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jswinden · 02-13-2010, 03:22 PM

NETBOOK TABLET AS A VIABLE EBOOK READER OPTION

I have tried several dedicated eBook readers over the past couple of years, including the Kindle 2, Sony PRS-505, PRS-300, PRS-600, and PRS-900. Each has its pros and cons.

DEDICATED EBOOK READER OVERVIEWS

The kindle 2 has a nice e-Ink screen, but the hardware is cheap plastic and the hardware interface is terrible. Unfortunately, the two formats used for eBooks are both proprietary.

Of the Sonys, the best was the PRS-505 (wished I had kept it) and the PRS-300 (which I still own). Both have great screens and they are built solid. But the Reader Library software that runs on your computer is terrible. Thankfully Sony dropped their terrible proprietary format in favor of ePub.

The other two Sonys, the PRS-600 and PRS-900 have screens that are difficult to read unless you get the lighting really bright and from the correct position. They both have a great interface and are solidly built, but those screens are just too problematic, though usable.

MY EBOOK ROOTS

I've actually been reading eBooks for over a decade on various PDAs. Some people hate the idea of a backlit screen, but I'm used to it and quite comfortable with it. My latest PDA is the iPod touch 2G. The screen is a bit small for my taste, but it gets the job done as far as reading text based eBooks. However, the screen is way too small for reading large format PDFs or eBooks with pictures.

I've also tried reading eBooks and PDFs on notebook and netbook PCs. Although these platforms are very versatile, it is too cumbersome to hold even a small, clamshell design netbook in a comfortable position for reading--at least for reading hours on end.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEW IPAD

When the iPad was introduced I briefly considered that it might make a good eBook reading platform. But then logic and history took over and I ruled it out because Apple has an iBad habit of telling you what you can and cannot install on iPods and iPhones, and after all the iPad is basically a large iPod touch. Another limiting factor for the iPad is that, like its little brothers, it does not run a full operating system.

DECIDING WHAT WORKED BEST FOR ME

Let us pause here and look at the limitations of the dedicated eBook readers, the iPad, and small Internet tablets like the Archos 5.

No real operating system, so very limited functionality.
Devices use closed systems that require hacking to modify.
No multitasking or very limited multitasking.
Limited or no ability to install applications.
Limited or no ability to install and/or use hardware add-ons.
Limited ability to interface with computers and printers.
Limited or no ability to connect to the Internet (except for the iPad).
Extremely poor support for reading PDFs, especially large format PDFs.
Fair to okay support for eBook formats, but a limited number of formats.
Little or no support for multimedia.
Little or no color in display (except for the iPad).
No real keyboard for entering text.

Now we can compare how a computer running Windows addresses these limitations.

A true operating system with nearly unlimited functionality.
No hacking required as the system and device are opened.
Multitasking!
Can install any compatible applications.
Can modify and add on hardware and peripherals.
Can connect with other computers, networks, external devices, etc.
Full unimpeded access to the Internet.
Can read PDFs as they were intended to be read.
Can install readers for any eBook format.
Full unimpeded support for multimedia.
Color display with at least 24-bit support.
A real PC keyboard.

MAKING THE DECISION

When I did my comparisons, the PC won hands down. But there were caveats.

PCs, even netbooks, are heavy and power hungry.
Clamshell notebooks and netbooks are not ergonomic for reading eBooks.
Tablet PCs are typically very expensive.

THE SOLUTION WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF AFFORDABLE TABLET NETBOOKS

The solution that worked for me was the introduction of affordable tablet style netbooks with touch screen technology. A few have already made it to the market. Currently they are a bit pricey, but as more models reach the market the competition should not only lower the prices but increase their usability by providing more horsepower with longer battery time.

ASUS T91MT TABLET NETBOOK

After doing some Googling and research I found the Asus T91MT, a 2.1 lb netbook with a 8.9 inch display. But instead of the typical clamshell design, Asus made the LCD screen capable of being rotated and folded back onto the keyboard to form a tablet netbook. (See photos below.) They added a resistive touch screen that is very responsive to fingers or a stylus. The result is a device that makes a really great eBook reader and has full computer functionality. I'm not suggesting you buy this model, but I am suggesting that you buy into the form factor--a netbook tablet running Windows (or any appropriate OS for which eBook reading software is readily available).

I spent a little less than $500 for my Asus T91MT--about the price of the lowest end iPad.

As stated I bought the T91MT and then set out to turn it into my ultimate eBook reader.

STEP 1: The first thing I did was to increase the RAM to 2GB, the maximum allowed on this model. This was the only additional cost, and it was about $40.

STEP 2: I uninstalled a lot of the OEM software that I would never use but that runs in the background or starts up automatically when the computer is turned on. All PCs come with this extra baggage and it does little more than slow down the system.

STEP 3: I ran MSCONFIG and turned off any unnecessary services which only serve to slow down the system. I also unchecked several startup items that don't need to automatically start every time you turn on the computer. You can uncheck anything from Adobe or Apple. Anything else you can Google to see if it is needed or if it can safely be unchecked. You will be amazed at how much this will speed up a marginal system like a netbook.

STEP 4: I installed all the eBook related software. You be the judge here as everyone has their own preferences. But here are my preferences.

MobiPocket Reader. FREE. This is my favorite. It is highly customizable and works well with .mobi and other formats.

FBReader. FREE. This is one of the best ePub readers for the PC.

Kindle for PC. FREE. Not very customizable, but you can download and read Kindle eBooks.

eReader. FREE. This was originally written for Palm PDAs many years ago. The reader is pretty good on the PC and allows you to read .pdb and .prc eBooks. It is the program on which the Barnes and Noble Desktop eReader was based, but it is better than its successor both in functionality and in the interface.

Adobe Acrobat Reader. FREE. Highly recommend for PDFs. A bit bloated, but still a great PDF viewer. Far superior to Foxit Reader when rendering in portrait view, and about the same as Foxit when rendering in landscape view.

Foxit Reader. FREE. An alternative for PDFs. Though certainly less bloated than Adobe Acrobat Reader, it cannot compare with Acrobat's portrait view rendering. However, landscape view rendering is on par with Acrobat.

Calibre. FREE. The reader is not very good, and you probably won't need the sync function since you are using your PC for a reader. However, this is must have software for converting non-DRMed eBooks to other formats. It is also good for changing metadata and improving the formats on non-DRMed eBooks.

Sony Reader Library. FREE. This is terrible software, but you might need it if you have a Sony Reader. Otherwise I do not recommend it.

Barnes and Noble Desktop eReader. FREE. This is nearly as bad as the Sony Reader Library. I do not recommend it.

Stanza. FREE. This is the worst of the readers. It requires the Java Runtime Environment, which slows down a netbook to a crawl. The interface is elementary and not conducive to tablet mode. And rather than using pages it scrolls through a section like an HTML page in a browser. I do not recommend it.

I also highly recommend a good office suite such as Microsoft Office 2007 or Open Office. Your netbook probably comes with an office suite installed, at least a trial version. If not and you don't want to purchase MS Office 2007, you can always download the free readers.

PHOTOS OF MY ASUS T91MT TABLET NETBOOK AS AN EBOOK READER

The following photos show my ASUS T91MT along with a Sony PRS-300 for comparison. I'm running MobiPocket Reader in The photos.

NOTE: These photos really do not do justice to the Asus or sony screens. Both screens are much better looking in real life.

02-13-2010, 03:22 PM	#1
jswinden Nameless Being	Netbook Tablet as a Viable eBook Reader Option NETBOOK TABLET AS A VIABLE EBOOK READER OPTION I have tried several dedicated eBook readers over the past couple of years, including the Kindle 2, Sony PRS-505, PRS-300, PRS-600, and PRS-900. Each has its pros and cons. DEDICATED EBOOK READER OVERVIEWS The kindle 2 has a nice e-Ink screen, but the hardware is cheap plastic and the hardware interface is terrible. Unfortunately, the two formats used for eBooks are both proprietary. Of the Sonys, the best was the PRS-505 (wished I had kept it) and the PRS-300 (which I still own). Both have great screens and they are built solid. But the Reader Library software that runs on your computer is terrible. Thankfully Sony dropped their terrible proprietary format in favor of ePub. The other two Sonys, the PRS-600 and PRS-900 have screens that are difficult to read unless you get the lighting really bright and from the correct position. They both have a great interface and are solidly built, but those screens are just too problematic, though usable. MY EBOOK ROOTS I've actually been reading eBooks for over a decade on various PDAs. Some people hate the idea of a backlit screen, but I'm used to it and quite comfortable with it. My latest PDA is the iPod touch 2G. The screen is a bit small for my taste, but it gets the job done as far as reading text based eBooks. However, the screen is way too small for reading large format PDFs or eBooks with pictures. I've also tried reading eBooks and PDFs on notebook and netbook PCs. Although these platforms are very versatile, it is too cumbersome to hold even a small, clamshell design netbook in a comfortable position for reading--at least for reading hours on end. WHAT ABOUT THE NEW IPAD When the iPad was introduced I briefly considered that it might make a good eBook reading platform. But then logic and history took over and I ruled it out because Apple has an iBad habit of telling you what you can and cannot install on iPods and iPhones, and after all the iPad is basically a large iPod touch. Another limiting factor for the iPad is that, like its little brothers, it does not run a full operating system. DECIDING WHAT WORKED BEST FOR ME Let us pause here and look at the limitations of the dedicated eBook readers, the iPad, and small Internet tablets like the Archos 5. No real operating system, so very limited functionality. Devices use closed systems that require hacking to modify. No multitasking or very limited multitasking. Limited or no ability to install applications. Limited or no ability to install and/or use hardware add-ons. Limited ability to interface with computers and printers. Limited or no ability to connect to the Internet (except for the iPad). Extremely poor support for reading PDFs, especially large format PDFs. Fair to okay support for eBook formats, but a limited number of formats. Little or no support for multimedia. Little or no color in display (except for the iPad). No real keyboard for entering text. Now we can compare how a computer running Windows addresses these limitations. A true operating system with nearly unlimited functionality. No hacking required as the system and device are opened. Multitasking! Can install any compatible applications. Can modify and add on hardware and peripherals. Can connect with other computers, networks, external devices, etc. Full unimpeded access to the Internet. Can read PDFs as they were intended to be read. Can install readers for any eBook format. Full unimpeded support for multimedia. Color display with at least 24-bit support. A real PC keyboard. MAKING THE DECISION When I did my comparisons, the PC won hands down. But there were caveats. PCs, even netbooks, are heavy and power hungry. Clamshell notebooks and netbooks are not ergonomic for reading eBooks. Tablet PCs are typically very expensive. THE SOLUTION WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF AFFORDABLE TABLET NETBOOKS The solution that worked for me was the introduction of affordable tablet style netbooks with touch screen technology. A few have already made it to the market. Currently they are a bit pricey, but as more models reach the market the competition should not only lower the prices but increase their usability by providing more horsepower with longer battery time. ASUS T91MT TABLET NETBOOK After doing some Googling and research I found the Asus T91MT, a 2.1 lb netbook with a 8.9 inch display. But instead of the typical clamshell design, Asus made the LCD screen capable of being rotated and folded back onto the keyboard to form a tablet netbook. (See photos below.) They added a resistive touch screen that is very responsive to fingers or a stylus. The result is a device that makes a really great eBook reader and has full computer functionality. I'm not suggesting you buy this model, but I am suggesting that you buy into the form factor--a netbook tablet running Windows (or any appropriate OS for which eBook reading software is readily available). I spent a little less than $500 for my Asus T91MT--about the price of the lowest end iPad. As stated I bought the T91MT and then set out to turn it into my ultimate eBook reader. STEP 1: The first thing I did was to increase the RAM to 2GB, the maximum allowed on this model. This was the only additional cost, and it was about $40. STEP 2: I uninstalled a lot of the OEM software that I would never use but that runs in the background or starts up automatically when the computer is turned on. All PCs come with this extra baggage and it does little more than slow down the system. STEP 3: I ran MSCONFIG and turned off any unnecessary services which only serve to slow down the system. I also unchecked several startup items that don't need to automatically start every time you turn on the computer. You can uncheck anything from Adobe or Apple. Anything else you can Google to see if it is needed or if it can safely be unchecked. You will be amazed at how much this will speed up a marginal system like a netbook. STEP 4: I installed all the eBook related software. You be the judge here as everyone has their own preferences. But here are my preferences. *MobiPocket Reader. FREE. This is my favorite. It is highly customizable and works well with .mobi and other formats. FBReader. FREE. This is one of the best ePub readers for the PC. Kindle for PC. FREE. Not very customizable, but you can download and read Kindle eBooks. eReader. FREE. This was originally written for Palm PDAs many years ago. The reader is pretty good on the PC and allows you to read .pdb and .prc eBooks. It is the program on which the Barnes and Noble Desktop eReader was based, but it is better than its successor both in functionality and in the interface. Adobe Acrobat Reader. FREE. Highly recommend for PDFs. A bit bloated, but still a great PDF viewer. Far superior to Foxit Reader when rendering in portrait view, and about the same as Foxit when rendering in landscape view. Foxit Reader. FREE. An alternative for PDFs. Though certainly less bloated than Adobe Acrobat Reader, it cannot compare with Acrobat's portrait view rendering. However, landscape view rendering is on par with Acrobat. Calibre. FREE. The reader is not very good, and you probably won't need the sync function since you are using your PC for a reader. However, this is must have software for converting non-DRMed eBooks to other formats. It is also good for changing metadata and improving the formats on non-DRMed eBooks. Sony Reader Library. FREE. This is terrible software, but you might need it if you have a Sony Reader. Otherwise I do not recommend it. Barnes and Noble Desktop eReader. FREE. This is nearly as bad as the Sony Reader Library. I do not recommend it. Stanza. FREE. This is the worst of the readers. It requires the Java Runtime Environment, which slows down a netbook to a crawl. The interface is elementary and not conducive to tablet mode. And rather than using pages it scrolls through a section like an HTML page in a browser. I do not recommend it. I also highly recommend a good office suite such as Microsoft Office 2007 or Open Office. Your netbook probably comes with an office suite installed, at least a trial version. If not and you don't want to purchase MS Office 2007, you can always download the free readers. PHOTOS OF MY ASUS T91MT TABLET NETBOOK AS AN EBOOK READER* The following photos show my ASUS T91MT along with a Sony PRS-300 for comparison. I'm running MobiPocket Reader in The photos. NOTE: These photos really do not do justice to the Asus or sony screens. Both screens are much better looking in real life. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by jswinden; 02-21-2010 at 03:58 PM.