Bigme B751C stands out as an interesting hybrid device. This isn’t just an ordinary e-book reader—it’s a full-fledged Android tablet with an E Ink screen. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into the details.
Packaging and Included Accessories
The Bigme B751C arrives in a sleek, well-packed box. Inside, you’ll find two separate boxes: one containing a stylish book cover case and the other housing the device itself. The case is quite functional, although it might not be for everyone. Along with the tablet, you’ll also find a stylus made of aluminum, two buttons, and a quadruple-A battery (which is the same as the one used in Microsoft Surface pens). The device also comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable, a slot extraction tool, extra stylus tips, and an interesting ring tool to help extract the stylus.
Design and Build Quality
The Bigme B751C is remarkably thin and lightweight, but it’s not exactly something you can slip into your pocket unless you have a particularly roomy coat pocket. The device sports a large 7-inch E Ink display that uses advanced E Ink technology (a color E Ink, no less). When powered off, the screen still displays an image, showing the Bigme logo, which is a nice touch.
On the device’s body, you’ll find a variety of buttons. There are two buttons located near the display, which you can use for page navigation while reading. On the top side, there’s a power button that also controls the backlight. The lower part features a microphone and an SD card slot, with support for up to 1TB of storage. A USB-C port, charging indicator, and speaker sit on the left side.
A few things to note: there’s no headphone jack, so connecting wired headphones requires a USB digital audio adapter, although Bluetooth headphones work perfectly fine.
The included cover is made of a pleasant artificial suede material. While it feels nice to touch, it tends to show fingerprints easily. The cover is functional but could be a bit overpriced for some, especially if you’re not planning on using the stylus for drawing.
Performance and Usability
Unlike a traditional e-reader, the Bigme B751C runs on Android, which means it’s a versatile device. You can install any Android app, including the Google Play Store, and enjoy your regular apps, including e-book readers like Kindle. The device’s 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage (with 51.5GB available to users) ensure decent performance for regular tasks. Powered by an octa-core MediaTek processor, the device isn’t geared for gaming but works well for reading and general use. It runs Android 11, which should be supported for quite a while.
Battery life is one of the standout features. If you use the device for about 4-6 hours of reading per day, a full charge can last up to 7 days. This impressive battery life is helped by power-saving features like standby mode, which activates when you close the cover.
Display and E-Ink Technology
The highlight of the Bigme B751C is undoubtedly its E Ink screen. Unlike traditional e-readers, this one offers a color display, although the colors are more muted compared to what you’d find on an LCD screen. The screen is large and sharp, with a resolution of 1680×1264, but it’s not full HD. While it’s not ideal for watching videos, it handles moving images surprisingly well for an E Ink display, offering around 30 frames per second.
The device also shines when it comes to reducing eye strain. The E Ink screen reflects light rather than emitting it, so it’s much easier on the eyes compared to regular backlit screens. This makes reading for extended periods less taxing and is a huge benefit for those who suffer from headaches or eye fatigue.
The screen supports touch and two simultaneous presses, making it great for navigating menus and reading. Additionally, the stylus allows for drawing directly on the screen. The stylus supports pressure sensitivity, so your lines will vary in thickness depending on how hard you press.
Software Features and E-Book Reading
In terms of software, the device is packed with features. The e-reader supports multiple book formats, and you can import books via USB, Wi-Fi, or by downloading directly from the internet. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for avid readers who want to consolidate all their reading apps into one device.
One unique feature is the AI integration. While the AI capabilities feel more like a gimmick, it could be convenient for quickly looking up information or getting summaries of what you’re reading. The device also features a web browser, which allows you to connect to Wi-Fi and browse the internet.
Audio Capabilities
The onboard speaker is surprisingly good for its size, making it suitable for listening to audiobooks or using text-to-speech features. However, as expected with an E Ink display, it’s not ideal for watching video content. The display, though capable of handling moving images at around 30 frames per second, isn’t quite as smooth or vivid as traditional screens.
The Stylus and Battery
The included stylus is a notable addition, though it comes with its own set of challenges. It uses a quadruple-A battery, which lasts around five months with regular use. These batteries aren’t commonly available in stores, so you might have to order them online. While the stylus is a nice touch for drawing or navigating the device, it’s not as refined as styluses for devices with standard LCD screens, such as the Microsoft Surface Pen or Apple Pencil.
Pros:
Color E Ink display: The screen is surprisingly capable for an E Ink device, handling static and moving images with ease.
Long battery life: Lasts up to a week on a full charge with regular reading use.
Android-based: Supports apps from the Google Play Store, allowing you to install e-reader apps and more.
Stylus support: Great for drawing or handwriting recognition.
E-Ink display: Gentle on the eyes, ideal for prolonged reading.
Cons:
Dimmer display: The color E Ink screen is less bright than traditional screens, making it less suitable for outdoor use in direct sunlight.
Stylus not perfect: While it’s functional, the drawing experience isn’t as smooth as with more mature stylus technologies.
Overpriced accessories: The case and stylus add to the cost, and they may not be necessary for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Bigme B751C is an exciting hybrid device that combines the best of both worlds: an Android tablet with an E Ink screen. While the color E Ink display isn’t perfect and the stylus technology is still maturing, the device is a great choice for anyone who loves to read and wants more than just an e-book reader. Whether you’re looking to browse the web, read your favorite books, or even sketch, this tablet does it all—and does it with impressive battery life to boot.
It may not be for everyone, particularly those who prefer a simpler e-reader experience, but for tech enthusiasts and readers alike, the Bigme B751C offers a unique and capable solution.