More recently, TFT readers have been a very inexpensive alternative to e-readers with E Ink screens. However, to date, prices for devices with "electronic ink" have fallen to the threshold of 3-4 thousand rubles. Meanwhile, the manufacturers of "TFT-alternatives" were able to quickly explore a new direction of work - and began to produce readers based on Android.
PocketBook was one of the first to introduce a TFT reader based on Android 4.0 in Russia. And quite recently, PocketBook took and released an update to Android 4.1 for it. This is at a time when not all smartphones and tablets from world manufacturers received firmware with Jelly Bean. With this unusual reader - it is called PocketBook SURFpad - we have to get acquainted today.
Package contents
The set supplied with the device is standard for such devices: mains charger, cable microUSB, warranty card and quick start guide. There is no case included, but the PocketBook online store for SURFpad offers a dozen of these accessories in a variety of designs and colors. The price tag is humane and starts at 650 rubles, the “ceiling” is 1,190 rubles.
Appearance
We have never seen such a design. First of all, we note that for the first time among PocketBook readers, we come across a body that is clearly landscape-oriented. This is clearly hinted at by the recesses for the thumbs on both sides of the screen. Yes, and located on the sides of the speakers with a decent volume testifies to the "horizontal orientation" of the model.
PocketBook SURFpad
The device is available in two colors: black with gray and black with white. In our hands was the last one - with the front side "under the pearls" and the back with soft-touch plastic. On the back cover on the sides there is a note “perforation” so that the reader does not slip out of the hands. The assembly is made on a strong four with a plus, you can only detect barely noticeable "squeaks".
PocketBook SURFpad back cover
Considering the presence of the Android 4.1 platform, it would be foolish to expect buttons on the front. Therefore, the reader managed the volume rocker and the power key. Both elements are located on the top end, when watching album orientation.
ends PocketBook SurfPad
on the right is a slot for a memory card, output for headphones and a microUSB connector.
ends PocketBook Surfpad
model thickness - 10.9 mm, the reader is not at all Looks bulky. Yes, and weight in normal 285 grams hand is not too much.
Screen
The presence of the TFT screen is that the score that now distinguishes readers from tablets. The fact is that even the tablet devices are now supplied with IPS matrices.
Of course, PocketBook Surfpad does not affect the imagination of the screen capabilities. Although the critical inversion of colors is visible only with one of the four sides. Therefore, two or three people will be able to comfortably watch the film on the reader or familiarize themselves with any information.
The resolution of the 7-inch display is 800 x 480 points - another typical sign of the reeer of the new generation. Five simultaneous touchs are supported, the plastic screen coating reacts to the touch instantly.
Performance
A strange paragraph in the review of the reader - and a clear indicator of how much the most affordable mobile solutions are. "Heart" PocketBook Surfpad is a single-core Boxchip A13 processor (Arm Cortex-A8 architecture) with a frequency of 1 GHz. Supplement its 512 MB of RAM.
The "highlight" of the reader was the MALI-400 MP graphic accelerator, which is established in many tablets with a price of up to 10-12 thousand rubles. We were able to play PocketBook Surfpad in NFS: Most Wanted, Shadowgun, as well as Eternity Warriors 2 and Beach Buggy Blitz. These are visual examples of the fact that the delicious appearance of the reader is hidden a device that is not inferior to performance by a number of tablets.
The system and reading
, provided Android 4.1, is not entirely correct to argue about what book formats support PocketBook Surfpad. In short, then all formats that can be launched by Android software. The pre-installed CoolReader copes with all the popular "containers". The presence of OfficeSuite provides PDF view, as well as any Microsoft Office documents.
Android 4.1 in PocketBook SurfPad
The list of additional programs includes customers Mail. Ru, VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, Yandex. Maps, as well as service applications of varying degrees of utility.
The support of Google Play is missing, instead of Yandex. Store is offered. Our expertise has shown that this online store includes almost all popular games and programs for Android.
Battery
Battery capacity - 3,000 mAh, we had enough for 4 hours of watching video, 6 hours with a mixed set of tasks or 7 hours In read mode. Indicators that would not be ashamed to attribute even to the tablet.
Display
PocketBook Surfpad can play HD video, organize video papers in Skype, copes with any formats of books and allows you to enter the Internet software Wi-Fi. At the same time, the model is assembled without flambers, has an ergonomic case and works on the basis of the Android 4.1 system. An impressive set of features for the device price of 3,490 rubles.
