[Jack Tingle]

After using the K3 for a few days, I've come to some conclusions. I also took a picture (below) trying for as fair a comparison of screen quality as I could get.

1) The K3, lower right in the picture, is slightly better in contrast than a printed page (top)! Both are better than the jetBook (lower left). That being said, the jetBook's contrast is adequate for almost any condition. On the gripping hand, Ectaco had better have a Pearl version of the jetBook in the plan, or they'll lose out.
1a) The K3 is more pleasing in lower light. [Thwack!] "Don't read in dim light, you'll ruin your eyes, stupid!"--Mom
2) The wireless purchase feature on the K3, which I thought would be a big plus, really isn't that big a deal. It saves a cable attach step. I tend to purchase my books on my laptop, just because you can see more. It's still a plus, but not a big one.
3) The 6" plus keyboard form-factor of the K3 is an annoyance. I prefer the smaller 5"/no-keyboard form of the jetBook. It's not a big difference, but it's there.
4) Control placement for normal functions on the jetBook is much better thought-out. The K3's paging controls are adequate, but nothing to write home about. The keyboard is probably responsible for part of this. The jetBook still excels in this area.
5) Format flexibility is jetBook's win, hand's down. And yes, I know how to convert file formats. The point is I shouldn't have to. These are commercial consumer devices. They're supposed to be idiot-proof. In this respect, jetBook, yes; K3 no. To be fair, I haven't exercised all of the K3 ecosystem's capabilities in this area. With the jetBook, I don't have to think about it.

As yet, it's still a toss up in my mind. HOWEVER, the jetBook had better have a Pearl screen version in the near future, or they won't get many new customers. If Astak manages to get one in their 5" reader, which is the closest in functionality to the jetBook, my jetBook might just wind up on eBay.

Regards,
Jack Tingle