Boox, known for its high-quality e-readers and E Ink tablets, has launched its first color PC monitor. It’s called the Boox Mira Pro.
This new monitor features a 25.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display, designed to look like paper. This is the same screen technology used in popular color e-readers like the Kindle Colorsoft and Kobo Libra Colour.
Paper-Like Display Features
The Mira Pro uses front lighting, not backlighting like traditional LCDs. You can adjust both the brightness and color temperature (warm or cool tones).
It includes a dedicated refresh button to reduce ghosting, a common issue with E Ink screens. The display also helps reduce glare and reflections, making it easier on the eyes.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Mira Pro is built to work like a regular monitor. It includes:
- Built-in speakers
- Five ports: USB-C, HDMI, mini HDMI, and DisplayPort
It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you can choose the version that fits your system.
A Color Upgrade
In short, the Mira Pro is a color version of the black-and-white Boox Mira, which launched in 2023. It brings the same paper-like experience to a larger, more versatile screen.
A Comfortable Way to Work and Read
I’m a big fan of eReaders, mainly because of their E Ink screens—whether grayscale or color. They’re easy on the eyes, which makes them perfect for reading late into the night.
That got me thinking: wouldn’t it be great to have an E Ink monitor for work? I spend about eight hours a day in front of a screen, and a more eye-friendly option would be a welcome change.
Not for Photo Editing, But Great for Writing
As a photographer, I wouldn’t use an E Ink screen to edit photos. The colors are too soft and lack saturation. But for my main job—editing articles—it could be a great fit.
Right now, I use an old 24-inch Dell monitor in vertical mode for editing. It has poor viewing angles, which makes it less than ideal.
E Ink for Editing Documents
Reviewing drafts in Google Docs on an E Ink display sounds fantastic. I’ve already tried it on the Boox Go 10.3, which lets me access Google Drive.
However, that device isn’t great for typing, and I can’t edit Google Docs directly on it. What I need is:
- A larger E Ink monitor
- Easy connection to my MacBook
- Full compatibility with my keyboard and mouse
That setup would make editing much more comfortable and easier on my eyes.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Mira Pro’s $1,899.99 / AU$ 2,499 (about £1,400) price tag feels steep. That’s mainly because it uses an E Ink display with limited functionality.
I’m also unsure how well the Mira Pro’s Kaleido 3 screen handles its 4,096-color palette. It might not be fully optimized.
Compared to the Competition
I’ve tested many color Boox ereaders, and while they’re solid, Kobo seems to use Kaleido 3 tech more effectively. The Mira Pro might suit my needs, but others may find it underwhelming.
Display Concerns
Boox devices often struggle with screen ghosting. The only exception I’ve seen is the Boox Palma. Even with adjustable refresh rates, ghosting remains an issue.
Would the Mira Pro’s refresh button help? I can’t say—I haven’t tested the Mira or Mira Pro yet.
Is the Price Justified?
Despite its limitations, the price isn’t wildly out of line for E Ink devices. Consider these examples:
- 10-inch monochrome tablets like the Kindle Scribe or reMarkable 2 cost over $400 / £370 / AU$ 600.
- The color reMarkable Paper Pro, using newer E Ink Gallery 3 tech, starts at $579 / £559 / AU$ 929 with a basic stylus.
Now scale that up to a 25-inch screen and add a stand. The high price starts to make more sense.
Other Costs to Consider
If you’re in the US, tariffs might push the final price even higher than the launch price.
Final Thoughts
Even with the high cost, I’d love to have a device like the Mira Pro on my desk. It’s not perfect, but it’s exciting.
