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Originally Posted by mgmueller
But if you compare measurements, it's about 1/2 inch in height and another 1/2 inch in width. Does this really decide about portability or not? I actually was surprised, how small a difference there is between Sony 505 and Cybook Opus or Sony300.
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If the 1/2" is the difference between the unit fitting in your pants or shirt pocket or not, then yes, it really would make a difference regarding portability.
To my mind, there are different levels of portability. At one extreme, there is carry and ignore portability which PDAs, mobile phones and smart phones can achieve; they are so small, that you don't really notice them unless you are using them. At the other end, are devices that are transportable, but not something you are going to willingly bring with you without a very good reason; 17" laptops would be an example of this end of the spectrum.
For men at least, the difference between the 5" and 6" screen may well be a treshhold. I know my 5" jetbook fits in my loose fitting jeans or kahkis. My Wife's 6" PRS505 simply doesn't. Which am I more likely to bring with me?
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When discussion about 5" started (eInk, not PDAs, SmartPhones or Jetbook), I've expected some change in UI, to further increase compactness.
Something like "Highest comfort = lots of buttons and space for holding the unit" for 6" vs. "mainly the the display itself and wasting as little of additional space as possible" on 5".
Looking at Sony 300, it's more or less identical to its "predecessor" Sony 505. It's really just 1" for the screen (=diagonal) = less than 1" in height and width.
In my opinion, there certainly would be options, to further increase compactness.
Just an example: For turning pages, Sony 300 has buttons on the bottom, Cybook Opus on the right of the display.
Theoretically, those could be on the back. When holding you unit in your palm, you easily could press buttons on the back. Might increase depth of the unit by some millimeters, but further decrease height and width. Of course, one would have to consider how to handle such an option when having the unit in its cover. I'm not going for a patent here ;-), just to briefly describe my thoughts...
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I am not sure why you don't include the Jetbook... after all, it is a dedicated reader
. Anyway, I see where you are going, but I am not sure controls on the back of the unit are a great idea. I agree that they could make the unit more compact, but at I suspect that unless you always kept your hand in the same location, it would be too easy to hit the wrong button.
Now a 5" device with a touch screen could be the best over all choice for making a unit as compact as possible while at the same time making it easy to use. In fact, I imagine you might be able to make a 6" unit small enough to fit into many pants pockets... as long as you could make the unit robust enough to survive the occasional fall.
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Bill