iRex has announced they new generation of reading devices. They are title the iRex Reader DR1000 Series.

There will be three models:


DR1000 Base

Base Model Reader

DR1000 S

Includes Wacom Touch Screen Tablet for taking notes

DR1000 SW

Includes Wacom Tablet
Includes Wifi and Bluetooth functionality



All readers will include 1GB of storage memory via a replaceable SD card. They will also have usb functionality to connect with a computer. A user should be able to "print" any document to the DR1000 from within Windows in order to view it.

Details are still coming in, and an interview with iRex is planned.

What do you guys think? What questions do you have for iRex?

Related: New Irex Reader 1000 thread (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29389)

http://www.irextechnologies.com/irexdr1000 got online.

my top question: will there be a new firmware for the old iLiads?

"unique 10.2 inch screen size"
Sync usnig WiFi (no cables except for recharge)

Oh my, I am in heaven :):):):)
No more PDF conversion and legibility issues,....
Now the price :( ????

Q: Will be a "Development Package" for new Reader Series offered? [EDIT:] YES!
Q: "Printing to iLiad" is a windows thing, right?

Prices are:
499,- Euro for the 1000
599,- Euro for the 1000S
??? for the 1000SW

And iRex said that a developer package will be available for the DR series aswell.

My questions: Does it support any type of suspend? Is Adobe DRM on the horizon?

What was done to make the screen more robust than on the v2?

How has the interface changed to allow for the lack of a touch screen on the 1000? A screenshot of Mobipocket Reader would be nice, looking up words in the dictionary, changing font size, and accessing the TOC all previously required the stylus.

Here is a question to ask. Is the touchscreen option merely for taking notes, or does it provide a touch interface for the readers. In other words, can I do menu navigation via touch on the touchscreen models, or is it merely a note taking add-on?

We got sleep function ?

"All readers will include 1GB of storage memory"
That's less than than the current machines with th CF slot, which seems to have been dropped.
1GB is a lot of storage for reading material, but small compared to current SDHC cards. I wonder why the new machine won't support larger cards.

Second Question. Is the SD interface SD only or does it permit SDHC cards?

"All readers will include 1GB of storage memory"
That's less than than the current machines with th CF slot, which seems to have been dropped.
1GB is a lot of storage for reading material, but small compared to current SDHC cards. I wonder why the new machine won't support larger cards.

I think that means it will come with a 1GB SD card. I'm not sure about SDHC support, but I assume it should work with larger cards using the SD standard.

Aside from Office and PDF, any dedicated e-book format ? ePub, Mobipocket ?

It looks very business-oriented, just like Plastic Logic's device.

When the screen breaks (as it surely will), will it cost EUR350 and take 10 weeks for Irex to fix it ?

Will Irex fulfil their promises to support the development community, or leave them in the lurch again ?

Will the lamentably bad standard software on the existing devices be upgraded ?

Have Irex worked suspend mode out yet ?

I think that means it will come with a 1GB SD card. I'm not sure about SDHC support, but I assume it should work with larger cards using the SD standard.

My information is, that SDHC cards are supported.

Aside from Office and PDF, any dedicated e-book format ? ePub, Mobipocket ?
Mobipocket is still in there.

I've compiled a list of question I'm going to ask iRex.

You can view them here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ajfk38cck9c8_18j4vf9vfk

What happened to the flipbar?

Other than looking prettier (by a lot), what exactly are the differences to the iRex iLiad/2nd edition? There is the bigger screen (8.1" vs. 10.2"). What else?

Is storage SD only? No internal flash partition? When will SW model be available?

Other than looking prettier (by a lot), what exactly are the differences to the iRex iLiad/2nd edition? There is the bigger screen (8.1" vs. 10.2"). What else?

Resolution: 1024 x 1280 pixels, 160dpi
iliad v2: 768 x 1024

Greyscale, 16 color

CPU: Freescale i.MX31L processor (which appears to be designed to work at a speed >=532MHz)
128MB RAM
iliad v2: 400MHz, 64MB RAM

Out of box file format support: PDF, PowerPoint, HTML, .txt, Mobipocket, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP
No ePub ("yet?")
iliad v2: no ppt?

Battery(life): Li-Ion, ~24h (duno battery capacity though)
Recharging time 5 hours with USB charging from powered computer
iliad v2: ~9-13hrs, cannot charge via USB (This one seems to be able to)

With Regard to the "Touchscreen" stuff:

It has "Navigation keys" that respond to being lightly touched, with optical feedback to show you that you managed to hit the key correctly. doubt it will have more than that by way of touch screen, since i don't think the Wacom and touchscreen can be combined in the same screen. (sort of like the Samsung u700 phone has)

Edit in response for/to Adam: yes, i read dutch, and am getting most of the info from there as well, along with doing some WP:Synth :P
It appears the weight difference between the Reader 1000 and 1000S is 35g.

Companion software/thing itself installs a printer driver that allows you to print to (a directory on) the Reader

New(?): Text searching in PDFs (with built-in keypad+stylus)

(From a review):the OS has been redesigned, which has "greatly improved" the responsiveness of the OS and it has a "Low power consumption mode that disables the CPU"
Also, the casing's strength has been improved, and you can drop it on a hard surface without necessarily breaking it.

This site (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebookreaders.nl%2Firex_digital_ reader_1000) seems to have a lot of technical information.

Given the large screen, what sort of case is supplied?
How well will the case protect the display/device from bending, accidental drops, etc?

Well that is interesting. If runtime is only 24 hours then WiFi is not very useful since you have to plugin often to recharge anyway.

What eBook formats are supported? If MobiPocket, have they added the "missing" features such as:

- Bookmarks <---- my #1 priority!
- The ability to display the cover of a book.
- The ability to load and select different fonts.

24 hours battery life, come on!

Maybe 24 hours battery life with Wacom used would be acceptable.
Otherwise you end up charging this thing every day as usual.

Where is my 60-70 hours of battery life?

Looks like a very nice device. Assuming the software has search capabilities and the ability to have several documents loaded at once (I don't think anyone knows that yet?) it would be great for table-top role-playing GMs. This is probably not a market they've even considered, but most RPGs are available as PDFs these days, and it beats carrying a rucksack full of rule books around.

However, I've only had my iLiad six months, there's no way I can afford one of these...

The iRex blog said the the big announcement today would be about software as well as hardware. Haven't seen any sign of the software announcement yet. :(

24 hours battery life, come on!

Maybe 24 hours battery life with Wacom used would be acceptable.
Otherwise you end up charging this thing every day as usual.


Are you really going to use it 24h a day?

If you read on it for an hour a day, you'd only recharge once every 24 days.

Just ordered a DR1000S! Loved my Iliad, this should prove to be even better. Since I live in the Netherlands I hope it will be delivered quite soon :D

Anyone have some insight as to whether this new device actually supports PowerPoint document in native format? I'm a bit suspicious of the "print to" language that iRex is using. Seems that if it can directly support PowerPoint that it should also support Word documents as well......

-Jeff

i dont think word or powerpoint is supported natively. Only with a printerdriver on a PC.

Seems that if it can directly support PowerPoint that it should also support Word documents as well......

-Jeff

Not necessarily.
Anyway, the thing says it supports ppt natively, so i'd trust them on that.

Haven't seen any sign of the software announcement yet. This must have been the "Print paperless" capability. It isn't clear to me what value added this provides over a standard PDF virtual printer.

This must have been the "Print paperless" capability. It isn't clear to me what value added this provides over a standard PDF virtual printer.

Well I guess that it also automatically detect the device and send it to the device...

Q: audio speaker/jack?
I haven't seen it in any of the flying around techninal data lists.
Q: kernel 2.4.x or 2.6.x?

It's time to introduce a new subforum and toast to it, wouldn't you say? :jump:

Are you really going to use it 24h a day?

If you read on it for an hour a day, you'd only recharge once every 24 days.

Keep in mind that it is targeted more for professional/office use. For general lit certainly much cheaper 6" models work fine. So I may keep it running in office 8hrs/day. Also, to ensure healthy battery and long lifespan you recharge around 30% remaining, so that would be about 2 days worth of use.

Of course, having a PC in office means it is trivial to recharge as often as needed. Except in that case I wouldn't need WiFi.

BTW, what about an option to run while plugged in and drawing power form a PC (again use in office)? That way at meeting, on road and at home you'd have more power left as office use near a PC wouldn't draw any power.

"No shipping available to the selected country (Korea)"

Arrrgh!

have you seen the images http://irextechnologies.com/dr1000images/
it's a new content listener

have you seen the images http://irextechnologies.com/dr1000images/
it's a new content listener

Great find!

That interface looks really nice. I'm quite impressed.

Hmm seems like a nudge forward but not a leap. I am still in need of an Ebook with lighting of some sort preferably front lit and be able to shut it off (but integrated into the ebook). Was hoping this would be it when announcement rumors came out.

Hmm seems like a nudge forward but not a leap.

That depends on your perspective. Compared to the Amazon Kindle with its 6" screen, I think this iRex Digital Reader is a huge step forward.

That depends on your perspective. Compared to the Amazon Kindle with its 6" screen, I think this iRex Digital Reader is a huge step forward.

Actually, not so much. The DR1000 to me is basically the same as the Kindle/Sony. The main difference is the size it geared toward PDFs which makes me call it a "document" reader rather than an eBook reader. While technically it can read eBooks I think most people will be getting it mainly to be able to read PDFs that are formatted for an 8.5x11 or 8.5x14 page.

So, other than the size I think the technology is pretty similar.

BOb

So, other than the size I think the technology is pretty similar.

Yes, but you agree that the E Ink screen makes most of an ereader's technology. I find it amusing that while other companies (from the Far East) keep announcing bigger and better E Ink screens - without being able to deliver until today -, here comes little iRex from the Netherlands showing the world who is the true champion in E Ink. :p

Btw, Justread.de estimates to have the 1000S in stock on September 29th (next Monday).

http://www.justread.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p32_iRex-Digital-Reader-1000S.html

Actually, not so much. The DR1000 to me is basically the same as the Kindle/Sony. The main difference is the size it geared toward PDFs which makes me call it a "document" reader rather than an eBook reader. While technically it can read eBooks I think most people will be getting it mainly to be able to read PDFs that are formatted for an 8.5x11 or 8.5x14 page.

So, other than the size I think the technology is pretty similar.

BOb

To me, the iLiad and DR1000 are leaps and bounds better than the Kindle/Sony. The larger screen, writing support, wifi and bluetooth(!!!) support, folder hierarchy, etc.

These devices are more of a paper replacement than the other ebook devices.

I really really hope that the software will be available for the older versions soon, too. Oh please iRex - that would be soo cool!

I was present at the presentation this afternoon.
Some answers.
The iLiad 1000 looks good and feels very, very light. It's all made of plastic, no metal parts. The screen is still glass, but I witnessed a crash test, it fell from a meter high or so, and no problems afterwards.
The battery has a capacity of 1.300 mAh. The processor can hibernate down to 0 MHz. The operating system is based on Linux 2.6.x and is Open Source, apart from the display routines an so.
There are no viewers for office documents yet. Irex expects third parties will come up with them soon.

have you seen the images http://irextechnologies.com/dr1000images/
it's a new content listener

Ooo shiny! I wonder what the chances are that the new interface will be coming for the iLiad too?

Btw, Justread.de estimates to have the 1000S in stock on September 29th (next Monday).

http://www.justread.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p32_iRex-Digital-Reader-1000S.html

Well, it seems, we will be getting them on October 1st, but we will get only limited stock, so we ship orders on a first in first out basis. Inside germany the DR1000S should be delivered to you the on October 3rd latest. I really hope, that those shipping dates are correct ;)

The screen is still glass, but I witnessed a crash test, it fell from a meter high or so, and no problems afterwards.

This is impressive. I assume since they were giving this fall presentation, they expected it not to break. Which says a lot about the product... they must have done something very well to protect the screen from breaking - considering how easy it is to break the screen of, let's say, the Sony Reader. :chinscratch:

The screen is still glass, but I witnessed a crash test, it fell from a meter high or so, and no problems afterwards..
Admit it!

You punshed the CEO from Irex in the back, only to see how the device would react on gravity forces and ground contact :rofl:

The screen is still glass, but I witnessed a crash test, it fell from a meter high or so, and no problems afterwards.



But, did they hit it with a shoe?

Also, will it withstand a ninja squirrel attack?

BOb

Admit it!

You punshed the CEO from Irex in the back, only to see how the device would react on gravity forces and ground contact :rofl:

As a matter of fact I didn't have to, he was the one who dropped the device without anyone near:D

It seems to me that whether this is a leap or a nudge depends on what the individual person is looking for.

If you're looking for an e-book reader, it's a nudge, maybe even a step back, because it's arguably less suited for that application than the various existing devices, unless you need really big print, of course.

If you're looking for a professional device, Adam's document reader, or nekokami's info pad, then, depending on how the features actually shake out, it's quite possibly a rather large bound forward.

I'm looking for the latter, as I have a ebook reader that I'm quite happy with, but something for note taking in a meeting, or reading manuals or document on the go, that's something I'd really like to have and don't. For my wife, something to grade papers on (she's an English professor) would be a major boon. A lot of whether it would work for those purposes depends on exactly what formats it handles, how it handles them, and whether I can get them back onto a PC from the device in a usable format for downstream stuff (i.e. returning said papers, and putting said meeting notes into another app such as MS OneNote). Probably if I can get them back to a PC at all, with text and ink combined and intact, the rest can be handled easily enough. :shrug:

Very interesting indeed.

Ooo shiny! I wonder what the chances are that the new interface will be coming for the iLiad too?

I suspect not. One could hope, but it's a different hardware platform, and I suspect that programs aren't going to be binary compatible. The iLiad's contentlister is tied to the hardware, so putting something else there isn't an easy process.

If they plan to keep selling iLiad's, then maybe we'll see further updates. But I wonder if the iLiad is going to be a dead platform.

The iLiad's contentlister is tied to the hardware

How so?

OK, so this sounds like a nice document viewer, for reading at home it might also be nice (a bit big for reading on the go though) and I think many comic lovers will be rather fond of the bigger screen as well.

One thing worries me thought:

Battery Life (big surprise there for those who know me...:rofl:).

It is stated as 24 hours, the original Iliad was stated at 21 hours back when it was launched. Now, I just got a new mobile phone which runs a 528Mhz Qualcomm processor. When in Standby (but connected to network) it will last for 360-460 (depending on the band) hours on a 1350mAh battery. Now, if the rated 24 hours of the Iliad successor are the idle time, then I'm seriously worried that they did not do suspend this time either...

24 hours of continuos page-flipping would be cool though... :D

For business users this would not be a big problem, but for somebody who does mainly leasure reading it would be a rather big letdown...especially if the booting times are as slow as on the Iliad.

But we'll see, I guess somebody will be able to tell us more soon.

Has anyone here asked for a review model yet?
;)

Has anyone here asked for a review model yet?
;)

Yes. :D

And? Any answer yet?

Q: Will be a "Development Package" for new Reader Series offered? [EDIT:] YES!
Q: "Printing to iLiad" is a windows thing, right?
Yeah but the printing issue is a fake. I think you can read normal DIN A4 / Letter magazines anyway. Just use a pdf converter as a printing driver

... How much smaller is it in comparison to DIN A4 .. around 10 or 20 percent?

That depends on your perspective. Compared to the Amazon Kindle with its 6" screen, I think this iRex Digital Reader is a huge step forward.

That depends what it is that you want. It's certainly not going to replace my Gen3, because that's the ideal size to carry around with me everywhere that I go. This is a different type of device altogether, aimed at a different market.

And? Any answer yet?

They already charged my credit card. Other than that, nothing.

All the iLiad 2.11 manuals are on line. I wish iRex would do the same for the DR1000 manuals.

No MS-WORD support? It will be less attractive for business-use.

Well, at least they said "not yet" ...

24 hours battery life is too short :(

I bet it does not have suspend feature!

I will pass this time, and probably wait Plastic Logic next year ...

Yeah but the printing issue is a fake. I think you can read normal DIN A4 / Letter magazines anyway ... How much smaller is it in comparison to DIN A4 .. around 10 or 20 percent?

Do the calculations yourself!

A4 is 297 x 210 mm

Assuming this screen has a 4:3 aspect ratio, its size is approximately:

207 x 155 mm

So in linear dimensions it's about two thirds the size of A4. In area it's about half A4 (ie roughly A5).

Not necessarily.
Anyway, the thing says it supports ppt natively, so i'd trust them on that.

...yea, but the Sony makes a claim to support some document formats that, it turns out, require them to be converted in order to be read on the PRS. So I'm still not convinced. :)

-Jeff

I just checked with the US distributor. He was also told they should be shipped to him next week.

http://www.ereaderoutfitters.com/

Pre-ordering before you even know wether the device will have a suspend-mode? You like taking a risk, do you?
(I mean - I would expect it. But then I would have expected it from the first device).

Will Irex fulfil their promises to support the development community, or leave them in the lurch again ?You guess...

(And yes, I would like to have one. But I really dont trust iRex until someone else tested the device ;) )

Did anyone notice they are showing the New York Times as the newspaper in the pictures? Here's hoping that they've expanded their paper selection.

Good to see iRex have been busy!

First impression, I'm afraid, is "what an ugly lump of cheap looking plastic"!
I can see that they've done some sensible things to keep costs down though, one of which is making a cheaper case.
Looks like a much better navigation system, and the reading experience of pdf articles and newspapers will be so much better with the bigger screen. Shame they couldn't rival the cool minimalism of Plastic Logic on the design front.

eBooks march onwards towards the mainstream!

Huh, I actually like the looks of the case better ... no accounting for taste, I guess. :shrug:

Please no one give me the lecture on how these devices aren't for document creation, etc. I'm just looking for info: is there support for an external USB keyboard, or is that possible only with a hack (like with the iLiad)?

If anyone hears word from iRex or an informed user I'd love to know.

Please no one give me the lecture on how these devices aren't for document creation, etc. I'm just looking for info: is there support for an external USB keyboard, or is that possible only with a hack (like with the iLiad)?

If anyone hears word from iRex or an informed user I'd love to know.

I doubt it.

It appears to only have a mini usb plug. This likely means that it's not going to have usb host connectivity. So it won't be able to control any USB devices.

There may be hope on the bluetooth model, but that's yet to be seen.

It appears to only have a mini usb plug.

Actually, there is another iPod-like connector located at the bottom of the DR1000. It is for 'future use', an iRex engineer told me this afternoon.

Actually, there is another iPod-like connector located at the bottom of the DR1000. It is for 'future use', an iRex engineer told me this afternoon.

Very interesting. Maybe it will give direct access, or can be used for development.

I suspect not. One could hope, but it's a different hardware platform, and I suspect that programs aren't going to be binary compatible. The iLiad's contentlister is tied to the hardware, so putting something else there isn't an easy process.

If they plan to keep selling iLiad's, then maybe we'll see further updates. But I wonder if the iLiad is going to be a dead platform.

The content listeners and all the rest ist in the linux kernel and userspace programs? So it is possible to change it?

The content listeners and all the rest ist in the linux kernel and userspace programs? So it is possible to change it?

In theory, yes, it is possible.

However, iRex has the source closed for a lot of important programs. The contentlister controls and listens for hardware key presses amongst other things. It's possible to replace everything on the iLiad down to the kernel and drivers, but it's not easy.

I am thrilled about this! Yeah, not the price so much but all the features - yes! Here's hoping bluetooth can use a bt keyboard (just happen to have one :D ).

Also hoping that SD capacity they talk about is just what comes with the machine. I have gigabytes of research PDFs and it would be great if I didn't have to switch them out. Not a big big deal, of course, for something that allows me to no longer have to read PDFs as printouts in binders. That is a biggie, for me!

What I forgot to mention (lot's I suppose) is the thinness of the device. It is maximum 11.9mm thick, thinner then a famous notebook.
Only problem, the standard iLiad is perfectly for reading in bed, the 1000 is too large. It surely is business oriented.

However, iRex has the source closed for a lot of important programs. The contentlister controls and listens for hardware key presses amongst other things. It's possible to replace everything on the iLiad down to the kernel and drivers, but it's not easy.

Not easy for third party developers, but iRex should be able to do it. They've already got the new interface built for the Reader 1000, it shouldn't be too difficult to tie it to the hardware interrupts on an iLiad, if they wanted to. The question is, how much effort are they interested in putting in to the iLiads now. I'm hopeful, but we'll see.

If I were an editor I'd be all over this. How handy to be able to annotate right on the screen! And the connectivity, wifi and Bluetooth, would be handy as well. This is a great business device.

For casual reading, though, I prefer something more portable.

As if it matters, Gizmodo seems less than impressed -

Last week iRex promised that a "new era in digital reading" would begin on the 22nd. Well, today is the 22nd, but all I see are some boring ass releases under the 1000-series moniker.


Found here (http://gizmodo.com/5053132/irex-delivers-new-1000-series-e+readers)

Personally, I am still in search of an ereader that can properly handle graphic novels, Manga and PDFs, and this is one good choice, but given present financial insecurities, I doubt I will be buying anything that pricey anytime soon.

I will not buy a Digital Reader unless it provide suspend mode, compatible with large size SD&SDHC, deeper greyscale than iLiad. iLiad already cost me much, I can't afford to buy another similiar device just for its bigger screen.

Why I need more greyscale? I am using iLiad to read comics. 16 greyscale is fine, and I am satisfied. I think 32 greyscale will be better.

Any chance this thing can surf the web?

Any chance this thing can surf the web?

I don't like to use iLiad to surf the web, even though I can. It's not a pleasant experience.

As if it matters, Gizmodo seems less than impressed ....Meh. Gizmodo never seemed all that interested in reading devices. :shrug:


Anybody got a weight spec on this rascal yet?

The question is, how much effort are they interested in putting in to the iLiads now.


Irex keeps on selling the Iliad. I think the Iliad and the DR1000 wille serve two different groups of users. So, i'm hopeful on future development of the iLiad software.

Been looking over iRex's site. Has anyone found a release date for the 1000SW? All I've found so far is the "will come later" line in the press release.

Wow, it's going to be tough not ordering one of the other models. I've waited for this sooo long! At least this will give me time to see what Sony has up their sleeve - and even Apple (Oct 14th) though I'm not really holding my breath for that tablet folks keep talking (=wishing) about.

Meh. Gizmodo never seemed all that interested in reading devices. :shrug:


Anybody got a weight spec on this rascal yet?

Yeah, based on the comments there, they don't "get it" when it comes to eInk devices. They're basically comparing it to a laptop. Sounds like a much different audience than the people who hang out here.

Irex keeps on selling the Iliad. I think the Iliad and the DR1000 wille serve two different groups of users. So, i'm hopeful on future development of the iLiad software.

They've been talking about the new viewer framework for awhile. I'm reasonably certain that it'll be included in a firmware update for the iLiad. I'm just not sure whether they'll change the current UI to match what the new Reader has, or if they'll leave the iLiads with their current UI.

If they're planning on long term support of the iLiad, then it would make sense to keep the code bases as close as possible. If they're only intending a couple more updates and then stopping development, then they likely won't bother with major UI overhauls.

Either way, I'd be happy with just the viewer framework update. I wish they would mention whether or not it's expected soon. They originally said the announcement today would include software, but I don't know if they only meant the new DR1000 software, or if there is an iLiad update coming. Hopefully they'll clarify that soon.

Yeah, based on the comments there, they don't "get it" when it comes to eInk devices. They're basically comparing it to a laptop. Sounds like a much different audience than the people who hang out here.At least they don't seem to be comparing it to cell phones or iPods anymore. :rolleyes:

I will not buy a Digital Reader unless it provide suspend mode, compatible with large size SD&SDHC, deeper greyscale than iLiad. iLiad already cost me much, I can't afford to buy another similiar device just for its bigger screen.

Why I need more greyscale? I am using iLiad to read comics. 16 greyscale is fine, and I am satisfied. I think 32 greyscale will be better.

Irex said the iLiad 1000 is fully SD compliant. So it should support SDHC.
And for greyscale, 16 levels, so you're satisfied. In my opinion it is a good e-device to read manga.
And, as I previously stated, the processor will hibernate to 0 Mhz, I consider that the same as suspend mode.

Only problem, the standard iLiad is perfectly for reading in bed, the 1000 is too large. It surely is business oriented.

Well, obviously the iLiad for reading in bed, the 1000 for the office. I believe they're bringing out a bathtub model soon, and a chewable one for toddlers. :)

Any chance this thing can surf the web?

The connectivity Edition (1000SW) will have some sort of browser,According to Irex iit can surf the web. No support for flash and video, but you should be able to use it for RSS feeds. I don't know the precise details.

Well, obviously the iLiad for reading in bed, the 1000 for the office. I believe they're bringing out a bathtub model soon, and a chewable one for toddlers. :)

Yeah, but that makes it all the more expensive for those of use who like to read all the time and everywhere. :book2:

As if it matters, Gizmodo seems less than impressed -

I don't understand these folks. What did they expect? A turbo-charged e-book reader equipped with a Dyson vacuum cleaner? :smack:

The one and most important aspect of an e-book reader is its screen - and here the Digital Reader shines.

If they're planning on long term support of the iLiad, then it would make sense to keep the code bases as close as possible. It seems likely that the iLiad will no longer be sold. The v2 is still for sale at $699, but the Book Edition is out of stock in the iRex store. In the US, eReader Outfitters only has an open box special iLiad. If iRex is going to continue to sell the iLiad it would have to be at a lower price and that may not be practical.

There is a difference between "available for sale" and "supported", but I would only expect maintenance software releases if they stop selling it.

It seems likely that the iLiad will no longer be sold. The v2 is still for sale at $699, but the Book Edition is out of stock in the iRex store. In the US, eReader Outfitters only has an open box special iLiad. If iRex is going to continue to sell the iLiad it would have to be at a lower price and that may not be practical.

There is a difference between "available for sale" and "supported", but I would only expect maintenance software releases if they stop selling it.

Considering this one is targeted towards "business use", discontinuing the iLiad series seems somewhat unlikely, although i do wonder what distinguishes the "business user" from the casual user if it isn't their respective wallet sizes.

It seems likely that the iLiad will no longer be sold. The v2 is still for sale at $699, but the Book Edition is out of stock in the iRex store. In the US, eReader Outfitters only has an open box special iLiad. If iRex is going to continue to sell the iLiad it would have to be at a lower price and that may not be practical.


That's quite a thinking different from me. There is no 8' display ebook on the market (other than iLiad). I can't see why iRex will retreat from this part of market. Unless most customers are satisfied with 6' and 10' ebook device, iLiad will stay in market.
Well, we have to wait and see what will happen in the future.

I don't understand these folks. What did they expect? A turbo-charged e-book reader equipped with a Dyson vacuum cleaner?

It's got the ability to connect to the Intartubes, and therefore should be able to be used to play World of Warcraft (preferably using a hack that allows one to scam wireless internet access without paying for it) in high-definition color or it is useless junk.

*turns off snark tag*

ETA: and it should cost $50. forgot that part.

There is no 8' display ebook on the market (other than iLiad). I can't see why iRex will retreat from this part of market. Unless most customers are satisfied with 6' and 10' ebook device, iLiad will stay in market. I like the 8" size too, but if a 10" screen is $649-$849 how many sales of 8" iLiads will there be at $599-$699? When they are lined up feature for feature there is about a $150 price difference, so perhaps that is enough - but only if the iLiad software is upgraded to be Digital Reader like.

Anybody got a weight spec on this rascal yet?

570 gramms

And, as I previously stated, the processor will hibernate to 0 Mhz, I consider that the same as suspend mode.

No. iLiad's CPU will reduce to 100 Mhz if not used, not 0 Mhz. The device is still on, and every part will drain power.

570 grammsThanks, tribble!

Now where'd I put that conversion table? (rummage rummage) :D

What I really like is the fact that many people were looking forward to Sony, Amazon, Plastic Logic and Astak releasing new models, bigger screens etc. and everything these companies have at the moment are announcements of upcoming devices. But there is this tiny little company from the Netherlands fooling them all, releasing a press note on Thursday (or so?) and have their device in the shop next Monday. And of course with the biggest E-Ink screen currently available. I really like that :D

Btw congratulations to the other stuff over at iRex. Whether the DR will be a good device worth its price isn't that important to me and has still to be judged. But this PR thing was a really great move! :thumbsup:

Thanks, tribble!

Now where'd I put that conversion table? (rummage rummage) :D
Well, I could lend you mine (http://www.google.de/search?q=570+grams+in+ounces&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8). It has some neat search capabilities too :D

Thanks, I came up with ~20 oz, or 1.25 lbs. Not as light as I might like, but hardly heavy. :nice:

Humm... My thoughts:

1. 24 hours? Flipping pages? My Cybook barely lasts that.
2. I use the metric system, so I had no clear idea about what 10,2" really are. Judging by the photos, it's not A4 sized. I confess I was expecting it to be a little bit bigger, but right now would be enough for my needs (PDF documents and manga).
3. 500 - 800€? That's too expensive. Specially if we consider that they will have to compete with Astak's and PL's. The iLiad v2 never had an equal in size, which in this case matters. Now it's not like that.
4. OMG!! I bought the Cybook just a few months ago!! What will I do?? Well, I guess I can wait for Astak and PL and decide then. :)
5. Anyone interested in a barely used Cybook? :D

The new unit screen is about as wide as the iLiad is tall. Thus if the iLiad was good enough in landscape mode the DR1000 will do the same thing in portrait mode.

Dale

If they allow you to chop of the margins of a PDF, it should be fine -- 1" margins are fairly common. :shrug:

I'm far more concerned about whether I can get marked-up dox back out of the thing. :shrug:

The connectivity Edition (1000SW) will have some sort of browser,According to Irex iit can surf the web. No support for flash and video, but you should be able to use it for RSS feeds. I don't know the precise details.

Awesome!! Any idea if they upgraded the processor or if it'll be as painful as on the current iRexes?

Thanks, tribble!

Now where'd I put that conversion table? (rummage rummage) :D

Just type into google...

520grams in oz

The result is:

http://www.google.com/images/calc_img.gif 570 grams = 20.1061583 ounces

More about calculator. (http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/features.html#calculator)
OK... need more help. Type 20.1061oz in lbs

http://www.google.com/images/calc_img.gif 20.1061 ounces = 1.25663125 pounds

More about calculator. (http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/features.html#calculator)
Damn... that is light. How much did they say the PLR weighs?

BOb

There are so many responses that I may have overlooked this, but it appears this does support pdf searching. The details are referenced in this translation:

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebookreaders.nl%2Fire x_digital_reader_1000s&sl=nl&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Hopefully it's not just an error in the translation process.

There are so many responses that I may have overlooked this, but it appears this does support pdf searching. The details are referenced in this translation:



I wonder does it search just in the open PDF, or can you search you full library? Can't wait to see some reviews, especially video reviews. I really like video reviews.

BOb

I have a question I didn't see answered earlier in the day. I might have missed it. The DR1000S includes a Wacom Touch Screen and the DR1000SW includes the Wacom Tablet. Is the DR1000SW also a touch screen?

The one and most important aspect of an e-book reader is its screen - and here the Digital Reader shines.

Or rather, it reflects :-). Which is the benefit of buying one instead of using my MacBook to read PDFs.

I have a question I didn't see answered earlier in the day. I might have missed it. The DR1000S includes a Wacom Touch Screen and the DR1000SW includes the Wacom Tablet. Is the DR1000SW also a touch screen?

I believe the only difference between the 1000S and the 1000SW is that the latter has wifi and bluetooth in addition to the wacom touch screen, the touch screen should be the same between those two models.

Indeed, the touch screen should be the usual Wacom tablet deal, which goes in behind the screen and senses the stylus.

No. iLiad's CPU will reduce to 100 Mhz if not used, not 0 Mhz. The device is still on, and every part will drain power.

I am sorry, I quoted an Irex representative. The CPU will first fall back to 100Mhz, and if not used for a longer period, down to 0 mHz.

If they allow you to chop of the margins of a PDF, it should be fine -- 1" margins are fairly common. :shrug:

The iLiad 1000 chops of the margins and reduces the font size by more or less one point.

Awesome!! Any idea if they upgraded the processor or if it'll be as painful as on the current iRexes?

The iLiad 1000 used a new Freescale ARM processor. Standard on 400 mHz, max 532 mHz.

It appears this does support pdf searching. Hopefully it's not just an error in the translation process.

That is correct indeed; the DR1000S/DR1000SW let you enter keywords using a virtual (on-screen) keyboard. This way you can search in pdf files.

The DR1000 lacks a stylus, so it is not possible to use the virtuel keyboard on this model. Hence it is 'read only'.

http://www.ebookreaders.nl/images/banners/digital_reader_468_60.jpg (http://www.ebookreaders.nl?language_code=en)

I believe the only difference between the 1000S and the 1000SW is that the latter has wifi and bluetooth in addition to the wacom touch screen, the touch screen should be the same between those two models.

Thanks for the reply. I asked the question because I thought the 1000S allowed for finger touch at least on the icons. I understand the whole screen is not touch sensitive. From the documentation so far it appeared it might not be available with the SW. Or am I wrong in believing there is touch capability on the icons for the 1000S?


New question - If the lowest model doesn't allow a stylus or touch then does this mean we can't read a secure PDF? I have at least one PDF where I have to login each time I open it. It is a drag to do this but it appears this will not be possible with the lowest model.

TOr am I wrong in believing there is touch capability on the icons for the 1000S?

New question - If the lowest model doesn't allow a stylus or touch then does this mean we can't read a secure PDF? The Wacom touch screen is stylus only.

Without the touch screen the 1000 does not have a virtual keyboard and so can't read your passworded PDF. Note that it is possible to crack passworded PDFs to produce a password free version. It is not currently possible to crack Adobe Secure PDF ebooks, which require Adobe Reader 7 or Adobe Digital Editions to read them.

New 1000 series looks great but I'll be keeping hold of my money until there are a lot of real-life reviews of battery life, connectivity, fragility & quality of support.

Once bitten, twice shy as far as iRex goes.

My first post asking about when the SW model will be available slid by earlier, so I'll repost here:

Does anyone know when the SW model will be available?

I haven't seen anything on it yet, Studio717. :(

Thanks, NatCh.

More waiting, I guess, but at least now I know what I'm waiting for. :D

Does anyone know when the SW model will be available?

There is no official or unofficial date set yet.

There is no official or unofficial date set yet.

Except to say it will not be this year.

Dale

Thanks, tribble and DaleDe. Not much else I can do now but settle in and wait.

(I really wish they wouldn't announce things so far ahead. :( )

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-10047886-82.html

And this is the interesting part

And Brons says the $849 wireless version will have a full-fledged Web browser that's able to deal with moving Flash images by converting them into static still images

Interesting. The media formats supported appear to have been changed.

I wonder what happened to PowerPoint support?

-Jeff

Another nugget of information: if it turns out to be true...fingers crossed

iRex has partnered with Wacom to bring Tablet PC like features in the ebook reader. For instance you can use the stylus pen to write or sketch on the screen and that gets saved with your document in iRex’s memory. You could connect the iRex to your PC via USB and convert all the handwritten text into digital format just like Microsoft OneNote or Abbyy Reader.

Source

http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/irex-digital-reader-1000-review/4623/

Oh, that it should be so! I think I may swoon with joy! :D

I wonder of the Bluetooth on 1000SW will include PAN profile support. Compared to Wifi, one could setup PAN connection with their PC at home and be online at fraction of the power consumption.

Another nugget of information: if it turns out to be true...fingers crossed

iRex has partnered with Wacom to bring Tablet PC like features in the ebook reader. For instance you can use the stylus pen to write or sketch on the screen and that gets saved with your document in iRex’s memory. You could connect the iRex to your PC via USB and convert all the handwritten text into digital format just like Microsoft OneNote or Abbyy Reader.

Source

http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/irex-digital-reader-1000-review/4623/

Sorry - you can do exactly that on the iLiad, can you not?

Hi

1.
Does anyone have any clue if Irex Digital Reader is going to work with an USB keyboard ? I know it's miniUSB, but there ARE miniUSB keyboards. Can the device work as "usb master" ? If so, which version(s) ? Would it work for the basic one ?

2.
Can the stylus be used to input japanese characters (OCR them) ? That would be very useful for me because I'm dealing with chinese/japanese characters at work. Can the software available for Iliad do that ? Is it possible to use japanese dictionary, for example ?

3.
Any news on boot time ?

I wonder why it doesn't support MS Word???? Since most office users have to deal with Word it would make sense to support Word from the start.
Is Word format so difficult to handle?

Irex sells additional sytli an "advanced" and a "professional" one.
https://www.irexshop.com/index.php?cPath=1_31
Processional Stylus is fitted with an eraser*.
* Eraser will be supported in future software update for Digital Reader"

I'm a bit confused. How does connenting to LAN work?

I wonder why it doesn't support MS Word???? Since most office users have to deal with Word it would make sense to support Word from the start.
Is Word format so difficult to handle?

yes, especially since MS probably won't sell a licence to them so that it'll work in linux.

Edit: the old (.doc) format spec and its contemporaries has been released, yes.. but i doubt the new Office 2007 formats work.

Sorry - you can do exactly that on the iLiad, can you not?

That is correct.

yes, especially since MS probably won't sell a licence to them so that it'll work in linux

Ummm, OpenOffice ring a bell? Can handle MS Word propriety formats without problems

Does anyone have any clue if Irex Digital Reader is going to work with an USB keyboard ? I know it's miniUSB, but there ARE miniUSB keyboards. Can the device work as "usb master" ? If so, which version(s) ? Would it work for the basic one ? Its a safe bet that as delivered the USB port won't work with a keyboard. The Freescale i.MX31L FactSheet (http://www.freescale.com/files/32bit/doc/fact_sheet/MC9328MX31FS.pdf?fpsp=1) mentions USB On-The-Go and 2x USB Hosts. So (a) it might be possible to reconfigure the USB for OTG (which would allow some keyboards to work), and (b) there is an unused "iPod-like connector" located at the bottom of the DR1000 (see Post #75 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=257073&postcount=75)). I'm not sure what "iPod-like" means, but if this is a USB port then it can probably be made to work with memory sticks and keyboards.

Its a safe bet that as delivered the USB port won't work with a keyboard. .

You mean it's not likely to work at first because they have higher priorities and such things typically (if ever) come in later software updates ? Because DR1000 is first and foremost a reading device ?


The Freescale i.MX31L FactSheet (http://www.freescale.com/files/32bit/doc/fact_sheet/MC9328MX31FS.pdf?fpsp=1) mentions USB On-The-Go and 2x USB Hosts. So (a) it might be possible to reconfigure the USB for OTG (which would allow some keyboards to work),

So it all depends on the software they use ? Linux is open source, but they may have used binary blobs here and there. It depends on how tightly it's locked, right ? I think the only thing we know right now is that the CPU is capable of handling USB "master". (By USB OTG). By the way, how does USB OTG look like ? Is it a distinct slot, or another "way" of using existing USB slots ? Is it possible that Irex Digital Reader has an "ordinary" USB slot, not OTG one and connecting a keyboard is simply impossible ?


I'm not sure what "iPod-like" means, but if this is a USB port then it can probably be made to work with memory sticks and keyboards.

I wish I knew. I guess the best I can do is wait for some reviews by technical people. If it requires some hacking, library/kernel modifications etc to make it work - I'm fine with it. I can follow instructions as long as they don't involve writing assembly code.
Thank you for information.

By the way, how does USB OTG look like? The existing hardware may support it, but I don't know for sure, from the usb.org FAQ:

USB OTG defines a dual-role device, which can act as either a host or peripheral, and can connect to either a PC or other portable devices through the same connector. The Nokia N8X0 (also Linux based) has explicit OTG support, and I think the only issue for connected devices is the lack of power and the need for weird cables.

I doubt iRex will support OTG, because it is outside their concept of how the device is used. If the hardware is OTG-capable, it should be possible, though, to enable this via add-on system-level software (or just switch the connector to a master, which I think has also be done on the N8X0 via software).

Does anyone know if the Mobipocket support in DS1000S includes:

1) highlights
2) notes
3) bookmarks
4) changing between sarif and sanserif fonts

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-10047886-82.html

And this is the interesting part

And Brons says the $849 wireless version will have a full-fledged Web browser that's able to deal with moving Flash images by converting them into static still images

OMG, if true, they've got a sale here.

Does anyone know if the Mobipocket support in DS1000S includes:

1) highlights
2) notes
3) bookmarks
4) changing between sarif and sanserif fonts

From the FAQ:

A:
• Remember last read page
• Change font size
• Zoom selection (custom area and pre-defined zoom levels)
• Auto crop content (remove border white space)
• Fit page to screen
• Panning
• Landscape and portrait reading mode
• Continuous and page-by-page reading mode
• Show pages as thumbnails
• Full screen reading mode (no page- and toolbar)
• Back and forward in viewed pages
• Table of content
• Create/remove a bookmark on a page
• Table of bookmarks
• Search in the document
• Write and erase comments (handwritten annotations)
• Change the pen thickness
• Mobipocket dictionary support from any content format

So, yes it has bookmark and notes support.

BOb

These are the most interesting ones to me:

• Auto crop content (remove border white space)
• Landscape and portrait reading mode
• Continuous and page-by-page reading mode

:drool:

T
• Continuous and page-by-page reading mode

:drool:

I also wonder how they will do "continuous" reading mode. Does that mean there will be sometype of scrolling support?

BOb

If it's the same as it means on the iLiad, it simply means that they "stitch together" all the pages of the PDF and display it as one continuous document, rather than a page at a time.

• Search in the document
• Mobipocket dictionary support from any content format
These are new, and significant, for PDF. Some of the others, such as handwritten annotations, are new, and significant, for MOBI.

I wonder why it doesn't support MS Word???? Since most office users have to deal with Word it would make sense to support Word from the start.
Is Word format so difficult to handle?

Their marketing wording sounds a bit like the reader might come with a virtual printer driver, that renders any document to a PDF and transfers it to the reader.

If so, you might lose dictionary lookup, but this way can be even more convenient for some people who are used to print their document, but may not know how to copy a file to the SD card (Yes, I know such people :o). So iRex does not have to deal with adding new formats , support different Word Document versions (not all versions look good in Open Office) and can spend their time on improving what they have.

Just guessing though.

From the FAQ:

• Create/remove a bookmark on a page
• Table of bookmarks
• Search in the document
• Write and erase comments (handwritten annotations)
• Change the pen thickness
• Mobipocket dictionary support from any content format

BOb

This sounds very promising! And Mobipocket dictionary support from any content!!! I like that...

I'll also need Wifi and Bluetooth to enable Wikipedia and other online reading sources at least around the house.

Now just waiting for some hands-on reviews :thumbsup:

If so, you might lose dictionary lookup...

It sounds from the neighboring post that you WILL be able to do dictionary lookups in PDFs as long as you have Mobipocket dictionary installed.

It sounds from the neighboring post that you WILL be able to do dictionary lookups in PDFs as long as you have Mobipocket dictionary installed.

Sure, I was refering to a PDF rendered through a possible printer driver for the DR provided by iRex. If, on the Win32 side, they would use GDI instead of of for example PostScript, the resulting PDF would consist of images and not the actual text anymore. Well - Anyway it is more likely, that they - if they provide such a driver - will use PS which then will lead into searchable/lookupable PDFs.

I wonder why it doesn't support MS Word???? Since most office users have to deal with Word it would make sense to support Word from the start.
Is Word format so difficult to handle?

An iRex engineer told us that a Word engine can be added later (by third party developers), as a 'plug-in'.

They've been talking about the new viewer framework for awhile. I'm reasonably certain that it'll be included in a firmware update for the iLiad. I'm just not sure whether they'll change the current UI to match what the new Reader has, or if they'll leave the iLiads with their current UI.
At this point, they're saying "no new functionality for the iLiad." Which sounds to me like they're dropping their promise for the new viewer framework. :angry:

New 1000 series looks great but I'll be keeping hold of my money until there are a lot of real-life reviews of battery life, connectivity, fragility & quality of support.

Once bitten, twice shy as far as iRex goes.
Good advice. This is a company with a rather poor track record of being able to keep promises to customers. I wouldn't buy anything from them unless I was pretty sure it already could do what I needed.

At this point, they're saying "no new functionality for the iLiad." Which sounds to me like they're dropping their promise for the new viewer framework. :angry:

I agree it certainly sounds that way, but "no new functionality" could mean lots of things. Is something they've been promising for months (maybe even since last year?) considered "new functionality". If they never intended it to be available on the iLiad, then everything they've said about it in the past was extremely misleading. I'm hoping that they've got more integrity than that.

Here (http://www.ebookreaders.nl/irex_digital_reader_1000_review) is the first video of DR 1000. Not very impressive, i'm still in search for device to read my medical research books which are in A4 PDF's...hope plastic logic will deliver something better. It's too bad that today's market has almost nothing to offer to academic and business readers :(

i'm still in search for device to read my medical research books which are in A4 PDF's

ToxicAngel, what are the critical points for you thinking this would not be possible?

Gogolo

It's too bad that today's market has almost nothing to offer to academic and business readers :(Actually, what I'm seeing from the DR series looks very hopeful for my own business and my wife's academic purposes. But I guess it all depends on exactly which tasks a given person is looking to use the device for.

May I ask which tasks you have in mind to use such a device for, ToxicAngel? I'm just curious, you understand. Sometimes I get so focused on my own aims and tasks that I lose some ability to imagine the needs that others might be looking to fill. :shrug:

To use the DR1000 for academic purposes, I would think one would at least want the text selection and extraction functionality available in one of the community-developed iPDF variants. Better still, there should be an application on the desktop/laptop side that can interface the extracts with a bibliography database. Hopefully cross-platform. The ability to "tag" selections with user-created tags and export those would be good, too. Or the ability to attach and extract scribbles as visual notes, and indicate where in the document they came from (per page on PDF, perhaps per line for other, less strictly paginated documents), and the ability to quickly jump forward to scribbles. Possibly even the ability to roughly convert scribbles to searchable text, so one could search notes (on a document or standalone) for specific content.

I'm preparing to start my literature review for my dissertation, and if I were able to mark up and extract significant points from the journal articles I'll be reviewing, and import them into some kind of reference database that I could then search through by actual text or by selected topic tag, it would be tremendously helpful. That's what I keep hoping someone will develop for the iLiad. I'd pay for the software to accomplish these tasks.

PlasticLogics note display that they showed in their presentation was pretty sweet. I liked the little pop up boxes that you could throw on there, it looked like a really clean way to add comments and if you could minimize those and had a way to bookmark them that would be awesome.

I dont really need that functionality but I can see how it can come in handy. For me bookmarks and quick access between docs is a must for my next reader. I already have two so I'm comfortable for now, I'm waiting for something to wow me to get a new one and this reader falls a bit flat. If I didnt have an Iliad I'd get it but its not worth getting another. I just hope they port over the OS to the old Iliad's as it looks like its much better than the original crap (I only call it crap because I love it so much).

I hope color eInk is finally a reality in 2009

Quick access between docs is vital for me, too. We had sort of figured out an approach for doing that on the iLiad, and I haven't had the time or energy to try it out....

Possibly even the ability to roughly convert scribbles to searchable text, so one could search notes (on a document or standalone) for specific content.Coupling it with something like MS OneNote would give you that sort of functionality, since it has built in text searching of images and digink. You could probably come up with something to fill the searchability bill in OneNote as well.

The real key, as I see it, is being able to get the merged scribbles back onto a PC, and they seem to have that covered, based on what they've claimed their PC-side software will do. :shrug:

:fingersx:

Coupling it with something like MS OneNote would give you that sort of functionality, since it has built in text searching of images and digink. You could probably come up with something to fill the searchability bill in OneNote as well.

The real key, as I see it, is being able to get the merged scribbles back onto a PC, and they seem to have that covered, based on what they've claimed their PC-side software will do. :shrug:

:fingersx:
Well... I don't use a PC most of the time. I do have hw/ocr on my Mac, however. And I've been considering EverNote, which is available across platforms. But unless the layers of scribbles are passed over linked to, but not superimposed on the text document, it could be hard to recognize but still maintain the link with where the scribbles were put. OneNote might be able to find an annotation, but does it manage bibliographies?

Dunno, I haven't tried to use OneNote for bibliographical purposes ... I haven't done a bibliography in ... wow, a long time ... at least twelve years, anyway. I don't think that it has any special tools for bibliography creation, but I haven't looked either. :shrug:

I've heard of EverNote but I haven't played with it at all, about the time I got to looking at such apps a copy of OneNote fell into my lap on my work Tablet PC, and also on my wife's PC. Does EverNote not parse text out of digink then? OneNote will do that ... reasonably well. It's not perfect by any stretch, but it's usually close enough to find stuff in a search.

The real strength of OneNote for my purposes is the ability to move things around and organize various pieces easily. I guess I see the DR line as an easier, more portable way to generate pages to be put in OneNote. I'll have to think quite a bit about whether that's worth it for the price it's looking like costing.

My wife's grading activities are a much easier sell on the notion, so I may get to try it out, or even just borrow her's when she's not using it, assuming that it does work out to look like a good deal for her, of course.

From Evernote.com: "We run everything through our recognition technology, and then synchronize it across your devices. You can then organize and tag the notes, if you wish." I'm quite tempted. Maybe I'll get a chance to play with it this weekend. :)

If it works as well as the ad copy, it would be almost enough to talk me into an iPhone... but I can't afford one anyway.

Hey, if it's open source, it's not like you have much to lose by playing with it! :D

OT for inking: Circus Ponies' Notebook (just out with ver 3) does a pretty good job integrating with Apple's Ink app. CPN3 does a lot of other stuff, too. It's about as close to MS's OneNote as I've seen on a Mac.

One big plus is that a 'notebook' can be exported to html or a web site, so I imagine it would also be able to be on a 1000SW.

Edited to add: I use Evernote quite a bit, but not for the same things I use CPN for. If the 1000SW does have a browser with its wifi, Evernote would be even more useful to me.

CPN looks quite interesting. (Too bad Apple still doesn't make a tablet!) If CPN could import selected snippets from the iLiad and take iLiad scribbles as input and do HWR on them, that would be extremely cool.

As an academic I have been hoping for a larger-sized kindle for a long time. I have stacks and stacks of papers to read every week and adding annotations is important. However, probably more important is the ability to do this without having to sit at my desk. The iLiad provides this opportunity as long as papers can be easily moved on and off the device, with attached annotations.

However, another important aspect is the ability to efficiently find information among your literature. While the iLiad may provide a search function it still may not be up to the task. I can search for a keyword, but what happens if that keyword is in dozens of papers on the 25th page of a 100 page document. The refresh is terrible and you would spend ages trying to quickly find something.

As much as I love eink technology I think a giant iPhone like device or Fujitsu Stylistic running OS X is the right tool for academics. On my mac I can sort through hundreds of papers really quickly until I find that one I was looking for. It is certainly faster then the going through filing cabinets, or the inevitable stacks of papers on my desk with attached post-it notes.

If I am to buy an iLiad it will be just for the ability to read PDF files comfortably on my couch and not for archiving. But for the time being it is a little pricey just to serve that function, and am waiting to see how annotations are implemented.

- A note for the PhD students using a mac. I would recommend skim software for highlighting and annotating all of your PDFs. And I would recommend something like Papers or Yep to archive.