Pepper Pad 3 runs FBReader and MobiPocket

wallcraft · 11-24-2006, 02:32 PM

The Pepper Pad 3 is now in stock at amazon.com for $659. It is about 2x as wide and high as a Nokia 770 (significantly wider than I expected), with the screen about 1.6x as wide and high (800x480). I find I use my PP3 on the arm of an armchair (it has a built in stand), and my 770 for portability around the house and on travel.

A major advantage of the PP3 is that its AMD Geode LX800 processor is i836 compatible, and it runs a nearly standard version of Fedora Core 4. This means that many FC4 GTK+ rpms can be used "as is".

FBReader is available, and is an example of standard FC4 rpms working without change. A very basic Mobipocket reader is bundled with the machine, so reading encripted e-books is possible. However, I still use the 770 as my primary e-book reader.

A 7" 800x480 screen appears to be very popular on UMPC's. This screen size and the Geode cpu are used by the Raon Vega and the Kohjisha SA1F00 (both available in the US from Dynamism).

Jack B Nimble · 12-11-2006, 05:59 PM

I would think the PP3 would be much more usable if it included a touchpad (pointer button, whatever you want to call it) to control an on-screen pointer rather than depend on pen input, since it seems well-designed for two-handed use. How is it to use two-handed and still navigate buttons and such?

Jack

wallcraft · 12-11-2006, 10:10 PM

In normal use, this is a touchscreen device and it works best for stuff that does not need heavy text input. I tend to use the pen and the scrollwheel only for most tasks. This works well for web navigation and for e-book reading. MobiPocket has on-screen arrows for next and last page, and both MobiPocket and FBReader accept the scrollwheel for the same purpose. The scrollwheel is large and below the right hand keypad, and works just like a standard mouse scrollwheel. I find the direction pad on the left less useful, although it will also page flip e-books.

You are correct, though, that two-handed text heavy work needs another navigation method. CarryPad's review made the same point. However, I don't know what kind of input device would work best. Two handed keypad operation is actually better for a small screen, if the input ergonomics could be sorted out.

For anything complicated I put the PP3 on a desk with a USB mouse and keyboard (bluetooth also available).

11-24-2006, 02:32 PM	#1
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,975 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	Pepper Pad 3 runs FBReader and MobiPocket The Pepper Pad 3 is now in stock at amazon.com for $659. It is about 2x as wide and high as a Nokia 770 (significantly wider than I expected), with the screen about 1.6x as wide and high (800x480). I find I use my PP3 on the arm of an armchair (it has a built in stand), and my 770 for portability around the house and on travel. A major advantage of the PP3 is that its AMD Geode LX800 processor is i836 compatible, and it runs a nearly standard version of Fedora Core 4. This means that many FC4 GTK+ rpms can be used "as is". FBReader is available, and is an example of standard FC4 rpms working without change. A very basic Mobipocket reader is bundled with the machine, so reading encripted e-books is possible. However, I still use the 770 as my primary e-book reader. A 7" 800x480 screen appears to be very popular on UMPC's. This screen size and the Geode cpu are used by the Raon Vega and the Kohjisha SA1F00 (both available in the US from Dynamism).

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does anyone own a Pepper-Pad? What's it like as a reader?	pilotbob	Alternative Devices	6	05-14-2008 12:39 AM
MobiPocket Java Reader on Pepper Pad 3	wallcraft	Reading and Management	7	02-04-2007 04:58 AM
Revamped Pepper Pad may be coming soon	Bob Russell	Alternative Devices	1	05-06-2006 01:42 AM
Pepper Pad hits the market soon	Alexander Turcic	Legacy E-Book Devices	0	05-20-2005 06:02 AM

12-11-2006, 05:59 PM	#2
Jack B Nimble Groupie Posts: 154 Karma: 672 Join Date: Oct 2006 Device: Tapwave Zodiac, eBookwise 1150	I would think the PP3 would be much more usable if it included a touchpad (pointer button, whatever you want to call it) to control an on-screen pointer rather than depend on pen input, since it seems well-designed for two-handed use. How is it to use two-handed and still navigate buttons and such? Jack

12-11-2006, 10:10 PM	#3
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,975 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	In normal use, this is a touchscreen device and it works best for stuff that does not need heavy text input. I tend to use the pen and the scrollwheel only for most tasks. This works well for web navigation and for e-book reading. MobiPocket has on-screen arrows for next and last page, and both MobiPocket and FBReader accept the scrollwheel for the same purpose. The scrollwheel is large and below the right hand keypad, and works just like a standard mouse scrollwheel. I find the direction pad on the left less useful, although it will also page flip e-books. You are correct, though, that two-handed text heavy work needs another navigation method. CarryPad's review made the same point. However, I don't know what kind of input device would work best. Two handed keypad operation is actually better for a small screen, if the input ergonomics could be sorted out. For anything complicated I put the PP3 on a desk with a USB mouse and keyboard (bluetooth also available).

Advert