The Gmini MagicBook T6LHD e-reader is a 6-inch backlit reader introduced to the mobile market in late 2013. The screen of the gadget works on a relatively new and interesting technology - E-Ink Pearl HD FrontLight, which managed to get a lot of positive feedback from users.
So, the subject of today's article is the Gmini MagicBook T6LHD reader. An overview of the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the model, as well as the opinions of experts in this field and feedback from the owners of the device - this and other interesting information will be presented to your attention further.
Package
The gadget is packed in a small cardboard box, where you can see the image of the reader itself and its most "delicious" characteristics. There is a detailed specification on the back of the package, a separate block is reserved for the most flattering reviews. Gmini MagicBook T6LHD occupies the lion's share of space, and related accessories are neatly arranged onperimeter. Everything is compact, there are no extra inserts or pieces of foam.
Scope of delivery:
- Gmini MagicBook T6LHD reader itself;
- Russian instruction manual;
- universal micro-USB cable for PC sync and charging;
- book case;
- warranty card with a list of service centers.
The equipment is modest, there is nothing superfluous in it, even something is missing. There is no software or driver disk, but the stock update can be downloaded from the official website of the brand, where you need to select the gadget category and model, that is, the Gmini MagicBook T6LHD. The instructions for the device are modest, but the developer has sewn the full version of the manual into the memory of the device itself, so there should be no problems with usability.
Many users in their reviews complain about the lack of a charger. The manufacturer put a case for an e-book in the box, but for some reason forgot to equip it with a network memory. Therefore, you will have to buy it separately or use any charger from a smartphone or tablet, since USB interfaces are picky.
The case for an e-book looks modest, but the universal dimensions of the gadget allow you to choose any other you like, even from pure leather or flexible plastic. There are no specific holes in the protection, so any orientation of the cover (horizontal or vertical) will do.
Appearance
The Gmini MagicBook T6LHD e-book is made ofpleasant to the touch rubberized plastic. The front side is glossy and the back is matte. Feels like velvet to the touch. The corners of the gadget are noticeably rounded, and in appearance it looks more like an oval than a rectangle.
As for the build quality, here users leave only positive feedback. Gmini MagicBook T6LHD does not creak, does not crackle and does not sag even when you press hard on the case, and all structural parts fit tightly and competently to each other. The device looks monolithic and serious, and if you turn it in your hands, you feel that you are holding a solid device that does not give away cheapness.
Most of the front of the Gmini MagicBook T6LHD (6 inches) is the display. Above it is the brand logo. The bottom frame is reserved for function keys: a navigation joystick with the OK, Back, Context Menu, Home buttons and turning the gadget backlight on/off.
On both sides of the device there are duplicate page turning rockers. Users have repeatedly thanked the manufacturer for such a thoughtful move and left entirely positive feedback on this matter. Gmini MagicBook T6LHD turned out to be universal for both left-handers and right-handers, and protective accessories, like the same case, are easy to pick up.
Interfaces
On the back of the device, the reader series, screen matrix type and assembly number are indicated. At the end on the right side, you can see the interface for SD-cards, protected by a plug. The latter fits very tightly to the case, so you will have to apply the appropriate force to remove the card. Users on this occasion leave mixed reviews. The Gmini MagicBook T6LHD turned out, on the one hand, to be more protected from dust and dirt due to the lack of gaps on the case, including under the plug, but on the other hand, people without strong nails will have to resort to screwdrivers and a similar tool for installing / removing the card, which is not very convenient.
At the top end of the device there is a micro-USB interface, a mini-jack audio jack (3.5 mm), a hot reset key and a power button with a charging indicator.
The overall user experience of the design and appearance is generally positive. There are no elements that cut the overall style or annoy the owner. Everything is done in calm and universal colors.
Ergonomics
Due to its dimensions (179 x 123 x 11 mm), the gadget is comfortable to hold even in one hand, and due to the pronounced roundness of the corners, it fits almost perfectly into the palm of your hand. As mentioned above, the back of the case has a matte finish, so the device does not slip and does not tend to fall out of hands.
All function keys are pressed easily, but with due elasticity and characteristic click. At first, it may be difficult to perceive the buttons due to the duplicated rocker for turning pages, but users say that you quickly get used to it, so the discomfort disappears after an hour.other.
Functional
Users in their reviews separately thank the designers for the presence of the "Return" button in the reader, which greatly facilitates usability in general. If this button is unacceptable for you in such devices, then you can reassign it to some other function for the Gmini MagicBook T6LHD.
Firmware from the official site (stock) will not help with this, but numerous amateur assemblies can change almost all the functionality as you like, even upside down. The only thing worth clarifying is that you will have to install them at your own peril and risk. It often happens that low-quality amateur firmware can damage part or all of the Gmini MagicBook T6LHD internal system: the gadget does not turn on, friezes, lags and other problems appear. Yes, and you will lose the warranty, so it's better to use the official software for the gadget.
Management
Despite the full touch control, all the functionality is duplicated by mechanical buttons, which does not infringe on the rights of either fans of modern tapas or traditional "keyboard players". The owners in their reviews repeatedly thanked the developer for such a constructive approach.
The weight of the device is 230 grams, which is slightly more than similar devices, but the reader is practically not felt in the hand as something heavy and tiring, so, according to users, there is no discomfort during operation. The case makes the gadget noticeably heavier, but protection from all sides and moreattractive appearance is a clear plus.
Screen
Naturally, the main and decisive factor for buying this kind of equipment is the screen and picture quality. E-Ink Pearl HD technology has been used in readers since the end of 2011 and has proven itself in gadgets of this kind.
One of the main features is the fact that the design does not emit its own light, nor does it flicker, which has a very positive effect on vision, especially with prolonged use of the device. In addition, the output image looks like a paper sheet, which is also comfortable for the reader.
The level of contrast is more than acceptable - 12 to 1. Rare competitors in this segment can boast of such a ratio (the most common is 7 to 1). This level allows you to easily read almost any font with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.
Backlight
If you like to read in the dark, you can turn on the backlight by pressing a special key. More modest e-ink readers are deprived of this function, but there is also a fly in the ointment: the device discharges much faster when the backlight is on.
This mode gives the screen a pronounced blue tint that you get used to pretty quickly. The backlight is distributed evenly, so that there are no unlit areas or stripes. The level can be adjusted on a scale from 1 to 8. The first step is almost invisible even in the darkdays and does not blind the eyes at all, transmitting a diffuse and soft glow. The latter is pronounced, and it can be used, perhaps, as a flashlight, and not as an entourage for reading. For a comfortable pastime in the dark, the fifth or even the fourth step is enough.
If you read user reviews, you can find out that for most people, when the backlight is on, their eyes get tired noticeably faster than with fluorescent lamps, so this functionality will be useful, as they say, in a tent or when there is a power outage.
Interface operation
Changing the picture on the screen does not happen instantly, as it is organized, for example, in smartphones and tablets. But this not only does not interfere with reading, but on the contrary, it helps to calm the eyes. The interface of the gadget does not slow down at all and opens large libraries almost instantly. Naturally, on Hugo's "Les Misérables" (5 volumes) or Farigul's "People of Good Will" (27 volumes), the device will stumble and think for a while.
Touch controls may not be as precise, but they are sensitive, and you don't need to press hard to tap. Sometimes such control greatly facilitates operation, but basically it is much more interesting, and more practical (the screen does not get dirty with your fingers) to work with the mechanical component.
Users in their reviews say they are completely satisfied with the characteristics of the screen. For the reader, the offered possibilities of the matrix and the picture at the output are the very thing. The gadget does not lose to paper media at all: it pleases with the high definition of the image, the view under the “sheet canvas” and the presencebacklight.
Impressions of work
The gadget can read books aloud, but with one nuance that is unpleasant for the domestic consumer - only in English and Chinese. The same amateur firmware can correct this defect, but the voice assistant does not always work correctly, and it reads strictly defined fonts.
Pleased with the abundance of codecs. In addition to the usual TXT, FB2 and RTF formats, the device recognizes MOBI and EPUB mobile extensions, as well as rare PRC, TRC, CHM and OEB. Moreover, there are no problems with the "heavy" PDF format. Everything that the reader "eats" is displayed properly and without any problems if the file itself does not have any.
Additional features
As for some additional features, judging by the reviews, there are practically none here. Yes, and expect from the reader something like a video or radio is not necessary. The gadget, as users note, plays music quite tolerably, although there are small drawdowns if an audio file is caught in a high bitrate. Pictures, like photographs, are displayed in black and white without any tint or saturation.
In general, the device copes with its purpose 100%, and for other delights, refer to the shelf with tablets and smartphones.
Work offline
Matrices of this kind, working on electronic ink technology, are extremely energy efficient, because the main energy consumption occurs at the time of turning pages and working with navigation.
The battery life can be calculated, if not months, then weeks - for sure. Our respondent was no exception, and field tests showed that even with reading up to five hours a day, the device will ask to be plugged in no more than once every three weeks. If you constantly use the backlight at a medium pace, the battery life will be reduced by about half.
Summing up
Gmini MagicBook T6LHD (price about 6000 rubles) has almost all the advantages of gadgets in its segment. The model is perfect for even the most picky users and those who like to read in the dark. The clarity of the picture and the excellent balance of contrast will not strain your eyesight, and the smooth operation of the interface will ensure a comfortable pastime with your favorite book.
Here you can add a quite democratic price tag: similar venerable competitors cost one or two thousand more, while having similar characteristics, and sometimes inferior in some parameters to our respondent.
The main advantages of the Gmini MagicBook T6LHD reader (judging by the reviews):
- comparatively low price tag;
- quality screen with good contrast;
- backlight;
- large set of codecs;
- excellent build and materials used;
- regular stock software updates and good support;
- Comfortable and practical case included.
Flaws:
- navigation buttons are sometimes accidentally pressed while reading;
- reader is too heavy for thiskind of technique;
- low sensor accuracy.
