cross posted from The Digital Reader
(http://www.the-digital-reader.com)
Viewsonic announced 2 new e-readers yesterday at The Gadget Show Live in the UK.The details in the press release are rather sparse, but I do have some information.

The VEB 620 & VEB 625 both have a 6″ epaper screen, 2GB storage, SD card slot, and an accelerometer. The VEB 625 also has Wifi and a touchscreen. If you look at the picture on the left, you can see the letters 3G on the bottom edge. There was no mention in the press release, so don’t get your hopes up. Also, I’m still waiting to hear about format support.

The devices were only announced for a European release and are supposed to be available now. The projected retail is £175 (VEB 620) and £205 (VEB 625), and both prices are excluding VAT.

Seems to be based on Netronix software, isn't it ? The page footer looks very similar...

Seems to be based on Netronix software, isn't it ? The page footer looks very similar...

I agree. Also, the beveled left and right edges remind me of the PB302. This could be the first coop Pocketbook/Netronix design.

You're right ! I'm using the 302 pic as avatar and I didn't notice it :smack:
The PCB layout seems also new.

Viewsonic has the spec sheet on their European website:
http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk/assets/074/16573.pdf

File support: XML(epub, fb2), HTML(html, htm), pdf, txt, rtf, mp3

Features:
Book Library
Bookmark
Note Taking (VEB 625)
Text Search
Music Mode
Font Size (S/M/L/XL/XXL)
Landscape
Go To Page
Delete

I think it interesting that they don't mention any image file formats. Didn't see any mention of a dictionary, either.

Still, if it was available in the U.S. I would be very interested in the VEB 625. I have just about given up any hope that the promised 8" - 10" devices will be available this year.

That thing glares as hell.
There're some real pictures at the-ebook.org .

VEB625 model has got stylus and WiFi: could it be the same Netronix 604 device turned into the new device that Pocketbook is going to sell as 602?

BTW, When will it be distributed outside UK?

This is also a PDF user guide under downloads at Viewsonic >> VEB625 (http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk/products/ebook/veb625.htm). These look like a very nice devices, however there is no mention of Adobe Digital Edtions or Adobe DRM in anything I have seen so far (although I assume it is supported). I agree with gastan that there does not seem to be a dictionary.

Back on March 24th, The EBook (http://www.the-ebook.org/?p=3228) reported that these are made by Jinke. That would be a departure for them, but with PocketBook becoming the direct brand for Netronix I can see Jinke branching out into OEM waters.

The spec sheet talks of using the motion sensor to turn pages. That, plus the button layout suggests it may be a Pocketbook Global relative.

Looks overpriced and me-too from a feature standpoint. Coming this late to market, I'd think they would be looking to do something special. What makes this compelling vs. a Sony, Kindle or Nook?

Rob Preece
Publisher, www.BooksForABuck.com

The spec sheet talks of using the motion sensor to turn pages. That, plus the button layout suggests it may be a Pocketbook Global relative.

I agree. Jinke A6 specification does not talk about G sensor. http://www.jinke.com.cn/Compagesql/English/embedpro/newpro.asp
It talks about capacitive touchscreen (doesn't talk about stylus). Plus, A6 accessories don't include neither cover nor strap (Pocketbook does).

Well, time will tell...

Looks overpriced and me-too from a feature standpoint. Coming this late to market, I'd think they would be looking to do something special. What makes this compelling vs. a Sony, Kindle or Nook?


You're right, if you consider it from an American point of view, not from a European one. Consider that:

- they will be sold in Europe only;

- Nook is not sold in Europe;

- If you buy Kindle from Europe you have to pay expensive shipping costs + import taxes which amount to 25%;

- Sony PRS600 costs 299 euros and PRS300 is 199 euros. Plus, believe it or not, Sony does not sell directly ereaders in many European countries (Italy and Spain, for example). If you consider that 1 euro = 1,33 dollar...

the row of 5 buttons seems superfluous to me. their functions could all be handled by the 5-way.

Can it browse the web via Wifi and/or 3G?

viewsonic previously sold the 6inch Netronix as the VEB612 http://www.viewsonic.com/products/veb612.htm so it stands to reason that this is Netronix again.

Can it browse the web via Wifi and/or 3G?

the user guide talks about using the wifi to download materials from the web or from your home network

Can it browse the web via Wifi and/or 3G?

It has WiFi but doesn't mention 3G...I didn't see mention of a stylus either...but it works in bright sunlight (take that IPAD...lol)

there is a stylus - it mentions it in the diagrams

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49564&stc=1&d=1270864160

With color and fast-updating e-paper just a few months away, I'm finding it hard to get excited about yet another e-reader sporting a traditional screen.

With color and fast-updating e-paper just a few months away, I'm finding it hard to get excited about yet another e-reader sporting a traditional screen.


A few months? Like 3 months? Like 6 months? Like 12 months? More? Better not believe it until you see it. Better not hold your breath waiting -- you'll end up gasping at nothing.

I own a VEB612 and have been quite pleased with it,however one is unable to use Calibre to load books,this is annoying as you have to use the drop and drag method,I was wondering if these new readers have a user interface? Can anyone recomend a better method for loading books maybe something generic !