Teleread has an
in-depth review of the Cybook, a dedicated e-book reader with a 10" color LCD screen. This is the
second in-depth review I've read, and it tries to make the Cybook look much better than the first.
The review dissected for you in a few words:
Pros:
- the price ($499) is a bargain
- handles a variety of formats (Mobipocket, Html, Txt, Word, non-DRM PDB, promise to support OeBF)
- large 10" 800x600 256-color screen (especially good for visually impaired)
- screen's sharpness leaves most competitors (except Librie) in the dust
- extra-thick letters on virtual keyboard
- comfortable form factor
- no lack of speed despite antique technology (old OS and CPU)
Cons:
- slight screen flicker which could be fixed through settings
- less durable due to the size of the screen
- "minor" risk of getting dusk under the screen
- difficult to access battery status
What is interesting is that Teleread is so "ohhh that is so great" about this reader. I must admit I have never seen the Cybook myself, but after reading aRMiTaG3's
hands-on review two months ago, I have serious doubts that this dedicated reader would make my life any better. Common guys, you think it is a minor problem to get dust under the screen? Even if you try a rudimentary fix, purchasing a second stylus and keeping it inside the reader (where should I then put my first stylus when I don't use the reader?), it is a serious quality problem if dust can enter underneath your device screen. I had one of the first Sony Clie PDAs, and its screen was so full with dust particles that it literally drove me nuts. I am not intending to go up the walls again.
I also don't think that the price of $499 is a "bargain", considering that all you can do with this reader is, well reading e-books. I don't see the justification for this price tag. The technology is outdated, there is no PCMCIA/CF adapter included, and the integrated memory is definitely not enough for any serious e-book fan.
Although I cannot share your excitement, I still thank you for the honest review!
Update, 8:35 a.m. (EST), Christmas Day: Thanks to David from Teleread for the quick follow-up. He will talk to Bookeen again regarding the dust problem that I personally find rather discouraging. Again I admit I haven't had a chance to play with this gadget, so I may be completely wrong with my resentment. I'd be curious to hear what you think after reading the two reviews!