Quote:
Originally Posted by carld
You mean the one with the giant dedicated page turn buttons? Yes, I've seen that one.
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The PB 360 does have two giant buttons, but they are not dedicated page turn buttons. I do have them configured to turn the page, but I go months without ever pressing them.
Except for maybe two handed landscape reading, the 5 way needs much less movement for page turning than using the other buttons. The only reason that I have not configured them to do something else is that I can do everything that I need with the 5 way button. If I ever start using bookmarks or notes much, I will probably configure the giant buttons for that.
I knew that I would be making some compromises in return for true pocketability, but I was surprised to find that some aspects of reading on this 5" 200dpi 600x800 screen are better than reading on the 6" 167dpi 600x800 Kindle 2. I get about the same number of words per screen, sometimes more. And I can jump to end notes, read them, and return to the main text much quicker and more easily. One handed reading (either hand) is a dream on the PB 360. On the Kindle 2, it is not a nightmare, but it is not pleasant for me. I often go back a page, and the weight and balance of the Kindle 2 in a cover are not comfortable for me in one hand.
I still say that a truly ergonomic 5-way button is much better, for me, than dedicated page turn buttons. That may not work for everyone, but it looks to me like people are rejecting the idea out of hand for reasons that do not apply. There is no requirement that a 5-way button be located someplace awkward to get to, or that its operation be vague, mushy, or prone to register a different direction than intended, or be otherwise uncomfortable to operate. This is not just some theoretical idea. The 5-way button on the PB 360 is just such a control. (Now, if they would just get their firmware and possibly electrical problems sorted..., but that has nothing to do with whether a 5-way button as the main or sole control is a good idea.)