So I'll be writing that review I was mentioning now.

:D

Derek

:yahoo: Glad you got it working again!

What did you do to un-brick it? We may need this knowledge later (hopefully not).

What did you do to un-brick it? We may need this knowledge later (hopefully not).

It's quite simple. the tech wizards at Bookeen gave me a version of the updated firmware which forces a re-format of the firmware memory *before* installing itself. That flushed out all the badness I'd managed to put into my Cybook. It's *my* firmware update, I tell you. Mine! All mine! None of you can have any!!! :D

Derek

In case it hadn't occurred to you, and I want to be helpful (and not at all because I'm an obnoxious git :wink2), you might want to consider testing any other "undocumented" formats via memory card, rather than loading them into main memory. :grin:

In case it hadn't occurred to you, and I want to be helpful (and not at all because I'm an obnoxious git :wink2), you might want to consider testing any other "undocumented" formats via memory card, rather than loading them into main memory. :grin:

I'll keep that in mind. However, the good news is that the sample pdb files sent to me by the Wizards of Bookeen work flawlessly on the Cybook. I'll have to find out which software they used to create them.

Derek

It's nice to hear that your device is working again! However, it's quite strange that a few books can stop the Gen3 from even booting properly...I guess that needs to be fixed urgently before release...:oops2:

It's nice to hear that your device is working again! However, it's quite strange that a few books can stop the Gen3 from even booting properly...I guess that needs to be fixed urgently before release...:oops2:

It's *VERY* strange. I must note that when I was converting txt, html and rtf files into pdb for my Axim's copy of eReader Pro, I used eReader's ebook studio software. I only took the plain-vanilla rtf copy of my 2006 entry into NaNo and ran it through BD with output of Palmreader Pro format pdb in order to test whether the current version of the firmware would open/read these files. I've never used BD to create pdbs before. And, no, I included *no* images into the file, nor any funny fonts. Plus the version of BD I was using was the 7/30/2007 update.

However, several sample pdb files sent to me by Bookeen have transferred and opened flawlessly. Both on the Cybook *AND* in eReader Pro on my x51v. Go figure. Note that last comment, the Cybook opens and reads PDB files. I'm tempted to download a set of ebooks in palm pdb from Usenet to see if they'll open if I put them on the SD card. (Note that I'm taking the advice of another poster and leaving the questionable files on the SD card rather than trying to transfer them to the Cybook.) I'll try tranferring my rtf file to the SD card as well.

And I'll be asking Bookeen which software they're using to create their PDB files.

Derek

Note that last comment, the Cybook opens and reads PDB files.There's PDB files and then there's PDB files -- as I understand it, the PDB part is only a wrapper, one could have a number of different file types inside it.

That, of course, begs the question of what kind of PDB files did Bookeen send you?

Anyone know enough about them to suggest a way to tell? 'Cause I don't. :dunno:

There's PDB files and then there's PDB files -- as I understand it, the PDB part is only a wrapper, one could have a number of different file types inside it.

That, of course, begs the question of what kind of PDB files did Bookeen send you?

Anyone know enough about them to suggest a way to tell? 'Cause I don't. :dunno:

I don't know which format they were. I only know that I'm staying away from BD's PDB output until I know which version works and which doesn't. I did take some time and download several pdbs from Usenet as a test. And they worked just fine on the SD card - able to see their titles and open/read them. Haven't tested any rtf files at this point.

Derek

I tried RTF the other day. No Luck, although Bookeen has stated it is a format they will add in the future.

Derek,
Your mention of rtf files caught my attention. I thought that Bookeen's site said that their current software doesn't yet support rtf, but that it would be supported in the final/shipping version.
Robert

Derek,
Your mention of rtf files caught my attention. I thought that Bookeen's site said that their current software doesn't yet support rtf, but that it would be supported in the final/shipping version.
Robert

Their website also mentioned .pdb but the 0.91 firmware release that came installed on the Cybook didn't support it. As of 0.98, the firmware supports .pdb. I've got several .rtf files to play around with - all from Baen, which I'll be testing - using my SD card, of course.

Derek

There's PDB files and then there's PDB files -- as I understand it, the PDB part is only a wrapper, one could have a number of different file types inside it.

That, of course, begs the question of what kind of PDB files did Bookeen send you?

Anyone know enough about them to suggest a way to tell? 'Cause I don't. :dunno:

Yes I know. But its a secret :). Just kidding. I have documented it all on my web site in the ebook article. Hasn't everyone read it yet? I also placed in on the mobileread wiki so just look for PDB.

Dale

It's *my* firmware update, I tell you. Mine! All mine! None of you can have any!!! :D

Derek

The pressure must be getting to him :)

The pressure must be getting to him :)

Naw. I'm just happy to have my Cybook back in action, line-in-the-display and all!

Derek

I had to send mine off to Pam. :end:

I had to send mine off to Pam. :end:

Egad! The HORROR!!! The PAIN!!! The Infinite Possibilities for Global Destruction!!!

(I'm building me a decades-worthy survival cave!) :D :D :D

Derek

(I'm building me a decades-worthy survival cave!) :D :D :D

Derek

Don't forget to stock up on batteries...:wink:

So I'll be writing that review I was mentioning now.

:D

Derek

So happy to hear this! I hate to see any e-book in pain:pray:

Don't forget to stock up on batteries...:wink:
And don't forget to make your self-powered battery charger is indestructible as well.

So I'll be writing that review I was mentioning now.

:D

Derek

Any thoughts when it might be completed, Derek?

Any thoughts when it might be completed, Derek?


Sorry, Real Life, in the event of a two-day trip to Oakland, CA, for a medical test (Mom's, not mine) disrupted things a bit. Would have been able to work a bit, but no cable or phone internet accesss in the 'motel' (and I use that term *QUITE* loosely - who'd a thunk a dump could get away with charging $109 for a night!) and I couldn't retrieve the email that had the attachment I sent to myself. As for the mattresses - let's just say that disabled people don't all want marshmallows for beds! :angry:

Working on finishing it this morning.

Oh yeah. Exam went very well, Mom's fine!

Derek

Real Life has an annoying habit of getting in the way :). Glad to hear that all's well.

Sorry, Real Life, in the event of a two-day trip to Oakland, CA, for a medical test (Mom's, not mine) disrupted things a bit. Would have been able to work a bit, but no cable or phone internet accesss in the 'motel' (and I use that term *QUITE* loosely - who'd a thunk a dump could get away with charging $109 for a night!) and I couldn't retrieve the email that had the attachment I sent to myself. As for the mattresses - let's just say that disabled people don't all want marshmallows for beds! :angry:

Working on finishing it this morning.

Oh yeah. Exam went very well, Mom's fine!

Derek
Can we get a review vs the 505?

Hey Derek,

Any luck on the review?

The cybook is one of the reason why I haven't purchased the sony 505, is it going to release in this month?

hamh, given the problems with the firmware, my guess is sometime November by the time it's all sorted and production happens with the fixed firmware.

First fix the firmware. Then make the units with the fixed firmware. Then ship to distributors. Then from there to the shops. Then to the consumer.

I wonder when they are going to admit that there will be a delay...but they might also just launch it as a buggy device with instructions on how to update...would not be the first time somebody did that...

I wonder when they are going to admit that there will be a delay...but they might also just launch it as a buggy device with instructions on how to update...would not be the first time somebody did that...
given the bugs mentioned, I think it's a little too buggy at the moment for a release. What would not be so bad is if they shipped with the buggy firmware but when you installed the software and first plugged it in, the software went out on the net and downloaded a fixed firmware and updated.

I'd certainly prefer that they delayed and got it right, rather than released a buggy product.

I can live with software problems as long as they can be resolved with an upgrade. As long as I can read prc/doc/html it's ok. My problem is that I need it fast because I'm going on a very long trip. And I don't want to carry 15 paper books in my backpack.

I expect the reader to be released end of this month.

I have seen it on the book fair in frankfurt with software 0.91 and it looked really good. Will be good competition for the sony and probably no match for all the others out there.

I will definately get one and if bookeen agrees, i will also sell them to all of germany :)

Cant wait to get one for myself. It will then probably be used for casual reading, while the iLiad will be my professional reading device.

And as far as i heard, PDf will be working with the shipped firmware.

I expect the reader to be released end of this month.

I will definately get one and if bookeen agrees, i will also sell them to all of germany :)


I'll be in Germany next weekend. Were can I pick it up? :)

@tribble
I have exactly the same intentions tribble.
After what happened with the kindle and what happened with my iLiad, I'd be nice if at least someone could stick to a schedule.

As a side note: I had my new iLiad die on me after only 30 min of use. It's been 2 weeks since iRex received for repairs.
Don't you think that a little unusual? What could I do?
In my book (and also under EU law) if an electronic device fails before 1 week (and I had a DOA) the seller could be compelled to an immediate exchange. Not to mention I had the right to break the contract and return my iLiad.
I'm starting to feel quite sick . . . :(

what do you think?
- - - -
So anyway, back to topic I'll place an order for the Cybook (after I read some reports about battery life). So I wish Booken the best of luck. :)

Unfortunately, you do not have a right to an exchange. The manufacturer has the right to try to repair it 3 times in germany.

I personally do not like that, especially if you have a new toy, you just dont want to wait. So we try to simply exchange the device, if it is quite obvious, that the error is not related to a mishandled device.

Other than that, you can return your online ordered device within a period of 14 days (in germany at least).

@Ortep: Well, i will definately not have the devies by next week :D I wish though.

@Ortep: Well, i will definately not have the devies by next week :D I wish though.

Too bad. But it is only a 3 hours drive to Bonn. So I can come the week after that :p

So we try to simply exchange the device, if it is quite obvious, that the error is not related to a mishandled device.

Other than that, you can return your online ordered device within a period of 14 days (in germany at least).

You are totally right about repair and buyer's remorse period, since it comes straight from a directive that applies not only to Germany but to all countries in the EU.

Let me try to rephrse what I was trying to say: Many manufacturesers simply exchange a DOA unit because they know the consummer could just as easily rescind the contract. Plus it helps their customer service's reputation, and in the long term helps with sales. Unfortunately iRex doesn't seem to be interested in any of that. :blink:

I could have done the same and just buy a new unit 2 minutes later. But now iRex has effectively deprived me of that two weeks evaluation period, and I will get a repaired/ or even refurbished unit for something that wasn't my fault at all.

- - - - -
Update: I just got an email from iRex, apparently they claim they don't have spare parts for the iLiad v2. :huh: Which of course it's quite a moronic excuse since we all know there is nothing different (appart from plastic covers and battery) between the two models. And even if it were true, that does't speak very well about iRex's inventory control.

If you don't have spare parts available all the more reason to send a new unit. Simply amazing. :blink:

- -

So did you actually reach an (pre)agreement with bokeen to distribute the cybook? great news!!! congrats :2thumbsup

If I go to say the Sony Style store to purchase a 505 and I get it home and it's not working as it should, I can go back and exchange it for another as long as they have it in stock. If I bought a silver unit and all that have left is blue, I can either take the blue or wait for them to get the silver in or just return it since it is defective and go buy one from someplace else. But I do have I think at least 14 days to deal with it from once I get it. After that I think it's the shop's discretion as to what they'll do. Some shops will take the unit from you and send it in for repair. Some might exchange it for you if it's not long past 14 days. Some will tell you to send it in and some have been know to exchange for a new unit up to 30 days. This is in the USA.

Ortep, the Cybook Gen3 is not yet available for purchase. I'm guessing sometime in November given the date it is now and the bugs in the firmware. I say that because they have to fix the bugs, then manufacture the units with the fixed firmware and get them out to the distributors and from there to the shops. And this all takes time. More time then I think they have left in October. Plus given what Derek said about his latest firmware, I'd have to say waiting is better then getting it now.

Ortep, the Cybook Gen3 is not yet available for purchase.
.
.
.
.
I'd have to say waiting is better then getting it now.

I know it is not available now. I was only joking.

But if it comes to late, I will not buy it at all the coming months. I simply won't be in Europe for a while. I realize that Bookeen as a company is better of by finishing the product. But as a person I say: Software glitches I can live with. I'll update it when I'm back

I know it is not available now. I was only joking.

I wasnt :D

So I'll be writing that review I was mentioning now.

:D

Derek

What progress on the review, Derek?