BeBook Neo or iRiver Story?

kengsim · 05-16-2010, 05:50 AM

I'm in Malaysia and the iRiver Story is sold locally while BeBook ships internationally. I require multiple format support, most importantly PDF, DOC, TXT and HTML. The Story doesn't support HTML, so conversion is necessary but that's not too much trouble.

I've read quite a few good reviews of the BeBook Neo and I like its wireless capability, although I probably won't be using that a lot. The touchscreen is also not necessary and I'd hate to accidentally scratch it.

The iRiver is slightly more expensive RM1,199 compared to the BeBook Neo with shipping at RM1,130. They will both come with covers.

Any advice?

Zetmolm · 05-16-2010, 05:36 PM

I have the Onyx Boox, which is the same device as the BeBook Neo. Firmware is almost the same, and interchangeable.

Multiple format support on the Onyx Boox is excellent. Support of DOC has just been introduced in the latest firmware update, and will be enhanced next month. The other formats you mention are fully supported. PDF support on the Boox / Neo is arguably the best in the market.

From what I've heard, support for some formats is a lot poorer on the iRiver Story, but perhaps an owner of one can share some of his/her experiences.

You can operate the touchscreen of the Boox / Neo only with the special stylus, and this stylus is quite soft. Don't worry about scratching the screen, unless you're used to reading with sharp objects in your hands.

Normally, the BeBook Neo does not come with a cover (the Onyx Boox does). Did you find a shop that explicitly tells you the cover is included?

kengsim · 05-16-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zetmolm

Normally, the BeBook Neo does not come with a cover (the Onyx Boox does). Did you find a shop that explicitly tells you the cover is included?

I was looking at BeBook's website at www.mybebook.com. The price I stated includes the optional leather cover, as the iRiver here is sold with a cover.

I've read about some problems the iRiver is having with DOC files. And I'm not very confident that iRiver will bother fixing those problems. How is BeBook's support? Have they released firmware on a regular basis?

greenapple · 05-16-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kengsim

I've read about some problems the iRiver is having with DOC files. And I'm not very confident that iRiver will bother fixing those problems. How is BeBook's support? Have they released firmware on a regular basis?

It isn't just DOC. TXT isn't working either (no word wrap!). Only epub and pdf are working. Buy iRiver's Story if you need just 2 formats.

kengsim · 05-17-2010, 04:15 AM

How about Hanlin's eReader V5? The same bookstore that sells the iRiver also has the Hanlin V5 for RM1,099, just a wee bit cheaper. However, if I'm not mistaken, it doesn't come with a cover. Is the Hanlin worth the money? The design is kinda dated and bland, unlike the rather sexy iRiver Story.

Zetmolm · 05-17-2010, 05:28 AM

The Hanlin V5 is a 5 inch reader. The Neo and the Story are 6 inch.
If you're looking for a 5 inch reader and you don't care about Wifi and touch screen, the Hanlin V5 is probably a very good choice. But on the whole , if you look at the very small price difference, I'd say the BeBook Neo gives you better value for money.
BTW, the Hanlin V5 is the same device as the BeBook Mini.

aliettedb · 05-17-2010, 11:14 AM

And if you're looking for a 6'' ereader, the Hanlin V3 does the job. It's not sexy, but it's sturdy, and has firmwares that support plenty of formats.
(I have a V5 and I like it, but I can understand the 5'' screen can be a bit small).

kengsim · 05-17-2010, 07:32 PM

BeBook's web store just ran out of stock for the Neo... Have to wait until early next month! Looks like it's either the iRiver or Hanlin V5. Nobody sells the V3 here.

05-16-2010, 05:50 AM	#1
kengsim Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: None	BeBook Neo or iRiver Story? I'm in Malaysia and the iRiver Story is sold locally while BeBook ships internationally. I require multiple format support, most importantly PDF, DOC, TXT and HTML. The Story doesn't support HTML, so conversion is necessary but that's not too much trouble. I've read quite a few good reviews of the BeBook Neo and I like its wireless capability, although I probably won't be using that a lot. The touchscreen is also not necessary and I'd hate to accidentally scratch it. The iRiver is slightly more expensive RM1,199 compared to the BeBook Neo with shipping at RM1,130. They will both come with covers. Any advice?

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05-16-2010, 05:36 PM	#2
Zetmolm Guru Posts: 615 Karma: 2362786 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: PocketBook Verse Pro Colour	I have the Onyx Boox, which is the same device as the BeBook Neo. Firmware is almost the same, and interchangeable. Multiple format support on the Onyx Boox is excellent. Support of DOC has just been introduced in the latest firmware update, and will be enhanced next month. The other formats you mention are fully supported. PDF support on the Boox / Neo is arguably the best in the market. From what I've heard, support for some formats is a lot poorer on the iRiver Story, but perhaps an owner of one can share some of his/her experiences. You can operate the touchscreen of the Boox / Neo only with the special stylus, and this stylus is quite soft. Don't worry about scratching the screen, unless you're used to reading with sharp objects in your hands. Normally, the BeBook Neo does not come with a cover (the Onyx Boox does). Did you find a shop that explicitly tells you the cover is included?

05-17-2010, 04:15 AM	#5
kengsim Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: None	How about Hanlin's eReader V5? The same bookstore that sells the iRiver also has the Hanlin V5 for RM1,099, just a wee bit cheaper. However, if I'm not mistaken, it doesn't come with a cover. Is the Hanlin worth the money? The design is kinda dated and bland, unlike the rather sexy iRiver Story.

05-17-2010, 05:28 AM	#6
Zetmolm Guru Posts: 615 Karma: 2362786 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: PocketBook Verse Pro Colour	The Hanlin V5 is a 5 inch reader. The Neo and the Story are 6 inch. If you're looking for a 5 inch reader and you don't care about Wifi and touch screen, the Hanlin V5 is probably a very good choice. But on the whole , if you look at the very small price difference, I'd say the BeBook Neo gives you better value for money. BTW, the Hanlin V5 is the same device as the BeBook Mini.

05-17-2010, 11:14 AM	#7
aliettedb Member Posts: 14 Karma: 12028 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: Kobo Glo	And if you're looking for a 6'' ereader, the Hanlin V3 does the job. It's not sexy, but it's sturdy, and has firmwares that support plenty of formats. (I have a V5 and I like it, but I can understand the 5'' screen can be a bit small).

05-17-2010, 07:32 PM	#8
kengsim Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: None	BeBook's web store just ran out of stock for the Neo... Have to wait until early next month! Looks like it's either the iRiver or Hanlin V5. Nobody sells the V3 here.

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