Read + Listen to Music Simultaneously? (+ PDFs on 8" screen)

Three quick questions:
1. I'm considering the new Nova 2 and wonder ther Boox users know whether you can read while also listening to an mp3 file on the device.

I know folks typically recommend a 10" screen for pdfs, but is it comfortable to read pdfs on an 8" screen if you crop the margins and hold the reader horizontally?

Finally, the Nova 2 adds a microphone, but I'm not clear on the purpose (I'd use my phone for a voice memo). If others use a mic on their ereader, what do you do with it? Thanks!