Quote:
Originally Posted by boxcorner
@ fjtorres
Sorry, I should have noticed the Pocketbook forum and thanks for the helpful link. Is Pocketbook a Russian company? I look forward to reading reviews of the 902 and users' comments in due course.
Comments about firmware delays are a bit off-putting. Am concerned about the reliability of their products and after-sales support. I can no longer afford to be an early adopter of gadgets, so nowadays prefer to let others be the pioneers.
Interesting that you think the Kindle 3's build quality is as good as the Sony. Is the membrane silicone rubber? Do the keys, when pressed, provide any tactile or audible feedback? What about the ergonomics - are the keys sufficiently well spaced? My fingers are not exactly dainty!
I read a lot of books, so that would be its main use. PDFs, infrequent.
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Pocketbook is Ukrainian.
The product I can speak to is the one I own, the PB360 which is a delight to own. Stable, solid, and ergonomically a joy to use for hours on end. The delayed firmware in question (as far as the PB360) is to bring new features without introducing new bugs. And between introducing new readers and stamping out the bugs during the beta testing, they are late releasing a bug-free version. (shrug) Your call whether you prefer frequent buggy updates or fewer debugged ones. While I would like to see the new software, bug free, the device I bought running the firmware it came with it rock solid, so I can't complain. Those that bought the PB302 expecting a more robust web browser might have a case though.
As to the kindle; yes, the build quality is as good as any. Why shouldn't it?
Kindles are solid and robust for all their thinness. Just because they are the cheapest doesn't mean they are poorly made; poorly made products don't last long in the marketplace, after all.
The keyboard has a sort-of tactile feedback from the dome switches but the real tactile feedback is on the buttons, which is what gets the bulk of the use. (I'm not a fan of keyboards or numbered switchboards on readers but the latest kindle design is not too offensive.) The keyboard is just a bunch of dome switches spaced out so as allow use by thick fingers. It's better (faster, more accurate) than an onscreen keyboard or a cellphone keyboard but it's nothing magical. What it is is minimally intrusive; it does not get in the way of holding/using the device.
The paging buttons is where the action is and the Kindle paging buttons are very good and very well-placed. Me, I favor side-mounted paging buttons over bottom mounted ones or swipe-screens so Sonys and iPads are automatically excluded right there. (Another reason I love my PB360; the size and button placement is perfect for my grip so the paging button naturally and comfortably falls under my thumb. All I have to do is increase the pressure slightly. The same applies to the Kindles and larger Pocketbooks. They're all descended from the original Nuvomedia Rocketbook, the granddaddy of ebook readers from 1998. I know a lot of people who refuse readers without side-mounted paging buttons so I'd suggest you give some thought to how *you* are going to hold the reader. Ergonomics matter, as you pointed out.
As to lighted cases, I don't use them.
But the Kindle 3 lighted case is highly rated:
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Lighted.../dp/B003DZ165W
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sINv06Wss4
Good luck!