First time e-ink owner with new 505

[lkraven]

This is a mini review-- I just received it about an hour ago and have breezed through a couple chapters.

I have been using ebook readers since early PalmOS days.

First was a Palm V (green on black backlit reading... ugh.)

Second was a Clie NX80-- it had a scroll wheel and high resolution. Still probably one of the best experiences I've had.

Third came an IPaq HX4700 with VGA resolution. Nice screen, but metamerism, shimmery blacks and heat made it not a great deal.

Then came a Nokia 770 followed by a Nokia 800. The Nokia 800 is by far the best screen, extremely high resolution, beautiful and great reading software. Unfortunately, the controls suck... the buttons are hard to push, and even so, with the small screen, fatigue sets in pretty fast.

For PDF reading, I use an ultracompact convertible Fujitsu P1610-- but heat, weight, and brightness issues are a major drag.

I had seen the 500 and thought about it and thought about it, but refused to give up my backlit reading. Finally, I was reading some paper books a couple weeks ago (blech) and set up a clip-on Ott light to my headboard on my bed. It was a nice experience, and I decided I would try E-Ink... right about the time the 505 was rumored.

Well, it came available on Tuesday, and I ordered it-- got it today.

First impressions are that the form factor and layout are great. I have played with the 500... it's curvy and... well, it felt like a first generation device. At least to me, the 505, with its clean straight lines, great cover, and the dark blue finish are much more appealing. It feels solid, but light, it's a good size, and there's nothing quite like an e-ink display.

As a first-time ebook appliance user, I have to say that as much as I was resisting the eInk technology due to lack of night-reading options, with the ott light or a hacked light wedge (I'm going to do it...) I may get the best of both worlds. There's been no eye strain at all so far, and it's just plain COOL. I like to read on my patio on weekend mornings with a cup of coffee. This is basically impossible to do with most backlit LCD type readers, as the ambient light makes it very difficult to get a good image that doesn't hurt your eyes... I expect the 505 will be ideal for this.

I will post better pictures, and follow up on this review as its day-to-day use "sinks" in.

Want to take the opportunity to everyone on this site-- as a lurker, your insight, reports, evangelism, and community spirit have been a major factor in my decision to go with an e-ink display. I'm sure there are many like me who appreciate all the knowledge and sharing that goes on here, so on behalf of the silent masses and myself, thanks everyone!

So far so good, I want to see what happens when the honeymoon is over. Hopefully we aren't looking at a messy divorce.

[hello]

- could you youtube the entire process of getting it up and running loading machine/ebook/flipping etc?
- whats faster the 505 or the cybook 3 seen here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dJzR5AXkR28

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by hello

- could you youtube the entire proces s of getting it up and running loadi ng machine/ebook/flipping etc?
- whats faster the 505 or th e cybook 3 see n here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dJzR5AXkR28

The process of getting it setup is install the software, connect the USB cable to the computer, plug the other end of the USB cable into the 505. When the software is running and recognizes the 505, go to the ebook store and register for an account (if you don't already have one) and then register the reader.

That's it, done.

[NatCh]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

That's it, done.

And not very entertaining to watch, I'd imagine.

Besides, it's hard to video the set up after the set up is already done.

[JSWolf]

The only thing I'll video is page turns.

[boca]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The only thing I'll video is page turns.

This and the difference in screen contrast.
I really wish I could get this up to show.

Personally speaking, although the refresh rate has not (in my case) noticeably improved...It is not too upsetting. I was not too bothered by the way it was in the 500 reader.

The difference in the screen is there though, so whereas my page turning experience is not enhanced, the reading experience has been... and this in my opinion makes the upgrade worthwhile.

Except for that on/off switch... have I told you how much I hate that position on the top of the reader?

[lkraven]

I'll see about getting video of page turning up tonight, tomorrow, or this weekend.

I have nothing to compare it to, obviously. It seems faster than what I remember at Border's with the 500, but I am probably biased because I have this one in my grubby little hands.