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Onyx is Developing an eReader For Those Who Can’t Make Up Their Mind (video)

When it comes to ereaders there are enough models on the market to give you options. You can choose frontlight (or not), touchscreen (or not), and you can choose the placement of page turn buttons.

Onyx is working on a new ereader for those who can’t decide if they want page turn buttons. It doesn’t have a name yet but it has made at least one public appearance where we got to see its one notable feature, a case with an integrated page turn button.

I’m not sure I see the point of this ereader; while I do like page turn buttons, I don’t understand why anyone would want to move the button from the device to the case.

I also realize that people who don’t want the page turn button will either pass on the case, costing Onyx a sale, or (if the option exists) buy the case that doesn’t have the age turn button.

But that’s just me; what do you think of the design? Do you like the idea of integrating a page button into the cover?

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Comments


Steve H. May 14, 2019 um 4:11 pm

I absolutely like page turn buttons…on the case?? I don’t get it.


Name May 14, 2019 um 7:16 pm

I like the idea. Theoretically, the pogopin connector opens the market for third-party accessories with new user interface concepts without the need for new devices. There could be cases with more or different buttons (for instance, silent buttons, that don’t click) in different positions. Depending on the actual pin interface, the case could provide extra battery power, a keyboard or a wireless modem.

I doubt, that Onyx had that in mind, though. Companies usually lack vision, and an even better concept would be even more modular.

However, if this design helps the manufacturer reduce costs, that’s good. People can still buy extras, if they wish, but if the manufacturer can build more of the same devices, instead of medium amounts of different models, that might help with reducing costs. Personally, I’d like to see an even higher modularisation, though.


Hrafn May 15, 2019 um 6:58 am

Given that (i) I generally like to read without a cover when at home, and (ii) ALWAYS want to have page-turn buttons, then this product probably isn’t for me.


Jay Allen May 16, 2019 um 6:42 am

Physical buttons wear out sooner – so from a longevity perspective maybe not a bad idea, and I guess if someone doesn’t want to remove their gloves…(mind u, who people tend to read in comfortable environments).
Personally, I think they could have used the connector for something far more useful on a larger screen – a case with inbuilt keyboard, for instance.
Slightly off topic, I would like to see the new slew of larger screen eink ereaders implement similar functionality to some very good iOS handwriting apps – searching handwritten notes within pdfs on the device and within exports. All the current devices on the market seem to be more focused on gimmicks rather than real world functionality that takes full advantage of the digital paper concept.

Maybe, the current limitations of eink coupled with the fact that there is no medical evidence supporting the claim that eink screens reduce eye strain is why major manufacturers have largely overlooked it!

Personally I grew up with physical books and I love that I can read outside in bright sunlight with eink but I’ll wait until larger screen eink readers, functionality and build quality match the cost!


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