Pocketbook 902 vs. Pocketbook IQ

Logseman · 12-15-2010, 09:11 AM

So, today or tomorrow I'm ordering one of these two. I'm a bit unnerved because I've been swinging a lot between the two. At first I was certain that I'd get a 902, and it still holds much attractive because of the PDF's I have to read in school: nevertheless, later on I came to have an Android device, and it turns out the Pocketbook IQ is becoming really, really attractive, particularly with the Froyo update scheduled by Pocketbook.

I'm so torn between the two!

RezzZ · 12-15-2010, 12:07 PM

If you've got the budget for a 902 then I would go for a bit more advanced tablet with a better resolution, better screen, faster cpu, more memory for apps and more internal memory.

The IQ is nice and good value for it's price but it got it's flaws

.

fjtorres · 12-15-2010, 12:38 PM

The IQ's strength is its price and it openess and (someday) the added value of the PB reader app.
The 902's strength is its larger screen, battery life, and eink screen.
Since PB doesn't have a 10in screen you'll have to look elsewhere for a middle ground device.

Dunno what prices like are on the other side of the pond but in NorthAm the Archos 11 runs the same as the 902. So if the budget can go that high and the larger size appeals to you...

soondai · 12-15-2010, 01:55 PM

yeah, that Archos 101 runs under 300 (over here) and already has Froyo. Supposedly handles PDFs like a champ with a 10 inch screen.

best of both worlds for less than the 902

Latinandgreek · 12-15-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjtorres

The IQ's strength is its price and it openess and (someday) the added value of the PB reader app.
The 902's strength is its larger screen, battery life, and eink screen.
Since PB doesn't have a 10in screen you'll have to look elsewhere for a middle ground device.

Dunno what prices like are on the other side of the pond but in NorthAm the Archos 11 runs the same as the 902. So if the budget can go that high and the larger size appeals to you...

Isn't the 902's screen 9.7 inches? Or do you mean they don't have an LCD screen that is 10 inches?

speedtouch · 12-15-2010, 03:28 PM

Well, I can't tell you what to do, but I can throw my opinions in the mix. I have a PB 301+ and an IQ. I use the 301+ far more for reading than the IQ...especially in the bed (due to the greater weight of the IQ). But I find myself using the IQ a good amount while sitting on the couch doing some surfing and PDF reading.

The most recent firmware update really made the IQ a lot better. I hope PB will continue the delivery of good firmware.

Latinandgreek · 12-15-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedtouch

Well, I can't tell you what to do, but I can throw my opinions in the mix. I have a PB 301+ and an IQ. I use the 301+ far more for reading than the IQ...especially in the bed (due to the greater weight of the IQ). But I find myself using the IQ a good amount while sitting on the couch doing some surfing and PDF reading.

The most recent firmware update really made the IQ a lot better. I hope PB will continue the delivery of good firmware.

Do you find that the IQ is good with PDFs?

speedtouch · 12-15-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

Do you find that the IQ is good with PDFs?

Yes, very good actually. I use it for PDFs often. I use both the bundled PocketBook PDF reader and the official Adobe reader 9.0.2. I can't find a huge difference between the two apps.

Latinandgreek · 12-15-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedtouch

Yes, very good actually. I use it for PDFs often. I use both the bundled PocketBook PDF reader and the official Adobe reader 9.0.2. I can't find a huge difference between the two apps.

I've been looking for a reader just for my PDFs, and I'm very tempted to get the IQ.

fjtorres · 12-15-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

Isn't the 902's screen 9.7 inches? Or do you mean they don't have an LCD screen that is 10 inches?

He's impressed by Android and PB doesn't have an IQ-like product at 10in.
So its either small LCD or big eInk.
Given his stated preferences, a 10+in Android device would be logical.

I myself debated long and hard between IQ, NookColor, and Archos.
I went with IQ for the price, warranty, Dicts, and the PB rep for (so far) eventually making good on their marketing.

After playing with the IQ for two weeks I'm glad I didn't spend more money.
It's a nice enough toy but *to me* Android isn't worth a bigger investment; not with its pathetic memory management, and documentation and marketplace issues.
It's strictly for hobbyists--which I am, right now.

For a longer-term production-grade "hardback reader" to supplement my PB360 "paperback reader" I'll wait for next year's Wintel tablets.

Different strokes and all that, mind you.

Logseman · 12-15-2010, 04:50 PM

Thanks for all the input, in particular to speedtouch, who even volunteered to test the manga apps! I think I'm going for the IQ. I've seen videos of PDF reading on resistive tablets, and it seems just fine. Plus, I have already a Samsung Galaxy S from which I can take some apps and improve a bit the value of the device.

Latinandgreek · 12-15-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjtorres

He's impressed by Android and PB doesn't have an IQ-like product at 10in.
So its either small LCD or big eInk.
Given his stated preferences, a 10+in Android device would be logical.

I myself debated long and hard between IQ, NookColor, and Archos.
I went with IQ for the price, warranty, Dicts, and the PB rep for (so far) eventually making good on their marketing.

After playing with the IQ for two weeks I'm glad I didn't spend more money.
It's a nice enough toy but *to me* Android isn't worth a bigger investment; not with its pathetic memory management, and documentation and marketplace issues.
It's strictly for hobbyists--which I am, right now.

For a longer-term production-grade "hardback reader" to supplement my PB360 "paperback reader" I'll wait for next year's Wintel tablets.

Different strokes and all that, mind you.

Thanks for your input.

myle00 · 12-15-2010, 10:17 PM

@fjtorres I very much agree, with the state of Android It's much better to spend a little money on a cheap device until better devices come out.

As per 902 vs IQ, I think you should take into account how you will use it. I.e. I used to have a few Palm devices and they all fit into my hand and I could read while waiting in line etc. There was no problem handling its weight. Now with the IQ, I'm still trying to figure out how to hold so that it doesn't strain my hands, so far I could only read while something else is supporting it - so no more reading while walking around etc.

I'm glad I didn't get the 902 because I wouldn't have been able to read causally anymore at all. So if you will use it just for reading texts etc. then the 902 might be fine, but if you need it for casual reading, depending how you read it might be too big.

syoggy · 12-15-2010, 10:34 PM

Stepping on my soapbox...

I'm kind of surprised at the negative comments about Android. The current and past versions were written specifically for smart phones and not optimized for tablets. It is based on linux and has superior memory management compared to most of the operating systems available. The memory issue on the IQ is not because of the operating system but because IQ is 1st and foremost a reader and then a tablet. Once a rooting solution is found (or is PB realizes that the tablet part of the IQ is more appealing) then there will be a way to get at the 2gb. Also as firmware changes are made more of the apps that are phone centric will be removed which frees up more of the 256mb that can be used for apps (which is as much as most blackberries current on the market).

Stepping off my soapbox.

aceflor · 12-16-2010, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjtorres

After playing with the IQ for two weeks I'm glad I didn't spend more money.
It's a nice enough toy but *to me* Android isn't worth a bigger investment; not with its pathetic memory management, and documentation and marketplace issues.
It's strictly for hobbyists--which I am, right now.

Abso-F-lutely !!!! I love playing with my IQ, but I am not impressed with Android at all. It is far too buggy for the time being really, and the apps quality is very variable, to say the least.

I do read with it, but for long reading sessions I use my PRS-650 or the 350 which I both adore. The IQ is really very very good value for the money but it is not a reading device per se, as I suspect the ipad is not either, considering the weight of those tablets. Perfect for daytime surfing, and nightime reading, but not very comfortable.

One point for them, an important one for some: my kids love the IQ, and got very quickly the hand out of it. The older one is reading illustrated books to the younger one with it, and for that the IQ is perfect. I believe the Nook Color made the facility of use and fun aspect for reading children litterature an important part of its launch communication, with right I now think.

Now Logseman, considering you are such a kid yourself

, I'd say go for it !!

12-15-2010, 09:11 AM	#1
Logseman Orisa Posts: 2,001 Karma: 1035571 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ireland Device: Onyx Poke 5	Pocketbook 902 vs. Pocketbook IQ So, today or tomorrow I'm ordering one of these two. I'm a bit unnerved because I've been swinging a lot between the two. At first I was certain that I'd get a 902, and it still holds much attractive because of the PDF's I have to read in school: nevertheless, later on I came to have an Android device, and it turns out the Pocketbook IQ is becoming really, really attractive, particularly with the Froyo update scheduled by Pocketbook. I'm so torn between the two!

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12-15-2010, 12:07 PM	#2
RezzZ Connoisseur Posts: 64 Karma: 1470 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: IQ	If you've got the budget for a 902 then I would go for a bit more advanced tablet with a better resolution, better screen, faster cpu, more memory for apps and more internal memory. The IQ is nice and good value for it's price but it got it's flaws .

12-15-2010, 12:38 PM	#3
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	The IQ's strength is its price and it openess and (someday) the added value of the PB reader app. The 902's strength is its larger screen, battery life, and eink screen. Since PB doesn't have a 10in screen you'll have to look elsewhere for a middle ground device. Dunno what prices like are on the other side of the pond but in NorthAm the Archos 11 runs the same as the 902. So if the budget can go that high and the larger size appeals to you...

12-15-2010, 01:55 PM	#4
soondai Guru Posts: 672 Karma: 1109784 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: Paperwhite	yeah, that Archos 101 runs under 300 (over here) and already has Froyo. Supposedly handles PDFs like a champ with a 10 inch screen. best of both worlds for less than the 902

12-15-2010, 03:28 PM	#6
speedtouch eBook Newbie Posts: 373 Karma: 1724 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Kobo Clara HD	Well, I can't tell you what to do, but I can throw my opinions in the mix. I have a PB 301+ and an IQ. I use the 301+ far more for reading than the IQ...especially in the bed (due to the greater weight of the IQ). But I find myself using the IQ a good amount while sitting on the couch doing some surfing and PDF reading. The most recent firmware update really made the IQ a lot better. I hope PB will continue the delivery of good firmware.

12-15-2010, 04:50 PM	#11
Logseman Orisa Posts: 2,001 Karma: 1035571 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ireland Device: Onyx Poke 5	Thanks for all the input, in particular to speedtouch, who even volunteered to test the manga apps! I think I'm going for the IQ. I've seen videos of PDF reading on resistive tablets, and it seems just fine. Plus, I have already a Samsung Galaxy S from which I can take some apps and improve a bit the value of the device.

12-15-2010, 10:17 PM	#13
myle00 Connoisseur Posts: 71 Karma: 422 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: Palm Treo	@fjtorres I very much agree, with the state of Android It's much better to spend a little money on a cheap device until better devices come out. As per 902 vs IQ, I think you should take into account how you will use it. I.e. I used to have a few Palm devices and they all fit into my hand and I could read while waiting in line etc. There was no problem handling its weight. Now with the IQ, I'm still trying to figure out how to hold so that it doesn't strain my hands, so far I could only read while something else is supporting it - so no more reading while walking around etc. I'm glad I didn't get the 902 because I wouldn't have been able to read causally anymore at all. So if you will use it just for reading texts etc. then the 902 might be fine, but if you need it for casual reading, depending how you read it might be too big.

12-15-2010, 10:34 PM	#14
syoggy Member Posts: 21 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rochester, NY Device: Kindle, Nook, NookColor, and Pocketbook IQ	Stepping on my soapbox... I'm kind of surprised at the negative comments about Android. The current and past versions were written specifically for smart phones and not optimized for tablets. It is based on linux and has superior memory management compared to most of the operating systems available. The memory issue on the IQ is not because of the operating system but because IQ is 1st and foremost a reader and then a tablet. Once a rooting solution is found (or is PB realizes that the tablet part of the IQ is more appealing) then there will be a way to get at the 2gb. Also as firmware changes are made more of the apps that are phone centric will be removed which frees up more of the 256mb that can be used for apps (which is as much as most blackberries current on the market). Stepping off my soapbox.

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