Thread: Cybook Gen3 firmware on Netronix EB-100
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Old 06-02-2008, 11:32 AM   #86
delphidb96
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Posts: 2,999
Karma: 300001
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Citrus Heights, California
Device: TWO Kindle 2s, one each Bookeen Cybook Gen3, Sony PRS-500, Axim X51V
Quote:
Originally Posted by kleykenb View Post
Now I'm kinda curious : is it possible to run firmware from e.g. the STAReBOOK on a Cybook Gen 3 ?
I'm looking for firmware that's better at reading PDF than the Cybook Gen3's.
If I understand correctly, the basic kernel, root and vivi files are nearly the same. In the case of the Netronix EB-100, they are EXACTLY the same. Where these devices differ the most are the startup bitmapped image file (the splash screen) and the actual ebook reader software. In the case of the other machines the reader is something that appears to be called "E-Book Reader" and is contained in the binary file called ebrmain. The Cybook uses their own Boo Reader and is loaded in from a binary file called boordr.bin.

While it might be a fun experiment to load in STAReBOOK or Netronix ebook reading firmware onto a Cybook Gen3, I can't really say it would be a "good" experience. I've tried both and, for all it's faults and lack of features, I find the Boo Reader to be vastly preferrable!

What I'd like to see, now that it has been proven the Boo Reader can be run on these devices, is for Bookeen to step up and release a custom firmware update for these devices. Let's be reasonable. Bookeen is a company and it has employees with the need to make a living. It has the right to sell the Boo Reader software for a profit. I see no reason why it shouldn't be able to market the firmware for $79-$99.

And for Bookeen, I ask they consider the following argument. Yes, selling the firmware to those who already have one of these other devices does NOT sell Cybooks to them. However, given the prices of these others, I doubt many users would WANT to cough up for a Cybook until Gen4 or later if they already have an Explay, EB-100 or STAReBOOK - so those sales are probably already lost.

Still, by selling the firmware "update" for these non-Cybooks, Bookeen would generate tons of goodwill with these people and they'd be far MORE likely to buy a Gen4 instead of the next-gen Sony or Kindle. Something to think about, Bookeen.

Derek
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