MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Prospects for Academic/Scientific PDF reading in the coming year

clangkamp · 02-11-2011, 07:31 AM

Hi Everyone

I am looking to buy a large screen *device* to read Scientific papers which I have in PDF format. The question has been posed several times, but always with a one-off answer. My brother has an Ipad, my mum a Kindle3 (6''). I have tried both, but both don't fully do it in the medium run. At the moment I am reading on a 24'' screen, which sort of works, but not for long. The problem will stick as I just started a doctorate, and hence will be reading scientific stuff for the next 2+y

The Ipad is the integrated device, useful etc., but it is closed up, and the backlit part makes it difficult to read and concentrate for hours.

I love the kindle ink surface, but apart from reading you cannot do anything with it. And reading PDF scientific only works with a 90 ° Rotation, and then you only see a third of the page on the 6''. In particular I am missing fast scrolling, proper annotation, searching. The user interface is a desaster. Nevertheless it is perfect for actual reading- not straining the eye at all.

I don't want to buy my way through all the various items and incremental improvements (e.g. upgrading from a Kindle6'' to a Kindle DX), but would like to see whether there is likely to be a 'definitive device' coming online in the next 6-9 months (i.e. a Kindle4DX with better file management or even touchscreen, an Ipad with an ink surface, a netbook with a not-so eyestraining screen). Also one that is likely to last for the next 3 or 4 years without constant regrets.

So - what is the entourage edge thing like ?
What are the others current 9.7+ inch screens available ?
What is the likelihood of a device that is tailored to the academic community coming online ? I think the question might be rephrased as to whether there is the likelihood of a device with the potential to become a standard for the scientific community.

02-11-2011, 07:31 AM	#1
clangkamp Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 426 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: none	Prospects for Academic/Scientific PDF reading in the coming year Hi Everyone I am looking to buy a large screen device to read Scientific papers which I have in PDF format. The question has been posed several times, but always with a one-off answer. My brother has an Ipad, my mum a Kindle3 (6''). I have tried both, but both don't fully do it in the medium run. At the moment I am reading on a 24'' screen, which sort of works, but not for long. The problem will stick as I just started a doctorate, and hence will be reading scientific stuff for the next 2+y The Ipad is the integrated device, useful etc., but it is closed up, and the backlit part makes it difficult to read and concentrate for hours. I love the kindle ink surface, but apart from reading you cannot do anything with it. And reading PDF scientific only works with a 90 ° Rotation, and then you only see a third of the page on the 6''. In particular I am missing fast scrolling, proper annotation, searching. The user interface is a desaster. Nevertheless it is perfect for actual reading- not straining the eye at all. I don't want to buy my way through all the various items and incremental improvements (e.g. upgrading from a Kindle6'' to a Kindle DX), but would like to see whether there is likely to be a 'definitive device' coming online in the next 6-9 months (i.e. a Kindle4DX with better file management or even touchscreen, an Ipad with an ink surface, a netbook with a not-so eyestraining screen). Also one that is likely to last for the next 3 or 4 years without constant regrets. So - what is the entourage edge thing like ? What are the others current 9.7+ inch screens available ? What is the likelihood of a device that is tailored to the academic community coming online ? I think the question might be rephrased as to whether there is the likelihood of a device with the potential to become a standard for the scientific community.