The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro is a smartphone-sized e-reader designed for people who want to read books, articles, and documents on a small E Ink display. However, it offers more than just a dedicated reading experience because it runs Android and supports Google Play, giving you access to third-party apps. Think of it as a cross between a Kindle and a compact Android tablet.

What drew me to reviewing the Palma 2 Pro was its size. When I’m not reading a physical book, I like to lie on my side and read at night before bed. Most e-readers are squarish and hard to hold without something like a PopSocket, and they can feel too big for reading while lying down. So even though I own a Kindle, I often ended up reading on my iPhone simply because it was more comfortable in my hand. But, reading on your phone for too long can of course cause eye strain.…