Quote:
Originally Posted by abeaty
Are the iRex DR800SGs still selling for $650? That is the best price I could find for one. Wow if that is true, $630 gets me an 16GB iPad with 3G - I know why they are in chapter 11. iPads are expensive and they give a whole lot more functionality than the iRex reader, no? So iRex units are incredibly expensive.
In terms of the Onyx Boox vs the BeBook Neo, is one intended for Europe and one for North America? Are they the same hardware (ie. do the fireware updates work interchangeably)?
Any recommended vendors to buy one or both?
Thanks.
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Onyx Boox is the "original". BeBook Neo uses exactly the same hardware and a (slightly) modified firmware. Both firmwares are freely exchangeable back and forth.
It shouldn't make any difference, which one to buy. I'd simply go for the one, that's easier available in your region.
Concerning "iPad vs. iRex 800":
First of all, the relatively high price of iRex 800 and similar readers seems perfectly in line with the entire product range of ePaper readers. They all use the same displays, which is one of the key cost drivers. Until recently, prices of all ePaper readers had been in line. About 3 months ago, prices from some vendors started to drop. Basically, the ones with additional revenue stream (Amazon, B&N, ...) did reduce the hardware prices to a competitive level re. iPad (whether that comparison makes sense or not).
Most of the other vendors, like iRex or PocketBook, did struggle with those prices. Having no additional revenue stream via eBook sales (or Amazon's sheer limitless resources in the background) and being a niche player anyway, how should you be able to reduce your prices by 40%?
As a sole reader, I still highly prefer iRex 800 or PocketBook 360 over iPad. Less weight, way longer battery life (even with WiFi off, iPad makes less than half or the better ePaper readers) and (to me) slightly more convenient readability. For now, I find Kindle DX Graphite and Apple iPad a perfect combo. Similar size, so perfect for transporting together in my suitcase. Mainly reading Amazon books anyway, so perfectly keeping them in sync on both units. When going to the beach or other crowded or "dirty" places, I'll take PocketBook 360 instead of Kindle DX. Can you see yourself, taking iPad with you to the beach?