Okay, I *just* got the email with the update link and the update instructions. So I haven't had time to actually install it, but given that I just posted an earlier message expressing my frustration over no firmware update, I thought you all should know it's here and I'm going RL for a while to get the update completed.

:2thumbsup:smash::2thumbsup

Derek

Okay, I *just* got the email with the update link and the update instructions. So I haven't had time to actually install it, but given that I just posted an earlier message expressing my frustration over no firmware update, I thought you all should know it's here and I'm going RL for a while to get the update completed.

:2thumbsup:smash::2thumbsup

Derek
So how long will this update take? A while I guess. What a slow update process. :huh:

When you do read this, what version firmware is it and can you now purchase DRM laden books? Is this firmware going to be the one reviewed.

So how long will this update take? A while I guess. What a slow update process. :huh:

When you do read this, what version firmware is it and can you now purchase DRM laden books? Is this firmware going to be the one reviewed.

Not slow at all. Took about 5 minutes to run! Now I'm just checking to see how it went. And yes this is the one I'm choosing to review. Although, we have been promised a new update next week. :)


Derek

What version?

What version?

Mike,

It's version number 0.98 (October 2007)

Derek

Why is there 3 threads for this?

Schizophrenia!?! Dementia!?! :laugh4:

Man that reader can really make someone sick!

Repetitive? Redundant?

Repetitive? Redundant? :grin2:

Mike,

It's version number 0.98 (October 2007)

Derek

Can you get the PID this time?

Can you get the PID this time?

Yes, yes I can. It's grayed out on the Library's contextual menu - but quite readable. I've just entered that PID at Fictionwise and purchased/downloaded two Secure Mobipocket ebooks.

Guess what? They *OPEN*!!! No, my local copy of Mobipocket Reader won't recognize the Cybook yet. But that's supposed to be in the works. Still, it's not a hassle to copy them over from my PC's directory onto the Cybook.

Derek

However, the PDF I happen to have is *VERY* dense and small. No, there's no zoom or text resizing yet. But if the text isn't too dense on the original PDF's page, switching to Landscape mode helps. The next couple of updates should fix the font size issue on PDFs.

Derek

So then PDF is not any better then on the Sony.

Yes, yes I can. It's grayed out on the Library's contextual menu - but quite readable. I've just entered that PID at Fictionwise and purchased/downloaded two Secure Mobipocket ebooks.

Guess what? They *OPEN*!!! No, my local copy of Mobipocket Reader won't recognize the Cybook yet. But that's supposed to be in the works. Still, it's not a hassle to copy them over from my PC's directory onto the Cybook.

Derek
That is great news. No way it would have sold without DRM. Sorry folks, but that is the truth.

However, the PDF I happen to have is *VERY* dense and small. No, there's no zoom or text resizing yet. But if the text isn't too dense on the original PDF's page, switching to Landscape mode helps. The next couple of updates should fix the font size issue on PDFs.

Derek

Try the PDF from Feedbooks to test the PDF feature: http://www.feedbooks.com/discover

You can use the Sony Reader files, the screen is the same size.

Try the PDF from Feedbooks to test the PDF feature: http://www.feedbooks.com/discover

You can use the Sony Reader files, the screen is the same size.
We know screen sized PDF will work great. The question is how well do full page size PDF actually work. We know on the Sony, most of the time the answer is poorly.

We know screen sized PDF will work great. The question is how well do full page size PDF actually work. We know on the Sony, most of the time the answer is poorly.

Well I don't agree completely with you. For screen sized PDF, the iLiad is better than the Sony Reader, displaying smaller fonts more easily (they're darker).

The ability to display an A4 PDF on the Cybook is currently missing for 0.98 (in the final firmware, you'll be able to display 1/2 or 1/4 of a page to correctly display A4 documents). He shouldn't focus on A4 PDF with the current firmware for this reason, and instead, try a few screen sized PDF files.

Well I don't agree completely with you. For screen sized PDF, the iLiad is better than the Sony Reader, displaying smaller fonts more easily (they're darker).

The ability to display an A4 PDF on the Cybook is currently missing for 0.98 (in the final firmware, you'll be able to display 1/2 or 1/4 of a page to correctly display A4 documents). He shouldn't focus on A4 PDF with the current firmware for this reason, and instead, try a few screen sized PDF files.
On the 505, the screen has more contrast and the black seems blacker. So I'd say the same thing for the 505 vs the 500 as far as darker goes. The Gen3 should be the same as the 505 for darkness and contrast.

Try the PDF from Feedbooks to test the PDF feature: http://www.feedbooks.com/discover

You can use the Sony Reader files, the screen is the same size.

Thank you for the link. I've just downloaded a few...

Yep. They work *much* better! I'm still seeing them jammed in from edge to edge of the screen, which I find just a bit difficult to read, but the font is *MUCH* larger and readable. I'll post pictures.

BTW, how does one get the nifty thumbnail views when including images in a post? I only seem to post full-sized images.

Derek

On the 505, the screen has more contrast and the black seems blacker. So I'd say the same thing for the 505 vs the 500 as far as darker goes. The Gen3 should be the same as the 505 for darkness and contrast.

Oh yes! The font is crisp and dark against the background. So that's a plus for both the 505 and the Gen3 compared to the 500.

Derek

Thank you for the link. I've just downloaded a few...

Yep. They work *much* better! I'm still seeing them jammed in from edge to edge of the screen, which I find just a bit difficult to read, but the font is *MUCH* larger and readable. I'll post pictures.

BTW, how does one get the nifty thumbnail views when including images in a post? I only seem to post full-sized images.

Derek

There is a button called Manage Attachments. Next time you post, scroll the window down and you will see it. After you upload the pictures, the thumbnails should appear automagically.

Thank you for the link. I've just downloaded a few...

Yep. They work *much* better! I'm still seeing them jammed in from edge to edge of the screen, which I find just a bit difficult to read, but the font is *MUCH* larger and readable. I'll post pictures.

BTW, how does one get the nifty thumbnail views when including images in a post? I only seem to post full-sized images.

Derek

You mean there's no margins at all ? On a Sony PRS-500 there's a natural margin, that's why the margin is small in these files. You can also log in, and go to this page: http://www.feedbooks.com/user/custom_pdf

Select the Sony template and just change the margin settings. Once you've saved your settings, using the Custom PDF link on a book page will create files with these settings.

I hope we'll see some of these readers supporting epub files in the upcoming months !

Thank you for the link. I've just downloaded a few...

Yep. They work *much* better! I'm still seeing them jammed in from edge to edge of the screen, which I find just a bit difficult to read, but the font is *MUCH* larger and readable. I'll post pictures.

Derek

You know I am surprised the ebook hardware makers haven't figured that out. (actually some earlier units knew it) The 6" display could perform as well as 6.5" or even 7" display if they only put a dummy margin around the edge of the screen so you could actually use all 600 pixels for data without it looking like it is jammed against the edge of the screen.

Dale

There is a button called Manage Attachments. Next time you post, scroll the window down and you will see it. After you upload the pictures, the thumbnails should appear automagically.

Thanks!

Thank you for the link. I've just downloaded a few...

Yep. They work *much* better! I'm still seeing them jammed in from edge to edge of the screen, which I find just a bit difficult to read, but the font is *MUCH* larger and readable. I'll post pictures.

BTW, how does one get the nifty thumbnail views when including images in a post? I only seem to post full-sized images.

Derek
Attach the image and you'll get a thumbnail that when clicked gives a full sized image.

You know I am surprised the ebook hardware makers haven't figured that out. (actually some earlier units knew it) The 6" display could perform as well as 6.5" or even 7" display if they only put a dummy margin around the edge of the screen so you could actually use all 600 pixels for data without it looking like it is jammed against the edge of the screen.

Dale
Actually, I do like a really small margin. Longer lines, less pages, more battery.

Actually, I do like a really small margin. Longer lines, less pages, more battery.

Exactly my point. Longer lines are better but if they jamb against the edge of the screen the first and last letter are hard to see. This is why I say there should be a border with no pixels around the screen area so you can use all of the expensive real estate for data and use a cheap area for margin. It is likely, by the way, that a white unit would be better looking with words jambed to the edge than a black one but even so an simple edge is cheap and would help a lot in the display.

Dale

It is likely, by the way, that a white unit would be better looking with words jambed to the edge than a black one....Someone else commented that the white casing on their Librie made the display look a bit dingy, so perhaps a light gray case or matting that matches the display's "white" would be optimal. :nice:

@delphidb96

Not meaning to be annyoing or anything, but do you have permission to send me that firmware update so that I could perhaps try it on my STAReBOOK?

Thanks.

As Hadrien told me, firmwares between 0.91 and 0.98 were probably
"unstable" (even for a beta) because of the new features they included
and that's probably why you've been waiting so much :smash:

Anyway, I'm glad you have this near-to-final-version firmware since I guess
this means your review is to be published next week!

I hope all your frustation vanished as soon as you received this firmware :D

As Hadrien told me, firmwares between 0.91 and 0.98 were probably
"unstable" (even for a beta) because of the new features they included
and that's probably why you've been waiting so much :smash:

Anyway, I'm glad you have this near-to-final-version firmware since I guess
this means your review is to be published next week!

I hope all your frustation vanished as soon as you received this firmware :D

I do believe you're right!

And I now feel confident about certain things, confident enough to start writing a first review.

I can guarantee that my frustration over not being able to read Secure Mobipocket has vanished! :D :D :D

Derek

As Hadrien told me, firmwares between 0.91 and 0.98 were probably
"unstable" (even for a beta) because of the new features they included
and that's probably why you've been waiting so much :smash:

Anyway, I'm glad you have this near-to-final-version firmware since I guess
this means your review is to be published next week!

I hope all your frustation vanished as soon as you received this firmware :D

Not *all* my frustration, but a good part of it regarding Mobipocket ebooks. :D

Derek

Not *all* my frustration, but a good part of it regarding Mobipocket ebooks. :D

Derek
So what still frustrates you other then having DRM laden ebooks?

So what still frustrates you other then having DRM laden ebooks?


Okay, This is all going to be in my first review, but:

1. No way to add additional TrueType fonts at this time. At least, it doesn't "appear" that the system has recognized the one's I've added. But this is supposed to be coming.

2. No way to choose whether to *just* show the header along with the progress bar - it has a progress bar now - without showing the page # footer. That takes up too much space when showing Header, Body Text, Footer and Progress Bar. And the Progress Bar can't be hidden.

3. Mobipocket Desktop Reader does *not* recognize the Cybook as a Mobi device. This doesn't prevent you from registering the device's PID with Fictionwise and Mobipocket directly, but it's an annoyance. However, I'm willing to bet that this will be cleared up by the next Mobipocket Reader update or so.

4. We have a Lookup function, but it's a bit flakey. Sometimes it works, sometimes it drops me back out to the Library. Not that I lose my position within the ebook, just it's a hassle to find the book and restart.

5. I *really* wish that turning off the Cybook and then turning it back on - when I was already in an ebook - did not drop me out to the Library.

6. I'd still like to see a 'Goto First' and 'Goto Last' - and if possible, a 'Goto Page#' option in the contextual menu that shows up inside an ebook.

7. While I can find some PDF ebooks formatted for the Sony PRS, the (current with this firmware release) inability to zoom and pan isn't all that. :(

8. I'd kind of like them to add - if they don't already have it planned - a Desktop/Notebook app to manage firmware updating and Library/Catalog management. I mean, if one chooses to not use the SD card - I've got a 2GB card sitting in there right now - it would be nice to be able to have one app that creates/maintains the main library of ebook purchases, yes?

But these are just my first impressions.

Derek

Desktop/Notebook app to manage firmware updating and Library/Catalog management

Well, can't you manage your ebook catalog with Mobipocket Reader Desktop,
since there should be, as you said, an update to handle the gen3 ?

Well, can't you manage your ebook catalog with Mobipocket Reader Desktop,
since there should be, as you said, an update to handle the gen3 ?

No doubt, but what about the HTML, TXT and PDF ebooks? Hmmm... *AFTERMARKET*!!! :D :D :D

Derek

No doubt, but what about the HTML, TXT and PDF ebooks? Hmmm... *AFTERMARKET*!!! :D :D :D

Derek
How do you want your ebook content managed? Or are you just looking for like something to list for you what it is you have?

Given all the things that yet do not work properly or are to come, I really do not think the Gen3 will be released in October.

Given all the things that yet do not work properly or are to come, I really do not think the Gen3 will be released in October.


You may be right. I know that they've made significant progress in 0.98 from 0.91, and I believe that what we've received is not even the most recent version - although I presume that is because 0.98 may well be their last 'release' version, and they're working with stable, yet 'development' versions in-house.

It will be interesting to see what comes with the next firmware update.

Derek

I would agree that items 2, 4, 5 and 6 are critical and need to be fixed in the released product. Items 4 and 5 would be especially important to me. Thanks for keeping us all informed.

Okay, This is all going to be in my first review, but:

1. No way to add additional TrueType fonts at this time. At least, it doesn't "appear" that the system has recognized the one's I've added. But this is supposed to be coming.

2. No way to choose whether to *just* show the header along with the progress bar - it has a progress bar now - without showing the page # footer. That takes up too much space when showing Header, Body Text, Footer and Progress Bar. And the Progress Bar can't be hidden.

3. Mobipocket Desktop Reader does *not* recognize the Cybook as a Mobi device. This doesn't prevent you from registering the device's PID with Fictionwise and Mobipocket directly, but it's an annoyance. However, I'm willing to bet that this will be cleared up by the next Mobipocket Reader update or so.

4. We have a Lookup function, but it's a bit flakey. Sometimes it works, sometimes it drops me back out to the Library. Not that I lose my position within the ebook, just it's a hassle to find the book and restart.

5. I *really* wish that turning off the Cybook and then turning it back on - when I was already in an ebook - did not drop me out to the Library.

6. I'd still like to see a 'Goto First' and 'Goto Last' - and if possible, a 'Goto Page#' option in the contextual menu that shows up inside an ebook.

7. While I can find some PDF ebooks formatted for the Sony PRS, the (current with this firmware release) inability to zoom and pan isn't all that. :(

8. I'd kind of like them to add - if they don't already have it planned - a Desktop/Notebook app to manage firmware updating and Library/Catalog management. I mean, if one chooses to not use the SD card - I've got a 2GB card sitting in there right now - it would be nice to be able to have one app that creates/maintains the main library of ebook purchases, yes?

But these are just my first impressions.

Derek

Hi Derek,

Given that (as I understand it) there's no support for folders, how well do you think the Library Manager would work for, say, a couple of thousand books? Would it be practical to use? Is it just a "flat" list of books or is there any form of search capability?

I think the only way they could possible ship in October is if they have all of the devices boxed up really soon with whatever firmware they have at the moment (labeling it as 1.0 so as not to appear unprofessional). They presumably wouldn't have time to flash every devices with the latest and greatest firmware before they went out the door, so they'd have to include a CD-ROM with and instruction sheet. Just throw one of these in each box before shipping it out.

So, while meeting an October shipping deadline is possible... it still seems unlikely. They really need to start accepting pre-orders really soon.

Personally, I guess I'll wait to see what the Kindle is all about before making a final decision between the 505, Gen3, and Kindle. When October 15th is here, I'll be itching to order something. Bookeen better have an order page up by then or they may get lost in the excitement.

I don't foresee the Cybook having a resident library manager. It would have to be on the Desktop.

Hi Derek,

Given that (as I understand it) there's no support for folders, how well do you think the Library Manager would work for, say, a couple of thousand books? Would it be practical to use? Is it just a "flat" list of books or is there any form of search capability?

Hi Derek,

Given that (as I understand it) there's no support for folders, how well do you think the Library Manager would work for, say, a couple of thousand books? Would it be practical to use? Is it just a "flat" list of books or is there any form of search capability?

Tell me about it. Right now I've got over 60 ebooks stored on my SD card - in the /eBooks folder - and with the seven on my Cybook, that makes for a lot of paging through the Library. Yes, switching to 20 ebook thumbnails per page helps, but the text strings of the titles are displayed so small below each thumbnail, I can't really read them. That's the sorrow of needing both regular and reading glasses. :( I shudder to think what it would be like with an SD card stuffed with 1000 titles, all accessible only in a single, non-collectioned, folder! (And I've got one SD which has 1,000 PG titles in it. It's not fun to page through.)

Derek

I think the only way they could possible ship in October is if they have all of the devices boxed up really soon with whatever firmware they have at the moment (labeling it as 1.0 so as not to appear unprofessional). They presumably wouldn't have time to flash every devices with the latest and greatest firmware before they went out the door, so they'd have to include a CD-ROM with and instruction sheet. Just throw one of these in each box before shipping it out.

So, while meeting an October shipping deadline is possible... it still seems unlikely. They really need to start accepting pre-orders really soon.

Personally, I guess I'll wait to see what the Kindle is all about before making a final decision between the 505, Gen3, and Kindle. When October 15th is here, I'll be itching to order something. Bookeen better have an order page up by then or they may get lost in the excitement.

Mike,

If the Kindle doesn't get down below the $400 mark, I think enough customers will be upset they'll be willing to wait a while longer for the Cybook. This will be especially true the closer the Kindle approaches the $500 price point. Or so I see it. The Sony may use a proprietary ebook format, but it's got a great price point for eInk readers! :)

Derek

I don't foresee the Cybook having a resident library manager. It would have to be on the Desktop.

Part of the problem I have is that I can create sub-folders within the /eBooks folder - be it on the Cybook or the SD card - and stuff the HTML ebooks into those folders. Can't see them as being in folders, but they're still accessible. I've just tried putting one of the Mobi ebooks into a subfolder on the Cybook itself... and it disappeared from the Library menu. So it doesn't just have problems with the Library not showing sub-folders, the Mobipocket ebooks *CANNOT* reside in subfolders - or in any folder other than an /eBooks folder off the root.

This may or may not change; I hope it does.

Derek

I think it will come down to a question of use. Do we think people will want to store their entire library on this device, or only the current 5-10 books.

Part of the problem I have is that I can create sub-folders within the /eBooks folder - be it on the Cybook or the SD card - and stuff the HTML ebooks into those folders. Can't see them as being in folders, but they're still accessible. I've just tried putting one of the Mobi ebooks into a subfolder on the Cybook itself... and it disappeared from the Library menu. So it doesn't just have problems with the Library not showing sub-folders, the Mobipocket ebooks *CANNOT* reside in subfolders - or in any folder other than an /eBooks folder off the root.

This may or may not change; I hope it does.

Derek

I think it will come down to a question of use. Do we think people will want to store their entire library on this device, or only the current 5-10 books.

The Cybook takes a 2GB SD card, right? You do realize that a large percentage of customers will use one, right?

Bookeen has put itself in a situation where it needs to support customers with 1000 ebooks on their Cybook. If the library software isn't on the 1.0 firmware, Bookeen will get many complaints and it will have to be added later.

On the 505 at least Sony has subdivided things and allowed collections on memory cards. So that's a step forward. Maybe Bookeen is trying to get everything else sorted and then will add folders or whatnot afterwards.

Tell me about it. Right now I've got over 60 ebooks stored on my SD card - in the /eBooks folder - and with the seven on my Cybook, that makes for a lot of paging through the Library. Yes, switching to 20 ebook thumbnails per page helps, but the text strings of the titles are displayed so small below each thumbnail, I can't really read them. That's the sorrow of needing both regular and reading glasses. :( I shudder to think what it would be like with an SD card stuffed with 1000 titles, all accessible only in a single, non-collectioned, folder! (And I've got one SD which has 1,000 PG titles in it. It's not fun to page through.)

Derek

Yes, that sounds like a real problem. Perhaps they can do something like the new Sony. I liked the pictures I saw of the alphabetized, tabbed pages for organizing ebooks on the device. Not fancy, but easy and familiar.

On the 505 at least Sony has subdivided things and allowed collections on memory cards. So that's a step forward. Maybe Bookeen is trying to get everything else sorted and then will add folders or whatnot afterwards.

That is exactly what I hope will happen.

Derek

Concerning the glossiness of the Cybook, they decided to switch to a matt finish. They also modified the navigation button "to be more easy to press on".

Source: Bookeen blog (http://bookeen.blogspot.com/)

Speaking as to numbers what about when you have literally tens of thousands of ebooks in all the various formats? It's annoying enough on a PC but on the reader some sort of direct navigation/seach fun ction is going to be extremely necessary. David

Do you feel a need to have thousands of books on the device? I've managed perfectly adequately on both my Sony Reader and iLiad with a couple of dozen books at most. That's perfectly manageable, and enough for even the longest trip.

On the Pepper Pad 3, the MobiPocket Reader stores all the ebooks it "knows" about in a single directory. However, it has an "import" option (in this case import from USB) that can navigate subdirectories. An imported file is copied to the mobipocket reader directory.

In a sense FBReader works the same way for .mobi books (which are not automatically imported). Its "add book" option can navigate the full file system, but once the book is in the library navigation is via author (and series) and title. However, FBReader does not make a copy of the imported file - it is left in place.

Under Linux, softlinks can be used to both leave files in place and have them in a particular directory. However, robustness suffers (softlink may point to a missing file).

Yep.

Someone asked a question regarding whether the 0.98 firmware update would allow the Cybook to recognize (in the Library)/open/read PalmDoc (pdb) and/or rtf files. So I moved a couple of them to my Cybook. (I guess I should mention that after a day and a half of not being charged, I was taking the time to give it a quick suck-down of electrons from my PC via the USB cable. It had been sucking electrons for about two hours when I copied two sample files to my Cybook.)

Anyway, I was really engrossed in other, Internet, activity, so once I'd moved the files, I ignored the Cybook for about another hour. Then I remembered what I was supposed to check. So I unplugged it and waited for it to change from the 'Connected' screen to the 'Library' screen. And waited. And waited some more.

Finally, I tried the Reset button. Joy! :D It flashed off then the Cybook splash screen appeared! Next came the transitional blank screen. And sat there. And sat there some more. And still sat there. Despair!:( The Library screen refused to appear.

So I took the plunge and tried to re-install the 0.98 firmware. Joy! :D It re-installed itself! Yep. Up came the Cybook splash screen. Up came the blank transitional screen. . . Despair! :( The Library screen refused to show. Now the blankety-blank Cybook won't even turn *OFF*!

There is no joy in Mudville (Citrus Heights, CA) today! :( :( :(

I'm praying and waiting for a response from Bookeen. :pray:

This has not been a banner day for the Cybook. :oops2:

Derek

Sounds like the library manager app is hanging trying to process these new files. One would assume they load the USB mass storage services first. Have you tried simply deleting the files remotely? Or does the USB Mass Storage visibility only apply to the external media and not the internal storage?

Sad news...I wuld have recommended reflashing your device with the 0.91 firmware, but I guess you don't have that one...but I'd try deleting the files you added first anyway...

Sounds like the library manager app is hanging trying to process these new files. One would assume they load the USB mass storage services first. Have you tried simply deleting the files remotely? Or does the USB Mass Storage visibility only apply to the external media and not the internal storage?

Well Mike...

There's a *PROBLEM* with that. My PC friggin' won't recognize the Cybook even exists any more!!!

Not only that, but pressing Reset does nothing. Nor does attempting to re-install the 0.98 firmware update image. Now that *INSTALLS*, but then re-freezes at the *SAME DAMN POINT*!!! Nor does, as one can do with some PDAs, holding the Reset button down for a minute cause the Cybook to reset to the original firmware! If I thought it would help, I'd remove the battery and re-connect it.

I am seriously upset!!! :smack:

Derek

Wow! That seriously is not good. 0.98 is even farther from release then I thought.

Wow! That seriously is not good. 0.98 is even farther from release then I thought.

Thank GHU I still have my x51v! Except for one story, I was able to transfer all my current Fictionwise (Secure Mobipocket) purchases to it. Unfortunately, the list of PIDs for that purchase - the very one I was just a few chapters away from finishing - did not include my Dell Axim x51v! AAAaaarrrgggghhh!!! :smack:

Oh well. Such is life.

Have you tried removing the SD card? Or putting it back in, if it is out.

Remember these are engineering samples, who knows what went wrong. He had that previous issue remember. I've had no problems with mine.

Wow! That seriously is not good. 0.98 is even farther from release then I thought.

Remember these are engineering samples, who knows what went wrong. He had that previous issue remember. I've had no problems with mine.
But have you tried to load a PDB format book on yours?

Yes, I know it's an engineering sample, but I really think these problems are due to firmware and not hardware (other then the line on the screen).

Have you tried removing the SD card? Or putting it back in, if it is out.

SD card was *NOT* in at the time. I used the USB cable to transfer the files.

Remember these are engineering samples, who knows what went wrong. He had that previous issue remember. I've had no problems with mine.

Was working fine since the dropped-line issue, right up until I moved the files onto the Cybook. The rtf was 286KB and the pdb was 189KB. Both were simple versions of my 2006 NaNoWriMo entry.

Working on a solution.

But have you tried to load a PDB format book on yours?

Yes, I know it's an engineering sample, but I really think these problems are due to firmware and not hardware (other then the line on the screen).

Don't know. Don't care. All I want is my ability to read Secure Mobipocket ebooks back! (I *LOVED* being able to read them on the 6" screen!) What really hurt was that I was smack dab in the middle of the latest Ophelia and Abby mystery!!! :smack:

Derek

Don't know. Don't care. All I want is my ability to read Secure Mobipocket ebooks back! (I *LOVED* being able to read them on the 6" screen!) What really hurt was that I was smack dab in the middle of the latest Ophelia and Abby mystery!!! :smack:

Derek
Can't you go back to the site you got it from and put in the PID for the computer and download it and read it on the computer till the Gen3 is fixed?

Can't you go back to the site you got it from and put in the PID for the computer and download it and read it on the computer till the Gen3 is fixed?


Weeeeeeellll... There's a story attached to that. See, I bought it at Fictionwise and I hadn't updated my FW PID list to incorporate the x51v. And I already had the maximum of four PIDs. And there's no way to submit a *change* of one of the PIDs without asking for help. And I *just* - and I mean about six minutes before responding to this post - got confirmation that they'd changed it for me. So it's now sitting happily on my x51v. :D

Derek

Weeeeeeellll... There's a story attached to that. See, I bought it at Fictionwise and I hadn't updated my FW PID list to incorporate the x51v. And I already had the maximum of four PIDs. And there's no way to submit a *change* of one of the PIDs without asking for help. And I *just* - and I mean about six minutes before responding to this post - got confirmation that they'd changed it for me. So it's now sitting happily on my x51v. :D

Derek
What good timing.

That's the nice thing about MobiPocket - we all probably have at least a couple of mobile devices which support it (phones, PDAs, etc). Lose your Sony Reader and you've no other way (aside from reading on the PC) of getting at your books.

That's the nice thing about MobiPocket - we all probably have at least a couple of mobile devices which support it (phones, PDAs, etc). Lose your Sony Reader and you've no other way (aside from reading on the PC) of getting at your books.

And that is the one thing that's irritated me to no end about the Sony. Well, that and the fact the Sony is so eminently hackable. The pull to hack away at its internals is an itch I long to scratch. :)

Derek

How is the review going, Derek?

How is the review going, Derek?

We just got a hold of V0.99 give him a little longer.

What new features are in V0.99?

What new features are in V0.99?

Auto turn-off after a user-selectable timeout period - that's after the specified period of no button pushes.

Control over the screen-flash screen update process. Yes, if you really don't want to have the screen totally flash black before updating, you can choose to do so. I've tried it with images and it sucks because of the ghosting, but on text pages, it works great. Much easier on the eyes while reading!!!

And the menus have been redesigned. A real thumbs-up!

Derek

Any photos of the new menus? Does Does removing the black flashing speed up the page turns?

Any photos of the new menus? Does Does removing the black flashing speed up the page turns?


New menus? No. New photos of the battery compartment and the buttons, yes. They're attached to this post.

It does speed up the page turns because it flashes direct from the current page to the next without doing an inverse page. However, the real joy with reading is that it's far less intrusive. Of course, as I noted before, there's ghosting in the image viewer so I'd turn flashing on for image viewing.

And the Slide Show function does *NOT* work the way I'd presume when one is in a book. (Clearly, it works as intended for image viewing.) When in a book, the Cybook - when Slide Show is turned on - switches to the next book instead of the next page. Very frustrating if someone accidentally switches it on.

Here are the button images - and the battery pack exposed!

New menus? No. New photos of the battery compartment and the buttons, yes.
And the menus have been redesigned. A real thumbs-up!
So we don't get to see the new menus?

So we don't get to see the new menus?


Working on it...

Derek

Thanks Derek. :knuddel:

Have you been able to ascertain whether SD cards >2GB (ie SDHC) cards are supported, Derek?

Have you been able to ascertain whether SD cards >2GB (ie SDHC) cards are supported, Derek?

Not as yet. My 4GB SD card only shows files up to the 2GB limit. And my Cybook has not been hardware modified to handle the newere SDHC cards - is that necessary?

Derek

It just means that people with 4GB SD cards will have to buy a 2GB or less card for the Cybook.

Not as yet. My 4GB SD card only shows files up to the 2GB limit. And my Cybook has not been hardware modified to handle the newere SDHC cards - is that necessary?

Derek

No, certainly not necessary. Very few devices seem to support SDHC; I don't think I've got any device which does! Rather makes you wonder who's buying all those 4GB SD cards :).

But who really needs 4GB worth of books in one go?

No, certainly not necessary. Very few devices seem to support SDHC; I don't think I've got any device which does! Rather makes you wonder who's buying all those 4GB SD cards :).

*I* buy those 4GB SD cards!!!

They make wonderful 'rolls of film' for the 8-12MP dSLRs when shooting RAW mode! (No, a 128-256MB SD or CF card just doesn't cut the mustard in a 12MP camera shooting RAW.)

Derek

But who really needs 4GB worth of books in one go?

Were these ebook readers capable of lasting for months on one charge - I'd need 4GB of ebooks. :D (Yes. I'm a sick pervert who reads many hours per day! :D )

Derek