
BOOX Palma 2 Pro: Colour E-Ink Reading for Dyslexia and Visual Stress
The BOOX Palma 2 Pro is a pocket-sized e-reader from Onyx BOOX featuring a 6.13-inch Kaleido 3 colour e-ink display. Running Android 12, it combines the low-glare, paper-like quality of e-ink technology with full colour rendering and a comprehensive suite of accessibility features that directly support readers with dyslexia, visual stress, and Meares-Irlen syndrome. It is designed for children, students, adults, and professionals who need a personalised reading tool that travels with them.
How the Kaleido 3 Display Helps Readers with Visual Stress and Dyslexia
Kaleido 3 is the third generation of colour e-ink technology from E Ink Holdings. Unlike a standard LCD or OLED screen, the Palma 2 Pro's display produces no backlight flicker and emits significantly lower levels of blue light in its default mode. The result is a reading surface that closely resembles printed paper but with adjustable colour tinting, warm lighting, and contrast controls. For readers with visual stress or Meares-Irlen syndrome, these controls make it possible to replicate the effect of a coloured overlay directly on the screen, reducing the visual distortion and eye strain that black text on a bright white background can cause. Users can set the screen to a warm amber tone, a soft cream, or a cooler tint to match their individual sensitivity profile, without needing a physical overlay.
For readers with dyslexia, the Palma 2 Pro supports OpenDyslexic font, a typeface specifically designed to reduce letter-reversal errors and improve letter recognition. Font size, line spacing, and margin width are all fully adjustable within the built-in reading app and most third-party apps available from the Google Play Store. These features help reduce the cognitive load of decoding text, so more mental energy is available for comprehension and meaning-making.
For Families and Home Use
- Smartphone-sized at 6.13 inches, fits in a pocket or school bag without adding weight or bulk.
- Runs Android 12, so children and young people can use familiar apps including Kindle, Google Play Books, and library borrowing apps.
- Adjustable front-lit display with warm and cool lighting options reduces eye strain during extended reading sessions at home.
- OpenDyslexic font support and fully customisable text settings allow parents to set up the device to match their child's specific reading needs.
- Long battery life -- up to several weeks of typical reading use on a single charge -- means it is always ready when needed.
For Schools and Educational Settings
- Compact and durable enough to sit alongside a pupil's existing stationery and tools without disruption.
- Supports pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who require technology-based reading adjustments as part of their provision.
- The built-in accessibility settings remove the need to carry physical coloured overlays or tinted rulers for pupils with an identified visual stress need.
- Compatible with school library apps and reading platforms, making it a flexible addition to a pupil's normal way of working.
- Relevant for Year 7 through to post-16 learners and beyond, as well as adult learners in further education.
For Workplace Use and Professionals
- A discreet, professional tool for adults with dyslexia or visual stress who read documents, reports, and correspondence as part of their role.
- May form part of a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010, supported through the Access to Work scheme.
- Reduces fatigue during extended periods of on-screen reading -- particularly relevant for roles involving high document volumes.
- Connects to Wi-Fi and supports cloud reading apps, so workplace documents can be accessed without additional hardware.
- The warm lighting mode significantly reduces blue light exposure during long working days.
Visual Stress and Meares-Irlen Syndrome
Visual stress, sometimes called Meares-Irlen syndrome, causes discomfort, distortion, or headaches when reading black text on a white background. The BOOX Palma 2 Pro allows users to adjust the screen's colour temperature and apply a warm tint directly to the display, replicating the effect of a coloured reading overlay without the need for physical accessories. This makes it a practical, all-in-one solution for readers who would otherwise rely on overlays, tinted glasses, or specialist paper to manage their visual sensitivity.
Dyslexia Support
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written language, often making it harder to decode text accurately, track lines across a page, and sustain reading over time. The Palma 2 Pro addresses these challenges through OpenDyslexic font support, adjustable letter spacing, line height control, and the ability to change text size across all reading apps. The e-ink display's natural paper-like quality also reduces the contrast fatigue associated with reading on bright LCD screens, helping dyslexic readers sustain focus for longer.
The BOOX Palma 2 Pro is available from The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist retailer focused entirely on supporting people with dyslexia and learning differences. If you are unsure whether this device is the right fit for your child, student, or employee, our team is happy to help you decide.
- 6.13-inch Kaleido 3 colour e-ink display -- third-generation colour e-ink panel producing natural colour rendering with no backlight flicker and significantly lower blue light output than LCD screens.
- 300 ppi black-and-white resolution / 150 ppi colour resolution -- sharp black text for reading comfort, with colour support for illustrated content and visual materials.
- OpenDyslexic font support -- built-in support for the dyslexia-friendly typeface designed to reduce letter-reversal errors and improve reading accuracy.
- Adjustable front lighting with warm and cool colour temperature -- warm amber mode reduces blue light and replicates the effect of a tinted screen overlay for readers with visual stress.
- Android 12 operating system -- full Google Play Store access, compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books, OverDrive/Libby, and thousands of reading and productivity apps.
- Dimensions approximately 166 x 79 x 8 mm, weight approximately 170 g [UNVERIFIED - please verify exact figures against official BOOX specification sheet]
- Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
- Built-in microphone and speaker for audio playback and text-to-speech apps.
- Suitable for secondary school age through to adult use -- accessible to Year 7 pupils and above, students in further and higher education, and adults in the workplace.
- Compatible with physical keyboards and stylus accessories (sold separately) via Bluetooth.
- Colour screen that works like a coloured overlay. The Kaleido 3 e-ink display lets users apply warm tints to reduce visual stress without carrying physical overlays.
- OpenDyslexic font built in. Switch to a dyslexia-friendly typeface instantly, with full control over size, spacing, and line height.
- Pocket-sized for school, home, and work. Fits in a blazer pocket or handbag -- the same size as a smartphone, so it goes wherever the reader goes.
- Low glare, no flicker, reduced blue light. E-ink technology cuts the screen fatigue that LCD and OLED displays cause during extended reading.
- From a UK dyslexia specialist. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a retailer focused entirely on supporting people with dyslexia and learning differences.
What's in the Box
- 1 x BOOX Palma 2 Pro e-reader
- 1 x USB-C charging cable
- 1 x quick-start guide
Warranty
12-month manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Power and Batteries
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Charges via USB-C (cable included). Battery life is several weeks of typical reading use per full charge, depending on Wi-Fi usage and screen lighting settings.
Software, Apps and Updates
Runs Android 12 with full Google Play Store access. Compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books, OverDrive/Libby, Moon+ Reader, and most major reading and productivity apps. Firmware updates are delivered over Wi-Fi from BOOX. The BOOX Neo Reader app is pre-installed and supports OpenDyslexic font, adjustable line spacing, and margin control.
Care and Cleaning
Wipe the screen and body with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Do not use solvents, abrasive cloths, or submerge in water. A protective case (sold separately) is recommended for daily school or workplace use.
Compatibility
Compatible with standard Android apps. Supports side-loading of APK files. Physical keyboard and stylus accessories (sold separately via BOOX) connect via Bluetooth. Cloud storage apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive are compatible.
Delivery and Returns
Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.
Accessibility Notes
Supports OpenDyslexic font throughout the built-in BOOX Neo Reader app. Adjustable colour temperature (warm amber to cool white) allows screen tinting to suit individual visual stress profiles. Text-to-speech is available via Android TTS and compatible apps. Large text sizes are supported across all reading apps.
- What is the BOOX Palma 2 Pro and who is it for?
The BOOX Palma 2 Pro is a pocket-sized Android e-reader with a 6.13-inch Kaleido 3 colour e-ink display. It is designed for children, students, and adults who find reading on standard screens difficult, particularly those with dyslexia, visual stress, or Meares-Irlen syndrome. Its adjustable fonts, screen tinting, and low-glare display make it a flexible reading tool for home, school, and work. - Does the BOOX Palma 2 Pro support OpenDyslexic font for dyslexic readers?
Yes, the BOOX Palma 2 Pro supports OpenDyslexic font through the built-in BOOX Neo Reader app. OpenDyslexic is a typeface specifically designed to reduce letter-reversal errors and improve reading accuracy for people with dyslexia. Font size, line spacing, and margin width are all adjustable, giving each reader full control over how text is displayed. - How does the BOOX Palma 2 Pro help with visual stress and Meares-Irlen syndrome?
The Kaleido 3 colour e-ink display can be tinted to a warm amber, soft cream, or cool tone using the built-in colour temperature and warm lighting controls. This replicates the effect of a coloured reading overlay directly on the screen, reducing the visual distortion and eye strain that white-background displays cause for readers with visual stress. No physical overlay is needed. - Is the BOOX Palma 2 Pro suitable for use at secondary school?
Yes, the Palma 2 Pro is well suited to secondary school pupils from Year 7 upwards, as well as sixth-form and further education students. Its compact, smartphone-sized design fits in a blazer pocket or school bag. It runs the Google Play Store, so pupils can access school reading platforms such as OverDrive/Libby, Kindle, and Google Play Books alongside their dyslexia support tools. - Can a child with dyslexia use the BOOX Palma 2 Pro at home for homework and independent reading?
Yes. The Palma 2 Pro is straightforward to set up for home use. Parents can configure the OpenDyslexic font, adjust text size and spacing, and set a warm screen tint to suit their child's individual needs before handing the device over. The long battery life means it does not need charging daily, and its Android platform supports popular reading apps the family may already be using. - Can the BOOX Palma 2 Pro be used as a workplace reasonable adjustment for an employee with dyslexia?
Yes. The Palma 2 Pro can form part of a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010 for employees with dyslexia or visual stress. It may be fundable through the Access to Work scheme, which provides grants to help cover the cost of workplace adjustments. Employers and employees should speak to their Access to Work adviser to confirm eligibility and the application process. - What is Kaleido 3 colour e-ink and why is it better than a standard tablet screen for reading?
Kaleido 3 is the third generation of colour e-ink display technology from E Ink Holdings. Unlike LCD or OLED screens, e-ink displays reflect ambient light like paper rather than emitting light directly at the reader. This eliminates backlight flicker, significantly reduces blue light exposure, and produces a natural reading surface that causes far less eye strain during extended reading sessions -- particularly important for readers with visual stress or dyslexia. - Does the BOOX Palma 2 Pro work with the Kindle app and other reading platforms?
Yes. The Palma 2 Pro runs Android 12 with the full Google Play Store, so it is compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books, OverDrive/Libby, Moon+ Reader, and most other major reading apps. Workplace document apps including Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and PDF readers are also available. - Is the BOOX Palma 2 Pro used in exams?
Exam use is decided by the candidate's exam centre in line with current JCQ regulations. Where a pupil or student uses a personal reading device as their normal way of working in class, and has an identified need supported by evidence, it may be considered as part of an access arrangement. Centres should always confirm the specific access arrangement with their head of centre and awarding body. For full guidance, see the JCQ Access Arrangements page at https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/ - How long does the battery last on the BOOX Palma 2 Pro?
The BOOX Palma 2 Pro has a long battery life suited to regular daily reading. E-ink displays use very little power compared to LCD screens, so the device can typically go several days or weeks between charges depending on Wi-Fi usage and screen lighting settings.