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dwig · 12-27-2004, 11:20 AM

While I agree that this is not the eBook reader for me (I currently use a UX-50 as my primary eBook device), I also feel that some of Morpheus' conclusions miss the mark.

1. "outdated" OS: Since this is a dedicated Reader and not a general use device, the OS is of almost no concern to the user. For this type of device, WinCE3.0 is, in fact, a _VASTLY_ superior OS to any newer Windows OS for small devices with the possible exception of CE.net. All the bells and whistles of the newer PPC OS's, and PalmOS6 for that matter, get in the way of creating reliable software, both OS and application.

2. "outdated technonogy": Maybe, but again if performance is fine and no new software will ever be added then the device is in a "time frozen environment" and age is not a concern. True, the base memory is somewhat limited but should hold around 50-80 non-illustrated novel length books in the Mobipocket PRC format, more than most avid readers consume in a year. Given the PCCard expansion slot you have access to massive CF cards with only a $8-10 adapter.

3. Price vs. Value: Well, if you have good eyes, like most of us, then this balance favors conventional Palm and PPC devices, as Morpheus concludes. The machine could only be considered close to a good value if one needs large type. Then the machine becomes a much better value since no current PPC or PalmOS device quailifies for comparison with the possible exception of the AlphaSmart, and it would loose out to the larger display IMHO. Comparison can only be made to other larger sized dedicated eBook Readers and the new smaller, general use TabletPC's. Still at $500 bucks, I don't think "bargin" would be a correct term even for the user who finds it the device of choice.

12-27-2004, 11:20 AM	#3
dwig Wizard Posts: 1,613 Karma: 6718541 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Paradise (Key West, FL) Device: Current:Surface Go & Kindle 3 - Retired: DellV8p, Clie UX50, ...	While I agree that this is not the eBook reader for me (I currently use a UX-50 as my primary eBook device), I also feel that some of Morpheus' conclusions miss the mark. 1. "outdated" OS: Since this is a dedicated Reader and not a general use device, the OS is of almost no concern to the user. For this type of device, WinCE3.0 is, in fact, a _VASTLY_ superior OS to any newer Windows OS for small devices with the possible exception of CE.net. All the bells and whistles of the newer PPC OS's, and PalmOS6 for that matter, get in the way of creating reliable software, both OS and application. 2. "outdated technonogy": Maybe, but again if performance is fine and no new software will ever be added then the device is in a "time frozen environment" and age is not a concern. True, the base memory is somewhat limited but should hold around 50-80 non-illustrated novel length books in the Mobipocket PRC format, more than most avid readers consume in a year. Given the PCCard expansion slot you have access to massive CF cards with only a $8-10 adapter. 3. Price vs. Value: Well, if you have good eyes, like most of us, then this balance favors conventional Palm and PPC devices, as Morpheus concludes. The machine could only be considered close to a good value if one needs large type. Then the machine becomes a much better value since no current PPC or PalmOS device quailifies for comparison with the possible exception of the AlphaSmart, and it would loose out to the larger display IMHO. Comparison can only be made to other larger sized dedicated eBook Readers and the new smaller, general use TabletPC's. Still at $500 bucks, I don't think "bargin" would be a correct term even for the user who finds it the device of choice.