Tolino Shine Color Review – Part 1

The Tolino Shine Color introduces a vibrant reading experience with its 6-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus color display. This first part of our review focuses on the device's hardware specifications and design elements. We examine the color screen's performance across various content types, from e-books to comics. The review also covers the e-reader's dimensions, weight, and build quality, assessing its comfort for extended reading sessions. We explore the device's storage capacity and its implications for a color-capable e-reader.

Technical Analysis and Market Assessment

Overview

The Tolino Shine Color (2023) represents Tolino’s entry into the mid-range color e-reader market, bringing color E Ink technology to their popular Shine series. This model balances color capabilities with affordability, targeting readers who want color functionality without premium pricing.

Technical Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Display6-inch E Ink Kaleido 2
Color Resolution440 x 588 (100 ppi for color)
B&W Resolution1322 x 1764 (300 ppi)
Storage8GB (approximately 6,000 books)
RAM512MB
Processor1.2GHz NXP i.MX 6
LightingComfortLight Pro (white + amber)
Battery1500 mAh Li-Polymer
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
PortsUSB-C
Dimensions153 x 114 x 8.4 mm
Weight182g
Water ProtectionNone
Supported FormatsEPUB, PDF, CBR, CBZ, TXT

Shine Series Comparison

FeatureShine ColorShine 3Shine 2 HD
DisplayKaleido 2CartaCarta
Color SupportYes (4096 colors)NoNo
Resolution300/100 ppi300 ppi300 ppi
Storage8GB8GB4GB
LightingComfortLight ProComfortLightBasic
Release Year202320182016
Key FeatureColor displayEnhanced lightHD display
Price at Launch€189€149€129

Display Technology

The Shine Color features E Ink Kaleido 2:

Color Features:

  • 4,096 color palette
  • 100 ppi color resolution
  • 300 ppi monochrome
  • Color filter layer
  • Mode switching
  • Enhanced contrast

Reading Experience:

  • Color for comics/magazines
  • Sharp B&W text
  • Color saturation control
  • Dual mode support
  • Indoor optimization
  • Reading mode selection

ComfortLight Pro System

Dual-color lighting system:

Features:

  • White and amber LEDs
  • 20 brightness levels
  • Color temperature control
  • Manual adjustment
  • Reading presets
  • Even distribution
  • Eye strain reduction

Connectivity & Ports

Standard connectivity options:

Physical Connections:

  • USB-C port
  • Standard charging
  • Data transfer
  • Improved durability
  • Modern connection

Wireless Features:

  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Cloud synchronization
  • Online bookstore
  • Over-air updates
  • Device sync
  • Network stability

Software & Reading Features

Adapted software platform:

Reading Enhancements:

  • Color mode options
  • Comic viewer
  • Magazine support
  • PDF color handling
  • Basic note-taking
  • Multiple views
  • Format support

Navigation Features:

  • Color interface
  • Library management
  • Comic browser
  • Collection support
  • Progress tracking
  • Cloud backup
  • Search function

Value Analysis (2023)

At its 2023 release price of €189:

Market Position:

  • Mid-range segment
  • Color capability
  • Basic features
  • Standard build
  • Competitive pricing

Value Factors:

  • Color display
  • Modern connectivity
  • Standard storage
  • Regular updates
  • Ecosystem access

Current Market Comparison

Current market position:

Strengths:

  • Color capability
  • Affordable pricing
  • Good display
  • USB-C port
  • Regular updates

Limitations:

  • Basic features
  • No water protection
  • Limited storage
  • Color resolution
  • Battery life

Continue reading Part 2 for historical comparison, known issues, and final assessment