PocketBook Unveils Compact and Feature-Rich eReaders: Touch HD 3, Touch Lux 4, Basic Lux 2
For a long time, PocketBook stuck with its trusted design and only occasionally ventured into experiments in the 6-inch domain over the past few years. The biggest departure by far was the PocketBook Sense, which completely abandoned the familiar look to shine as a compact model.
Now, PocketBook’s 6-inch models are set to get even smaller, as the three newly introduced models feature not only design changes but also a reduction in size. At first glance, they are immediately reminiscent of the PocketBook InkPad 3, which also sports a narrower button bar at the bottom edge.
PocketBook Touch HD 3 – Smaller, Lighter, Faster (and Waterproof?)
Let’s take a look at the new 6-inch flagship, whose name hasn’t actually been announced for the Western market yet. In Russia, the device will be known as “PocketBook 632” and will replace the PocketBook 631 Plus—better known here as the PocketBook Touch HD 2.
The most striking change is the reduced dimensions. The new model measures only 161.3 x 108 x 8 mm (Touch HD 2: 175 x 115 x 8 mm), making it about as compact as the Ultra (162.7 x 106.7 x 7.9 mm). The new eBook Reader also sheds some weight, tipping the scales at just 155 grams (Touch HD 2: 180 g), which matches the current leader, the PocketBook Sense.
From left to right: PocketBook Touch HD 2, Touch HD 3, Ultra, Sense
Additionally, the internal specs have improved. The PocketBook Touch HD 3 will feature a dual-core processor (2 x 1 GHz) promising a significant performance boost. It will be interesting to see how this uplift impacts the operability of the system. While the RAM remains at 512 MB, the internal storage doubles from 8 GB to 16 GB. A microSD card expansion and Wi-Fi are again included. Update: The PocketBook Touch HD 3 is now officially available. It includes water protection, but not the memory card expansion. Find all information about the device here.
PocketBook Touch Lux 4
The built-in accelerometer automatically detects when the device is rotated and adjusts the display accordingly. Protective covers with an automatic sleep function are also supported.
Otherwise, you can look forward to familiar technology: The E-Ink Carta display boasts a resolution of 300 ppi (1440×1080 pixels) and comes with built-in lighting that allows reduction of blue light (key term: SMARTlight). Unlike its competitors, PocketBook allows more individual adjustments to the automated color temperature adaptation.
Operation is via both the touchscreen and the physical buttons underneath that are still available.
Promotional images also reveal that the Touch HD 3 is supposed to have built-in water protection from HZO. This protects the electronics from harmful water influence but does not make the device waterproof.
With an IPx7 certification, the eBook Reader could withstand being submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes. However, this remains unclear, as neither the Russian press release nor various news outlets report it firsthand. We’re keen to see what the German press release will say. A water-protected Touch HD 3 might soon push the waterproof Aqua 2 out of the lineup.
PocketBook Touch Lux 4 and Basic Lux 2 with Tried and True Technology
PocketBook Basic Lux 2 with navigation pad below the display
Like the Touch HD 3, the mid-range eReader Touch Lux 4 will also get a new look. Dimensions and weight remain the same. The sleep cover functionality is also included. In contrast to the Touch HD 3, the Lux 4 retains the single-core CPU. However, the RAM doubles from 256 MB to 512 MB, promising similar performance to the (presumably) end-of-year outgoing Touch HD 2.
Otherwise, there is tried and true: A 1024×758 pixel E-Ink Carta display with a touchscreen, WiFi, 8 GB of storage, and a microSD card slot. SMARTlight is reserved for the more expensive model, as is the supposed water protection.
The entry-level PocketBook Basic Lux 2 will have the same dimensions and weight. The most notable difference from the high-end and mid-range models is that it lacks a touchscreen and requires the use of the navigation pad below the display. Screen technology includes E-Ink Carta with 1024×758 pixels and built-in front lighting.
The Basic Lux 2’s internal storage is 8 GB and expandable via a microSD card. Memory and processor remain unchanged at 256 MB RAM and a 1 GHz single-core processor, respectively.
The launch date of the new models is currently undetermined, as is the pricing in Europe. Expect similar pricing to the current generation, with the possibility of an update during the Christmas shopping season.
