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TallMomof2 · 12-12-2007, 05:41 PM

DH knows I'm a gadget freak and surprised me with an Iliad. I'm trying to figure it out but I'm a little disappointed because of the steep learning curve as compared to the Kindle.

Some background, Windows XP user, not afraid of trying new things, used to program in Fortran and C+ and once upon a time knew DOS like a geek. I learned programming when it meant midnight runs with a card deck to the computer lab and waiting hours for printouts. Never a sys admin so didn't learn much about UNIX. I plan to convert my PC into a dual boot XP/Linux (Ubuntu) but that's way down on my "To Do" list.

What I like about the Iliad as compared to the Kindle:

1. Bigger Screen
2. 16 shades of gray (as compared to 4), pictures are a joy.
3. Open platform, potential to do more.
4. I can read my Mobi DRMed books.

What I don't like:

1. Slower to boot up, no sleep mode.
2. Slower to load the same book.
3. Some MobiPocket files don't look quite as nice as on the Kindle but if I fiddle with the font size I can make them readable.
4. Cold metal case.
5. Heavier than the Kindle.
6. Battery charge is way less than the Kindle with the wireless turned off.
7. USB 1.0
8. What's up with the travel adapter for all the cables? It seems like old technology to me.
9. MobiPocket Reader doesn't identify the newsfeeds on the Iliad, the Kindle does. That makes it far easier to find on the Kindle.

What I like about the Kindle is that it's easy to read a newspaper and subscribe to blogs. Yes, it costs extra but I haven't figured any other way to get them onto the Iliad besides MobiPocket. I'd like to able to find a fairly easy way to load them onto my Iliad without using MobiPocket. I've looked at aggregators but I don't know how to get that onto the Iliad. The Kindle is easy to use, yes that ease of use costs money and if you buy books from Amazon you're locked in to their device.

I've requested and downloaded the developer's package but I hesitate to try anything else until I can figure out how to reflash with the CF card. The directions are as clear as mud to me but it's been a long, long time since I programmed anything.

Some of the third party apps are intriguing but I want to wait until I can reflash the Iliad before I venture out.

What does the Newspaper button do? Where and how can you get content?

I think once I figure out how to use the Iliad I'll like it more.

12-12-2007, 05:41 PM	#1
TallMomof2 Kindlephilia Posts: 2,017 Karma: 1139255 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Snowpacolypse 2010 Device: Too many to count	New Iliad DH knows I'm a gadget freak and surprised me with an Iliad. I'm trying to figure it out but I'm a little disappointed because of the steep learning curve as compared to the Kindle. Some background, Windows XP user, not afraid of trying new things, used to program in Fortran and C+ and once upon a time knew DOS like a geek. I learned programming when it meant midnight runs with a card deck to the computer lab and waiting hours for printouts. Never a sys admin so didn't learn much about UNIX. I plan to convert my PC into a dual boot XP/Linux (Ubuntu) but that's way down on my "To Do" list. What I like about the Iliad as compared to the Kindle: 1. Bigger Screen 2. 16 shades of gray (as compared to 4), pictures are a joy. 3. Open platform, potential to do more. 4. I can read my Mobi DRMed books. What I don't like: 1. Slower to boot up, no sleep mode. 2. Slower to load the same book. 3. Some MobiPocket files don't look quite as nice as on the Kindle but if I fiddle with the font size I can make them readable. 4. Cold metal case. 5. Heavier than the Kindle. 6. Battery charge is way less than the Kindle with the wireless turned off. 7. USB 1.0 8. What's up with the travel adapter for all the cables? It seems like old technology to me. 9. MobiPocket Reader doesn't identify the newsfeeds on the Iliad, the Kindle does. That makes it far easier to find on the Kindle. What I like about the Kindle is that it's easy to read a newspaper and subscribe to blogs. Yes, it costs extra but I haven't figured any other way to get them onto the Iliad besides MobiPocket. I'd like to able to find a fairly easy way to load them onto my Iliad without using MobiPocket. I've looked at aggregators but I don't know how to get that onto the Iliad. The Kindle is easy to use, yes that ease of use costs money and if you buy books from Amazon you're locked in to their device. I've requested and downloaded the developer's package but I hesitate to try anything else until I can figure out how to reflash with the CF card. The directions are as clear as mud to me but it's been a long, long time since I programmed anything. Some of the third party apps are intriguing but I want to wait until I can reflash the Iliad before I venture out. What does the Newspaper button do? Where and how can you get content? I think once I figure out how to use the Iliad I'll like it more.