The new Boox Picco e-reader delivers big charm in a very small package. Priced at about $109, it’s designed for ultra-portability—small enough to slide into most pockets, slim enough to carry with ease, yet smart enough to simply do what an e-reader should.
Size, Form & Everyday Use
The Picco is built for minimalism: a 4.15-inch tall, 3.97-inch screen that matches the footprint of a wallet, with a slim 5.5 mm side profile. It’s light, often forgotten in a bag, which makes carrying it feel natural. An included magnetic case turns Picco into a MagSafe-style attachment for many phones. With compatible phones—including those with Qi2 magnets or cases—it adheres to the device’s back, offering a hands-free e-ink front-side display. While this doesn’t work well with everything (foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are exceptions), it’s a clever way to carry what is essentially a standalone reading screen.
Features & What’s Trade-Off
Unlike Boox’s Android-powered ereaders, Picco doesn’t run third-party apps. There’s no Google Play Books, no Kindle app—everything is handled via a companion app on your phone. Users transfer EPUB files from the phone to Picco via a simple connect-and-send workflow. The home screen shows a carousel of your library, light controls are accessible via swipe-down from the top, and page turns are handled by hardware buttons. There’s also a physical front-light toggle on the edge. Battery life is modest but solid; with light use (about an hour or two daily), it lasts around a week and excels during idle periods.
For those who prioritize purchasing books from big digital storefronts or having third-party apps onboard, the limitations may be real. But for users who prefer owning their books and managing their EPUBs, the Picco fits like a glove. Its pared-down UI, readable typography, and lack of unnecessary extras highlight a “less is more” design philosophy that many readers will appreciate.
In sum, Picco succeeds in offering exactly what it sets out to: a tiny, delightful reading device focused on the essentials. Its optional magnetic attachment, surprising reading comfort, and $109 price tag all reinforce its identity as a travel-friendly e-reader for anyone who’s tired of hauling larger devices everywhere.
Why it matters: in a category where bigger screens, Android installs, and bookstore tie-ins dominate, Picco reminds us that simplicity and portability still have powerful appeal. The real question now: will other makers follow suit, or shift toward lightweight models for users tired of sacrificing comfort for power? Keep eyes on what Boox and its rivals do over the next year.
