The Durobo Krono is a £249.99 pocketable E Ink device marketed as a distraction-free reading and note-taking gadget. It is built around a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display, which is the same panel used in the Boox Palma 2. The device features a signature side-mounted scroll wheel called the Smart Dial.
While marketed as a minimalist antidote to smartphones, the execution of the Krono falls short in several key areas.
The Smart Dial, intended to be a standout feature, is described as feeling cheap and loose without real physical feedback when turned. Its functions change unpredictably depending on context; for example, it can scroll a page, adjust brightness, refresh the screen, start a voice memo, or launch an AI assistant like Google Gemini in a monochrome skin.
The build quality is also noted as leaning plasticky, despite appearing more premium than the Boox Palma at first glance. The device lacks standard connectivity features such as a 3.5mm headphone port, a SIM tray, or a microSD expansion slot; audio functionality is limited to Bluetooth only.
Regarding software, the device runs stripped-back Android with minimal preinstalled applications, relying on the Play Store for additional apps like Kindle or BorrowBox. Voice memos and note-taking are handled by an app named Spark, which is functional but described as clunky and unintuitive.
The Spark application has limitations in note-taking functionality; there is no obvious way to create new text notes, transcriptions cannot be easily exported off-device without manual copy-pasting, and there is a 30-minute recording cap which limits its utility for tasks like meeting transcription.
A calendar widget on the home screen does not link to an actual calendar application.
In terms of performance, battery life is considered a genuine strength, offering roughly 10 days of use per charge during testing, aligning with estimates of 7–14 days. When used solely as a pocketable reading device paired with sources like Kindle or BorrowBox, it functions well and remains unobtrusive.
However, the Krono struggles when used for more complex tasks. It lacks a proper notes application, stylus support, and meaningful cloud integration. At its price point, it is deemed more expensive than simpler dedicated e-readers or basic voice recorders while offering less than fully-featured E Ink tablets.
Overall, the verdict is that the Krono is a good-looking, pocketable blank canvas that is let down by unfocused, overly minimal software and a high asking price relative to what it delivers. The reviewer suggests it is not recommended over cheaper e-readers or more capable alternatives such as the Boox Palma or reMarkable tablets.
