M8: New e-book reader comes with Android and stylus support

Most e-book readers can be put into two different categories, depending on their operating system. For instance, some devices are basically full-fledged tablets with an e-ink display and run on Android. This description fits the new Meebook M8, which is now available on Amazon for $259, or $289 with a corresponding stylus. It runs on Android 14 right out of the box and even comes with Google’s Play Store preinstalled, which makes it very easy to download additional apps.

Among other things, this allows users to download additional software for taking notes, but one should be aware of the limitations of e-ink displays. More specifically, videos or even games will not run smoothly on this device. That said, the M8 e-reader is powered by an octa-core SoC with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal mass storage. The latter can be expanded via microSD.

Moreover, the 7.8-inch e-ink screen has a resolution of 1404 x 1872 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 300 PPI. This is a touch-sensitive panel that also supports the aforementioned stylus, which apparently offers 4,096 pressure levels and should be well-suited for sketching or taking notes.

Meanwhile, the display can show 256 grayscale levels, while the user interface has been revised according to Meebook. The M8 further supports customizable gestures, can recognize handwriting and comes with a built-in microphone and speakers. Last but not least, the new e-reader has a battery life of up to 50 days in standby, at least as long as WiFi and the display’s backlight are disabled.