For business use?

[patchamberlin]

I want to find an eReader that I can use to store all my related project files, i.e. Word docs, PowerPoint, Excel, Contacts and Calendar from Outlook. Can anyone suggest which eReader would be appropirate for this kind of use?

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by patchamberlin

I want to find an eReader that I can use to store all my related project files, i.e. Word docs, PowerPoint, Excel, Contacts and Calendar from Outlook. Can anyone suggest which eReader would be appropirate for this kind of use?

The simple answer - none.

What you need is a full-function palmtop computer, such as the new Nokia N810 (which I'm not sure will interface with MS Calendar or Outlook/Outlook Express) or a PDA like the Dell Axim x51 series or HP series. The killer point here is the need to sync with Calendar, Outlook and Powerpoint. Those are Microsoft apps, so you'd be better off getting a PDA which already has Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, etc. And that means a PDA running Windows Mobile.

Derek

[wallcraft]

I agree that existing eReaders won't work. One possibility is a UMPC running Windows or Vista. UMPC Portal is the best single source for info on such devices. In the US, Dynamism has the largest selection and the Raon Everun is a good choice - if its screen isn't too small.

[HarryT]

Agreed. You need a PDA/UMPC, not an eBook Reader.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by patchamberlin

I want to find an eReader that I can use to store all my related project files, i.e. Word docs, PowerPoint, Excel, Contacts and Calendar from Outlook. Can anyone suggest which eReader would be appropirate for this kind of use?

The closest eink based device you'll find that fits hat you want is the iRex iLiad. And even then, it won't do what you want well enough. You are best with a PDA or UMC which will do what you want the way you want.

[patchamberlin]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The closest eink based device you'll find that fits hat you want is the iRex iLiad. And even then, it won't do what you want well enough. You are best with a PDA or UMC which will do what you want the way you want.

All I wanted to do was be able to read Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files as PDF's, would the iRex be ok for that?

[JSWolf]

Yes the iRex iLiad would be good for reading PDF. The thing to do is set the page size appropriately to the screen and it'll come out quite nice

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Yes the iRex iLiad would be good for reading PDF. The thing to do is set the page size appropriately to the screen and it'll come out quite nice

But it won't handle Excel and Powerpoint files. And I don't know about Word files either. Then there's the fact that you can't really *input* data into these, or can you?

Derek

[patchamberlin]

Originally Posted by delphidb96

But it won't handle Excel and Powerpoint files. And I don't know about Word files either. Then there's the fact that you can't really *input* data into these, or can you?

Derek

I'm guessing that I can make PDF's of any file type including Excel and Powerpoint. I've no need to input (I'll use my laptop for modifying files) all I really want to do is read the files and apply some basic mark-up for updating later. From what I've read I undersstand that the iRex offers basic stylus based annotation.

[HarryT]

Yes, you could generate PDFs, but wouldn't you be better off with a device which can handle these file formats natively? Sounds as if you're trying to find an excuse to buy an eInk machine .

[HappyMartin]

Go on, buy an iLiad, you know you want to. I used the excuse about how much money I would save in the long run.

Jokes aside it is surprisingly useful for work.