PocketBook Era Lite e-reader launches with frontlit display at an affordable price

The new PocketBook Era Lite looks almost identical to the older PocketBook Era, but there are two major differences. Firstly, the new model is only certified to IPX4 instead of IPX8, i.e. it is only protected against splashes of water and is not completely waterproof. And secondly, a newer E Ink Carta 1300 panel is used, which promises 20 percent higher contrast and a 25 percent faster response time.
Although the display can only show 16 shades of gray, it still offers a pixel density of 300 PPI and can also be read in the sun without any problems thanks to E Ink. PocketBook also offers an integrated SmartLight in the new model, whose brightness and color temperature can be automatically adjusted depending on the time of day. PocketBook does not comment on the battery life, but the combination of E Ink and 1,700 mAh battery should provide several days of battery life.
PocketBook combines an Allwinner B288 ARM chip with 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of flash memory and a Linux-based operating system that supports e-books in over 20 different formats. The e-reader also supports audio books. E-books can be transferred wirelessly to the PocketBook Era Lite via Wi-Fi 4. Weighing 204 grams, the e-reader is about the same weight as an average smartphone.
Pricing and availability
The PocketBook Era Lite e-reader is now available in Europe for €199, US pricing has not been confirmed yet. For comparison: The older, completely waterproof PocketBook Era currently costs $249 on Amazon.














