Jetbook will add FBReader with next firmware update

[JSWolf]

The question I have is how quickly will Etaco keep up with FBReader updates? Meaning how long will it take a new firmware to come out if there is an FBReader update?

[jgray]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

If the jetBook version works like the OpenInkPot version, FBReader's "library" isn't used at all. Navigating to an ebook is the same as now on the jetBook, but when you open the ebook FBReader is invoked on that ebook only. It is possible to use FBReader this way on Desktop machines too (e.g. right click on an ebook and select FBReader to open the file).

I don't have any details on how FBReader will be incorporated into the Jetbook. I would assume that it will be modified to fit the existing Jetbook interface. We'll just have to wait and see.

[jgray]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The question I have is how quickly will Etaco keep up with FBReader updates? Meaning how long will it take a new firmware to come out if there is an FBReader update?

No idea. Maybe better than some vendors and worse than others. Certainly some of the existing ebook vendors aren't doing as well as they should on firmware updates, according to some of the posts on MR.

Considering that the last firmware from Ectaco was only a few months ago (which added epub, mobi and RTF) and a new, major update is expected this month, I'd say that they are doing very well so far. Only time will tell.

[ny10522]

I appreciate the updates, but what is really needed is a better English-English dictionary. The default dictionary is so lame that it is virtually worthless. The main reason I bought this reader was for the instant dictionary lookup but 90% of the time the word I am looking for isn't in the dictionary! I would welcome a software update that would allow me to purchase a new default dictionary.

[wodin]

Originally Posted by Dennisvjames

I would love to have FBReader-ability on this. However, I use FBReader on my Nokia 800 it seems a bit buggy. I can open a particular document to the last spot I was reading but the library functions (adding to the library and selecting from the library) don't seem to work for me.

I have FBReader on my N800, but I have the one from the http://fbreader.org/maemo/ repository instead of the maemo.org one. The Maemo version is quite a bit older.

[rgeorg]

I tried out the English-English dictionary on my (ESL) teenage daughter who just took the English proficiency exam - so her English is very good. We found 4 out of the 5 words that we looked up - so perhaps the Eng-Eng dictionary is more geared to non-native but proficient English speakers? In any case - more words would be a good thing.

[Dennisvjames]

that would be cool if that would be how it works...I really like the logic that the JetBook uses and the folder system (at this point as far as I know, no other reader has a folder system like this).

Now about the wireless and browser...

:-)

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by Dennisvjames

I really like the logic that the JetBook uses and the folder system (at this point as far as I know, no other reader has a folder system like this).

The Hanlin V3 has folders and I think its navigation is similar to that on the jetBook, see File Navigation: Hanlin V3 vs OpenInkPot. The iRex iLiad and DR1000S have folders, although the iLiad has some weird features and both are expensive.

The Hanlin V5 (with a 5" EInk screen) is going to be the nearest direct competitor to the jetBook when it is released within a month or so, see Astak announces 5 inch Pocket PRO for $199 and New BeBook Mini - 5" Eink Reader.

[rgeorg]

It will be interesting to see if the "page-turn + flash" feature of eink has been reduced significantly. Also, why doesn't anyone mention device start-up time? That always bugs me the most with netbooks, either I have to leave it on standby (using battery) or it takes a minute or so to start. When I have 10-20 minutes to read, it is a nuisance.

The jetBook opens (not using standby) in about 3 seconds. This is the second-best feature in my opinion (the first being the instant page turns). Obviously, I don't like waiting! ;-)

Has it been stated that the new V5 (5") will have a fast boot-up time - or perhaps it is quick enough already (I don't really know - maybe a non-issue)?

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by rgeorg

Also, why doesn't anyone mention device start-up time?

There is no start-up time issue with the Hanlins, because there is almost never a need to turn one off. I don't know exactly how long a Hanlin V3's battery will last if it is turned on but otherwise not used, but it is measured in weeks. The wake up time in this mode is too small to notice, click a key and the device responds as usual. I never turn mine off, and since I download ebooks to it regularly this provides enough charging time that I almost never have to explicitly recharge the device.

The screen flashing, and the overall page turn time, is a disadvantage of EInk. It probably takes longer to navigate the directory tree on a Hanlin than a jetBook, for example, because of the page turn time.

[LuBiB]

awesome update!

i really can't wait for this. kris777 is right since with the CSS you can now view tables and charts in their original formats instead of them being skewed when translated to a text format.

this should definitely make it easier and maybe they'll come out with an update that would have picture recognition alongside text so maybe my little brother can switch to a jetbook too

[Kris777]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

The Hanlin V5 (with a 5" EInk screen) is going to be the nearest direct competitor to the jetBook when it is released within a month or so, see Astak announces 5 inch Pocket PRO for $199 and New BeBook Mini - 5" Eink Reader.

This post below dated on 04-09-2008 (more than one year ago) but I still can't see 5 inch ASTAK eBook reader for promised $159...
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...96&postcount=1

Mentor will come in three sizes: 5 inch, 6 inch, and 9.7 inch. They all use E-ink technology and have stereo headphone/earbud jacks. You can do slide shows on them. WiFi (802.11g) and Touchscreen will be options. Resolution is 800 x 600 pixels. One charge lasts for about 8,000 pages. All will have SD card slots expanding the memory up to 4GB. The 5 inch is projected to sell at about $159.

[Dennisvjames]

The 6" Hanlin is already in Frys under the Astak brand. I saw them there when I picked up my Jetbook. The interface looks exactly the same, but only with eink. It's $299 on the Website but $249 in the store. It was called the EZreader. http://www.frys.com/product/5834633?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[Kris777]

Originally Posted by Dennisvjames

The 6" Hanlin is already in Frys under the Astak brand. I saw them there when I picked up my Jetbook. The interface looks exactly the same, but only with eink. It's $299 on the Website but $249 in the store. It was called the EZreader. http://www.frys.com/product/5834633?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

ASTAK announced 5" ebook reader for $159 more than one year ago but they don't have it yet... I really don't need 6" eBook reader (E-Ink and too bulky) but I don't understand why people buy EZreader in case if Sony 505 available for the same price?

[rgeorg]

If I could request one update it would be to have a small digital time display on the top bar. I tend to lose track of time and it would be useful to have it right there to check.