E-reader manufacturer Boox has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of its first-ever color E Ink desktop monitor. The Mira Pro Color represents a significant evolution in alternative display technology, targeting professionals who spend long hours reading text, coding, or working with spreadsheets and are looking for a more eye-friendly computing experience.
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| A professional engaging with the new color E Ink monitor, enhancing productivity and eye comfort during prolonged use |
A New Approach to Desktop Displays
The Mira Pro Color features a 25.3-inch Kaleido 3 E Ink panel with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,800 pixels at 145ppi. Unlike traditional LCD or OLED monitors that emit light, E Ink technology reflects ambient light, potentially reducing eye strain during prolonged use. The monitor supports 16 grayscale levels and can display up to 4,096 colors—a limited palette compared to conventional displays but sufficient for many productivity tasks.
Customizable Performance for Different Use Cases
Understanding that E Ink technology has inherent limitations in refresh rates, Boox has implemented four customizable display modes that balance image quality and performance for different tasks. Users can optimize the monitor for web browsing, watching videos, reading text, or displaying slideshows. While the company hasn't specified exact refresh rates, the technology allows for video playback, albeit with performance that can't match traditional LCD or OLED screens.
Feature Set and Connectivity
The Mira Pro Color comes equipped with front lighting similar to what's found in e-readers, including color temperature adjustment for more comfortable nighttime viewing. For connectivity, the monitor offers a comprehensive range of ports: HDMI, mini HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, and a 240V DC input. It also features built-in speakers and a dedicated refresh button on the side to eliminate ghosting—a common issue with E Ink displays. The monitor supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, and Android.
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| The Mira Pro Color monitor showcased in a modern dual-monitor setup, ideal for productivity and eye-friendly computing tasks |
Premium Pricing and Availability Challenges
As with most large E Ink panels, the Mira Pro Color comes with a substantial price tag of USD $1,899.99. Adding to the cost concern, Boox has noted that the Mira Series monitors ship exclusively from China, potentially subjecting US and other international customers to additional tariffs. This could significantly increase the total cost for many buyers.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The Mira Pro Color is clearly not aimed at gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, or creative professionals who require accurate color reproduction and high refresh rates. Instead, it targets a niche audience of professionals who prioritize eye comfort for text-heavy work in well-lit environments. Programmers working with color-coded data, writers, financial analysts, and others who spend hours reviewing documents may find value in the unique properties of this E Ink display, particularly those who experience eye strain with conventional monitors.
Expanding E Ink Ecosystem
The Mira Pro Color launch is part of Boox's broader strategy to expand E Ink technology beyond e-readers. The company has simultaneously updated other products in its lineup, including the seven-inch Go 7 and Go 7 Color Gen II e-readers, which now feature e-pencil support and Android 13, as well as the Tab X C, a 13.3-inch pro-level tablet with an upgraded color E Ink screen. These developments suggest growing interest in E Ink as an alternative display technology for various computing tasks beyond just reading books.