Boox Palma Pro 2

One of my constant desires is to seek an alternative to the current technology that I'm currently using. This is especially true when using cell phones. My current phone is 2 years old, and I've started to think about what I might replace it with someday.

Enter the Boox Palma Pro 2. It's an e-ink reading device that happens to run Android 15. It has a cellular data connection once you insert a SIM card, but that connection is data only. It's not supposed to be a cell phone. That would involve additional regulatory hurdles in the United States, but a screen reader with a cell connection is different. That is until I get my hands on it.

I purchased one, immediately installed Google Voice, and tried to make and receive phone calls. It worked perfectly once I made sure Wi-Fi was set to "always on." I could make calls, and receive them, and they showed up with my Google Voice number. I figured this device could make a good cell phone too, at least until I tried to get a SIM card.

I'm currently using US Mobile - here is my referral link (https://www.usmobile.com/referrals?referrer=2492D158) in case anyone wants to toss me some rewards), which has been really good. However, when I tried to get a SIM card from them for the Palma Pro 2, they asked for the device's IMEI number. No problem, I pulled it from the settings and sent it their way.

"That device is not able to use any U.S. networks." This was the response I received from the US Mobile representative. It turns out, the IMEI number is not a standard US IMEI number, and none of the current US networks will sell you a SIM card to use with the device because they cannot verify it will work. According to those online, it DOES work, but you may have to just purchase a pre-paid SIM card without contacting a network or other provider.

That was too much for me - I wanted this device to work, but I'm not about to jump through those hoops to replace my primary phone. Although I hate having a cell phone, it must work when I need it, otherwise why have it? I didn't want to take the chance that my homemade phone wouldn't receive an important call. So reluctantly, I had to return it.

Sometimes things just don't work out the way you expect. But I'll keep trying.