8+ Readers in comparison

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by emai7s2

Hi Mgmueller,

I'm interested in big-screen readers, and have narrowed it down to the Kindle DX G, the Sony 900 and the Irex 800 (I'm not sure I can even buy the latter two here in Austria).

For my work I frequently have to print out many pages of text, which I then proofread and correct by hand before making the final corrections on the computer. I find that when I proofread texts on the computer itself, I miss too many typos.

Instead of printing out such texts, I would like to use an ereader for proofreading and marking up the text before making the final corrections on the computer.

Which ereader, if any, do you think would be most suitable for such a task?

Thanks!

While it is only a 6inch device the Onyx might be the best here as you can annotate with stylus. (Can the 900 do this?). You might want to talk to HarryT... this is the device he uses to do just what you are describing.

BOb

[BenLee]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

I guess my pic just wasn't good enough. In "real life" DX Graphite's background in fact is a bit less grey than the former DX's background. But it's not a significant difference.
Attached another try, Kindle DX Graphite again.

Oh thanks for the pics mg.

Also, for anyone considering the new DX who has not seen this one yet, there's a good video review at mobiletechreview

[abeaty]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

I favor what I call "intelligent" zoom. You find this, for example, on all iRex units or Onyx Boox/BeBook Neo.

Are the iRex DR800SGs still selling for $650? That is the best price I could find for one. Wow if that is true, $630 gets me an 16GB iPad with 3G - I know why they are in chapter 11. iPads are expensive and they give a whole lot more functionality than the iRex reader, no? So iRex units are incredibly expensive.

In terms of the Onyx Boox vs the BeBook Neo, is one intended for Europe and one for North America? Are they the same hardware (ie. do the fireware updates work interchangeably)?

Any recommended vendors to buy one or both?

Thanks.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by abeaty

Are the iRex DR800SGs still selling for $650? That is the best price I could find for one. Wow if that is true, $630 gets me an 16GB iPad with 3G - I know why they are in chapter 11. iPads are expensive and they give a whole lot more functionality than the iRex reader, no? So iRex units are incredibly expensive.

In terms of the Onyx Boox vs the BeBook Neo, is one intended for Europe and one for North America? Are they the same hardware (ie. do the fireware updates work interchangeably)?

Any recommended vendors to buy one or both?

Thanks.

Onyx Boox is the "original". BeBook Neo uses exactly the same hardware and a (slightly) modified firmware. Both firmwares are freely exchangeable back and forth.
It shouldn't make any difference, which one to buy. I'd simply go for the one, that's easier available in your region.

Concerning "iPad vs. iRex 800":
First of all, the relatively high price of iRex 800 and similar readers seems perfectly in line with the entire product range of ePaper readers. They all use the same displays, which is one of the key cost drivers. Until recently, prices of all ePaper readers had been in line. About 3 months ago, prices from some vendors started to drop. Basically, the ones with additional revenue stream (Amazon, B&N, ...) did reduce the hardware prices to a competitive level re. iPad (whether that comparison makes sense or not).
Most of the other vendors, like iRex or PocketBook, did struggle with those prices. Having no additional revenue stream via eBook sales (or Amazon's sheer limitless resources in the background) and being a niche player anyway, how should you be able to reduce your prices by 40%?
As a sole reader, I still highly prefer iRex 800 or PocketBook 360 over iPad. Less weight, way longer battery life (even with WiFi off, iPad makes less than half or the better ePaper readers) and (to me) slightly more convenient readability. For now, I find Kindle DX Graphite and Apple iPad a perfect combo. Similar size, so perfect for transporting together in my suitcase. Mainly reading Amazon books anyway, so perfectly keeping them in sync on both units. When going to the beach or other crowded or "dirty" places, I'll take PocketBook 360 instead of Kindle DX. Can you see yourself, taking iPad with you to the beach?

[Michel Kin]

I woule like to add one called Lapura reader for Adroid, althought I did not get the experience to use it, but I was much impressed by my friends on line who always talk about the free books that it provides.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by Michel Kin

I woule like to add one called Lapura reader for Adroid, althought I did not get the experience to use it, but I was much impressed by my friends on line who always talk about the free books that it provides.

Never heard of it.
But I found quite a few Android readers, most of them 7", on various websites.
It seems, all of them are Chinese products.
Quite frankly, without having seen one of them or at least having read some tests, personally I wouldn't go for them.

I'll probably go for 1 or 2 high-end competitors of iPad, maybe HP or something like that.
But I still very much prefer (as eBook readers) ePaper units. So I'll carefully watch nook 2 or Kindle 2 Graphite or the new Sony readers (which should be due anytime) and stuff like that.

Re. "the free books that it provides": Are those the "usual suspects" (classics, like you can find them on this website as well for example)? Or are those books recent commercial titles? If so: Are you sure, it's legit and legal?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

Never heard of it.
But I found quite a few Android readers, most of them 7", on various websites.
It seems, all of them are Chinese products.

Just to point out that all eInk devices are Chinese products too, as is the iPad. I don't know of a single reading device which is NOT manufactured in China.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Just to point out that all eInk devices are Chinese products too, as is the iPad. I don't know of a single reading device which is NOT manufactured in China.

I don't see a problem with "Made in China" for an OEM product. But "Designed in China" by a local company -- my long experience tells me to be very careful.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

I don't see a problem with "Made in China" for an OEM product. But "Designed in China" by a local company -- my long experience tells me to be very careful.

I'm not sure I agree with you. Jinke are Chinese, and their products (variously branded as Hanlin, Aztak, BeBook, ECOReader, etc, etc) are extremely good. To equate Chinese design with poor quality is, I think, unjustified.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Just to point out that all eInk devices are Chinese products too, as is the iPad. I don't know of a single reading device which is NOT manufactured in China.

Yes, manufactured in China.
But not developed, which makes all the difference.

And in my opinion, iPad for example is a US product, not a Chinese one.
As Mercedes is a German car, even if it's manufactured in Eastern Europe.
Basically, it's all about creation of value. Some of my international customers have the saying of China being sole "extended workbench". Certainly this will change over time - quite some time......

Perfect example: Onyx Boox.
Its featureset could lift it to #1 of all ePaper devices. But its design won't allow it. Just think of that stupid and annoying blue signal. Design flaws like that wouldn't happen to Sony or Apple. Still lots of experience to gain...

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

I don't see a problem with "Made in China" for an OEM product. But "Designed in China" by a local company -- my long experience tells me to be very careful.

Ditto.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'm not sure I agree with you. Jinke are Chinese, and their products (variously branded as Hanlin, Aztak, BeBook, ECOReader, etc, etc) are extremely good. To equate Chinese design with poor quality is, I think, unjustified.

But still, BeBook One/Hanlin V3 in my opinion (and quite a few magazines did test equally) is the most ugly ePaper device ("cheap") I've ever seen - and owned.
But no doubt: The features are great. No other ePaper device handles such a variety of formats.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

Perfect example: Onyx Boox.
Its featureset could lift it to #1 of all ePaper devices. But its design won't allow it. Just think of that stupid and annoying blue signal. Design flaws like that wouldn't happen to Sony or Apple.

What are you referring to? That the button lights up blue when it's charging? I like that personally.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by HarryT

What are you referring to? That the button lights up blue when it's charging? I like that personally.

I don't like any kind of light. I often charge my readers (or any other gadget) next to my bed. A tiny LED, smartly hidden in the housing, is okay. But this flashlight?
I'd have to put it into my nightstand's drawer or would have to put it in its cover, else it would disturb me when trying to sleep.

And I find it rather childish, to put that light into the center button. Probably intended to be clever, but to me it simply seems misplaced.

[HarryT]

Well, different things appeal to different people. As I say, personally I like the blue light. It makes it very easy to see at a distance when it's finished charging.