In the coming days, iRex is going to send me a review unit. I plan on doing a full video review of all it's features, usability, format support, etc.

They also intend to release an SDK soon, so I'm going to see how difficult it will be to port apps as compared to the iLiad.

I also intend to do a full tech rundown on the device. How things have changed from the iLiad, scribble formats, manifests, etc. Basically everything the community will need to get started with development.

So my question: What do you guys want to see and know? If you have documents you'd like to see on the DR, post them (although, I may limit this if the list grows too much).

Is there anything you want to know that can be found out by using the device?

So my question: What do you guys want to see and know? If you have documents you'd like to see on the DR, post them (although, I may limit this if the list grows too much).


Basically, I'd like to see any PDF that is formatted for an 8.5x11 page. Also, any PDF (ebook) that is formated for a standard tech book... what size is that... is that TPB? I am basically talking about a Wrox/O'Rielly/MS Press sized book.

Also, any searching within book and library. The library navigation with folders etc. Dictionary support. Document switching. Annotation markup support (espesially for Office documents if supported) and how to bring this to a PC and what can be done with it.

BOb

Good to hear that Adam!
I'd like to see the comparison b/w iLiad and 1000 for letter size document.
Previously on my iLiad, I had to read technical papers in landscape mode. So please post two pictures one of which is the Iliad in landscape and another is 1000 in normal mode(or additionally without margin), for the same technical papers. I guess any letter sized paper would be fine. I really look forward your review!

I second Bob's request. How well does the DR perform with standard-sized PDF documents? Is 10" enough to make a full A4 PDF page truly legible?

I'd like to know how you get them to respond to your emails. They've ignored all the emails I've sent.

I second Bob's request. How well does the DR perform with standard-sized PDF documents? Is 10" enough to make a full A4 PDF page truly legible?

I got my new DR1000S reader this weekend the readability of A4 pdf images is second to none comparing past and present ereaders. I printed a pdf image of a google map this weekend. I used the print function on google maps for A4 optimized printing. It was awesome I had the margins cropped out to make it even larger, this can be disabled in settings it will look just fine with them too.

Found some bugs with the color converter, didn't like oragne it was displayed in a very faint gray. But for a beta unit I was very impressed with the overall quality it produced!

The display is so clear and clean! No more ghosting of the last pages text way to go iRex!

What I'll like to know is how easy is it to get stuff on and off the device.

i.e. get Documents on, mark them up and get them back up on the computer in a usable format such as PDF, Word, Onenote, etc.

I'll also like to ask how the mark up / writing on it is in comparison to Paper / Illiad / Tablet PC. And how is the delay compared to the illiad.

One more vote for PDF.

What I'll like to know is how easy is it to get stuff on and off the device.

i.e. get Documents on, mark them up and get them back up on the computer in a usable format such as PDF, Word, Onenote, etc.I'll second that one, and how! :yes:

I'd like to know how you get them to respond to your emails.

:rofl:

I got my new DR1000S reader this weekend the readability of A4 pdf images is second to none comarping past and present ereaders.

You'd find a lot of new friends here very quickly if you share some hi-res hands-on photos with us (i.e. attach them to a new thread). :2thumbsup

I'd love to see all Mobipocket features: dictionary lookup, annotation, bookmarks, table of bookmarks, font type and size changes, two pages at once in horizontal position?

Adam, not sure how much you're willing to go in-depth, but some specifics regarding the underlying Linux OS, installed applications, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Adam, not sure how much you're willing to go in-depth, but some specifics regarding the underlying Linux OS, installed applications, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

If I can easily get that info, I will. :)

The problem is getting access to the internal file system. I'm not sure if a development package will be required, and without networking, ssh is out.

Great! I would be interested how the 'database' for the annotations works. I have a workflow now to store all my annotations on my Mac (and merge them), using the Irex Iliad, and I would particularly like to know how the annotations are stored in the new reader.

Also, are pdfs with annotations associated with them annotated on the Iliad transferable to the new reader?

thanks Harald

Id like to see switching between documents. What if two of the pdfs are 20MB big? Will it still be usable? Can you scribble, switch to documents and come back to scribbling?

Does it remember zoom position?

How are the scribbles stored? Will I loose all my scribbles from iLiad (I dont want to merge, just to keep them, iRex should provide a transfer method if database structure is different).

How many items in contentlister? :rolleyes:

@eReaderOutfitter: Some pictures would be very nice! Thanks. Do you like it - overall?

Thanks
Gogolo

Does the device work with some kind of USB keyboard ? Can it work as an USB master ?

Everything mentioned above, plus:

- Note-taking on documents other than PDF.
- Any drawing functions? E.g. circles, boxes... remember how nice the Newton input was in this area?
- Display of non-Latin files (any format), particularly Chinese or Japanese
- Multi-column A4/Letter size document

- Display of non-Latin files (any format), particularly Chinese or Japanese
- Multi-column A4/Letter size document

Can you post some examples?

Can you post some examples?
Yes, but not until later-- I can't seem to upload documents to MR from this network. :(

would like to know if newspaper in pdf edition could be read easily ?

example :

http://www.zshare.net/download/17852310b7c620d1
and that one
http://rapidshare.com/files/94193345/Le_Monde.20080222_QUOTIDIEN.pdf

Could you download a couple of manga (japanese comics) pages and see how DE displays them? Maybe taking a couple of photos to show them, please?

This link has 3 manga pages and one PDF page (with tables, columns, etc).

http://rapidshare.com/files/149475221/manga_and_PDF_samples.zip (direct download, no waiting time)


I'm also uploading a PDF file (it's free, don't worry ;)), which is 20,6MB heavy (lot's of text, images, color and b&w). My Cybook can't even load it, I would like to know how will DE handle it.

http://rapidshare.com/files/149478678/The_Magnamund_Companion.pdf (direct download, no waiting time)

Maybe I'm asking too much, but it would be really nice if you could verify that. :)

Whether one can toggle full justification off in Mobipocket (you can't on the iRex iLiad).

How well does it track the stylus? The line you write should appear exactly where the stylus contacts the pad. And is the contrast (print vs. background) better than the Iliad Rex -- i.e. how grey is the background? How does the contrast compare with the Sony or Kindle?

And is the contrast (print vs. background) better than the Iliad Rex -- i.e. how grey is the background? How does the contrast compare with the Sony or Kindle?

I can only compare the contrast and other features with the iLiad 2nd edition. But that should be close to the Sony/Kindle contrast.

I can only compare the contrast and other features with the iLiad 2nd edition. But that should be close to the Sony/Kindle contrast.

I would guess it's pretty close. They're all using the same vizplex eInk screens. I haven't heard of a new generation of eInk technology, unless I missed something.

I haven't heard of a new generation of eInk technology, unless I missed something.If you did, so did e-Ink, Inc. :shrug:

# Which window manager is used? Not Matchbox anymore? All apps open as a fullscreen window w/o topbar? DR's native apps are GTK+ based again?
# How many sub-menus have the viewers. [In the press photos the "zoom" menu of a pdf file is visible.]

Things to see:
- Manga display: definitely want to see
- Boot up time
- New interface for switching between docs, any sort of memory stored so it opens docs quicker the second time
- Any gestures added to use various functions similar to iPdf hacks?
- Any ability to get editted PDFs off of reader without software being installed?
- Does the reader come up as a harddrive on a computer without software installation?

Boot-up time
Shut-down time
Suspend time
Resume time
Battery life time when always on
Battery life time when suspend/resume
SDHC support : test with 4GB, 8GB, 16GB.... SDHC cards

1) how does COLOR magazines fare in 16 bit?
2) how does COLOR comics fare in 16 bit?
3) ability to open cbr/cbz files
4) how does it handle (sub)folders with files?
5) what's the total files a folder can have before the machine crumbles trying to index it?
6) speed to open x-sized files.

One more: How many items can be seen in recent read?
Thanks
Gogolo

If you look at the current Iliad next to a Sony, you'll see that the screen of the Sony has significantly more contrast, no doubt because it's using a later generation e-Ink screen. Since the Iliad is larger, apparently the newer screen wasn't available for it. My question is: does the new Iliad use the newer screen so that it has the same contrast as the Sony/Kindle. It would be nice if it used an even newer screen with even more contrast, but as is suggested above, that apparently isn't available yet. To my mind, the biggest drawback to current e-Ink screens is the gray background.

If you look at the current Iliad next to a Sony, you'll see that the screen of the Sony has significantly more contrast, no doubt because it's using a later generation e-Ink screen. Since the Iliad is larger, apparently the newer screen wasn't available for it. My question is: does the new Iliad use the newer screen so that it has the same contrast as the Sony/Kindle. It would be nice if it used an even newer screen with even more contrast, but as is suggested above, that apparently isn't available yet. To my mind, the biggest drawback to current e-Ink screens is the gray background.

The iLiad's switched to the same viziplex screen as the Sony/Kindle sometime around the release of the book edition so the contrast should be the same. I was able to compare a book edition to my 505 and they appeared the same.

Also could you examine how easy/difficult it is to replace the battery?

thanks

The iLiad's switched to the same viziplex screen as the Sony/Kindle sometime around the release of the book edition so the contrast should be the same. I was able to compare a book edition to my 505 and they appeared the same.

A lot of it has to do with the age of the screen too. eInk screens will normally fade a little bit over the first couple weeks of use. So if you're comparing a new screen with an older one, even with the same device, the contrast will be different. They're all currently using the same vizplex screens though, so contrast should be pretty close.

I'd be very interested in the ergnomics/usability areas you mentioned you will do, especial on:

left handed use
one handed use
"feel" of controls

And of course all the other common things already suggested...

thanks for offering to do this!

Also could you examine how easy/difficult it is to replace the battery?

Battery is said not to be removable. But surely Adam first of all will unpack his screwdriver! :D

Gogolo

Adam,

Can you search within PDF's now?

What are the connectors at the bottom edge?

Great to be able to have 4 documents open at the same time.

Battery is said not to be removable. But surely Adam first of all will unpack his screwdriver! :D

Gogolo

I don't think that I'll disassemble a review unit. iRex may frown upon that. ;)

Besides, I'm a software guy. Hardware has always scared me a bit. :D

Was just a joke... screwdriver is for later :)

I look forward to your review - but I already have lost the battle about patience...:D

Gogolo

I don't think that I'll disassemble a review unit. iRex may frown upon that. ;)

Besides, I'm a software guy. Hardware has always scared me a bit. :D

You don't have to open it. Simply look on the back.
For example, Cybook has a simple panel with a screw that opens battery compartment for a simple/easy replacement. It is evident just by looking at the back.

Do you see any section for a battery? Or some labels, indication for battery replacement? Manual mentions it?

thanks

I think iRex has already said that the battery is not user replaceable, which I would assume means there is no panel/compartment.

I want to see how and if FBReader will run. Also I would like to see the speed of a webrowser in action.

I want to see how and if FBReader will run. Also I would like to see the speed of a webrowser in action.

The 1000S won't have internet access, so a web browser is out of the question.

I may see how much work it'll be to port FBReader. I'd like to get an app ported for the DR right away. FBReader would be a good choice. :)

A lot of it has to do with the age of the screen too. eInk screens will normally fade a little bit over the first couple weeks of use. So if you're comparing a new screen with an older one, even with the same device, the contrast will be different. They're all currently using the same vizplex screens though, so contrast should be pretty close.

I've heard the Wacom sensor of the iLiad darkened the screen, we will have the answer by comparing the 1000 and 1000S

I think iRex has already said that the battery is not user replaceable, which I would assume means there is no panel/compartment.

WTF?!?!?!?!

Why would I spend so much money on a gizmo that will die in 5-10 years due to battery even if screen and other components are perfectly fine????? Every laptop has an easy to replace battery. What the h311??????

Why is so hard to get such a simple option? Sigh :(

I hope it is easy to access though, even if not sanctioned by iRex. I am not buying these things to change every few years.

Is there anyone that has a laptop from 5 - 10 years ago that is worried about their battery life?? Technology is only good for about 4 years max and then the new stuff is so much better and usually cheaper no one in their right mind would stick with the old one. Look at the iPhone, who needs to worry about a battery not keeping charge, people replace that in about 2 months (they aren't in their right mind however)

From the iRex Q&A:

Q: Does the iRex Digital Reader 1000 feature SDHC support?
A: The iRex Digital Reader 1000 is able to recognize and work with all compliant SD cards. Officially we do not support SDHC cards but we have noticed that most SDHC cards do work.

This makes no sense. Either it can handle SDHC or not. Either they purchased SDHC parts for the DR1000 or not. Let us know if it really has the SDHC card reader/controller and what is the highest capacity SD that you can test.

It may be a matter of the SDHC card makers complying with the standard properly or not, as well. That's come up before. :shrug:

OK, the things I would be interested in knowing:


Boot up time

Page refresh time

Does it have Suspend/Hibernate functionality yet? (Currently said to be for later release)

Verification that it will handle SD cards larger than 1Gb

Is a standard-size tech book (eg a For Dummies book or similar) easily readable. (This has been the greatest drawback for me with the iLiad. I can read fiction easily on it but tech books just don't scale well.)

Can you use your own directory system within it? ie Are you constrained to the books/news/notes/docs subdir structure?

When you print to it, can you choose where the document is to go - card or memory? And can you choose the subdirectory for it?

Is the interface for actually finding what you want to read better? I have thousands of files on my iLiad and finding the one I want can be a nightmare.



Echoing others here, thank you very much for doing this. It will make all our decision-making that much easier.

SAS

Some times I need to view a concrete page (for example page 245) in a large PDF (for example with 950 pages). As Iliad don't have numeric key pad, this operation could spent a lot of time (I usually spent more than 30 seconds).

How much time do you spent in such operation in an IRex 1000?

I've heard the Wacom sensor of the iLiad darkened the screen, we will have the answer by comparing the 1000 and 1000S
I don't see why this would be the case. The Wacom technology is behind the screen, not in front of it. Resistive touch screens do darken the screen, which is why (I presume) iRex didn't use them for the iLiad, even though they're less expensive.

I don't see why this would be the case. The Wacom technology is behind the screen, not in front of it. Resistive touch screens do darken the screen, which is why (I presume) iRex didn't use them for the iLiad, even though they're less expensive.

I hadn't heard that either. I think they were just confusing it with a resistive touch screen.

The interesting question is why iRex isn't using the capacitive screen used by Apple for the iPhone, rather than the proprietary (and expensive) Wacom technology. Is the problem that even with a conductive stylus, the granularity of the input wouldn't be sufficient for ink notes?

I want an ebook reader to read comics on, so my main questions are:

1. Is there cbz/cbr support?

2. If not, can you browse images from zip/rar files named .zip/.rar?

3. If not, can you browse forward/back between sequential fullscreen images stored in a folder?

4. How hard would it be to install/write/port a comic reader application?

5. I often want to switch between several books; maybe reading in a foreign language while also using a dictionary, for example. Or trying to learn Japanese by reading Japanese and English versions of a manga simultaneously. Is it possible to quickly switch between several documents (maybe like using tabs in a web browser), with the ebook remembering the current position in each one?

4. How hard would it be to install/write/port a comic reader application?


Huh. I'm not sure a reviewer would be able to answer this one. "How hard" is pretty subjective depending on the person. I bet it would be much harder for Sarah Palin to do it than for Linus Torvalds to do it.

Perhaps a better question is what type of SDK is provided to developers and what features of the device does the API allow access to.

BOb

1. Is there cbz/cbr support?

2. If not, can you browse images from zip/rar files named .zip/.rar?


I'm pretty sure I can already answer the first two without a device. No, and No.

I'm sure a plugin can be created to do this for the UDS. But someone will have to write it.

I'm very interested in the use of Math and Physics books on this device, mostly because that's what I'd buy a larger touch-enabled ereader for.
It obviously has been asked before, but I have some .PDFs that I'd consider good reference material:
http://arxiv.org/abs/0809.4587 (some random LaTeX abuse)
http://www.maths.mq.edu.au/~bon/Fourier%20Theory.pdf (another one) or http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/resources/Strang/strangtext.htm (The first would be best for testing heavy math-LaTeX battering, and would probably be most evident in showing delays. Choose the pages with the most math. squiggly stuff in it.)
For people interested in general rendering time, and even more for the people interested particularity in the rendering delay of college texts (LaTeX mostly), this may be a useful example and test. I am also searching for photocopy texts, to compare, and I found tons of those, but they were all illegal! So if anyone could find this, I'd be much obliged, and, of course, even more obliged to Adam or Tribble or whoever would be willing to take the time to report on this.
The essence of this test would be to know the total render time and the added time compared with PDFs that are simple paperback texts (from ebook shops, or gutenberg, etc.).

Of course, this message would practically be a good non-math reference too. Such a wall of text for something simple. :bookworm:

The interesting question is why iRex isn't using the capacitive screen used by Apple for the iPhone, rather than the proprietary (and expensive) Wacom technology. Is the problem that even with a conductive stylus, the granularity of the input wouldn't be sufficient for ink notes?

I'm not an expert, but that's my understanding. That type of screen works well for finger touch interaction, etc, but you can't write on it with a stylus.

I want an ebook reader to read comics on, so my main questions are:

1. Is there cbz/cbr support?

2. If not, can you browse images from zip/rar files named .zip/.rar?

3. If not, can you browse forward/back between sequential fullscreen images stored in a folder?

4. How hard would it be to install/write/port a comic reader application?

5. I often want to switch between several books; maybe reading in a foreign language while also using a dictionary, for example. Or trying to learn Japanese by reading Japanese and English versions of a manga simultaneously. Is it possible to quickly switch between several documents (maybe like using tabs in a web browser), with the ebook remembering the current position in each one?

There is a comic viewer ported to the iLiad, using Java, so it might be possible to port this (or a similar application) to the DR. But that will depend on what the SDK turns out to be like. (The CBZ format is extremely simple, though, so developing a plugin for the DS viewer should be simple.)

Meanwhile, you might consider using one of the CBZ->PDF converters (check threads in the iLiad section). Then you could read them using the DS viewer, and be able to switch between them.

The interesting question is why iRex isn't using the capacitive screen used by Apple for the iPhone, rather than the proprietary (and expensive) Wacom technology. Is the problem that even with a conductive stylus, the granularity of the input wouldn't be sufficient for ink notes?

I heard from other company that current technology of the capacitive screen can not make large size.

Hello,
Nobody asking about the design of DR1000.

I really want to know the body design story.
e.g. designer, challenges, making episode, finally the benefit of that design.

The 1000S won't have internet access, so a web browser is out of the question.


Well, not exactly, you could test the reaction speed - it will be important with the coming bluetooth reader ...

The 1000S won't have internet access, so a web browser is out of the question.
Ehh, am I understanding this correctly? The iLiad has a wired ethernet connection (next to Wifi). Being abroad the last few weeks, I noticed that a cabled internet connection (to connect to IDS for my daily paper) is far easier to obtain than a wifi connection. Am I correct in understanding that the DR's wifi option is not in addition to the wired default, but the only option to connect to a LAN? :smack:

the DR1000SW has no wired option. It can only to the internet via Wifi.

Might it be possible to eventually work something through the USB connection? Not likely to fall within the scope of a review of course, but as a theoretical question ....

Might it be possible to eventually work something through the USB connection? Not likely to fall within the scope of a review of course, but as a theoretical question .... The USB port is configured as a peripheral, but it needs to be a host to allow keyboards and Ethernet dongles etcetera. The Freescale i.MX31L supports USB host mode and even On-The-Go (switching between host and client). See Announced: the iRex Reader DR1000 #143 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=258432&postcount=143) and subsequent posts.

I was thinking more in terms of piggy-backing it through a PC and using the PC's ethernet connection -- completely pointless, of course, except as a theoretical exercise. :shrug:

It doesn't appear my review unit is going to be shipped until at least Monday. So the review is still a bit away...

I was thinking more in terms of piggy-backing it through a PC and using the PC's ethernet connection -- completely pointless, of course, except as a theoretical exercise. :shrug:

That may be not as pointless and you say. Perhaps the unit could be hooked to a PDA or cellphone with wireless ability for example. In addition there are wireless usb cables coming where a USB connector is on each end and there is a wireless connection for the center part of the "wire". Basically they are totally transparent wireless connections for devices that only support wired USB.

Dale

But that would require a Master USB somewhere ... I have no idea if PDAs or cell phones ever have those ....

But that would require a Master USB somewhere ... I have no idea if PDAs or cell phones ever have those ....

Some PDA's do have master USB's on them. Any small device could also be used of course, such as one of the really small sub-laptop pc's (UMPC's) where the bigger screen could be an advantage.

There are so many great questions that have been asked. I have a few questions to ask iRex. I would hold the unit ransom until answered. Even with the new Sony and expected Kindle upgrade it appears iRex is in a league of their own. iRex is far and above all the others. We would all run to buy these new devices except for maybe two reasons. Customer service and price.

Please ask iRex why they refuse to respond to user requests for assistance? Why do they think customer service has nothing to do with the product? Do they believe they can ignore users and continue to see increasing sales?

On a secondary note do they think they can price these devices at a price point where tablet PC's as they mature may begin to take sales from them?

Ok, you don't need a review reader to ask my questions and they also may appear to be a bit off topic. I ask these questions to you because you are our best bet for getting their attention. Once the sales begin it is all over. They shut the windows, turn out the lights and reappear 18 months later with the message, "thought you might like to know why we have been quiet for so long. Today we are announcing our newest reader the..." I ask that you attempt to pin them down on customer service and if possible try to get a commitment from them to fix it before they drop off the earth again. Be brave and hold onto the unit until they respond.

Battery life, battery life, battery life.

Is it measured in page turns or hours, and how much real world use?

I'm new to the forums, well new as a poster for I've been casually reading for a few months now.

I'm interested in the iRex. I like everything I've read about it except for perhaps the price but who wouldn't want that which they covet to be half the asking price and then half that again.

Anyhow, I'm an artist by both trade and hobby and was wondering if the iRex could be used as a digital sketch book since it has the WACOM pen interface. If so, could you include some information about this ability in your review. Basically as an artist I'm interested in what drawing software is available (If any), the ability to export doodled/sketched images from the device and the pressure sensitivity of the pen.

I understand that the hardware has its limitations but that doesn't stop me from daring to dream.

Thanks (Love the forums).

I'm interested in the iRex. I like everything I've read about it except for perhaps the price but who wouldn't want that which they covet to be half the asking price and then half that again.


Yep, as soon as the 2008 Corvette comes down in price to $4,000 I'm getting one!!!

BOb

Anyhow, I'm an artist by both trade and hobby and was wondering if the iRex could be used as a digital sketch book since it has the WACOM pen interface. If so, could you include some information about this ability in your review. Basically as an artist I'm interested in what drawing software is available (If any), the ability to export doodled/sketched images from the device and the pressure sensitivity of the pen.
Well... yes and no, based on our experiences with the iLiad. There is no software currently available that uses (or even captures) the pressure-sensitive data on the WACOM pen, but the data is generated, so it should be possible to write or port something. For the DR1000, a lot will depend on what iRex makes possible in the SDK. For the iLiad, iRex seems about to release source for all the code they wrote for it, which may open up all kinds of possibilities. In addition, the iLiad will probably be available used as the DR1000 hits the market.

The granularity of sketches on the iLiad isn't all that great, however. Hopefully that's a matter of software, rather than hardware.

The granularity of sketches on the iLiad isn't all that great, however. Hopefully that's a matter of software, rather than hardware.

Thank you for the detailed explanation... ...It helped put my wants into the same perspective as my creative needs. Looks like I'll continue to be a window shopper for some time to come. Either that or I'll just suck it up and purchase a much heavier and more powerful but far less desirable yet rather pricey tablet PC or a Modbook (If they keep making them).

Woot! I've got a tracking number. I should receive it Monday.

I'll probably do a first impressions and unboxing review, then expect a full one after a few days of usage.

'll probably do a first impressions and unboxing review, then expect a full one after a few days of usage.

I'm looking forward to it, thanks a lot! :2thumbsup

Gogolo

thanks Adam

I want to know :

1,how lont DR can be used with the current battery,for more people are annoied by the battery life.

2,according the vedio in youtube,it seems that when you turn page,there is a flash.and the IREX stuff has said the distinct tech is that DR shors the time of turnning page,but how long /about it?

3,as a Chinese habitant,I want to know if it can display chinese character(or with the help of some 3nd paty tools or something)


Thanks again