OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Icarus Excel Review | 68 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£310
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Screen size: 9.7 inches
  • Battery life: 10 hours
  • Supported bookstore ecosystem: Android Open Ecosystem

Icarus Excel review. Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among ereaders and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the eReader's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best eReaders on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.3

Technical Score

10.0%

5.5

User score

Good
5.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

25.0%

5.1

Display

22.0%

8.9

Reading

18.0%

2.2

Battery

14.0%

4.6

Hardware

12.0%

5.7

Connectivity

9.0%

3.6

Design

Good
5.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.

When it matters: When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

6.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(53)
amazon
2.5
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(50)
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(2)

(Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

Good
    • icarus-excel
    icarus-excel

    Best prices in UK

    Best rankings

    ?

    Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
    All: ranking among all products in the database.

    Verdict

    The Icarus Excel (E1051BK) is a large-format 9.7-inch e-reader featuring an E Ink Pearl display with a resolution of 1200 x 825 pixels (167 DPI). Powered by an 800 MHz Freescale CPU and 256 MB of RAM, it includes 4 GB of internal storage expandable via a full-sized SD card slot. Key pros include exceptional PDF support with stylus-based annotations, Wi-Fi connectivity, physical navigation buttons, and a 3.5 mm audio jack for music and text-to-speech. However, users may encounter cons such as a heavy 530g weight, a stylus-only touchscreen that lacks finger-touch support, and an older Linux-based interface that can feel sluggish compared to modern devices.

    Technical Specifications of eReader Icarus Excel

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.

    When it matters: When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.

    Score components:

    25.0%

    5.1

    Display

    22.0%

    8.9

    Reading

    18.0%

    2.2

    Battery

    14.0%

    4.6

    Hardware

    12.0%

    5.7

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    3.6

    Design

    5.3
    Icarus Excel has a technical score of 5.26 points, which is lower than that of 75.4% of products in this category.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.

    When it matters: When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    6.4

    User reviews

    30.0%

    3.4

    Popularity

    User score:
    United Kingdom
    amazon
    3.2
    (53)
    amazon
    2.5
    (2)
    amazon
    5.0
    (1)
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    3.2
    (50)
    Amazon_logo.png
    2.6
    (2)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    5.5
    Icarus Excel has a user score of 5.52 points, which is lower than that of 96.7% of products in this category.
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the eReader.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose an eReader reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    3.4
    Icarus Excel has a popularity of 3.4 points, which is lower than 59% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

    What it is: An indicator that combines the eReader's overall rating with its cost.

    When it matters: When you are looking for an eReader with a good balance between reading comfort, features, and price.

    Score components:

    60.0%

    5.3

    Overall score

    40.0%

    8.9

    Price

    6.4
    Icarus Excel has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 86.9% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: Identifies the company or ecosystem behind the device, which often shapes the store, software approach, and accessory support.
    When it matters: When you are choosing between Kindle, Kobo, Boox, PocketBook, or another ecosystem with different store access and software behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Icarus
    Screen size
    What it is: The diagonal measurement of the reading panel, usually given in inches.
    When it matters: When you are deciding between a small travel reader and a larger page that works better for PDFs, comics, or textbooks.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7.8

    9.7 inches
    Icarus Excel has a screen size of 9.7 inches which is larger than 77.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 4.1% of eReaders.
    Screen resolution
    What it is: The total pixel grid shown on the panel, normally written as width by height.
    When it matters: When small fonts, diagrams, or dense page layouts need to stay readable without constant zooming.

    Importance: HIGH

    825x1200 px
    Icarus Excel uses a screen resolution of 825x1200 px, which is less sharp than that of 59.8% of eReaders and the same as that of 4.1% of eReaders.
    Pixel density
    What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display, expressed in ppi.
    When it matters: When you want text edges to look cleaner and serif fonts to resemble print more closely.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=300

    150 ppi
    Icarus Excel has a pixel density of 150 ppi which is lower than 95.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
    E-paper display
    What it is: Uses an electrophoretic panel designed to mimic paper rather than a conventional backlit phone or tablet screen.
    When it matters: When you read for long stretches and want lower glare and less screen-like fatigue than on LCD or OLED devices.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Icarus Excel uses an e-paper display. 97.6% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
    Show more
    Supported file types
    What it is: Lists which ebook, document, image, or audio formats the reader can open without conversion.
    When it matters: When your library comes from mixed sources instead of one locked bookstore.

    Importance: HIGH

    21
    Icarus Excel supports 21 file types which is more than 77% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3% of eReaders.
    EPUB, PDF, MOBI , TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, PDB
    PDF reflow support
    What it is: Can rearrange PDF text into a more readable, screen-sized layout instead of forcing the original fixed page.
    When it matters: When you read A4 documents, articles, or manuals on a smaller eReader screen.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Icarus Excel offers PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
    Annotation support
    What it is: Allows highlighting, handwritten notes, typed comments, or markup directly inside supported files.
    When it matters: When you study, review academic papers, or want your notes to stay attached to the exact passage.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Icarus Excel offers annotation support. 100% of eReaders offer annotation support.
    Dictionary
    What it is: Provides built-in word lookup while you read.
    When it matters: When you read in another language or want quick definitions without leaving the page.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Icarus Excel includes a built-in dictionary. 99.2% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
    Text-to-speech
    What it is: Converts on-screen text into spoken audio using a synthetic voice.
    When it matters: When you want to keep following a book while resting your eyes, walking, or multitasking.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Icarus Excel offers text-to-speech. 64.2% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
    Show more
    Battery life
    What it is: Estimates how long the device can keep running between charges under normal reading conditions.
    When it matters: When you travel, commute, or want to finish books for days without thinking about charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=30

    10 hours
    Icarus Excel offers 10 hours of battery life which is shorter than 93.8% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 5% of eReaders.
    around 10 hours of constant use with wireless internet on, or up to 8000 page turns with Wi-Fi off
    Battery capacity
    What it is: The amount of energy the battery can store, commonly expressed in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want a rough hardware indicator of how much power reserve the device has.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2000

    1,600 mAh
    Icarus Excel has a battery capacity of 1600 mAh which is higher than 50.8% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
    Charging time
    What it is: The approximate time needed to recharge the battery from low to full.
    When it matters: When you often top up shortly before leaving and need the reader ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=3

    5 hours
    Icarus Excel takes 5 hours to charge which is slower than 95.2% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 4.8% of eReaders.
    Wireless charging
    What it is: Can recharge on a compatible charging pad without plugging in a cable.
    When it matters: When you prefer drop-and-charge convenience on a desk or bedside stand.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Icarus Excel does not offer wireless charging. 7.3% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
    Internal storage
    What it is: The built-in space available for books, notes, audiobooks, apps, and downloaded documents.
    When it matters: When you keep large libraries offline or store a lot of PDFs and audio locally.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=32

    4 GB
    Icarus Excel offers 4 GB of internal storage which is less than 66.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 13.6% of eReaders.
    RAM capacity
    What it is: The amount of working memory used for page rendering, multitasking, and keeping content active in the background.
    When it matters: When you open heavy files, switch between books, or expect the interface to stay snappy.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    0.256 GB
    Icarus Excel offers 0.256 GB of RAM which is less than 73.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 15.1% of eReaders.
    CPU base clock speed
    What it is: The baseline operating frequency of the main processor under normal load.
    When it matters: When you compare readers for faster menu navigation, indexing, and handling of larger documents.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    1 x 0.8 GHz
    Icarus Excel has a CPU base clock speed of 1 x 0.8 GHz, which is slower than that of 76% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.9% of eReaders.
    Operating system
    What it is: The software platform that drives the interface, reading apps, and deeper system capabilities.
    When it matters: When you care about app availability, customization, and how flexible the device can become beyond basic reading.

    Importance: HIGH

    Linux
    Icarus Excel runs Linux, which is less advanced than that of 71.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 8.2% of eReaders.
    Android 4.0
    Memory card slot
    What it is: Accepts removable storage so the library can expand beyond the built-in capacity.
    When it matters: When your collection will outgrow internal storage or you move files between devices manually.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Icarus Excel has a memory card slot. 43.1% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
    Show more
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    What it is: Connects the reader to wireless networks for book downloads, syncing, updates, and online services.
    When it matters: When you buy books directly on the device or keep your library synced without using a cable.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Icarus Excel connects over Wi-Fi. 93.5% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi version
    What it is: Specifies which wireless networking standard is supported, such as Wi-Fi 4, 5, or 6.
    When it matters: When router compatibility, wireless stability, or faster transfers on newer home networks matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    Icarus Excel supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 10.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 46.7% of eReaders.
    Wi-Fi bands supported
    What it is: Shows whether the reader can use 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both wireless bands.
    When it matters: When crowded apartment Wi-Fi or 5 GHz-only setups make band support matter at home or in the office.

    Importance: LOW

    2.4 GHz
    Icarus Excel supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 6.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 50% of eReaders.
    Bluetooth
    What it is: Provides short-range wireless pairing for headphones, speakers, keyboards, page turners, or other accessories.
    When it matters: When you listen to audiobooks, use a remote page turner, or want cable-free accessories around the house.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Icarus Excel does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth version
    What it is: Identifies the supported Bluetooth generation, which affects efficiency, codec support, and compatibility.
    When it matters: When you pair newer headphones and want a more stable, lower-power wireless connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5.0

    N/A
    Icarus Excel supports Bluetooth N/A which is older than 59.3% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 40.7% of eReaders.
    Show more
    Weight
    What it is: The mass of the device, usually measured in grams.
    When it matters: When one-handed comfort matters and you do not want the reader to feel tiring during long sessions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <=200

    530 g
    Icarus Excel weighs 530 g which is heavier than 92.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
    Thickness
    What it is: The depth of the body from front to back, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, sleeve fit, or how slim the reader feels in the hand matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=8

    11 mm
    Icarus Excel is 11 mm thick which is thicker than 90% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
    Height
    What it is: The vertical size of the body, usually measured from top to bottom in millimetres.
    When it matters: When you are checking whether the reader will fit a bag, jacket pocket, or small stand.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=160

    240 mm
    Icarus Excel is 240 mm tall which is taller than 88.5% of eReaders on this spec of eReaders.
    Width
    What it is: The side-to-side body measurement, usually given in millimetres.
    When it matters: When one-handed reach and how much space the reader takes in a bag or bedside setup matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=130

    180 mm
    Icarus Excel is 180 mm wide which is wider than 82% of eReaders on this spec of eReaders.
    Water resistance (splashproof)
    What it is: Can tolerate light splashes, damp hands, or brief accidental contact with water.
    When it matters: When you read by the bath, at the pool, or outdoors where light moisture is realistic.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Icarus Excel does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
    Show more

    Icarus Excel vs the average eReader

    • 2.7 inches larger screen size
      Icarus Excel has a larger screen than the average eReader (9.7 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
      What it is: The diagonal measurement of the reading panel, usually given in inches.
      When it matters: When you are deciding between a small travel reader and a larger page that works better for PDFs, comics, or textbooks.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=7.8

      Icarus Excel has a larger screen than the average eReader (9.7 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.9.7 inches vs 7 inches
    • Supports handwriting recognition
      Icarus Excel supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Can convert handwritten pen input into editable digital text.
      When it matters: When you write notes by hand and want them searchable, cleaner, or easier to export later.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Icarus Excel supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
    • Includes memory card slot
      Icarus Excel includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Accepts removable storage so the library can expand beyond the built-in capacity.
      When it matters: When your collection will outgrow internal storage or you move files between devices manually.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Icarus Excel includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
    • Has page-turn buttons
      Icarus Excel has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Adds dedicated physical controls for moving forward or backward without tapping the screen.
      When it matters: When you read one-handed, wear gloves, or want fewer fingerprints on the display.

      Importance: HIGH

      Icarus Excel has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
    • 6 broader file support
      Icarus Excel supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (21 vs 15).
      EPUB, PDF, MOBI , TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, PDB
      What it is: Lists which ebook, document, image, or audio formats the reader can open without conversion.
      When it matters: When your library comes from mixed sources instead of one locked bookstore.

      Importance: HIGH

      Icarus Excel supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (21 vs 15).21 vs 15
    • Has 3.5 mm jack
      Icarus Excel has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Includes a standard analog audio port for wired headphones or speakers.
      When it matters: When you listen to audiobooks and do not want to rely on Bluetooth or a USB-C adapter.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Icarus Excel has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports stylus
      Icarus Excel supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
      Features a Wacom touchscreen and includes a special digitized stylus for notes and annotations
      What it is: Works with a pen for handwriting, sketching, selection, or precise markup.
      When it matters: When you annotate PDFs, write in margins, or use the reader partly as a digital notebook.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Icarus Excel supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • Has microphone
      Icarus Excel has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Includes onboard audio input for voice features, calls, or recordings where the software supports them.
      When it matters: When voice notes, speech features, or audio interaction are part of how you plan to use the device.

      Importance: LOW

      Icarus Excel has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
    • 2.7 inches larger screen size
      Icarus Excel has a larger screen than the average eReader (9.7 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    • Supports handwriting recognition
      Icarus Excel supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
    • 6 broader file support
      Icarus Excel supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (21 vs 15).
    • Supports stylus
      Icarus Excel supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • Includes stylus
      Icarus Excel includes a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • Includes memory card slot
      Icarus Excel includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
    • Has 3.5 mm jack
      Icarus Excel has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average eReader does not.
    • Has microphone
      Icarus Excel has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
    • 1 more speakers
      Icarus Excel has more speakers than the average eReader (1 vs 0). The average eReader has 0 speakers.
    • Has page-turn buttons
      Icarus Excel has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.

    Total
    Display
    Reading
    Hardware
    Connectivity
    Design
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Icarus Excel uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    • 43.4% lower pixel density
      Icarus Excel has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (150 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    • No front light
      Icarus Excel does not include front light, while the average eReader does.
    • No color temperature adjustment
      Icarus Excel does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does.
    • Lower screen resolution
      Icarus Excel supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (825x1200 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    • Basic touchscreen technology
      Icarus Excel uses stylus digitizer touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
    • 5 fewer front-light LEDs
      Icarus Excel has fewer front-light LEDs than the average eReader (0 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    • Limited DRM support
      Icarus Excel supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
    • No cloud sync
      Icarus Excel does not support cloud sync, while the average eReader does.
      Requires apps like Moon+ Reader Pro or Google Play Books on the Android-based device
    • No parental controls
      Icarus Excel does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
    • 3 hours longer charging time
      Icarus Excel charges more slowly than the average eReader (5 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    • 11 hours shorter battery life
      Icarus Excel offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
      around 10 hours of constant use with wireless internet on, or up to 8,000 page turns with Wi-Fi off
    • Less advanced operating system
      Icarus Excel uses Linux, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
      Android 4.0
    • 75% less storage
      Icarus Excel offers less internal storage than the average eReader (4 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    • 0.26 GB less RAM
      Icarus Excel has less RAM than the average eReader (0.3 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    • Slower CPU base clock speed
      Icarus Excel has a slower CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    • No USB Type-C
      Icarus Excel does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
    • No Bluetooth
      Icarus Excel does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does.
    • No OTA updates
      Icarus Excel does not support OTA updates, while the average eReader does.
    • 2.49x heavier
      Icarus Excel is heavier than the average eReader (530 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    • 2.9 mm thicker
      Icarus Excel is thicker than the average eReader (11 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    • 67 mm taller
      Icarus Excel is taller than the average eReader (240 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    • 9 year/s older release date
      Icarus Excel is older than the average eReader (2012 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    • 52.4 mm wider
      Icarus Excel is wider than the average eReader (180 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Icarus Excel uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      What it is: States which E Ink generation or panel family the device uses, such as Carta or Kaleido.
      When it matters: When you compare newer and older readers for contrast, refresh behavior, or color performance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Icarus Excel uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.Pearl vs Carta Plus
    • 3 hours longer charging time
      Icarus Excel charges more slowly than the average eReader (5 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
      What it is: The approximate time needed to recharge the battery from low to full.
      When it matters: When you often top up shortly before leaving and need the reader ready again quickly.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: <=3

      Icarus Excel charges more slowly than the average eReader (5 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.5 hours vs 2 hours
    • 43.4% lower pixel density
      Icarus Excel has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (150 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
      What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display, expressed in ppi.
      When it matters: When you want text edges to look cleaner and serif fonts to resemble print more closely.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=300

      Icarus Excel has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (150 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.150 ppi vs 265 ppi
    • Limited DRM support
      Icarus Excel supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      What it is: Shows which copy-protection systems the device can open, such as Adobe DRM or store-specific protection.
      When it matters: When you buy or borrow books from multiple stores and need them all to open on one reader.

      Importance: HIGH

      Icarus Excel supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP
    • No front light
      Icarus Excel does not include front light, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Adds built-in illumination that shines across the screen so the page stays readable in dark environments.
      When it matters: When you read in bed, on flights, or anywhere ambient light is too low for an unlit screen.

      Importance: HIGH

      Icarus Excel does not include front light, while the average eReader does.
    • No USB Type-C
      Icarus Excel does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Uses the reversible USB-C connector for charging and, on some models, wired data transfer.
      When it matters: When you want one shared cable standard for your reader, phone, and other travel gear.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Icarus Excel does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
    • 2.49x heavier
      Icarus Excel is heavier than the average eReader (530 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
      What it is: The mass of the device, usually measured in grams.
      When it matters: When one-handed comfort matters and you do not want the reader to feel tiring during long sessions.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: <=200

      Icarus Excel is heavier than the average eReader (530 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.530 g vs 213 g
    • 11 hours shorter battery life
      Icarus Excel offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
      around 10 hours of constant use with wireless internet on, or up to 8,000 page turns with Wi-Fi off
      What it is: Estimates how long the device can keep running between charges under normal reading conditions.
      When it matters: When you travel, commute, or want to finish books for days without thinking about charging.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=30

      Icarus Excel offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.10 hours vs 21 hours
    Total
    Overall
    Display
    Reading
    Battery
    Hardware
    Connectivity
    Design

    Graphic comparison of Icarus Excel and other eReaders

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    United Kingdom
    amazon
    3.2
    53 Reviews
    amazon
    2.5
    2 Reviews
    amazon
    5.0
    1 Reviews
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    3.2
    50 Reviews
    Amazon_logo.png
    2.6
    2 Reviews

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    What customers like about Icarus Excel?

    • Superior PDF support with high-quality rendering on a large 9.7-inch display
    • Excellent annotation features including handwriting with the included stylus and exporting notes as TXT files
    • Open system that allows for extensive customisation of fonts, line spacing, and file management
    • Physical refresh rate control which allows users to disable flickering entirely
    • Solid hardware features including a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio and an SD card slot for storage expansion
    • Support for a wide variety of ebook formats including ePub, RTF, and PRC with Adobe DRM compliance

    What customers dislike about Icarus Excel?

    • High premium price compared to mainstream competitors like Amazon or Use code with caution.Copied to clipboardjsonKoboUse code with caution.Copied to clipboardjson
    • Limited touch interface as the screen only responds to the included stylus, not fingers
    • Navigational constraints such as folder-based file browsing rather than a traditional library metadata listing
    • Hardware design flaws like a plastic back that easily shows fingerprints and no integrated storage slot for the stylus
    • Inconsistent software features such as a text-to-speech engine that sometimes struggles with pronunciation
    • Potential Wi-Fi connectivity issues and slower performance on non-text-heavy websites

    Expert reviews

    T
    the-ebook-reader.com
    [Updated] 2012
    Icarus Excel (Onyx M92) Review

    The eBook Reader highlights that devices with 7-inch to 13.3-inch screens are ideal for viewing PDFs, sheet music, and comics, with options including open Android-based Onyx Boox models and specialized note-taking devices like the Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa 2E. While offering high-resolution displays and superior note-taking, pros include a paper-like writing experience....Read more

    E
    expertreviews.co.uk
    02/10/2012
    Icarus eXceL review - Expert Reviews

    The Icarus eXceL is a specialized 9.7-inch E Ink e-reader designed for viewing PDFs and large documents, offering a 1,200 x 825 resolution for crisp text. It supports diverse file formats, including MS Office and ePub, and features a Wacom stylus for annotation and menu navigation. Key disadvantages highlighted include the lack of finger touch support, slow page refresh rates, and a...Read more

    K
    konsument.at
    26/03/2015
    E-Book Readers - A Clash of Systems

    The Konsument.at review highlights that modern e-book readers offer superior, glare-free e-ink displays and exceptional, weeks-long battery life, making them ideal for reading in direct sunlight and for travelers. Key advantages include extreme portability and the ability to customize fonts, which significantly reduces eye strain compared to tablet screens. However, the review notes...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    A
    allesebook.de
    Date not specified
    Icarus eXceL (2012) - ALLESebook.de

    The Icarus Excel (Onyx Boox M92) is a 9.7-inch, Linux-based e-reader tailored for professionals and students seeking a "PDF workhorse" with a glare-free, paper-like E Ink Pearl display. Key advantages include superior PDF handling, 17 font options, text reflow, and a Wacom stylus for precise, exportable handwritten annotations. Furthermore, the device offers strong versatility,...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    computerbase.de
    23/12/2014
    Icarus Excel 2014 Review: A4-Format E-Book Reader with Stylus

    The Icarus Excel 2014 is a specialized 9.7-inch E Ink Pearl e-reader featuring a 1200 x 825 resolution, primarily designed for handling large-format documents, such as A4 PDFs, according to a ComputerBase review. It features a stylus-operated Wacom touchscreen, providing precise input capabilities for professional or academic tasks, allowing users to make annotations directly on...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    A
    allesebook.de
    15/12/2014
    Icarus eXceL (2014) - ALLESebook.de

    The Icarus Excel is a 9.7-inch, professional-grade e-reader featuring an E Ink Pearl display with a Wacom touchscreen and a navigation joystick. Rebranded from the Onyx Boox M92, this device is designed for academic use with specialized PDF support and handwriting capabilities. Despite its high price and short battery life, it offers expansive format support, making it a powerful...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    L
    liseuses.net
    25/02/2015
    Icarus e-readers available in France

    Icarus e-readers are now available in France through specialized retailers, offering a versatile alternative to mainstream brands by utilizing an open Android operating system that allows users to access the Google Play Store and install third-party reading apps. Key advantages include the flexibility of the Android OS, extensive file format support (EPUB/PDF), physical page-turn...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    E
    ereaders.nl
    27/02/2012
    Icarus eXcel Review: A High-Flyer with a Sharp, Large Screen

    The Icarus Excel is a 9.7-inch E Ink Pearl e-reader designed for viewing large-format documents, boasting a sharp resolution and advanced PDF tools like 500% zoom and handwritten note-taking with the included Wacom stylus. Its open ecosystem supports multiple file formats, including Adobe DRM-compliant files, and it features built-in Wi-Fi and a headphone jack for audio...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    P
    portablegear.nl
    Undated
    Icarus eXcel Review - Portablegear

    The Icarus Excel is a 9.7-inch E Ink Pearl e-reader featuring an 800 MHz processor, 256MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, and a full-size SD card slot for expanded capacity. Its large, high-resolution screen is specifically designed for handling professional PDFs and documents. Key benefits include the ability to make handwritten notes, scribbles, and annotations directly onto PDFs using...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

    Video reviews

    Best alternatives

    amazon-kindle-scribe
    Amazon Kindle Scribe

    eReaders

    7.8
    onyx-boox-go-10-3
    Onyx Boox Go 10 3

    eReaders

    8.2
    pocketbook-inkpad-x-pro
    Pocketbook Inkpad X Pro

    eReaders

    7.7
    onyx-boox-note-air-3
    Onyx Boox Note Air 3

    eReaders

    8.6
    pocketbook-inkpad-x
    Pocketbook Inkpad X

    eReaders

    7.4
    No image
    Pocketbook Inkpad Eo

    eReaders

    8.2
    pocketbook-pro-912
    Pocketbook Pro 912

    eReaders

    6.0
    pocketbook-inkpad-lite
    Pocketbook Inkpad Lite

    eReaders

    7.1
    pocketbook-pocketbook-pro-902
    Pocketbook Pocketbook Pro 902

    eReaders

    5.9
    No image
    Pocketbook Pocketbook Pro 903

    eReaders

    5.6
    No image
    Onyx Boox M92

    eReaders

    5.8
    No image
    Asus Eee Reader DR900

    eReaders

    6.0

    Compare Icarus Excel with other eReaders

    VS
    VS

    Compare