MobileRead Forums - View Single Post

Nate the great · 01-08-2010, 07:14 PM

I visited this company's booth at CES. They are a Chinese company with 4 ebook readers on the market. They actually brought a fifth model that was new to me. Several different models are being distributed in Europe.

The 4 models are the N516, N518, N520, and the N526. All 4 use the same 5" e-ink screen and CPU. They also all use FBReader to display ebooks. The latter 2 models have keyboards, the first two do not. The N518 and the N526 also have touchscreens. As you can see, Hanvon has a nice balance between touchscreen and keyboard options.

I encountered a serious problem with the N520 and N526: I can't use the keyboard. I didn't realize until I had my hands on them but the keyboard buttons are too small. It's not obvious in a photo because the ratio between the keyboard and the screen appears to be about the same as on the Kindle, and that one was quite usable. But these 2 ereaders have a smaller screen.

I also don't like the N516 and N518, but this is really more of a personal preference. I think the buttons are too small. I also found it easy to miss the buttons when pressing while reading. BTW, I own a Jetbook (similar size), and I'm quite happy with it and its buttons.

01-08-2010, 07:14 PM	#1
Nate the great Sir Penguin of Edinburgh Posts: 12,375 Karma: 23555235 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro area Device: Shake a stick plus 1	Hanvon ebook readers I visited this company's booth at CES. They are a Chinese company with 4 ebook readers on the market. They actually brought a fifth model that was new to me. Several different models are being distributed in Europe. The 4 models are the N516, N518, N520, and the N526. All 4 use the same 5" e-ink screen and CPU. They also all use FBReader to display ebooks. The latter 2 models have keyboards, the first two do not. The N518 and the N526 also have touchscreens. As you can see, Hanvon has a nice balance between touchscreen and keyboard options. I encountered a serious problem with the N520 and N526: I can't use the keyboard. I didn't realize until I had my hands on them but the keyboard buttons are too small. It's not obvious in a photo because the ratio between the keyboard and the screen appears to be about the same as on the Kindle, and that one was quite usable. But these 2 ereaders have a smaller screen. I also don't like the N516 and N518, but this is really more of a personal preference. I think the buttons are too small. I also found it easy to miss the buttons when pressing while reading. BTW, I own a Jetbook (similar size), and I'm quite happy with it and its buttons. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Nate the great; 01-08-2010 at 07:19 PM.