Need help from those who have used them

Spiritwnd · 01-10-2010, 10:58 AM

Good morning/Afternoon/Evening everyone!

I am in need of an ereader, I am currently on the back order list to get a nook. However, CES just caused ALOT of confusion and now I am going back across my list of what I want in an eReader.

I have been reading and reading and reading your forums and it has successfully removed potentials from the list and also introduced new layers of confusion.

So, I have finally decided to just lay down the details of my needs and listen to everyone who has used these devices.

Here is the criteria:
I honestly don't want to spend more then $300 on the device.
6" screen minimum.

I understand that not every device does PDF reflow. However, since I am a computer programmer with three book cases full of manuals (some classics from a day and language gone by) my wife would like to reclaim some real estate. The newer books come with ebook options (APress) or with an CHM that can be converted.
I am looking for an ereader that does a decent job (not perfect) of reflow.
Please don't respond with the screen size issues, I understand that some might need to be cropped. Just looking at who does a decent job with uncropped.

Wifi/3G is not a big deal to me, if the only reason it is on the system is to gain access to an online ebook store.

I like the idea of SD Cards so that I can organize books.

Touch screen is not a big thing with me. So if it is a button pusher, well as a programmer so am I. In the touch screen arena, I am slightly spoiled by an Andriod smart phone where the touch response time is fairly quick.

What have I physically looked at? Sony (BestBuy display) and the nook. I spoke with a Kindle user.
What have I looked at in your forums? All of them.

That is part of the confusion. There are a handful out there that sound like they could do what I need them to do. However, I can't get my hands on them to "try before I buy". So I need input from those who have them in their hands.
Such as the Astak Mentor or EZReader, Sony PRS 600, Kindle 2, others that might fit the order.
I am entertaining the thought of holding out for an Entourage Edge or Spring Design Alex. That just prolongs my agony and decision making pains.

Looking forward to the responses. BTW, the nook is on track to ship Friday 1/15/10 so any input between now and Thursday the 14th is helpful.

Thank you all!

Just for the record, when I am in a Starbucks and faced with all those decision, I'm not this bad, I always get a Dirty/Solo Caramel Soy No Water Chai Latte :P

-Spirit

wallcraft · 01-10-2010, 11:25 AM

Note that all the Readers that have mobile Adobe Digital Editions implement PDF reflow the same way (or not at all), so this isn't much of a differentiator. However, other PDF capabilities do differ between devices.

In my opinion the best PDF capability available in a 6" device under $300 is the PocketBook 301+. The Oynx Boox 60 has similar PDF capability, aided by its Wacom (stylus-only) touch screen, but it is more expensive. The 7" PRS-900 might also be a good choice, but it is also outside your price range.

The PocketBook 301+ is a good choice based on all your criteria.

Spiritwnd · 01-10-2010, 12:00 PM

Is the PocketBook 301+ and the eSlick the same machine? Their case design looks identical. I might be wrong but just asking for shopping purposes.

JSWolf · 01-10-2010, 12:02 PM

Tp be honest, PDF for computer manuals won't be good enough on any 6" device. Ypu'll really need one with a larger screen.

wallcraft · 01-10-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritwnd

Is the PocketBook 301+ and the eSlick the same machine? Their case design looks identical. I might be wrong but just asking for shopping purposes.

There are many devices using the Netronix EB600 hardware (and its minor variants). Both PocketBook and Foxit provide their own in-house firmware on similar hardware. Foxit's firmware is using its own PDF renderer (so it has reflow different from mobile ADE devices) and an eReader SDK for DRMed ebooks. PocketBook's firmware is more mainstream, based on FBReader and Adobe Digital Editions, and PocketBook is becoming increasingly prominent (PocketBook and Netronix to merge as PocketBook Global).

If you had lots of eReader ebooks, then the eSlick might be an option but otherwise a device with Adobe Digital Editions is best.

pilotbob · 01-10-2010, 12:24 PM

I really am liking the Edge... but for me I would use it for something completely different than what I use my Kindle for.

The kindle (or any 6 inch reader) for me is for recreational reading... fiction and non-fiction alike.

I am looking at the Edge or other larger format device with a stylus annotation feature for more work documents, programming books, to use in meetings at work to take notes... I see the edge as a great merging of a netbook and an ebook reader.... I like the way it merges the use of the eInk/wacom screen with the LCD/Touch screen also providing WiFi so you can use some productivity apps like email or whatnot.

So, in your budget I think you would be ok with the Kindle2 the Sony 600. I'm not sure if the Nook supports PDF.

BOb

Spiritwnd · 01-10-2010, 12:46 PM

Wallcraft: I have no other ebooks aside from the technical type. I am not an avid reader when aside from the requirements to stay current with the industry I am in. Partially because things change so quickly that I am constantly reading technical articles and books. A BIG shout out to Microsoft and Intel for keeping me busy!

JS: I am not looking for something to render the PDF as is. If that was my sole desire, I would use Foxit's PDF reader software, change the page background to a grey/light cream color to make it softer and easier to read while keeping it open in a second or third monitor. I am looking for something light weight that I can take with me and read, maybe look at the images if there are any and use it for reference storage.

PilotBob: The Edge is what caused me to reconsider my options. I like all the potential that it offers as you described. However, I am slightly reluctant as it is larger then my netbook and slightly heavier. Dimensions closed are nearly 8.5 x 11 x 1 and weighs in at 3 lbs. However, for an in the office device that I can carry around from mtg to mtg and use as technical library, it might be perfect. Nook does support PDF, I have seen a screen shot of a PDF taken. I am just weighing out all of my options (again) with input from all of you.

Deeply appreciate everything I am reading from all of you.

pilotbob · 01-10-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritwnd

Deeply appreciate everything I am reading from all of you.

Glad to offer what little help I can. What would make this all easier for me is if I would win that damn powerball... then I would just buy them all and use the ones I liked the best.

BOb

Spiritwnd · 01-10-2010, 12:57 PM

PilotBob: I deeply respect that comment! I am just up the road from you in Jacksonville. However, I am feeling a lot like JSWolf's avatar at the moment. Currently 1pm and 39 degrees.
Are we in Florida? LOL

Ea · 01-10-2010, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

So, in your budget I think you would be ok with the Kindle2 the Sony 600. I'm not sure if the Nook supports PDF.

PDF support on the Kindle is basic (to put it nicely). You have no zoom option, it only zooms to fit width of the screen, so for the source material suggested here, the PDF implementation on the Kindle 2 would be pretty useless. It's really only useful for PDF content that's formatted for a 6'' screen.

pilotbob · 01-10-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ea

PDF support on the Kindle is basic (to put it nicely). You have no zoom option, it only zooms to fit width of the screen, so for the source material suggested here, the PDF implementation on the Kindle 2 would be pretty useless. It's really only useful for PDF content that's formatted for a 6'' screen.

Thanks for the additional info. From what I've seen the PRS-600 has the best PDF support for a 6inch device.

BOb

Ea · 01-10-2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Thanks for the additional info. From what I've seen the PRS-600 has the best PDF support for a 6inch device.

That's my own impression.

Sweetpea · 01-11-2010, 05:48 AM

Personally, from what I've read you want, I'd still go for the Edge. As JSWolf already mentioned, computer books aren't the best for a 6" reader. Sure, you can view them, but I doubt you'll get much fun out of them. Yes, it might be heavier and larger than your netbook, but I think it's much more practical.

You should really try to see how those books would look on a 6" device before making a decision... I'm afraid you might be dissapointed... Also, are those books reflowable? A PDF file must be specified for reflow otherwise it won't work, no matter the software...

Spiritwnd · 01-14-2010, 05:58 PM

Just an update: I cancelled the Nook order and ordered the Pocketbook 301+.

Should be arriving on Tuesday (1/19/10)

Thank you for the input.

-Spirit

Spiritwnd · 01-21-2010, 12:32 PM

It was shipped on Tuesday, arrived today. I will post based on my PDF findings and such for all the noobs out there.
All the experienced users can just post the "I told ya so.

" to the message later.

Thanks all for your assistance in this matter!

01-10-2010, 10:58 AM	#1
Spiritwnd Member Posts: 22 Karma: 66 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: G1, Pocketbook 301+	Need help from those who have used them Good morning/Afternoon/Evening everyone! I am in need of an ereader, I am currently on the back order list to get a nook. However, CES just caused ALOT of confusion and now I am going back across my list of what I want in an eReader. I have been reading and reading and reading your forums and it has successfully removed potentials from the list and also introduced new layers of confusion. So, I have finally decided to just lay down the details of my needs and listen to everyone who has used these devices. Here is the criteria: I honestly don't want to spend more then $300 on the device. 6" screen minimum. I understand that not every device does PDF reflow. However, since I am a computer programmer with three book cases full of manuals (some classics from a day and language gone by) my wife would like to reclaim some real estate. The newer books come with ebook options (APress) or with an CHM that can be converted. I am looking for an ereader that does a decent job (not perfect) of reflow. Please don't respond with the screen size issues, I understand that some might need to be cropped. Just looking at who does a decent job with uncropped. Wifi/3G is not a big deal to me, if the only reason it is on the system is to gain access to an online ebook store. I like the idea of SD Cards so that I can organize books. Touch screen is not a big thing with me. So if it is a button pusher, well as a programmer so am I. In the touch screen arena, I am slightly spoiled by an Andriod smart phone where the touch response time is fairly quick. What have I physically looked at? Sony (BestBuy display) and the nook. I spoke with a Kindle user. What have I looked at in your forums? All of them. That is part of the confusion. There are a handful out there that sound like they could do what I need them to do. However, I can't get my hands on them to "try before I buy". So I need input from those who have them in their hands. Such as the Astak Mentor or EZReader, Sony PRS 600, Kindle 2, others that might fit the order. I am entertaining the thought of holding out for an Entourage Edge or Spring Design Alex. That just prolongs my agony and decision making pains. Looking forward to the responses. BTW, the nook is on track to ship Friday 1/15/10 so any input between now and Thursday the 14th is helpful. Thank you all! Just for the record, when I am in a Starbucks and faced with all those decision, I'm not this bad, I always get a Dirty/Solo Caramel Soy No Water Chai Latte :P -Spirit

01-10-2010, 11:25 AM	#2
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,977 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	Note that all the Readers that have mobile Adobe Digital Editions implement PDF reflow the same way (or not at all), so this isn't much of a differentiator. However, other PDF capabilities do differ between devices. In my opinion the best PDF capability available in a 6" device under $300 is the PocketBook 301+. The Oynx Boox 60 has similar PDF capability, aided by its Wacom (stylus-only) touch screen, but it is more expensive. The 7" PRS-900 might also be a good choice, but it is also outside your price range. The PocketBook 301+ is a good choice based on all your criteria.

01-10-2010, 12:00 PM	#3
Spiritwnd Member Posts: 22 Karma: 66 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: G1, Pocketbook 301+	Is the PocketBook 301+ and the eSlick the same machine? Their case design looks identical. I might be wrong but just asking for shopping purposes.

01-10-2010, 12:02 PM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,431 Karma: 150249609 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Tp be honest, PDF for computer manuals won't be good enough on any 6" device. Ypu'll really need one with a larger screen.

01-10-2010, 12:24 PM	#6
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	I really am liking the Edge... but for me I would use it for something completely different than what I use my Kindle for. The kindle (or any 6 inch reader) for me is for recreational reading... fiction and non-fiction alike. I am looking at the Edge or other larger format device with a stylus annotation feature for more work documents, programming books, to use in meetings at work to take notes... I see the edge as a great merging of a netbook and an ebook reader.... I like the way it merges the use of the eInk/wacom screen with the LCD/Touch screen also providing WiFi so you can use some productivity apps like email or whatnot. So, in your budget I think you would be ok with the Kindle2 the Sony 600. I'm not sure if the Nook supports PDF. BOb

01-10-2010, 12:46 PM	#7
Spiritwnd Member Posts: 22 Karma: 66 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: G1, Pocketbook 301+	Wallcraft: I have no other ebooks aside from the technical type. I am not an avid reader when aside from the requirements to stay current with the industry I am in. Partially because things change so quickly that I am constantly reading technical articles and books. A BIG shout out to Microsoft and Intel for keeping me busy! JS: I am not looking for something to render the PDF as is. If that was my sole desire, I would use Foxit's PDF reader software, change the page background to a grey/light cream color to make it softer and easier to read while keeping it open in a second or third monitor. I am looking for something light weight that I can take with me and read, maybe look at the images if there are any and use it for reference storage. PilotBob: The Edge is what caused me to reconsider my options. I like all the potential that it offers as you described. However, I am slightly reluctant as it is larger then my netbook and slightly heavier. Dimensions closed are nearly 8.5 x 11 x 1 and weighs in at 3 lbs. However, for an in the office device that I can carry around from mtg to mtg and use as technical library, it might be perfect. Nook does support PDF, I have seen a screen shot of a PDF taken. I am just weighing out all of my options (again) with input from all of you. Deeply appreciate everything I am reading from all of you.

01-10-2010, 12:57 PM	#9
Spiritwnd Member Posts: 22 Karma: 66 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: G1, Pocketbook 301+	PilotBob: I deeply respect that comment! I am just up the road from you in Jacksonville. However, I am feeling a lot like JSWolf's avatar at the moment. Currently 1pm and 39 degrees. Are we in Florida? LOL

01-11-2010, 05:48 AM	#13
Sweetpea Grand Sorcerer Posts: 9,707 Karma: 32763414 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Krewerd Device: Pocketbook Inkpad 4 Color; Samsung Galaxy Tab S6	Personally, from what I've read you want, I'd still go for the Edge. As JSWolf already mentioned, computer books aren't the best for a 6" reader. Sure, you can view them, but I doubt you'll get much fun out of them. Yes, it might be heavier and larger than your netbook, but I think it's much more practical. You should really try to see how those books would look on a 6" device before making a decision... I'm afraid you might be dissapointed... Also, are those books reflowable? A PDF file must be specified for reflow otherwise it won't work, no matter the software...

01-14-2010, 05:58 PM	#14
Spiritwnd Member Posts: 22 Karma: 66 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: G1, Pocketbook 301+	Just an update: I cancelled the Nook order and ordered the Pocketbook 301+. Should be arriving on Tuesday (1/19/10) Thank you for the input. -Spirit

01-21-2010, 12:32 PM	#15
Spiritwnd Member Posts: 22 Karma: 66 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: G1, Pocketbook 301+	It was shipped on Tuesday, arrived today. I will post based on my PDF findings and such for all the noobs out there. All the experienced users can just post the "I told ya so. " to the message later. Thanks all for your assistance in this matter!

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