Ultra : The least talked about PocketBook ?

[vmsda]

I have had the Ultra for about two months now. Before giving my first impressions, let me tell you what kind of customer I am: I read a lot of books from a Calibre maintained library, all converted into EPUB; my PBs (the Ultra is my third) connect to the net only and if only there is new firmware available and recommended on this forum. So, based on my modest requirements,

A. What do I like in the Ultra? And what small improvements would I like to see?

1. Excellent perceived build quality.
2. Spectacular footprint, much more wieldy than my previous 622 and 626.
3. Physical reading experience on a par (not noticeably better) than with previous PBs.
4. Books inherited from other PBs could easily be flagged as "read". Now, ReadRate wants to connect to the Net to tell the world at large I have "completed" them. So I have to open every book, jump to the last page, close the book, have it "completed". Ludicrous.
5. I also indulge in concurrent audio+reading books, especially for poetry and foreign language reading. The audio player reproduction is acceptable. But I found no way to control the audio player and the reading screen from the same interface. Very little thought obviously given to user experience.

B. What are the Ultra weak points?
I spend so much time reading that I hardly ever play with other features. Still:
1. I hardly ever use the two side buttons. Perhaps they are there for future apps, for normal reading they can be dispensed with.
2. The multisensor control is too sensitive, and is more suited to bigger screen sizes anyway, only adds to the price in small screens. It could be useful to enlarge poorly reproduced figures, but I have not been very successful with my experiments.
3. The camera and the scanner yield indifferent to poor results. They felt more like work-in-progress than features-ready-to-be-shipped.

C. Am I disappointed with the Ultra?

Not at all. For normal reading and audio I consider the 6" display as the most practical (except for technical books with plenty of figures), and the Ultra's build quality with matching case in such a practical footprint trump the machine's weaker points.

Having said that, it should also be pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done for the expectations and the hype around it to be fulfilled and, last but not least, for the customer to be rewarded with the full money's worth of functionalities.

D. Anything else?

Yes. Perhaps even more than other PBs, the Ultra displays the type of hesitations typical of a product and/or marketing strategy unsure of the customer base to aim for. But that is another story.

[kacir]

Originally Posted by vmsda

Ultra : The least talked about PocketBook ?

I do not think so.
PocketBook Sense with Kenzo cover is even less talked about

OK. I had an opportunity to test PocketBook Ultra thoroughly and here is what I think.

Originally Posted by vmsda

1. Excellent perceived build quality.
2. Spectacular footprint, much more wieldy than my previous 622 and 626.
3. Physical reading experience on a par (not noticeably better) than with previous PBs.

I have to agree with those points.
I also like magnets built into the back of the body, because using those I could finally build an ultimate custom case for it. Juts glue in a few magnets to the back of the cover and line the cover with a 3M Post-it board glue.
I also like the magnet that shuts the reader off when you close the cover.

Please note, that PocketBook Sense with Kenzo cover has even smaller footprint, misses the useless camera and has all the other features that Ultra has.

Originally Posted by vmsda

4. Books inherited from other PBs could easily be flagged as "read". Now, ReadRate wants to connect to the Net to tell the world at large I have "completed" them. So I have to open every book, jump to the last page, close the book, have it "completed". Ludicrous.

I do not care for that feature
Please note that I consider the newest generation of firmware to be very inferior when compared to the legendary PocketBook 360°.
Even firmware 4.xy - found on Touch Lux generation is worse than on PB360, but firmware generation 5.xy is a total catastrophe.
I was pretty unhappy with my Touch Lux until somebody ported Coolreader for it, so I can read epubs with the formatting *I* like without having to tweak each epub manually.

On PocketBook Ultra
They screwed up fbreader - so you can't set things like justification for some epubs.
They screwed up all reading apps - you can't configure the bottom status line to show time, battery level, light, percentage of book read and other things. On PB360 in third-party fbreader 180 you could also have a graphic progress-bar and other goodies
They screwed up ability to set up a list of applications to open epub files with
They screwed up user interface. On PB360 you had an opportunity to install your own themes that completely redefined user interface and then they sponsored a programming competition where some magnificent themes were created
They screwed up the library. The library doesn't display filenames anymore, even if you select that option - so for the books that have less-than-perfect metadata, but have nice filenames you are unable to see what the book is.
They screwed ten more things, but I am not going to tire you.
Yes, the new firmware has interesting new features, but I do not care about fancy Dropbox integration if that means that *the* basic reading app - the fbreader is MUCH less configurable than the one two generations back. I do not care about new fancy features when it means that the "good old" third-party apps can't be ported because they can't be bothered to release theme builder of properly documented SDK for the new generation of firmware.

Originally Posted by vmsda

5. I also indulge in concurrent audio+reading books, especially for poetry and foreign language reading. The audio player reproduction is acceptable. But I found no way to control the audio player and the reading screen from the same interface. Very little thought obviously given to user experience.

The only opportunity when I used the audio was when I was testing it for a review - on Ultra or my Touch Lux

Originally Posted by vmsda

B. What are the Ultra weak points?
I spend so much time reading that I hardly ever play with other features. Still:
1. I hardly ever use the two side buttons. Perhaps they are there for future apps, for normal reading they can be dispensed with.
2. The multisensor control is too sensitive, and is more suited to bigger screen sizes anyway, only adds to the price in small screens. It could be useful to enlarge poorly reproduced figures, but I have not been very successful with my experiments.
3. The camera and the scanner yield indifferent to poor results. They felt more like work-in-progress than features-ready-to-be-shipped.

The paging buttons on the back are placed on a position that is awkward for me. It is an interesting idea, but not well implemented.
Camera is almost useless.
OCR software - they used Tesseract (open source OCR currently developed by google) - gives abysmal results, thanks to the almost-useless camera and missing graphical user interface where you could tweak settings.

Originally Posted by vmsda

C. Am I disappointed with the Ultra?

I personally was disappointed with the device SO MUCH, that I declined an offer to buy the review unit for a significantly discounted price. At that point I was hoping that they will release a firmware update that will solve the most glaring problems, but the problems (for example extensions.cfg not working for epubs, screwed-up library, reading app not being able to display time and other info on the bottom status-line ...) remain even now - after several firmware updates.

The Ultra is still a pretty good reader - when compared to other brands, BUT I was spoiled rotten by numerous configuration options on PocketBook readers two generations back and I am furious that they obviously handed the development to the team that doesn't adhere to fantastic system architecture and specifications set up by the first generation of programmers - the legendary "Guys in Kiev".

One big plus for the new modes is that the new programmers working on the 5.xy generation of firmware did not manage to screw up some features [yet], such as dictionary system, so I can still use large collection of dictionaries and encyclopedia that I collected over the years.

[vmsda]

Thank you for your comments, kacir. The following words of yours raise some interesting side topics which, on closer inspection, turn out to be more central than lateral:

Originally Posted by kacir

... they obviously handed the development to the team that doesn't adhere to fantastic system architecture and specifications set up by the first generation of programmers - the legendary "Guys in Kiev"...

I do not know who "they" are or, more importantly, if ever "they" are listening. But if by some stroke of luck "they" happen to listen now, this is what I would like to impart to "them".

MY SIMPLE REQUEST: I would like to have a version of firmware for my recently bought PB Ultra, featuring initially the following core applications: FBReader or CoolReader, Settings, Library, Dictionary, Audio Player; Notes (optional). Nothing else.

My reasoning follows:

A. Whatever implementation you decide on, it should be Open, Simple and Customizable (by this order of importance), as should any self-respecting open-software based box.

B. It should be Open (1) in the sense that it can send and receive data formats relevant to its installed applications. An example: it makes no sense to be able to take Notes while reading, if then one is unable to copy/send them to another device for other functional purposes. Another: a reader app has to outstrip its competitors in the text formats it supports, or in the conversion it affords for dying formats.

It should also be Open (2) in the sense that the file system adheres to widespread standards, that it is not used to purposefully prevent access to the user/owner, and that adequate docs are easily accessible. A reasonable user does not value reliability at the expense of ownership.

It should also be Open (3)in the sense that SDKs should be available for development or adaptation of third party apps, which should be actively encouraged instead of covertly discouraged.

C. It should be Simple (1) so as to avoid the temptation to reinvent the wheel: if there is a Reader App that, by popular consent, fulfils its objectives, it should be ported and improved upon, rather than ditched.

Being Simple (2) also means refraining from adhering to Fashion. ReadRate is a case in point: purports to implement a "reading social network", which is hardly a priority for a device which is used, 99% of the times for 99% of readers, to simply read ebooks in one's placid privacy; did not address functional shortcomings detected in other apps, and in some respects even meant a few steps backwards (see other threads); probably entailed a sizable investment for a very dubious usage base; its usage is not based on its relative merits but on the fact that it is the only one shipped (at least on PB Ultra).

Being Simple (3) also means keeping one's feet on firm ground. If I can flick a page through a simple screen touch on a 6" black and white device which fits in the palm of a hand, what earthly urgency do I have for one or two side buttons? If I can transfer a file simply by copy/paste to a PC, I should not have to waste storage and use Dropbox.

D. Being Customizable (1) means having for a start just the core applications, others being installed according to individual user's whims. For instance: I'd much rather have Python3 installed, than being saddled with progs for which an ereader is not the platform of choice, like browser, dropbox, games, and so on.

Being Customizable (2) also precludes yet another install gui: a simple terminal app using the time-honoured apt-get command line interface does wonders. Proper and thoughtful documentation can give even novices a sense of security.

A system is also Customizable (3) if new and/or groundbreaking apps are first given a whiff of the real world in already stable user environments, for reasons too obvious to need enlarging upon.

That is all for now. Thank you for your time.

[rkomar]

Originally Posted by vmsda

MY SIMPLE REQUEST: I would like to have a version of firmware for my recently bought PB Ultra, featuring the following applications: FBReader or CoolReader, Settings, Library, Dictionary, Audio Player; Notes (optional). Nothing else.

I doubt they would ever fulfill this request, because the "Nothing else" part makes it unreasonable. Other customers value some of the other features, so why not let them have them and you just ignore them?

Or, if you cannot ignore the "unnecessary" applications, you can delete them from the /applications directory. They are all just simple shell scripts launching the real applications in /ebrmain/bin/ (which you cannot delete).

[vmsda]

Thank you for your comment, Rkomar. Nothing in my post - in the letter as in the spirit - can be construed as advocating that only the apps which I deem important should be available, on the contrary: the first sentence in paragraph D. takes care of what you find "unreasonable" in my request. Additionally, I did not label any applications "unnecessary", that is for each user-owner to decide.

As for your tip regarding app removal which, if I read you correctly, would remove the icon shortcuts but not the apps themselves, thus not freeing the corresponding storage. You are trying to help and I thank you sincerely for it, but what I am complaining against is the opaqueness of an implementation resulting, for instance, in storage waste. I think PocketBook would benefit greatly from implementing an open system, since informed, satisfied customers are the best "salesmen" a product can have.

PS. I edited the MY SIMPLE REQUEST phraseology to make it clearer.

[kacir]

Originally Posted by vmsda

I think PocketBook would benefit greatly from implementing an open system, since informed, satisfied customers are the best "salesmen" a product can have.

That is what they did for the first generation of devices - a very open system that gave us many points where we could place our custom configuration files or custom binaries. We did not have to piss against the wind and hack the device to get access to the insides. Pocketbook company even sponsored prizes for a programming contest where their Russian speaking customers created a number of very interesting third-party programs, such as terminal emulator (that enabled us to drill even deeper into the insides). So, as the system was open we could use our resources to extend the system and invent clever tricks instead of banging against the wall, trying to hack or root the device - as was the case with the majority of competing platforms.
The result was they had a number of passionate customers/salesmen - such as myself. The result was they had a number of hackers trying to improve and extend their devices, increasing the value of the device with each third-party program.
That is why I am grumbling and complaining as I see the openness deteriorating. Sigh ...

[vmsda]

Originally Posted by kacir

...That is why I am grumbling and complaining as I see the openness deteriorating. Sigh ...

Unfortunately for us, present-day PocketBook owners, openness is not the only deteriorating item. I googled "best ereaders" and inspected four or five of the most recent evaluations of ereaders in the market. Not one of them featured a PocketBook model - any model. Actually, I do not recall an instance of PocketBook as a brand scoring a passing mention.
So I am left wondering what PocketBook, as a company, thinks of this sorry state of affairs and what they plan to do about it ... and when they are going to tell us about it.
I do not plan to return to this issue in the foreseeable future.
Good luck to you all.

[Dr. Drib]

About 5 or 6 years ago, Pocketbook was thought of very highly, in my opinion.

They had the 360 Pocketbook, which received a large number of positive reviews. Based on those reviews, I purchased one.

However, they were quickly subsumed (again, in my opinion) by the competition, and became somewhat of a niche company (is if such a thing is NOT possible in a little company producing ebook readers!).

They just don't have much of a presence in the marketplace. One has to really search to find one of their products. Most people are happy with the ecosystem built into a Kindle or a Kobo.

Maybe the secret is to have an ebook reader that begins with the letter 'K'.

I just recently 're-discovered' my Pocketbook 360. I love the form factor, but of course the technology has gone the way of the dinosaur.

Produce a font-lit up-to-date Pocketbook 360 WITH THE SAME FORM FACTOR, and I'll buy it in between heartbeats.

[Zetmolm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

They just don't have much of a presence in the marketplace. One has to really search to find one of their products. Most people are happy with the ecosystem built into a Kindle or a Kobo.

That depends on where you live. The largest electronics chain here in the Netherlands sells PB (as well as some brands starting with K). You can just walk into one of their many shops and grab it from the shelves.

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Produce a font-lit up-to-date Pocketbook 360 WITH THE SAME FORM FACTOR, and I'll buy it in between heartbeats.

But it would have the new firmware, and that might disappoint you. So many of the nice features of the PB 360 are no longer there.

[kacir]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Produce a font-lit up-to-date Pocketbook 360 WITH THE SAME FORM FACTOR, and I'll buy it in between heartbeats.

Oh NO! NOT up-to-date! Please!

The PB360 is the pinnacle of the firmware design. Since the PB360 the firmware development is heading downhill at ever steeper angle. The recent versions (5.XY) even managed to screw up the extensions.cfg configuration for letting you open [some] files [such as .epub] in an alternative viewer. And if you do succeed, it doesn't really matter that you did manage to open an epub in fbreader, you can't change the justification or margins anyway - just like in the AdobeReader. They managed to design an Aidroid-esque system status bar on the top, displaying things like time or battery level, but that means the reading app can only display page count in the status bar at the bottom, and if you want to see other info you have to have TWO status bars. One with page count at the bottom and the other - Aidroid-esque one, with time, battery level and other info - at the top. Fortunately somebody managed to port Coolreader to newer versions of PocketBook firmware, so it *is* usable, and IMHO still better than other big-name readers.

[vmsda]

"... Maybe the secret is to have an ebook that begins with the letter K..."
I still have the Ultra, use it all the time, although I also have a 626 as backup. But since PocketBook as a company does not seem to worry too much about itself, I repay them in kind.

So, I use Calibre to manage my library: I buy the books, convert them all to EPUB, and load my PBs from Calibre. I do not make the books available to anyone else, since I am not in the piracy business, but if I bought them I am entitled to process them any way I fancy. My PBs do not even remember that such a thing as wifi exists; as long as I can read the books, I avoid updates like the plague.

E-readers beginning with K assume, indeed practically demand, that you connect to them. Amazon, in particular, goes so far as to police what you have in the Kindle.

But even Amazon can on occasion draw a smile even from non-admirers. The other day I found myself reading buyer reviews for one of their more recent e-readers. The bemused customer was complaining that he had embarked on this wonderful promotion, but there was a catch: while he was reading, every once in a while an ad would pop up! The poor guy was almost on the verge of tears!

Not a perfect world, right?

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by kacir

Oh NO! NOT up-to-date! Please!

The PB360 is the pinnacle of the firmware design. Since the PB360 the firmware development is heading downhill at ever steeper angle. The recent versions (5.XY) even managed to screw up the extensions.cfg configuration for letting you open [some] files [such as .epub] in an alternative viewer. And if you do succeed, it doesn't really matter that you did manage to open an epub in fbreader, you can't change the justification or margins anyway - just like in the AdobeReader. They managed to design an Aidroid-esque system status bar on the top, displaying things like time or battery level, but that means the reading app can only display page count in the status bar at the bottom, and if you want to see other info you have to have TWO status bars. One with page count at the bottom and the other - Aidroid-esque one, with time, battery level and other info - at the top. Fortunately somebody managed to port Coolreader to newer versions of PocketBook firmware, so it *is* usable, and IMHO still better than other big-name readers.

I wasn't aware of all those shortfalls.

Thanks for the head's up on this.

I guess I'm lucky to still have a working Pocketbook 360.

[zinj]

I just bought an Ultra on Ebay and it appears that it was never used and in perfect shape. However, I'm having problems setting it up that I've never experienced with any electronic device before.

Firstly, it won't connect to my home wifi. It recognizes it but when I enter the WPA2 password it times out and never connects. It's the first device I've seen that doesn't automatically recognize the type of network and let you connect. I can connect to an open network but that's it so far. What am I doing wrong?

Secondly, it won't connect to my Dropbox. The screen just freezes after I enter the email and password for the account.

Thirdly, Send to Pocketbook didn't work when I configured it with my Gmail address but I got an email notification when I used a different email account. I figured maybe the device or service doesn't like gmail accounts so I even tried creating a new Dropbox account using a non-gmail address but still no luck with that either.

Any help any of you fellow Pocketbook users could provide would be greatly appreciated.