We've compiled an overview of forthcoming 2nd-gen e-book reader devices that are all based on E Ink technology. They include two readers from Chinese Jinke (HanLin V2 and V8), one from Sony (Sony Portable Reader), and one from Dutch-based iRex (iLiad).

Link to the overview: http://www.mobileread.com/eink/

For corrections or add-ons, feel free to post anything that comes to your mind in this thread.

Also my thanks to May from Jinke for sending me his version of the device matrix. If I had to pick one of the devices based on quality of customer service, it'd certainly be a Jinke HanLin reader.

Wow! Great compilation of all the devices and their info in a side-by-side comparison chart! Neat! :)

that is very useful! many thanks for compiling it :D

edit: i'm surprised sony reader can read RTF and txt now...

Forgive my ignorance - I am recently knew to the world of ebooks and the associated technology. I have been excited to read this and other forums, but do have a question about the comparison chart for the eink readers.

What is built-in DRM? Does this mean that they will only be able to read DRM ebooks in their own format? Will any of them (probably not the Sony) be able to read DRM pdf's or Mobipocket or ?

Thanks for the reply, and thanks for such a great forum!

Welcome avid! It means every device has software that is capable of "supporting" DRM in one way or the other. While this is not directly significant to the consumer, it is significant to the publisher (unfortunately), who at the end decides what copyright-protected material will be available for the device.

that is very useful! many thanks for compiling it :D

edit: i'm surprised sony reader can read RTF and txt now...
It does - well indirectly, its Windows software converts text, RTF, and PDF to BBeB prior loading the text onto the device.

I think this is the kind of things that manufacturers should be taken to task for.

Yes, I'm being picky, but if you have to convert a file from RTF or TXT to some other format to make it readable, than it is dishonest to say that the Sony Reader "supports" RTF or TXT. Supports should mean, to my ornery self, you can load an RTF or TXT file right on the thing and it will work.

I wish the marketing literature did a better job of differentiating what formats are supported natively (without conversion) and which ones are supported via conversion. This is why I am still confused about whether or not PDF is natively supported, because the blurbs on the Sony website suggest it both ways.

Mostly, I'm just tired of converting stuff. :grin2:

Got it - thanks! I guess there is hope...
The Iliad looks like the best bet - for me because of screen size. Cost is a concern though.
Tha ability to carry documents in such a nice sized reader would sure be nice.

Some VERY interesting new info from the Teleread Blog...apparently iRex told Banko Collins (he visited them and is now writing a review on Teleread) that the Iliad can handle 10000+ Page-Turns on a fully loaded battery. WOW!
If that is correct and true, then I'll go with the Iliad as my first Eink device I think...even if the price of around 550Euro is a bit on the heavy side...

Now what i'm wondering about is the fact that the iRex homepage talks about 21 hours...which is incompatible with the page-turn number in my opinion...any views on that?

Slight correction: iRex has been around a good while longer than since 2005. (I think 2001.)

Slight correction: iRex has been around a good while longer than since 2005. (I think 2001.)
Thanks, that's correct, I found reference to 2001 here:
http://eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=SYT4ZKN002BFSQSNDBESK HA?articleID=175006885

Some VERY interesting new info from the Teleread Blog...apparently iRex told Banko Collins (he visited them and is now writing a review on Teleread) that the Iliad can handle 10000+ Page-Turns on a fully loaded battery. WOW!
So it's about the same as for the HanLin readers. Thanks, I put that info in our matrix!

My concern right now is less the DRM than the content availability. Sony, for all it's bad DRM history, seems to at least have addressed this, while content for the others are a big question mark at this point. Since for me this is a recreational reading device - not for practical, educational, or business use, I would be really hesitant to buy anything but the Sony until I know that the same or better level of content will be available for the others.

I would also think that textbooks would be a wonderful niche for these. I can remember carrying many pounds of bulky texts to class though 8 years of college! I wonder if anyone is planning this use? It could be a big foot in the door and given the cost of college texts, the $350 or so cost of the devices would not be all that significant.

I read the matrix comparison post that you have made available. I'm wondering is there anyway to anticipate the quality i.e. the longevity of these second generation ebook readers? I have a ebookman 911 and it is starting to breakdown and I don't think I can get it fixed. Do you think one manufactuer-Sony,Jinke, Dutch- is more reliable than the other two? It's my experience that if things go wrong with the hardware they don't repair it, they replace it. What kind of warranty is coming with these new units. TIA EDUJ

I think this is the kind of things that manufacturers should be taken to task for.

Yes, I'm being picky, but if you have to convert a file from RTF or TXT to some other format to make it readable, than it is dishonest to say that the Sony Reader "supports" RTF or TXT. Supports should mean, to my ornery self, you can load an RTF or TXT file right on the thing and it will work.

I wish the marketing literature did a better job of differentiating what formats are supported natively (without conversion) and which ones are supported via conversion. This is why I am still confused about whether or not PDF is natively supported, because the blurbs on the Sony website suggest it both ways.

Mostly, I'm just tired of converting stuff. :grin2:


i agree :)

/signed

a big plus for the Iliad, apparently the only device that does not need to convrt everything.
i only hope a company like mobipocket makes a free multi-format and full-featured reader for this platform.
iRex doe not want to make the viewers itself as it seems and is messing about with dedicated viewers for the different formats...not a good idea in my opinion.

What kind of warranty is coming with these new units. TIA EDUJ

Jinke V8 is the only device, you can really buy now (F.O.B. Tianjin $250).

Here is a pdf file with user manual & warranty for Jinke V8 Readman
http://www.jinke.com.cn/compagesql/upload/download/downres00000049.pdf

It's written in realy awful english, but it's all we have now ((
Until there is no real Sony & Irex - no real user manuals & warranties...

More then 30 days left to the end of April (official Irex shipment), and more then 60 to Sony's shipment (end of spring) - many things can change up to that time.

and more then 60 to Sony's shipment (end of spring)

Actually, I read somewhere that the Sony was supposed to be releaseed in April, but that may have been conjecture by the writer. I don't recall where I read it.

Of course, who really knows whether any manufarcturer will meet their "projected" release date? They seldom seem to....

Take Care

Actually, I read somewhere that the Sony was supposed to be releaseed in April,


http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?&ProductSKU=PRS500
"Available in Spring 2006." - means till the end of of spring Sony probably will tell us, they begin sell it ))

But the pop up picture of Connect store
http://products.sel.sony.com/pa/prs/reader_features.html

gives us some hope, this device will be available before 19 may (see Da Vinci book announcement).
So, the pessimistic, but real date, we can operate with - about 15th May.

From today it means more then 50 days. (((

So, the pessimistic, but real date, we can operate with - about 15th May.

I found the April release reference. It was PC World.....

PC World Sony Reader (http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,124126,00.asp)

I found the April release reference. It was PC World.....


Unfortunately, it means nothing (((
The only thing I know exactly - Sony wants and needs to be the first company in this market. With e-ink readers I mean. So, may be we'll see it in April, before Irex. ))

There was a post in the Suggestions forum at Mobipocket asking if they would develop software for the Iliad. The reply was:
"Perhaps. It is still in discussion."
At least that is something - we can hope!

that would be cool...mobipocket is a good piece of software...:-)

and it's free... :scholar:

I think, it would be good to add an info about displays dimensions - (in mm), not only in pixels (800x600) and inches (6", 8.1")

For example (Jinke, Sony) - Primary Display (90mm by 120mm) 6-inch SVGA 800x600 4 grey scales, 166.7pp
Irex - Primary Display (XXmm by XXXmm) 8.1-inch XGA 1024x768 16 grey scales, 158ppi

I think, it would be good to add an info about displays dimensions - (in mm), not only in pixels (800x600) and inches (6", 8.1")

For example (Jinke, Sony) - Primary Display (90mm by 120mm) 6-inch SVGA 800x600 4 grey scales, 166.7pp
Irex - Primary Display (XXmm by XXXmm) 8.1-inch XGA 1024x768 16 grey scales, 158ppi
That's a good idea, let's try to find the info for the iRex's dimensions somewhere.

122x163mm
it's right there in the data-pdf....-)
http://www.irextechnologies.com/downloads/Productleaflet-Iliad.pdf

122x163mm
it's right there in the data-pdf....-)
http://www.irextechnologies.com/downloads/Productleaflet-Iliad.pdf
Thanks guys, it's updated.

The matrix lists the internal Sony Reader memory as 64 MB; however, the CONNECT software lists the internal memory available on my Reader as 91.9. To test this I loaded enough files to fill it and it did indeed hold about 90 MB of files.

The matrix lists the internal Sony Reader memory as 64 MB; however, the CONNECT software lists the internal memory available on my Reader as 91.9. To test this I loaded enough files to fill it and it did indeed hold about 90 MB of files.
This is true for me too. Does anyone know the exact number of available memory?

I seem to remember hearing somewhere that the total memory was something like 128 Mb -- I wouldn't put too much weight on that, I don't know how reliable it is.

Whatever the 'total' memory is, they clearly put the OS/App set into it too, and we get whatever's left over. As noted, right now it's around 90Mb. I think the "64 Mb of User Accessible Memory" thing is more in the area of a statement that they don't plan to fill so much of the internal memory that they leave us less than that 64 Mb.

I guess I said all that to say this: whatever the current usable memory is, I think it's likely to move around some with firmware updates. :shrug:

That's a lot of speculation in there, so salt to taste. :nice:

igorsk has a definitive answer on the memory size (from this thread (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8798)):

The total size of installed flash memory is 128MB. The size of the user's data partition is 91.875MB.Seeing as it's igorsk, it's good enough for me. :yes:

I read the matrix comparison post that you have made available. I'm wondering is there anyway to anticipate the quality i.e. the longevity of these second generation ebook readers? I have a ebookman 911 and it is starting to breakdown and I don't think I can get it fixed. Do you think one manufacture-Sony,Jinke, Dutch- is more reliable than the other two? It's my experience that if things go wrong with the hardware they don't repair it, they replace it. What kind of warranty is coming with these new units. TIA EDUJ

I noticed on the Sony page, service plans much like the apple service plans.
1 yr $ 69 or 79 , then progressively more up to 4 yrs. It may have been $39ish for one year now that I think about it. These included accidental damage.
Between that and the online offers of $150 in ebooks and another $50 in classics
(unfortunately ends today... has to be registered by 07/31/2007) would make the Sony a real contender as price after all ebooks is $100. But there is also the chase credit card deal if you can find the right offer page and get in. Thats $50 but you need to get approved, get the card, then register on the Sony rewards site, and $299 will be billed to card, and 8 weeks later credited back.

:book2:digicatz:cool:

Yes, I'm being picky, but if you have to convert a file from RTF or TXT to some other format to make it readable, than it is dishonest to say that the Sony Reader "supports" RTF or TXT. Supports should mean, to my ornery self, you can load an RTF or TXT file right on the thing and it will work.
:

You do load the file directly to the reader and it works. The software may do a conversion as part of the downloading to the reader but you don't notice any coversion taking place and it doesn't take any time.

I think this is the kind of things that manufacturers should be taken to task for.

Yes, I'm being picky, but if you have to convert a file from RTF or TXT to some other format to make it readable, than it is dishonest to say that the Sony Reader "supports" RTF or TXT. Supports should mean, to my ornery self, you can load an RTF or TXT file right on the thing and it will work.

I wish the marketing literature did a better job of differentiating what formats are supported natively (without conversion) and which ones are supported via conversion. This is why I am still confused about whether or not PDF is natively supported, because the blurbs on the Sony website suggest it both ways.

Mostly, I'm just tired of converting stuff. :grin2:
The Sony Reader will read RTF and TXT directly. It always has. We just suggest converting to LRF because you can have a better format in most cases. When you read RTF, links and graphics do not work and if the font size is too small, it won't show very well. Text is just text and if the line ends are a mess or the paragraphs are a mess then it's just a messy read. So yes, the literature saying the Reader supports RTF and TXT is 100% correct.

I noticed on the Sony page, service plans much like the apple service plans.
1 yr $ 69 or 79 , then progressively more up to 4 yrs. It may have been $39ish for one year now that I think about it.
:book2:digicatz:cool:

That's ok if you're a US resident but for the rest of us Sony wont even sell the reader to us. We have to go to a third party retailer in the US to buy them so don't get the chance to buy into the service plan.

hm.... from what I can tell, on that wiki comparison matrix page, under "hanlin v2" is shows a picture of the "hanlin v8." The specs that are in that column, what are they actually from?

hm.... from what I can tell, on that wiki comparison matrix page, under "hanlin v2" is shows a picture of the "hanlin v8." The specs that are in that column, what are they actually from?

The picture is actually depicting a v2, at least according to Jinke's homepage (http://www.jinke.com.cn/compagesql/English/embedpro/prodetail.asp?id=20). But then, it seems they brought out a new v2 device, the v2b (http://www.jinke.com.cn/Compagesql/English/embedpro/prodetail.asp?id=40), which does look indeed different, while the v8 looks now like the v2 from our Matrix. Quite confusing indeed. I'll contact them -- maybe they can shed some light into this. :rolleyes:

I'm looking to take the plunge and purchase an e-book reading device.

I already know I want an e-ink based device but after that I'm a bit stuck.

I've got down to 2 possibles I think, the iRex iLiad and the Bookeen CyBook V3.

Which device will give me the best range of reading material? What's the difference between e-ink and e-ink vizplex?

Am I even considering the right two devices?

I really need an ebook soon before my paper book habit gets me thrown out of the house! :book2:

Thanks in advance.

Chris

I'm hoping long term the irex will have a larger range of software developed for it as they're trying to make it more developer friendly. If anyone comes up with a version of the sony reader software ported to the iliad it will nearly be the perfect reader (shame about the price tho)

I've got down to 2 possibles I think, the iRex iLiad and the Bookeen CyBook V3.

Which device will give me the best range of reading material? What's the difference between e-ink and e-ink vizplex? Since you are outside the US, the Cybook is probably your best bet for a device with a 6" screen.

Vizplex is the newest E-Ink screen. Its primary improvement is faster page turn speed. The iLiad uses the previous generation of E-Ink, but its custom controller, larger size and 16 grey scales still gives it the edge in everything except the time required to go to a new page. It is significantly more expensive though.

Both the iLiad and the Cybook use MobiPocket Reader software, so there is little practical difference in available e-books. MOBI is the only "secure", DRM-ridden, format supported on these devices - but it is one of the most popular. The iLiad also has FBReader, which will read many (DRM-free) reflowable e-book formats. However, it is typically possible to convert a non-secure e-book to the MOBI format on a desktop computer. So MOBI support is enough (and Cybook will support more formats natively over time).

Standard A4 PDFs are readable on the iLiad, less so (even after optimization) on the Cybook. Note that neither one will read Secure Adobe e-books (Secure PDFs).

The E-book Reader Matrix mentions that the Cybook Gen3 supports the "OEB-XHTML" format. I could not find any confirmation of that on the official site or anywhere else...

Could you clarify where you got that information from?

Thanks,
Julien

Do any readers support TXT files compressed with RAR or ZIP?

Do any readers support TXT files compressed with RAR or ZIP?

Yes, I believe the Hanlin units support this.

Dale

Do any readers support TXT files compressed with RAR or ZIP? FBReader is available for the iLiad and supports tar, zip, gzip and bzip2 archives. RAR is not supported, because there is no open source implementation.

Unrar IS open source.

If I understand correctly, what the FBReader developers object to is that RAR archiving is not open source. So unrar will decode rar archives, but there is no way to create a rar archive using open source code.

One of the better features of open source projects is that they are free not to support anything they don't want to. This is sometimes frustrating for users, but on balance it is a good thing.

If I understand correctly, what the FBReader developers object to is that RAR archiving is not open source. So unrar will decode rar archives, but there is no way to create a rar archive using open source code.

One of the better features of open source projects is that they are free not to support anything they don't want to. This is sometimes frustrating for users, but on balance it is a good thing.

this is a much different answer than you gave last time.

Dale

Hi All,

I am a brand newy to all this ereader stuff and understand very little (Very impressive compelation of other ereader, but went straight over my head).

I am in Australia and at the moment the only ereader that i can find is the irex iLiad 2nd ed which can be posted from the US (this is roughly the same price for me to buy the 1st here in oz so i was just going straight for the 2nd ed). I was just wondering about people's thoughts on the ease of use of the iLiad, eg getting stuff from net to reader (is it through a computer?) and the battery life. Whilst it is still a little pricey, i am willing to pay due the the fact that i am an avid reader and i have just strated a new job with lots of travelling and pdf's to read. Are the pdf's, especially scientific papers easy to read on the iLiad?

Thanks for any help.

Cheers
novice

If PDFs are important to you, then yes, the iLiad is the best choice to make. If you want to read fiction, you can do so for a lot less money with the CyBook Gen3, or the Sony Reader.

I am in Australia and at the moment the only ereader that i can find is the irex iLiad 2nd ed which can be posted from the US (this is roughly the same price for me to buy the 1st here in oz so i was just going straight for the 2nd ed). I was just wondering about people's thoughts on the ease of use of the iLiad, eg getting stuff from net to reader (is it through a computer?) and the battery life. Whilst it is still a little pricey, i am willing to pay due the the fact that i am an avid reader and i have just strated a new job with lots of travelling and pdf's to read. Are the pdf's, especially scientific papers easy to read on the iLiad? The iLiad is definitely your best bet for scientific papers in PDF (try searching the iLiad forum for scientific and medical). Battery life is about 15 hours, and you connect the iLiad to any computer via USB to copy files to the iLiad (internal memory, or CF card, etcetera). It can also read from a USB stick, although I have never used this capability. I have not found the WiFi to be usable (i.e. to avoid the need for a desktop computer for downloads), because its web browsers are not yet very good.

Dymocks sells the Iliad, and I assume this is the 2nd edition, see Iliad now available from Dymocks $899 Aus (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17218).

If PDFs are important to you, then yes, the iLiad is the best choice to make. If you want to read fiction, you can do so for a lot less money with the CyBook Gen3, or the Sony Reader.
:)


The main thing the reader is for is fiction, with PDF being a second (although a close second). And with being a second, the price difference between the iLiad and the others becomes larger. Does anybody know how well the Cybook or the Sony reader go in viewing PDFs, are they good, passable or not good?

Also the other readers of the CyBook and the Sony reader, they say they take mobipocket format ebooks. Does this mean that any ebook store online that says a book is in mobipocket format can be used and read on these devices. When i was looking up the Sony reader i thought it said that the only books that could be read on it were from the sony online bookshop and then the bookshop said was only downloadable in the US. :chinscratch: though i may be wrong :o

Thanks for all the help

:)


The main thing the reader is for is fiction, with PDF being a second (although a close second). And with being a second, the price difference between the iLiad and the others becomes larger. Does anybody know how well the Cybook or the Sony reader go in viewing PDFs, are they good, passable or not good?

They are fine when reading PDFs correctly formatted for the 6" screen size of the device. They are pretty bad when reading A4/Letter sized PDFs - pretty obvious given the fact that they have a screen which has approximately 1/6th the area of an A4 sheet.

Also the other readers of the CyBook and the Sony reader, they say they take mobipocket format ebooks. Does this mean that any ebook store online that says a book is in mobipocket format can be used and read on these devices. When i was looking up the Sony reader i thought it said that the only books that could be read on it were from the sony online bookshop and then the bookshop said was only downloadable in the US. :chinscratch: though i may be wrong :o

The CyBook supports MobiPocket; the Sony does not.

But there are EASY ways of converting from Mobipocket and MS Reader into LRF that the 500/505 can display

But there are EASY ways of converting from Mobipocket and MS Reader into LRF that the 500/505 can display

... which may or may not be legal to use, according to where you live.

:)

I have had a look, and i have decided on the CyBook (Thanks Harry). I have ordered it today so will be here in a coulpe of weeks.

Are you able to tell me if the Cybooks are able to take all the formats on fictionwise; and if not, which ones do i avoid when buying.

Cheers

Are you able to tell me if the Cybooks are able to take all the formats on fictionwise; and if not, which ones do i avoid when buying. With FictionWise multi-format books you get all the formats for one price, and can download a different format later if you get a new reading device. If you want simplicity, then only buy multi-format or Secure MobiPocket e-books for your Cybook. Download the .PRC (MobiPocket) version of multi-format e-books. It is also possible to buy Secure Microsoft Reader (LIT) e-books, if you have a Windows PC, and convert them to DRM-free MOBI (where format shifting a DRM protected file is legal). If an e-book is only available in eReader format, this can probably be converted to DRM-free MOBI too - but the longest and best track record belongs to the LIT to MOBI approach. NEVER buy Secure Adobe Reader e-books.

I was considering getting a Cybook so that I could purchase ebooks in Mobipocket format. Since these are DRM'd, I expect I will have to use some proprietary software to download it to the Cybook and this will probably run only on Windows. Is this correct? Or will I be able to buy and put it in my reader using my Linux box?

I was considering getting a Cybook so that I could purchase ebooks in Mobipocket format. Since these are DRM'd, I expect I will have to use some proprietary software to download it to the Cybook and this will probably run only on Windows. Is this correct? Or will I be able to buy and put it in my reader using my Linux box?

Cybook does not require Windows. The id of the reader, obtained from the about screen, can be entered into the web site where you purchase the book and then you can just mount the reader via usb to move the file over.

Dale

Cybook does not require Windows. The id of the reader, obtained from the about screen, can be entered into the web site where you purchase the book and then you can just mount the reader via usb to move the file over.

Dale

That being said, if you want to use the Mobipocket Reader or Creator software, they are Windows only (according to the user manual). Not a deal breaker, but it's good to know :)

It is also possible to buy Secure Microsoft Reader (LIT) e-books, if you have a Windows PC, and convert them to DRM-free MOBI (where format shifting a DRM protected file is legal). If an e-book is only available in eReader format, this can probably be converted to DRM-free MOBI too.

How is this done, through which programme? And is it legal in Australia?

Also which version of mobipocket reader do people recommmend, version 6.1 or beta?


:thanks:

That being said, if you want to use the Mobipocket Reader or Creator software, they are Windows only (according to the user manual). Not a deal breaker, but it's good to know :)

They are, but tompe here at MR has written a freely available PERL tool for creating MobiPocket files which is platform independent.

Alexander et al, many thanks for an excellent compilation. This is gonna make it a lot easier to make my decision about which E Ink device to buy. :2thumbsup

I think I really do need to give one of these devices a try and move away from backlit screens, since many of you here seem so enthusiastic about E Ink.

Tommy

After looking at the comparative prices in the above matrix, I understand one major reason why ebook readers haven´t become popular items. The prices listed are roughly what anyone who understands computers would probably pay for a fully functional computer, on ebay. In fact one of my friends said he would definitely buy an ebook reader, only capable of reading ebooks; when they start selling them at around $80.

After looking at the comparative prices in the above matrix, I understand one major reason why ebook readers haven´t become popular items. The prices listed are roughly what anyone who understands computers would probably pay for a fully functional computer, on ebay. In fact one of my friends said he would definitely buy an ebook reader, only capable of reading ebooks; when they start selling them at around $80.

That same argument was used against computers over 30 years ago or even MP3 players less than 20 years ago. They were too expensive for what little they offered. As societal patterns began to change, more and more people bought them and the prices eventually fell as more and more people jumped on.

Will we see $80 ebook readers, maybe, but by the time we do you will be one of the last people without one ;)

BTW (on topic) THANK YOU for this matrix. I have been on the fence about an ebook reader (oddly enough i don't like reading physical books, I love electronic and need something portable) and I have been looking around for something like this. I really appreciate your efforts.

.. oh .. and Hi.. :)

There was a time when cars were the "playthings of the rich." Today you need at least two cars to be considered "poor." :D Things change -- once digital cameras were an expensive folly and now 35mm film cameras are show up on the one dollar table at flea markets.

After looking at the comparative prices in the above matrix, I understand one major reason why ebook readers haven´t become popular items. The prices listed are roughly what anyone who understands computers would probably pay for a fully functional computer, on ebay. In fact one of my friends said he would definitely buy an ebook reader, only capable of reading ebooks; when they start selling them at around $80.

I have wondered why people compare it to a computer? With an ebook reader you certain properties that you cannot get with a computer. So why are they directly comparable? You do not compare the price of for example food or clothes with the price of computers.

Hello,
having several subscriptions for e-paper newspapers and journals I download this with their URL`s including user name and password in pdf format to my MacBook for reading.

As a "mobile" PC has several disadvantages to read in different places and having few basic informations about the e-book devices I like to ask you in this forum: what is the best e-paper reader actually?

As I am traveling a lot, for me it would be important to download at any place by WLAN the e-paper in pdf directly to the e-reader (if possible without using a PC between). In order to read, it would be nice to avoid any additional steps beside first-time-configuration for reading (the parameters to get optimal reading conditions).

Any help is very useful. :help:

Thank you.

As I am traveling a lot, for me it would be important to download at any place by WLAN the e-paper in pdf directly to the e-reader (if possible without using a PC between). The only device that can do what you want is the iLiad 2nd Edition (not the Book Edition, which does not have WiFi). See The Guardian 24 automatic download (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22319). The largest issue would be whether you can get a WiFi connection on the iLiad while on travel. I'm also not sure how readable the PDFs will be, although the iLiad is again the best EInk device for that.

There are alternative methods to get newspapers, e.g. via RSS feeds, that may work better on smaller EInk devices - but they require connection to a computer. The exception is the Kindle, in the US only, which can deliver selected newspapers directly to the device via Whispernet (Sprint data network).

I'm not sure everyone will read this thread, so you may want to start your own in this sub-forum to get more feedback on newspapers.

Hi Wallcraft,

thank you for your post. Please let me know how to start a own thread at the right place. I am not a experienced forum user. I am already happy if I can read and few times write a post in a forum :-)

There are few questions for me if the iLiad 2nd edition is the choice for e-paper reading:

Wi-Fi:
I am living and travelling in Europe. There are enough Wi-Fi/WLAN connection points (offices, Interent shops, HotSpots, Hotels, Restaurants, airports,….). Is it easy to connect with Wi-Fi with the iLiad2 like with a PC (open networks and secure networks with name and WEP/WPA password)?

The "Guardian24 automatic download" and downloading of e-paper in general:
I Iost to much time in the past with computers to write „just a little command“ or a „simple software modification“ to do something special. Reading this thread it remains me to the past.
May the time is not ready to use this e-readers for e-paper and not only for e-books? If I spend between 300 and 600 Euro for such a reader I expect to have a product ready for my use (off course I have to configure once the parameters for my use). It is very easy to purchase an e-book and to read it on this e-readers. It should be the same with subscribed e-papers if there is enough interest in the market (newspaper ad journals in the Internet as pdf files, where I enter my username and password to download pdf files and I read with Adobe´s software PDF Reader).

Quality of PDF` reading:
This is a important point. I have never seen or used a iLiad2. May you know if the iLiad2 is automaticly selecting the best page view (makeup of the page)? The size of a newspaper is different to the size of the e-reader display.

RSS feeds:
There is a simular question as with newspapers as e-paper. Using internationally such an e-reader to read RSS feeds, I can not limit to feeds offered by an special network. Like with a computer I like to select any RSS feed in the world (mainly all are free available).
With my iPhone I read any RSS feed in the world very simply. But we agree even a smartphone like the iPhone is a small PC with all disadvantages of LCD-based mobile computers.

Well, there are many questions and issues to use e-readers for e-paper. The e-readers with e-ink are so far made basically for e-books. No question, e-readers also a very useful tools to read e-papers.

Please let me know how to start a own thread at the right place. Goto the Which one should I buy? (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=123) forum page and click on "NEW THREAD" near the top (and bottom) of the page.

Is it possible to update the chart with the bebook and Iliad Book edition?
Maybe I'll try it out myself!

Is it possible to update the chart with the bebook and Iliad Book edition?
Maybe I'll try it out myself!

There are both in the hardware comparison chart in the wiki. The BeBook is the same as the Hanlin V3 so there is no need for a separate entry.

Dale

It does - well indirectly, its Windows software converts text, RTF, and PDF to BBeB prior loading the text onto the device.

That is true for DOC but not true for text, RTF and PDF. The Sony can read those directly without conversion.

Dale

After reading, reading, reading, I think the one that sounds the best to me is the Cybook. I am not very techinical --- just enough to get by and sometimes do some impressive stuff but I have read so much that I am confusing myself.

Mobipocket seems to be the most universal format for e-books. I am very leary of the Kindle because I don't like the idea of being beholden to any one source for material. Amazon can price however they want and if they're the only place to go, not good.

Any thoughts on this? Anyone have a Cybook? Pros, cons? Matrix was OMG helpful, thank you so much.:help:

I see that .pdf format books are way available too. On sites like www.worldlibrary.net. Could I read those on my Cybook if I bought it?:help:

I thought I'd write this so that it would be helpful to those who are new to Reading books on their cell phones so that my experience can benefit them also. I'm not a big expert on the matter (actually half of the stuff like DRM and all I've never heard of; I just download, convert & read books) but I want this to be useful to someone or anyone for that matter. I've a Nokia E71 (previously had a N73 and all that I write here applies from my personal experience of both these cells) and I read books on it using Mobipocket Reader. I didn't buy a specialised device for reading ebooks or anything because I don't have the kind of funds for it (I live in Dubai and am saving up money for a license & a car which is a tall order so no dilly dally). I love technology but I think that it should satisfy all functions without being difficult to use. And from what I can tell, it is my responsibility to tell everyone else a way around spending too much money on anything. So here goes..
If you like to read books/have anything which is a Windows PC, Blackberry, Palm, Nokia (using a Symbian system), Sony Ericsson (using a Symbian system), Psion, Microsoft Smartphon or using Windows Mobile, Symbian OS or Palm OS, then why should on earth would you specially buy a specialized device to read books?
Just use Mobipocket Reader on your device. Here's what I do.
[1] I download and install Mobipocket Reader which available for Windows XP/Vista ( http://www.mobipocket.com/en/DownloadSoft/ProductDetailsReader.asp ) and Mobipocket Creator v4.2 Publisher Edition ( http://www.mobipocket.com/en/DownloadSoft/DownloadCreator.asp ). While installing the creator, I select Publisher Edition because it supports more formats (.doc, .txt, .html, .pdf).
[2] After I've installed both, I connect my N73 to the PC (and selected Connect by PC Suite). Witchcraft happens & Mobipocket Reader detects it and asks me do I want to install Mobipocket Reader on it as well. After being happy that this is so easy, I select yes. It downloads the file appropiate to my cell, and then tells me to finish the installation on my cell which I do and Bingo! All is done.
[3] Then I fall back on planet Earth from planet stupidly happy and remember that I still haven't converted any files to read in it. After weeks of trying, reading online, reading manuals and what not, I finally scream Eureka (not naked because I dont want people to faint) because I've found a simple and easy way to do it. This is the most important part of this post (I think) because whether you are a person who buys books like a normal good person or downloads them illegally from torrents like a criminal, it'll be useful for you. It's a complicated process (**sarcastic wink**) so get ready for it.
(a) I open Mobipocket Reader.
(b) I click on my Ebooks folder which has 183 ebooks (at the moment) and drag it to the Reader window.
(c) It converts it for me into the Mobipocket format (.prc).
(d) I connect my cell, it finds which ebooks aren't there on it and asks me to send them to device or not (you can attach as many devices as you want).
[4] Then I just disconnect the cell safely and use it.
[5] I often keep the background black and the font colour green as this makes the font the easiest to read.
[6] I even have the option for landscape mode or potrait mode so that makes it easier to read.

The point I'm trying to make is very simple. You don't have to necessarily spend extra money. All you've to do is to get some knowledge.
Anyway, I thought it'd be better to share my knowledge with those who want to start reading books on their cell and those whe want to streamline their reading experience.
[also posted on my blog so more people can gain help by it..]

Is there any sane reason behind leaving out K1 of this list?

I came here to see what's the largest reportedly working SD card size for K1 and I couldn't even find it in the matrix...

Why on Earth it isn't there? There are hundreds of thousands out there and now since the arrival of K2 and DX the used K1s are trickling down on the food chain as cheaper first entry devices.

Is there any sane reason behind leaving out K1 of this list?

I came here to see what's the largest reportedly working SD card size for K1 and I couldn't even find it in the matrix...

Why on Earth it isn't there? There are hundreds of thousands out there and now since the arrival of K2 and DX the used K1s are trickling down on the food chain as cheaper first entry devices.

You can find this sort of data in the wiki. http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Amazon_Kindle

this is a very old thread that is not comprehensive. It was started back in 2006. For reference data the wiki is a better source.

The answer to your question is: 4 Gig is the maximum stated in the specifications for the Kindle 1 but people have successfully used cards as large as 16 Gig.

Dale

You can find this sort of data in the wiki. http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Amazon_Kindle

this is a very old thread that is not comprehensive. It was started back in 2006. For reference data the wiki is a better source.

The answer to your question is: 4 Gig is the maximum stated in the specifications for the Kindle 1 but people have successfully used cards as large as 16 Gig.

Dale

Thanks, that was the info I was looking for.

However in the meantime I figured I'd be better off buying a bigger microSD card to replace the 4GB one in my phone and just use is with an adapter...
have to test it first though...

I believe micro SD cards are very limited. Biggest one I've ever seen was 2GB, but that was more than 2 years ago. They are also slower than regular SDHC cards; and who knows if the adaptor is slowing it down more or not.

I'd go with a regular SD card. But even then it is very unlikely you'll need more than 512MB for standard books, or 2GB for pdf files or pictures.
Having too many books on a card makes some readers very slow!

Only if Hanlin can support notes-taking.

We've compiled an overview of forthcoming 2nd-gen e-book reader devices that are all based on E Ink technology. They include two readers from Chinese Jinke (HanLin V2 and V8), one from Sony (Sony Portable Reader), and one from Dutch-based iRex (iLiad).

Link to the overview: http://www.mobileread.com/eink/

For corrections or add-ons, feel free to post anything that comes to your mind in this thread.

Also my thanks to May from Jinke for sending me his version of the device matrix. If I had to pick one of the devices based on quality of customer service, it'd certainly be a Jinke HanLin reader.

I was looking at the comparison matrix and noticed the new Sony PRS-300 has been added to the 5" section, but the PRS-600 is not in the 6" section. Any particular reason why?

I was looking at the comparison matrix and noticed the new Sony PRS-300 has been added to the 5" section, but the PRS-600 is not in the 6" section. Any particular reason why?

It will be, there is an article on the PRS600. We are kind of waiting for the announcement to see if it replaces the PRS505 or PRS700 which would cause them to be removed from the wiki comparison. It would be easier to replace one of them.

Dale

I was looking at the comparison matrix and noticed the new Sony PRS-300 has been added to the 5" section, but the PRS-600 is not in the 6" section. Any particular reason why? I added the PRS-300, but I did not add the PRS-600 because we should probably simultateously remove the PRS-700 and PRS-505 and I did not feel ready to do that yet. The PRS-700 is definately no longer being made, so converting the PRS-700 column to a PRS-600 would be one option. Don't forget that this is a wiki, if you want to add a column go ahead and add it.

A similar table of "legacy" devices might also be in order. It would include the PRS-500 and Kindle 1 at a minimum.

This is a fantastic service for people who are shopping for a mobile reading device. I'm going to be sending this link to a lot of people I know.

This is a fantastic service for people who are shopping for a mobile reading device. I'm going to be sending this link to a lot of people I know.

Great, it is already the most popular page in the wiki with more than 678,963 views. A few more won't hurt. There are lots of things in the wiki. And anyone can add more stuff, so long as it is related somehow to the mobileread theme.

Dale

Why isn't the E-slick present?