Skip to main content

Onyx Boox Darwin 2 Android eReader – 300 PPI Screen, $197

Onyx has launched its first ereader with the latest generation hi-res Carta E-ink, and it’s going to be a pricy one.

The Onyx Boox Darwin 2 is an upgrade to the existing Darwin C67ML ereader, and in addition to the better screen it also has a higher price tag of 12,990 rubles (about $197 USD).

darwin 2 onyx book

The Darwin 2 runs Android 4.2 on a dual-core 1GHz CPU with 512MB RAM, and Wifi. It has 8GB internal storage and a microSD card slot (32GB cards supported). The 6″ screen has a resolution of 1,440 x 1,080, as well as a frontlight and a capacitive touchscreen.

Weighing in at 160 grams, the Darwin 2 measures 8.7 mm thick and packs in a 1.7Ah battery. There’s no mention of audio support.

In terms of software, it has Google Play, and all that implies, and it also ships with support for Epub, PDF, FB2, Mobi, PDB, and DJVU ebook formats as well as marginal support for Doc, RTF, HTML, CHM, and TXT.

In short, the Darwin 2 is essentially the same ereader as the original Darwin, only with a screen that adds about $40 to the price tag. Given that both Amazon and Kobo have priced their equivalent ereaders, the Glo HD and the Paperwhite (2015), much cheaper, you have to wonder just how much they’re losing on each unit sold.

Onyx-Book.ru via The-eBook.org

Similar Articles


Comments


Hrafn November 25, 2015 um 9:03 pm

This looks like being the only real competitor to the Boyue T63 to be my next eReader. The main differentiating factor would appear to be the T63’s flush bezel (which the D2 appears to lack), but it may come down to availability.

Nate Hoffelder November 25, 2015 um 9:08 pm

Is the T63 the new one that hasn’t been released yet which is supposed to have a 300ppi screen?

I think I would prefer it over the Darwin 2; the T63 will likely have the better page turn buttons.

Edit: On second thought, maybe not. I found my post on the T63 and there are no page turn buttons.


Hrafn November 26, 2015 um 2:52 am

The T63 has been sort-of-released I believe, as last I heard some South Korean outfit was offering it rebranded ( http://paper.ridibooks.com/Paper ).

It does appear to have page-turn buttons, but fairly subtle ones flush with the bezel (all you can see is the edge-line of them, on larger photos). Which buttons are better is probably an issue that will have to wait until somebody gets their hands on either/both model(s).

Nate Hoffelder November 26, 2015 um 5:07 am

Thanks! I hadn’t seen that.

Are they really charging the equivalent of $129 for the better model, or did I misread that?

Edit: And now I see that you answered my question right as I asked it. Thanks for that!


Hrafn November 26, 2015 um 5:07 am

Incidentally, the Sth Korean version of the T63 is selling for 149,000 Won = US$130. This does suggest that the Darwin 2 may be somewhat overpriced (and that the 300dpi Kindles & Kobos may not be sold at such a loss).


Dunno November 26, 2015 um 11:59 pm

The Ridibooks Paper has label read 'T63 V3' on its mainboard. the page turn button acts fast,but has issues of battery drainage and bad exterior finish.


Hrafn November 27, 2015 um 9:30 pm

Dunno: is this from a review that somebody’s posted? If so, a link would be greatly appreciated (even if the review is in Korean). Relatedly, an eBay listing seems to indicate that the Paper (i) sold out immediately, & (ii) was no available for purchase outside Sth Korea. This, combined with Dunno’s info, and Boyue’s response to an email query of my own ("Our brand not ready yet for this model. but we already make OEM for our overseas custom"), may mean that the St Korean offering was a small (and somewhat flawed) beta run.

Nate Hoffelder November 27, 2015 um 10:22 pm

I found a review (here). I’m not sure I can make heads or tails of it.

Coincidentally, I also found a couple ebay auctions.


Dunno November 28, 2015 um 6:13 am

@Hrafn here are 2 pictures of my Ridibooks Paper mainboard. http://imgur.com/yvQ4nfu
http://imgur.com/YKa46ct

Ridibooks sells limited numbers of Paper readers in every batch. There was 2nd batch order this month, and 3rd batch in December.

Nate Hoffelder November 28, 2015 um 7:46 am

Hey Dunno, I’m thinking of getting a Paper from an Ebay auction. Do you think the Paper is worth the close to $200 price?


Hrafn November 28, 2015 um 8:11 am

Dunno: Ahh, I hadn’t realised that your comments were from first-hand experience. What is the problem with the exterior finish?

eReader manufacturers seem to be having a lot of trouble optimising the power usage of Android-based readers. There’s been quite a lot written about users of a number of different readers and brands trying to tweek this issue.


Dunno November 28, 2015 um 7:38 pm

@Nate 200$ is too expensive if not included shipping.

@Hrafn when I tried to remove the Paper from the official case, its body frame accidently opened and damaged the display panel. Now my Paper is history. It’s gone. I must pay about 60$ to replace it.


Hrafn November 28, 2015 um 10:22 pm

Dunno: that does suggest a defective chassis (which incidentally appears to be the same chassis that ArtaTech is selling (with a lower resolution screen) as their 'Obsidian'.


Write a Comment