MobileRead Forums - View Single Post

pdam · 10-20-2006, 05:14 PM

Wierd - I had to return my Iliad today because of a faulty display. (The returns process so far has been pretty professional). The really weird thing is ... I'm missing it!

I have had (and have) lots the latest gadgets but have only missed 2 so far (3, including the Iliad). Firstly , in 1999 I missed my Psion5 when I left it on a trip to the US. At that point I realised I was hooked with the concept of mobile data. Next I really missed my blackberry when I sat on it with keys in my pocket (being a corporate slave for a large corporate, and having become used to the tether, it was like loosing a limb).

So back to the Iliad ... for the last couple of days I've been at a conference and have been using my Iliad as a notepad (with the battery life increase and key lockv since 2.7, it has become very usable). The device has been invaluable ... add this to the fact that I use it for notes in general meetings, reading PDF reports (lots of them) and the ability for thr device to read full books (at the drop of a hat .. given I use it as a notebook and have been carrying it everywhere).

So why do I miss it? Well ... here are a few reasons:
1. To take notes previously I have used ... a PDA (no good, too small for real meetings) ... a Pegasus Notetaker pen (great, but no ability to review my notes without a laptop) ... a tablet PC (no good; battery life simply not good enough) ... a paper notepad (best so far!). The Iliad has usurped the paper notepad (with the 2.7 release) including usable battery life, search and a great notepad format size.

2. Personal workflow - I have a lot of documents I need to read. Spending a little time formatting my articles for the device and reading them during personal downtime, without straining eyes/having a lumpy laptop, has been great improvement.

3. On top of all of the above - when travelling I have a choice of (really readable) books with me constantly!

The really wierd - thing - I have been reviewing the device with a view to how usable it would be in a publishing arena ... and have had a sceptical view to commercial viability so far. Having played with the thing for a while now, and more importantly, having to send it back; I now realise that from a personal point of vie, this is a productivity device and an invaluable tool! I miss it already!!

I still have lots of problems with the device and service - however I realise I have found a real usage and fondness for the Iliad. I still need my Blackberry and often also my laptop, but when I get my Iliad back I have realised it will have a regular place in my bag.

10-20-2006, 05:14 PM	#1
pdam Groupie Posts: 199 Karma: 100 Join Date: Aug 2006 Device: iLiad, iPaq, Psion5&7, Blackberry	Feeling Nude Wierd - I had to return my Iliad today because of a faulty display. (The returns process so far has been pretty professional). The really weird thing is ... I'm missing it! I have had (and have) lots the latest gadgets but have only missed 2 so far (3, including the Iliad). Firstly , in 1999 I missed my Psion5 when I left it on a trip to the US. At that point I realised I was hooked with the concept of mobile data. Next I really missed my blackberry when I sat on it with keys in my pocket (being a corporate slave for a large corporate, and having become used to the tether, it was like loosing a limb). So back to the Iliad ... for the last couple of days I've been at a conference and have been using my Iliad as a notepad (with the battery life increase and key lockv since 2.7, it has become very usable). The device has been invaluable ... add this to the fact that I use it for notes in general meetings, reading PDF reports (lots of them) and the ability for thr device to read full books (at the drop of a hat .. given I use it as a notebook and have been carrying it everywhere). So why do I miss it? Well ... here are a few reasons: 1. To take notes previously I have used ... a PDA (no good, too small for real meetings) ... a Pegasus Notetaker pen (great, but no ability to review my notes without a laptop) ... a tablet PC (no good; battery life simply not good enough) ... a paper notepad (best so far!). The Iliad has usurped the paper notepad (with the 2.7 release) including usable battery life, search and a great notepad format size. 2. Personal workflow - I have a lot of documents I need to read. Spending a little time formatting my articles for the device and reading them during personal downtime, without straining eyes/having a lumpy laptop, has been great improvement. 3. On top of all of the above - when travelling I have a choice of (really readable) books with me constantly! The really wierd - thing - I have been reviewing the device with a view to how usable it would be in a publishing arena ... and have had a sceptical view to commercial viability so far. Having played with the thing for a while now, and more importantly, having to send it back; I now realise that from a personal point of vie, this is a productivity device and an invaluable tool! I miss it already!! I still have lots of problems with the device and service - however I realise I have found a real usage and fondness for the Iliad. I still need my Blackberry and often also my laptop, but when I get my Iliad back I have realised it will have a regular place in my bag. Last edited by pdam; 10-20-2006 at 05:23 PM.