As someone who reads constantly, I’m always drawn to new e-readers that promise to improve the experience. The challenge, though, is that most of them feel too single-purpose to truly earn a spot as an everyday companion device. That’s why I was initially impressed by the TCL Nxtpaper tablet—it tried to blur the line between reading and productivity. Now, a new contender has arrived with a more refined approach: the DuRobo Krono, a pocket-sized e-reader and productivity device that is finally available to buy.
I’ll admit my perspective isn’t entirely neutral. I’ve been using a prototype version of the DuRobo Krono for the past couple of months, and it has accomplished something no other e-reader ever has for me—it replaced my Kindle while traveling. For years, my Kindle has been a non-negotiable item in my bag, especially for flights and nighttime reading. While reading on a phone is always an option, nothing compares to the comfort of an eye-friendly ePaper display.
DuRobo positions the Krono as a “focus hub,” and that description feels accurate after extended use. It offers far more functionality than a traditional Kindle, yet avoids the constant notifications and distractions that come with smartphones. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry everywhere, while the added productivity features elevate it beyond a simple reading device.
Calling the DuRobo Krono just an e-reader undersells what it actually is. At its core, it’s an Android-powered ePaper tablet that functions as a smartphone-sized productivity tool. With long battery life, a flexible operating system, and a form factor that’s smaller and less cumbersome than most e-readers, the Krono strikes a balance that many devices miss—capable without being overwhelming.