Best Reader for Technical Documents (PDF)

Dave Berk · 05-12-2010, 03:28 PM

Hi all

I'm looking for a good reader for technical books. I already have a PRS 505 which I'm very happy with. What I want now is a large size reader capable of handling PDF books and technical documents (meaning color is not necessary).

I've recently sold my netbook since I was not happy using it for PDFs. It was not comfortable reading on the bed, or while eating. It was not light, and the keyboard kept getting in the way.

What's the verdict on the iPad? KindleDX? Are there any new or upcoming readers worth waiting for?

Thanks
Dave

zetareticuli · 05-12-2010, 04:05 PM

I own both an iPad and an Entourage eDGe. I am very satisfied with how these two devices display technical PDFs. The eDGe is not light weight and it is uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time but technical PDFs display very well. The iPad is lighter and more comfortable to use and it also displays PDFs exceptionally well. Both are 9.7" diagonally. In my opinion, these screens are still not the ideal size for technical PDFs. Something in the rage of 11.2" - 11.5" would be ideal. For now, I am happy with both the eDGe and iPad.

Logseman · 05-18-2010, 08:01 PM

You might find the Pocketbook 901 worthwhile. It offers 9,7 inches and a potent PDF support, as Pocketbook gives in its firmware usually, and it will be sensibly cheaper than Kindle DX, iPad and the Edge. However it is scheduled for September.

PhishStyx · 05-19-2010, 09:10 AM

You should definitely add the iRex e-book readers to your list. I have the DR 1000s, which works very well for me.

lilman · 05-19-2010, 05:26 PM

Kindle DX vs iPad for technical pdfs, I would go with the iPad. The DX doesn't support pdf internal links, so the toc and section jumps don't work. I found this really annoying with the tech pdfs I read (I'm a software engineer) as there are usually links for stuff like "If you are on this system, jump here, otherwise jump here". I've also had a few problems with text being rendered small and gray, but usually that is only with pdfs that I made myself.

The iPad handles technical pdfs like a champ. All the pdf functionality you would expect is there. There is even an iAnnotate app that is supposed to allow you to highlight and write notes in a pdf, then email or sync it so that it can be read in any pdf viewer, but I have not tested it.

pboss · 05-19-2010, 08:49 PM

You may want to take a look at the entourage edge and the irex dr1000S.

shimashinji · 05-25-2010, 12:46 AM

Hello,
Could you please just tell me where I can purchase the irex dr1000S at this moment? Thanks.

feelfine · 05-25-2010, 12:09 PM

I have the same problem. I suppose at the moment you can buy only used one. Does anyone knows if Irex doesnt produce/sell 1000s anymore?

PhishStyx · 05-25-2010, 08:05 PM

Hrm, turns out, iRex is out of stock on them. I'll PM Gertjan to see if I can get an answer for you.

feelfine · 05-26-2010, 03:41 AM

I got an answer at Irex forum. They should start selling it again at the end of June. So I suppose I could wait and see what happens with all those big screen ereaders that are announced to come this year.

jmmcg9 · 05-26-2010, 10:57 AM

I have both the iPad & Kindle 2. The iPad is significantly better for PDFs than the Kindle 2. the Kindle DX should be better since you could view the entire document at once with a reasonable font size. I use the Goodreader App for PDFs on the iPad with excellent results. Thx, Joe Mac

05-12-2010, 03:28 PM	#1
Dave Berk Fanatic Posts: 574 Karma: 138556 Join Date: May 2006 Device: PRS505	Best Reader for Technical Documents (PDF)? Hi all I'm looking for a good reader for technical books. I already have a PRS 505 which I'm very happy with. What I want now is a large size reader capable of handling PDF books and technical documents (meaning color is not necessary). I've recently sold my netbook since I was not happy using it for PDFs. It was not comfortable reading on the bed, or while eating. It was not light, and the keyboard kept getting in the way. What's the verdict on the iPad? KindleDX? Are there any new or upcoming readers worth waiting for? Thanks Dave Last edited by Dave Berk; 05-12-2010 at 04:05 PM.

05-25-2010, 12:46 AM	#7
shimashinji Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: nook	where to purchase? Hello, Could you please just tell me where I can purchase the irex dr1000S at this moment? Thanks.

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05-12-2010, 04:05 PM	#2
zetareticuli Addict Posts: 367 Karma: 228 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Aztak Mentor	I own both an iPad and an Entourage eDGe. I am very satisfied with how these two devices display technical PDFs. The eDGe is not light weight and it is uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time but technical PDFs display very well. The iPad is lighter and more comfortable to use and it also displays PDFs exceptionally well. Both are 9.7" diagonally. In my opinion, these screens are still not the ideal size for technical PDFs. Something in the rage of 11.2" - 11.5" would be ideal. For now, I am happy with both the eDGe and iPad.

05-18-2010, 08:01 PM	#3
Logseman Orisa Posts: 2,001 Karma: 1035571 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ireland Device: Onyx Poke 5	You might find the Pocketbook 901 worthwhile. It offers 9,7 inches and a potent PDF support, as Pocketbook gives in its firmware usually, and it will be sensibly cheaper than Kindle DX, iPad and the Edge. However it is scheduled for September.

05-19-2010, 09:10 AM	#4
PhishStyx The me that I am Posts: 413 Karma: 1078 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: In my house! Duh! Device: Kindle 1 & DR 1000s	You should definitely add the iRex e-book readers to your list. I have the DR 1000s, which works very well for me.

05-19-2010, 05:26 PM	#5
lilman Addict Posts: 326 Karma: 960 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Florida, US Device: Kindle DX, iPad	Kindle DX vs iPad for technical pdfs, I would go with the iPad. The DX doesn't support pdf internal links, so the toc and section jumps don't work. I found this really annoying with the tech pdfs I read (I'm a software engineer) as there are usually links for stuff like "If you are on this system, jump here, otherwise jump here". I've also had a few problems with text being rendered small and gray, but usually that is only with pdfs that I made myself. The iPad handles technical pdfs like a champ. All the pdf functionality you would expect is there. There is even an iAnnotate app that is supposed to allow you to highlight and write notes in a pdf, then email or sync it so that it can be read in any pdf viewer, but I have not tested it.

05-19-2010, 08:49 PM	#6
pboss Evangelist Posts: 408 Karma: 646 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: none	You may want to take a look at the entourage edge and the irex dr1000S.

05-25-2010, 12:09 PM	#8
feelfine Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Device: iliad book edition	I have the same problem. I suppose at the moment you can buy only used one. Does anyone knows if Irex doesnt produce/sell 1000s anymore?

05-25-2010, 08:05 PM	#9
PhishStyx The me that I am Posts: 413 Karma: 1078 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: In my house! Duh! Device: Kindle 1 & DR 1000s	Hrm, turns out, iRex is out of stock on them. I'll PM Gertjan to see if I can get an answer for you.

05-26-2010, 03:41 AM	#10
feelfine Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Device: iliad book edition	I got an answer at Irex forum. They should start selling it again at the end of June. So I suppose I could wait and see what happens with all those big screen ereaders that are announced to come this year.

05-26-2010, 10:57 AM	#11
jmmcg9 Zealot Posts: 123 Karma: 6420516 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Device: Oasis 2, iPad Pro (12.9”), iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPad Mini 5, Forma	I have both the iPad & Kindle 2. The iPad is significantly better for PDFs than the Kindle 2. the Kindle DX should be better since you could view the entire document at once with a reasonable font size. I use the Goodreader App for PDFs on the iPad with excellent results. Thx, Joe Mac

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