Decided on a Netbook

[cvkemp]

I have decided that I will be reading on my netbook for awhile; at least until things are decided in the ebook world. Why I can read books from kindle, barnes and noble, sony and MSreader etc. All have programs that will run on my netbook.

Chuck

[phenomshel]

I'm doing the same for now, Chuck. I still want something with a tablet form factor, though.

[carlobee]

Well that's still nice. personal preference i should say.

[Dylrob]

I've seriously considered buying a netbook to use as an ebook reader. It would be nice to have a big display, plus be able to read any format without restrictions. The main thing holding me back is the screen technology; I want to be able to read in daylight, which is rather difficult with a transmissive LCD. Right now I'm waiting to see if and when some manufacturer will incorporate a Pixel Qi screen into one of their netbooks.

[phenomshel]

Originally Posted by carlobee

Well that's still nice. personal preference i should say.

Oh, definitely personal preference. I know LOTS of people who won't read on an LCD. It doesn't bother me, but some people it does. Just all depends on what works for you. I do love the ability to read any format though, with very little to no conversions. That's the biggest attraction to reading on a netbook, in my opinion.

[MikeRo]

Originally Posted by phenomshel

I'm doing the same for now, Chuck. I still want something with a tablet form factor, though.

Ask and ye shall receive - the Touch Book:
http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/home/index.htm

Specs:

• 9.7" x 7" x 1.3" for around 3 lbs (with keyboard)
• ARM Texas Instruments OMAP3 chip
• 1024x600 8.9'' screen
• Storage: 8GB SD card
• Wifi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth
• 3-dimensional accelerometer
• Speakers, micro and headphone
• 8 USB 2.0 (4 internal, 4 external)
• 10 hours of battery life

Price is $299 tablet only or $399 with keyboard. Sounds like they are backlogged though and are not immediately shipping.

[phenomshel]

Originally Posted by MikeRo

Ask and ye shall receive - the Touch Book:
http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/home/index.htm


Specs:

• 9.7" x 7" x 1.3" for around 3 lbs (with keyboard)
• ARM Texas Instruments OMAP3 chip
• 1024x600 8.9'' screen
• Storage: 8GB SD card
• Wifi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth
• 3-dimensional accelerometer
• Speakers, micro and headphone
• 8 USB 2.0 (4 internal, 4 external)
• 10 hours of battery life

Price is $299 tablet only or $399 with keyboard. Sounds like they are backlogged though and are not immediately shipping.

LOL, thanks, Mike. Yeah, I already checked this out. I should have said in my post that not only do I want a tablet form factor, I want Windows and some serious hardware. Yep, I'm picky .

For example: My netbook has Windows 7, a 250 gig HD, and 2 gigs of RAM. If I could find a tablet with those specs for the same price I got the netbook, I'd be delirously happy. However, what I'm finding is they all either have small SS drives, (nothing wrong with SSD's they just don't have the room I want), or the ones with the specs I do want are hideously expensive. The Archos 9 came closest, but I decided to wait til next year when *maybe* there are a few more devices like that on the market and we know more about them.

[LDBoblo]

Yeah, if battery life isn't a serious concern, netbooks and tablets are much better choices for most people, especially if they plan to read and use a variety of documents.

[Sonist]

Originally Posted by LDBoblo

Yeah, if battery life isn't a serious concern, netbooks and tablets are much better choices for most people, especially if they plan to read and use a variety of documents.

Hm, I'd guess most who went with a reader, did so because of the screen technology, not because of battery life.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by Sonist

Hm, I'd guess most who went with a reader, did so because of the screen technology, not because of battery life.

How do you hold a netbook to read comfortably? A tablet might work, if it is very light and doesn't get hot. Two very big "if's".

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by Sonist

Hm, I'd guess most who went with a reader, did so because of the screen technology, not because of battery life.

Battery life was a factor for me. Though some netbooks now can run for up to 10 hours, which is quite adequate.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Sonist

Hm, I'd guess most who went with a reader, did so because of the screen technology, not because of battery life.

For me it's a combination of three factors: screen clarify, light weight, and long battery life. Battery life is definitely a factor: anyone who, as I did, bought the original 1st generation CyBook, which would, if you were lucky, give you 90 minutes of usage between charges, I'm sure will testify to that.

[cvkemp]

The screen I have is an LED screen and it does very well in the bright sunlight. Not as good as a eink but good.
I am with you on LCD screens that would not work at all.
And yes it is a personal choice and I am not saying everyone should do the same.
Chuck

[HarryT]

LED screen? What device is that? I've not seen an LED screen in, it must be at least 20 years!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by HarryT

LED screen? What device is that? I've not seen an LED screen in, it must be at least 20 years!

Yeah, what netbook?

I have an Acer Aspire and don't care for it for reading ebooks any more than reading them on my desktop. I want to hold the book, like a book and be able to hold in one hand and change pages, while in bed, walking curled up on a couch or chair, I want to throw it in my backpack and not have to worry about bringing a charger along etc. etc. etc.

Edit: I think he means this:
http://www1.ap.dell.com/au/en/home/n...s=audhs1&s=dhs

Says it has an LED display.