What is your dream e-device?

ficbot · 11-30-2008, 01:14 PM

All the talk about a next-gen Kindle had me thinking about my dream device. My first thought was 'an oversize iPod Touch' because I am loving the wireless aspect. It never occurred to me until I didn't have to do it anymore, just how annoying it is to want to read something and have to get out sync cables and plug things in!

The downside of the iPod Touch though is that some formats like PDF don't display, and Fictionwise, great though it might be, is still not as frugal as the Kindle store. So I guess my dream e-book device would be:

- A Kindle based on wi-fi, so it is useable outside the USA but still wireless
- As lightweight as possible
- Supports downloading backups to your PC or Mac
- Format support for Kindle PLUS Secure eReader, Regular eReader, Mobipocket, ePub and PDF
- Buy/download from any source with legit formats e.g. Kindle Store, Manybooks, Fictionwise

I do think a next-gen iPod Touch with a slightly larger screen might meet my needs in every respect except support for Kindle format and ability to buy those from my computer without needing a Kindle. But it will require more than one program---currently, all formats listed above except Kindle and Mobipocket can be read on the iPod Touch, but one needs different programs, and it is tedious to think about 'oh, I want to read such and such book, which program is it formatted for?' So I have gotten rid of Stanza and for now am reading only Fictionwise and Manybooks documents in eReader. I would like mobipocket suport for my public library's e-book collection, and I would like GOOD pdf so I can read off scribd.

I guess my main issue with Amazon is that you cannot buy it outside the USA. A wi-fi based version would work for me and I admit, I might cave on such a gizmo even though I already have two e-book readers (eBookwise and iPod Touch) because the Kindle store is so cheap.

Ervserver · 11-30-2008, 05:55 PM

A reader that can wirelessly buy books from anywhere. I'd like to see a universal ebook format, also checkout ebooks from any library

acidzebra · 11-30-2008, 06:25 PM

I want a dual-screen folding device with screens approaching A4 and "hugging the edges". I want lots of storage space and a file/folder based ebook manager which supports arbitrary collections and keyword/tag/category and other filters. A couple of cardslots. No touchscreen but conveniently placed buttons which take into consideration left and right handed people. Don't need annotation, so don't try to force in a keyboard. Be sparse with the buttons. Dictionary lookup would be nice.

I don't really care for wireless connection, I'm fine with it behaving like a USB storage device and charging at the same time. Long-lasting battery life. Should support at least plain text, HTML, PDF, epub, and I mean support (not in the Sony "we support PDF - sort of" way). The OS should of course be linux-based and open to a bit of tinkering.

No messing around with audio players that eat battery life, I already have an ipod. Who doesn't.

I'm not asking for much, really

Dylrob · 11-30-2008, 08:06 PM

My dream device has a roughly 10.5 inch, flexible eInk display that can collapse down much like the Readius. Additionally there would have WiFi support and even a basic web browser.

Quote:

Originally Posted by acidzebra

No messing around with audio players that eat battery life, I already have an ipod. Who doesn't.

I don't. Or rather I do, but it hasn't been used since I purchased my first smart phone.

Greg Anos · 11-30-2008, 09:39 PM

A fully working HTML and RTF reader software.......

montsnmags · 11-30-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ficbot

All the talk about a next-gen Kindle had me thinking about my dream device. My first thought was 'an oversize iPod Touch' because I am loving the wireless aspect.
...

For me, I'm thinking of a device along the lines of an imagined Macbook Touch. That is, let's say a 8-9" screen factor, thin, keyboardless, iPod-Touch-y in looks, stylus, handwriting recognition, running OS X, with a large SSD. It would be my use-all-the-time device (replacing my Fujitsu P7120), and desirably have some kind of "dock" at home on my desk, where I'd have a full-size keyboard, or some means of attaching to its other keyboarded half to clamshell like a normal laptop if wanted. Alternatively, there was an Apple patent that applied to sliding/docking a small "Macbook"-like device into the side of a large monitor at home (that looked like their Cinema Display) - using the monitor as a "dock" - and thus having your "big screen, keyboard and mouse" at home, but a smallish device while on the go.

Note, I'm saying "Apple", because that's the way this household is heading. If it wasn't, I'd be hoping for something along similar lines to the above. Also, 8-9" is the kind of size I'd be happy to carry most anywhere I'd take any device.

Cheers,
Marc

Nate the great · 11-30-2008, 09:59 PM

I hope Apple never makes an ebook reader.
http://arstechnica.com/journals/appl...cbook-near-you

ProDigit · 11-30-2008, 11:21 PM

I guess mine would be like a Sony PRS-505, but with the page flipping bar of the Iliad.
Also a pagesize of between 1024x720 to 1366 x 768 pix, that'd be 7-8" screen I guess.
Support of PDF, TXT, 97/2000 DOC, RTF, chm, djvu and perhaps some documents like lrf, and mobi.
Web browser abilities (wireless or via USB) reading and automatically updating of subscribed RSS feeds,internal antenna for radio FM/AM/MW/LW.

A clock and date indicator on the bottom while reading, calendar, agenda, touchscreen, and some basic games and programs would be nice, like a drawing pad software (like paint for touchscreen), clock screen saver, power down (deep sleep) mode.

4GB internal space, and 2x2000+mAh batteries.
SD card reader, good powersave functions,extremely flat and thin, small bezel (border) around the screen (of less than 0,7cm).

PRS-505's silver coating, with rubber for better hand grip.

Lots of Optional stuff, like a hand driven small generator with internal battery for powering up and charging the reader, replaceable batteries, deluxe case (like a DVD box fits the PRS-505.

Backlit screen would be nice (to have a semi transparent matte screen with a few leds on the background that emit their light through the white plastic background).
Also, tough transparent plastic screen instead of a glass one.

Mrraow · 12-01-2008, 05:10 AM

Paperbook sized
300dpi
Built in reading light of some kind.
... that'll do me!

basschick · 12-01-2008, 06:59 AM

cybook gen 3 with full folder support and flexible e-ink display, so no more worries about harming the glass screen.

axel77 · 12-01-2008, 07:45 AM

a device that has 2 displays looking like a book (much as the XO2) with eInk technology that is fast.

As input I want to have either a pen, but without the infamous WACOM gap. Or be able to use a finger, and such the device as itself as keyboard just like in the XO2 demos. However I want another layer above or beneth the display that can simulate pressure sensitivity. Like small bubbles or small pins from underneath, so you can really press it down on the one end, and feel the dispaly settings while going over with the finger.

wireless capabilities are today so self evident IMHO I don't think I need to wish for :-)

I'm ready to pay quite more than 1.000,- Euro for it (2.000,- would be limit), so all this "but I want this cheap" endavour the mobilereading theme often is, doesn't count for me.

Format C: · 12-01-2008, 09:55 AM

My dream device?
An iLiad/DR1000 for 10$, no matter what version of it...

;-)

TallMomof2 · 12-01-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

I hope Apple never makes an ebook reader.
http://arstechnica.com/journals/appl...cbook-near-you

All you need is an HD Fury to get that HDCP content to any device. In Apple's defense (and I can't believe I'm defending Apple) HDCP is required by MPAA for HD content. If the MPAA has it's way all HD content would be encrypted that way. 20 million HDTVs would be rendered useless (including one of mine) unless you went the HD Fury route.

Back to your regularly scheduled topic....

TallMomof2 · 12-01-2008, 10:23 AM

Me dream device would be a foldable color eInk display capable of displaying 8-1/2"x11" without margins, read any format with or without DRM, WiFi combined with cellular internet, easy access to all ebook stores, built in dictionary, ability to edit ebooks (both text and metadata) on the fly, excellent filing system (folders by author and genre), extended battery life, lightweight, and a built-in light.

DaleDe · 12-01-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

I hope Apple never makes an ebook reader.

Actually they did at one time. The Newton was a pretty good eBook reader in its day.

Dale

11-30-2008, 01:14 PM	#1
ficbot Wizard Posts: 2,409 Karma: 4132096 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: Kindle Paperwhite/iOS Kindle App	What is your dream e-device? All the talk about a next-gen Kindle had me thinking about my dream device. My first thought was 'an oversize iPod Touch' because I am loving the wireless aspect. It never occurred to me until I didn't have to do it anymore, just how annoying it is to want to read something and have to get out sync cables and plug things in! The downside of the iPod Touch though is that some formats like PDF don't display, and Fictionwise, great though it might be, is still not as frugal as the Kindle store. So I guess my dream e-book device would be: - A Kindle based on wi-fi, so it is useable outside the USA but still wireless - As lightweight as possible - Supports downloading backups to your PC or Mac - Format support for Kindle PLUS Secure eReader, Regular eReader, Mobipocket, ePub and PDF - Buy/download from any source with legit formats e.g. Kindle Store, Manybooks, Fictionwise I do think a next-gen iPod Touch with a slightly larger screen might meet my needs in every respect except support for Kindle format and ability to buy those from my computer without needing a Kindle. But it will require more than one program---currently, all formats listed above except Kindle and Mobipocket can be read on the iPod Touch, but one needs different programs, and it is tedious to think about 'oh, I want to read such and such book, which program is it formatted for?' So I have gotten rid of Stanza and for now am reading only Fictionwise and Manybooks documents in eReader. I would like mobipocket suport for my public library's e-book collection, and I would like GOOD pdf so I can read off scribd. I guess my main issue with Amazon is that you cannot buy it outside the USA. A wi-fi based version would work for me and I admit, I might cave on such a gizmo even though I already have two e-book readers (eBookwise and iPod Touch) because the Kindle store is so cheap.

11-30-2008, 06:25 PM	#3
acidzebra Liseuse Lover Posts: 869 Karma: 1035404 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Netherlands Device: PRS-505	I want a dual-screen folding device with screens approaching A4 and "hugging the edges". I want lots of storage space and a file/folder based ebook manager which supports arbitrary collections and keyword/tag/category and other filters. A couple of cardslots. No touchscreen but conveniently placed buttons which take into consideration left and right handed people. Don't need annotation, so don't try to force in a keyboard. Be sparse with the buttons. Dictionary lookup would be nice. I don't really care for wireless connection, I'm fine with it behaving like a USB storage device and charging at the same time. Long-lasting battery life. Should support at least plain text, HTML, PDF, epub, and I mean support (not in the Sony "we support PDF - sort of" way). The OS should of course be linux-based and open to a bit of tinkering. No messing around with audio players that eat battery life, I already have an ipod. Who doesn't. I'm not asking for much, really Last edited by acidzebra; 11-30-2008 at 06:29 PM.

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11-30-2008, 05:55 PM	#2
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	A reader that can wirelessly buy books from anywhere. I'd like to see a universal ebook format, also checkout ebooks from any library

11-30-2008, 09:39 PM	#5
Greg Anos Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,499 Karma: 37057604 Join Date: Jan 2008 Device: Pocketbook	A fully working HTML and RTF reader software.......

11-30-2008, 09:59 PM	#7
Nate the great Sir Penguin of Edinburgh Posts: 12,375 Karma: 23555235 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro area Device: Shake a stick plus 1	I hope Apple never makes an ebook reader. http://arstechnica.com/journals/appl...cbook-near-you

11-30-2008, 11:21 PM	#8
ProDigit Karmaniac Posts: 2,553 Karma: 11499146 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Miami FL Device: PRS-505, Jetbook, + Mini, +Color, Astak Ez Reader Pro, PPW1, Aura H2O	I guess mine would be like a Sony PRS-505, but with the page flipping bar of the Iliad. Also a pagesize of between 1024x720 to 1366 x 768 pix, that'd be 7-8" screen I guess. Support of PDF, TXT, 97/2000 DOC, RTF, chm, djvu and perhaps some documents like lrf, and mobi. Web browser abilities (wireless or via USB) reading and automatically updating of subscribed RSS feeds,internal antenna for radio FM/AM/MW/LW. A clock and date indicator on the bottom while reading, calendar, agenda, touchscreen, and some basic games and programs would be nice, like a drawing pad software (like paint for touchscreen), clock screen saver, power down (deep sleep) mode. 4GB internal space, and 2x2000+mAh batteries. SD card reader, good powersave functions,extremely flat and thin, small bezel (border) around the screen (of less than 0,7cm). PRS-505's silver coating, with rubber for better hand grip. Lots of Optional stuff, like a hand driven small generator with internal battery for powering up and charging the reader, replaceable batteries, deluxe case (like a DVD box fits the PRS-505. Backlit screen would be nice (to have a semi transparent matte screen with a few leds on the background that emit their light through the white plastic background). Also, tough transparent plastic screen instead of a glass one.

12-01-2008, 05:10 AM	#9
Mrraow Bookworm Posts: 30 Karma: 106 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: London, England Device: Opus	Paperbook sized 300dpi Built in reading light of some kind. ... that'll do me!

12-01-2008, 06:59 AM	#10
basschick Wizard Posts: 1,096 Karma: 4695691 Join Date: May 2008 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	cybook gen 3 with full folder support and flexible e-ink display, so no more worries about harming the glass screen.

12-01-2008, 07:45 AM	#11
axel77 Fanatic Posts: 584 Karma: 914 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: iliad	a device that has 2 displays looking like a book (much as the XO2) with eInk technology that is fast. As input I want to have either a pen, but without the infamous WACOM gap. Or be able to use a finger, and such the device as itself as keyboard just like in the XO2 demos. However I want another layer above or beneth the display that can simulate pressure sensitivity. Like small bubbles or small pins from underneath, so you can really press it down on the one end, and feel the dispaly settings while going over with the finger. wireless capabilities are today so self evident IMHO I don't think I need to wish for :-) I'm ready to pay quite more than 1.000,- Euro for it (2.000,- would be limit), so all this "but I want this cheap" endavour the mobilereading theme often is, doesn't count for me.

12-01-2008, 09:55 AM	#12
Format C: Guru Posts: 753 Karma: 1496807 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Third World Device: iLiad + PRS-505 + Kindle 3	My dream device? An iLiad/DR1000 for 10$, no matter what version of it... ;-)

12-01-2008, 10:23 AM	#14
TallMomof2 Kindlephilia Posts: 2,017 Karma: 1139255 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Snowpacolypse 2010 Device: Too many to count	Me dream device would be a foldable color eInk display capable of displaying 8-1/2"x11" without margins, read any format with or without DRM, WiFi combined with cellular internet, easy access to all ebook stores, built in dictionary, ability to edit ebooks (both text and metadata) on the fly, excellent filing system (folders by author and genre), extended battery life, lightweight, and a built-in light.

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