly swipe between home screens and access settings without noticeable lag.
File Format Support
You’ll appreciate the InkPad 840’s wide file format compatibility. It handles common e-book formats like EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and FB2 with ease. The device also supports:
- TXT, RTF, HTML
- DJVU, CHM
- DOC, DOCX
- Images: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP
PDF rendering is quite good, preserving layouts and allowing zooming. Comics and manga in CBR/CBZ formats display well on the large screen.
Audio support includes MP3 and M4A files for audiobooks and music playback via Bluetooth.
Screen Quality
The 8-inch E Ink Carta screen is a standout feature. With 1600 x 1200 resolution (250 PPI), text appears crisp and easy to read. The screen uses 16 levels of grayscale, providing good contrast for images and comics.
The frontlight is evenly distributed across the display. You can adjust brightness levels to suit different lighting conditions. There’s also a “Night Mode” that reduces blue light.
The matte screen finish reduces glare, making outdoor reading comfortable. Viewing angles are excellent – text remains clear when viewed from the side.
Battery Longevity
Battery life is a strong point for the InkPad 840. With typical use, you can expect 3-4 weeks of reading time between charges. This assumes about 30 minutes of daily use with Wi-Fi off and the frontlight at 40% brightness.
Heavy users who read several hours a day may need to recharge after 1-2 weeks. Using Wi-Fi frequently or listening to audiobooks will drain the battery faster.
Charging from empty to full takes about 3 hours using the included micro-USB cable. The device can be used while charging, which is handy for long reading sessions.
Comparison Section
The PocketBook InkPad (840) stands out in the e-reader market. It offers unique features that set it apart from other devices. Let’s look at how it compares to its rivals and predecessors.
Contemporary Competitors
The InkPad (840) faces stiff competition from other large-format e-readers. The Kindle Oasis and Kobo Forma are its main rivals. The InkPad’s 8-inch screen is slightly smaller than the Oasis and Forma’s 7.8-inch displays. But it makes up for this with a higher resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels.
The InkPad supports more file formats than its competitors. This includes PDF, EPUB, and MOBI. It also has built-in Dropbox integration, which the others lack. The Kindle Oasis has a waterproof design, while the InkPad doesn’t. The Kobo Forma offers more storage options.
Previous Models
The InkPad (840) improves on PocketBook’s earlier models in several ways. It has a larger screen than the Touch HD 3, which has a 6-inch display. The InkPad also boasts better resolution and contrast.
Battery life has been extended in the InkPad. It can last up to two weeks on a single charge. This is a big step up from older PocketBook devices. The new model also has a faster processor, making page turns quicker and smoother.
Market Position
PocketBook aims to carve out a niche with the InkPad (840). It targets readers who want a large screen without the bulk of a tablet. The device is priced competitively, sitting between budget and premium e-readers.
The InkPad’s support for multiple languages gives it an edge in international markets. Its open Android system allows for third-party apps, appealing to tech-savvy users. This flexibility sets it apart from more closed ecosystems like Amazon’s Kindle.
PocketBook has positioned the InkPad as a versatile tool for both leisure reading and work. Its PDF reflow feature makes it useful for professional documents. This dual-purpose approach helps it stand out in a crowded market.
Conclusion
The PocketBook InkPad 840 offers a unique large-format e-reading experience. It brings both strengths and limitations to the table for those seeking a bigger screen.
Value Proposition
The InkPad 840’s 8-inch e-ink display sets it apart from standard 6-inch readers. You get more text per page and a layout closer to print books. This can boost your reading comfort and speed. The larger screen also works well for PDFs and digital textbooks.
The device packs in useful features like a backlight and dictionary support. Its battery life stretches for weeks between charges. You can store thousands of books on its 4GB of memory.
But the bigger size makes it less portable than smaller e-readers. The price is also higher than entry-level options.
Recommendation
The InkPad 840 is a good fit if you:
- Read a lot of PDFs or textbooks
- Want a more book-like page layout
- Have vision issues and need larger text
- Don’t mind the extra bulk
It’s less ideal if you:
- Mostly read novels or casual fiction
- Need maximum portability
- Are on a tight budget
Consider your reading habits and priorities. The InkPad 840 excels for certain use cases but isn’t the best choice for everyone.
Long-Term Viability
PocketBook has a solid track record of supporting their devices. You can expect software updates to fix bugs and add features. The e-ink screen should hold up well over time with proper care.
The ePub format used by the InkPad 840 is widely supported. This helps future-proof your e-book library. You’re not locked into a single ecosystem like with some other brands.
Keep in mind that technology moves fast. Newer models may offer improved screens or features down the road. But the core e-reading experience should remain solid for years to come.
