SPC Dickens Light Pro - A good inexpensive alternative [Analysis]

SPC is still just one more player in this e-book market that seems to be eaten up by Amazon and Kobo now that BQ is completely out of the game. For this reason, SPC has decided to fill that gap left by the Spanish brand by wanting to offer products that directly rival in terms of value for money with rivals.

We take an in-depth look at the new SPC Dickens Light Pro, an affordable alternative with numerous features from higher ranges. In this way, SPC knocks on the door of electronic book users to remind them that there are still alternatives beyond the usual ones, we analyze it so that you can know it.

Materials and design

In terms of materials, this SPC Dickens Light Pro is not far from the alternatives offered by Amazon, for example, we have matt black plastic finishes that in this case easily avoid fingerprints, something that we liked, because we do not have to worry about being continuously cleaning the device. For it, On the back, it has a series of micro-perforations that help both to grip and to clean the device, something that we have already mentioned before. 

• Size: 169 x 113 x 9 millimeters
• Weight: 191 grams

We have a remarkable lower frame, in it is the central button that takes us directly to the start menu of the user interface and that honestly, taking into account that the panel is touch, does not seem too necessary. For the lower part there is the «power» button which, on the other hand, is quite small, a design decision that I find difficult to tackle. To the left of the «power» button we find a slot for microSD cards and finally the microUSB charging port. It does not mention, however, any type of resistance to water or splashes, something typical of products in this range. Otherwise a compact and lightweight product.

Memory and basic connectivity

Part of 8 GB of internal memory this SPC Dickens Light Pro, more than enough for the standard user, but we must remember that we can expand this memory, as well as interact with the content of the eReader, through its card port microSD. Despite this, modifying the content is not as simple as it is through the microUSB port that allows us to do without any type of software, it is as simple as dragging our books to the internal memory and they will be displayed in the book.

• Supported formats: EPUB, PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF, TXT, RTF, FB2, MOBI, CHM, DOC.

In this aspect we have no problems since we can even view PDFs as plain text to easily interact with it. In this section the SPC Dickens Light Pro is well worked due to the absence of tedious programs or limitations for those who only want to waste a few minutes introducing their books into the electronic book and start reading. something to be thankful for at this point.

Display and user interface

We have an electronic ink panel (presumably made by Amazon) with a stable and fair refresh rate with the Kindle and Kobo at the same price. For its part, it has a light with six levels of intensity that is sufficient at the same time that we can even adjust the warmth of this lighting, a functionality that more and more eReaders devices are adding in a clear path marked by Kobo previously.

• Resolution: X
• Density: About 300 pixels per inch

The user interface It will allow us to adjust different levels of the font size, as well as zoom in the PDFs, adjust the pages, take advantage of the dictionary and of course read vertically or horizontally at the user's request.

• Library management by folders
• Decent file history
• Search and markup within text

As for this user interface, without being as elaborate as the competition, this SPC Dickens Light Pro does not lack the main functions.

Autonomy

This SPC Dickens Light Pro has a 1.500 mAh battery whose greatest defect is precisely the load through a microUSB port, A negative point considering the recent launch of the product and the fact that USB-C is already an industry standard. However, just over two hours for a full charge and up to 30 days of autonomy depending on use, light intensity and settings. In this regard, the 20 days of autonomy are achieved with sovereign ease. We do not have, for obvious reasons, any type of wireless charging and the power adapter is not included in the package.

A "free" cover, a good option

Many times with eReaders it happens to us as with mobile phones, we have to buy covers, especially when these eReaders are going to be used to walking on the street, especially to protect the screen. I always recommend that you do not buy the cover if you are going to read only at home, but if you are going to take it out it is almost mandatory.

At this point, the SPC Dickens Light Pro includes a rigid case on the back that feels like a glove, accompanied by a very successful simile-leather magnetized cover, which barely influences the weight of the device and is quite comfortable. More brands should consider including these small covers, whose manufacturing cost should be minimal, with the product packaging to create a complete experience that allows us, as is the case with this SPC Dickens Light Pro, to enjoy the device directly without the need to make more purchases.

Editor's opinion

At this point we are faced with the SPC Dickens Light Pro, a device that generally has little online stock (we imagine that due to a high number of sales) and that is offered at a price of 129,90 euros on the official SPC website with free shipping included. Where they do have stock is on Amazon offering a price of around 115,00 euros, so we recommend that you clearly opt for this point of sale.

If you want to escape the usual and round off the experience with its included cover, you have all the features of the mid-range, adding a lightweight user interface and the possibility of managing your library without limitations at a market price.

Pros and cons