MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - First time e-ink owner with new 505

lkraven · 10-04-2007, 06:55 PM

This is a mini review-- I just received it about an hour ago and have breezed through a couple chapters.

I have been using ebook readers since early PalmOS days.

First was a Palm V (green on black backlit reading... ugh.)

Second was a Clie NX80-- it had a scroll wheel and high resolution. Still probably one of the best experiences I've had.

Third came an IPaq HX4700 with VGA resolution. Nice screen, but metamerism, shimmery blacks and heat made it not a great deal.

Then came a Nokia 770 followed by a Nokia 800. The Nokia 800 is by far the best screen, extremely high resolution, beautiful and great reading software. Unfortunately, the controls suck... the buttons are hard to push, and even so, with the small screen, fatigue sets in pretty fast.

For PDF reading, I use an ultracompact convertible Fujitsu P1610-- but heat, weight, and brightness issues are a major drag.

I had seen the 500 and thought about it and thought about it, but refused to give up my backlit reading. Finally, I was reading some paper books a couple weeks ago (blech) and set up a clip-on Ott light to my headboard on my bed. It was a nice experience, and I decided I would try E-Ink... right about the time the 505 was rumored.

Well, it came available on Tuesday, and I ordered it-- got it today.

First impressions are that the form factor and layout are great. I have played with the 500... it's curvy and... well, it felt like a first generation device. At least to me, the 505, with its clean straight lines, great cover, and the dark blue finish are much more appealing. It feels solid, but light, it's a good size, and there's nothing quite like an e-ink display.

As a first-time ebook appliance user, I have to say that as much as I was resisting the eInk technology due to lack of night-reading options, with the ott light or a hacked light wedge (I'm going to do it...) I may get the best of both worlds. There's been no eye strain at all so far, and it's just plain COOL. I like to read on my patio on weekend mornings with a cup of coffee. This is basically impossible to do with most backlit LCD type readers, as the ambient light makes it very difficult to get a good image that doesn't hurt your eyes... I expect the 505 will be ideal for this.

I will post better pictures, and follow up on this review as its day-to-day use "sinks" in.

Want to take the opportunity to everyone on this site-- as a lurker, your insight, reports, evangelism, and community spirit have been a major factor in my decision to go with an e-ink display. I'm sure there are many like me who appreciate all the knowledge and sharing that goes on here, so on behalf of the silent masses and myself, thanks everyone!

So far so good, I want to see what happens when the honeymoon is over. Hopefully we aren't looking at a messy divorce.

10-04-2007, 06:55 PM	#1
lkraven Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2007 Device: Nokia N800	First time e-ink owner with new 505 This is a mini review-- I just received it about an hour ago and have breezed through a couple chapters. I have been using ebook readers since early PalmOS days. First was a Palm V (green on black backlit reading... ugh.) Second was a Clie NX80-- it had a scroll wheel and high resolution. Still probably one of the best experiences I've had. Third came an IPaq HX4700 with VGA resolution. Nice screen, but metamerism, shimmery blacks and heat made it not a great deal. Then came a Nokia 770 followed by a Nokia 800. The Nokia 800 is by far the best screen, extremely high resolution, beautiful and great reading software. Unfortunately, the controls suck... the buttons are hard to push, and even so, with the small screen, fatigue sets in pretty fast. For PDF reading, I use an ultracompact convertible Fujitsu P1610-- but heat, weight, and brightness issues are a major drag. I had seen the 500 and thought about it and thought about it, but refused to give up my backlit reading. Finally, I was reading some paper books a couple weeks ago (blech) and set up a clip-on Ott light to my headboard on my bed. It was a nice experience, and I decided I would try E-Ink... right about the time the 505 was rumored. Well, it came available on Tuesday, and I ordered it-- got it today. First impressions are that the form factor and layout are great. I have played with the 500... it's curvy and... well, it felt like a first generation device. At least to me, the 505, with its clean straight lines, great cover, and the dark blue finish are much more appealing. It feels solid, but light, it's a good size, and there's nothing quite like an e-ink display. As a first-time ebook appliance user, I have to say that as much as I was resisting the eInk technology due to lack of night-reading options, with the ott light or a hacked light wedge (I'm going to do it...) I may get the best of both worlds. There's been no eye strain at all so far, and it's just plain COOL. I like to read on my patio on weekend mornings with a cup of coffee. This is basically impossible to do with most backlit LCD type readers, as the ambient light makes it very difficult to get a good image that doesn't hurt your eyes... I expect the 505 will be ideal for this. I will post better pictures, and follow up on this review as its day-to-day use "sinks" in. Want to take the opportunity to everyone on this site-- as a lurker, your insight, reports, evangelism, and community spirit have been a major factor in my decision to go with an e-ink display. I'm sure there are many like me who appreciate all the knowledge and sharing that goes on here, so on behalf of the silent masses and myself, thanks everyone! So far so good, I want to see what happens when the honeymoon is over. Hopefully we aren't looking at a messy divorce.