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akira28 · 09-17-2009, 08:47 PM

Thanks to all the contributors here.

I decided to actually buy a used one. Unfortunately the transaction did not work out. But based on my short time with it here are my findings which may be interesting in this world dominated by e-inkers:

Design
The first thing you notice is the build quality. Some people might call this the weight. It is quite frankly built like a tank. That is good, btw. That means is meant to last. It is designed to be extremely comfortable in the hand with its rounded back, much more so than any device I have held. The buttons are perfect where they are. The back is covered in rubber.

Screen
The screen was rather a surprise at first. I was not expecting a dot matrix screen - perhaps I should have done more research. You can see each pixel here. No antialiasing (not too much a concern to me). I had thought that the screen might be like a standard monochromatic LCD but it wasn't. Using it where I did, inside and not in the sunlight, I continuously used the built-in light, which, btw is fantastic. The light is uniform and not glaring. No this isn't one of today's "paper-like" screens that overzealous e-ink makers boast about. This is retro - a reminder of where we came from. The print can not be seen from all angles but, honestly, who reads holding their reader at an odd angle anyway? The contrast is less than I hoped for and the adjustment for it can not always compensate.

Software
Overall I liked it. It was not very intuitive at first but I felt my way around. The free dictionary was very limited even compared to the one on my Jetbook. Page turning was a pleasure. I was disappointed that there was no on-screen keyboard which means, therefore, note taking must be done by handwriting. It has a search function, something the new Sony PRS-300 at nearly twice it's price, inexcusably can't manage.

I did not have it long enough to go through the book buying process but I was able to register fine.

Concerns
My only major concerns are 1) How long the Ebookwise can stay in business and withstand the onslaught of the B&N/Kindle/Sony/BonB/etc. with its rather archaic procedures and 2) The availability and price of the optional outdated, easily corrupted, and very limited size Smartmedia cards.

Conclusion
Having had it a short time I can see why some users here love this machine. The design and excellent light make it a pleasure to use. I do wonder what if it were updated with SD card support and the Jetbook's screen. I think that would be a killer. But then you would loose that retro feel.

I am seriously thinking about picking it up again, though. Forget the sleek Sony's and Kindle's. I long to hold the Ebookwise in my hand again.

09-17-2009, 08:47 PM	#16
akira28 Nameless Being	Thanks to all the contributors here. I decided to actually buy a used one. Unfortunately the transaction did not work out. But based on my short time with it here are my findings which may be interesting in this world dominated by e-inkers: Design The first thing you notice is the build quality. Some people might call this the weight. It is quite frankly built like a tank. That is good, btw. That means is meant to last. It is designed to be extremely comfortable in the hand with its rounded back, much more so than any device I have held. The buttons are perfect where they are. The back is covered in rubber. Screen The screen was rather a surprise at first. I was not expecting a dot matrix screen - perhaps I should have done more research. You can see each pixel here. No antialiasing (not too much a concern to me). I had thought that the screen might be like a standard monochromatic LCD but it wasn't. Using it where I did, inside and not in the sunlight, I continuously used the built-in light, which, btw is fantastic. The light is uniform and not glaring. No this isn't one of today's "paper-like" screens that overzealous e-ink makers boast about. This is retro - a reminder of where we came from. The print can not be seen from all angles but, honestly, who reads holding their reader at an odd angle anyway? The contrast is less than I hoped for and the adjustment for it can not always compensate. Software Overall I liked it. It was not very intuitive at first but I felt my way around. The free dictionary was very limited even compared to the one on my Jetbook. Page turning was a pleasure. I was disappointed that there was no on-screen keyboard which means, therefore, note taking must be done by handwriting. It has a search function, something the new Sony PRS-300 at nearly twice it's price, inexcusably can't manage. I did not have it long enough to go through the book buying process but I was able to register fine. Concerns My only major concerns are 1) How long the Ebookwise can stay in business and withstand the onslaught of the B&N/Kindle/Sony/BonB/etc. with its rather archaic procedures and 2) The availability and price of the optional outdated, easily corrupted, and very limited size Smartmedia cards. Conclusion Having had it a short time I can see why some users here love this machine. The design and excellent light make it a pleasure to use. I do wonder what if it were updated with SD card support and the Jetbook's screen. I think that would be a killer. But then you would loose that retro feel. I am seriously thinking about picking it up again, though. Forget the sleek Sony's and Kindle's. I long to hold the Ebookwise in my hand again. Last edited by akira28; 09-18-2009 at 12:51 PM.