The Phone-Sized Palma 2 E-Reader Is on Sale for Less Than Ever During Black Friday.
Black Friday sales officially kick off on Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1. Before they end, Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools.
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Sales data is current at the time of publication, but prices and stock levels are subject to change.
I got my first e-reader about 15 years ago—a Kindle. Since then, I’ve used devices and apps from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, gradually building up my entire e-book library. Over the past few years , I’ve also been reviewing a whole bunch of e-ink devices for Lifehacker .
All this means I can confidently say the Boox Palma 2 is my favorite e-reader. I think it’s even a better deal than the newer, but much more expensive Boox Palma 2 Pro. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey for an e-reader, but before Black Friday, it became cheaper than before. With the release of the Pro model , the price of the original Palma 2 dropped to a record low of $270 (previously $300).
A truly portable, full-featured e-reader
This phone-shaped e-reader from Chinese tech company Onyx International fits easily in my jeans pocket next to my iPhone. I carry it with me when I go out, and over the past year, it’s helped me scroll less and read more. It has a crisp, backlit e-ink screen, almost as good as the Kindle Paperwhite, but it stands out thanks to its open Android operating system, which lets you download any app from the Google Play store, meaning you can access books from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible, Audiobooks.com, and even graphic novel and manga subscriptions like Shonen Jump—all on one device.
The 300 ppi screen resolution and high refresh rate also make it easy to use office apps like Slack, Gmail, and Google Docs ( add a Bluetooth keyboard and you have a super-portable, distraction-free writing device ); browse the web with virtually no lag; or even play games and watch videos. Of course, no e-ink display will look as sharp or move as smoothly as an LED one, but that’s the point: a grayscale display is easier on the eyes and reduces device addiction, so you use it purposefully rather than mindlessly scrolling.
Palma 2 is now cheaper than ever
There’s no getting around the fact that the Palma 2 is significantly more expensive than the Kindle Paperwhite . But right now , you can buy it on Amazon for $270 , a whopping 10% off. That’s not a huge savings, but I’ve been tracking this device on Amazon since its release, and it’s never been cheaper. And while the new Palma 2 Pro is a great device , it’s significantly more expensive at $400 . If you don’t care about a color screen, mobile data, or stylus support, the Palma 2 is a much better value.
The original Palma model is also back in stock on Amazon.
If you want a Palma but can’t even pay $270 for the discounted Palma 2, the original 2023 Palma is also back on sale on Amazon for a more attractive price of $229. While the original Palma has a slightly slower processor, runs an older version of Android, and lacks a fingerprint scanner, it’s still a great buy for most people—assuming you can find one in stock in the US ( I’ve compiled a full comparison of the Palma and Palma 2 if you’re still undecided ). At the time of writing , the original Palma is in very limited supply on Amazon , so hurry if you want one.
Consider a cheaper alternative from Viwoods
If you’re into the phone-like device concept, love AI, and want to spend a little less, the new Viwoods AiPaper Reader is under $240 on Black Friday . It has most of the same features as the Palma 2, plus mobile data via a SIM card—and it can even work as a secret phone . ( Read my review. )
Which stores have the biggest discounts on Black Friday?
With both large retailers and small businesses competing for Black Friday shoppers, you can expect sales at virtually every store until Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” discounts depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to be offered by large retailers that can afford lower prices, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our blog .
Are Black Friday deals worth it?
In short, yes, Black Friday still offers deals you rarely see the rest of the year. If you’re shopping or looking for gifts, now is the time to look for deals on essentials, especially tech , home goods , and fitness equipment . Of course, if you’re looking to save money, the best way to save is to buy nothing.
Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?
Black Friday used to favor large retailers and higher-end appliances, while Cyber Monday favored cheaper appliances and gave small businesses a chance to compete online. However, today, this distinction has become virtually meaningless. Every major retailer runs sales on both days, so it’s best to know what you need, use price trackers, or consult guides like our blog , which uses price trackers, and not worry about finding the perfect time.