Google reader coming out (Iriver Story)

[jupstin]

Originally Posted by pastanley

I think this ereader will appeal to the Sony ereader owners. I mean seriously- why would a Kindle/Nook owner care about a wifi ereader that can access google books? with a physical keyboard to boot ............

As a K2 owner, I'll disagree. That screen is really tempting. Of course, I'll have to actually see it in action before I make any decisions. Of course, crippling firmware bugs would be a deal breaker.

[Dulin's Books]

Originally Posted by hughes

Has anyone seen an official label for this screen technology? Should it still be called Pearl? E Ink Pearl XGA? E Ink LG?

I think LG officially calls it the 6" HD EPD display.

[fafaforza]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

...it's white! What a ghastly looking ereader!

It might make it less susceptible to heat from the sun. My blakc Sony slows down with page turns if I'm outside on a hot day.

[fafaforza]

Originally Posted by Namekuseijin

huh? I don't think most cellphones have handwriting recognition. But yeah, even something akin to swype is better than keyboards, physical or virtual...

kennyc's point (I think at least) was that you can easily type on a cell phone. Why wouldn't you be able to on an eReader. I can easily use the on screen keyboard on my Sony using both thumbs.

I'd prefer a keyboard than handwriting recognition because a) it isn't accurate b) it isn't a fast way for text input and c) because it could damage your screen, especially if using a stylus.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by SCION

Who does? Guess they're targeting folks who don't know any better.

I like the idea of google books. My two biggest problems are:

1. I have a library of Kindle books.

2. I can't upload by own ebooks to my Google Books account.

Of course, if item 2 is solved then item 1 would be moot. (I could liberate my Kindle books, convert to ePub and upload to google books).

BOb

[Suzanna]

With the release of Nook and Kobo's touch models, this eReader seems to be a step backwards. For me, a sharper screen doesn't make up for having to do everything with buttons. After using my Kobo Touch for a while, I can't go back to that.

[pilotbob]

How do you turn the page on this thing... I can't seem to see the page turn buttons?

BTW: I don't understand all the hate for a keyboard. I barely use the one on the Kindle and it doesn't get in my way at all. But, when I need to type in stuff I am very glad it is there.

BOb

[SCION]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

...

I can't upload by own ebooks to my Google Books account.

BOb

Exactly. I'm sure there are people that don't know they can't. Just like folks buy NOOKs and want to read their Kindle books. Folks buy Kindles and want to read their Barnes and Noble books. Many people don't know the limitations prior to purchasing.

"The e-reader market will be growing faster than ever for the next three to four years," Kwon said. "We're appealing to people who haven't tried an e-reader before, or who want something different."

[Donnageddon]

Originally Posted by pastanley

I think this ereader will appeal to the Sony ereader owners. I mean seriously- why would a Kindle/Nook owner care about a wifi ereader that can access google books? with a physical keyboard to boot ............

Why would any ereader with a keyboard appeal to a Sony user? I seriously can't imagine who this thing is supposed to appeal to.

[hughes]

Originally Posted by Donnageddon

Why would any ereader with a keyboard appeal to a Sony user? I seriously can't imagine who this thing is supposed to appeal to.

You're missing it. The Story HD display is 768x1024; that's 786,432 pixels, substantially greater than the 480,000 pixels of the best 6" E Ink Pearl ereaders.

Originally Posted by Sao

With the release of Nook and Kobo's touch models, this eReader seems to be a step backwards. For me, a sharper screen doesn't make up for having to do everything with buttons. After using my Kobo Touch for a while, I can't go back to that.

I disagree. I think display quality is much more important than a touch screen for an ereader. Reading is a visual task, occasionally interrupted by the need to take action to turn a page, and even less occasionally interrupted by other actions (look up a word, search, etc) where buttons vs touch screen matter. (I'd take touch if I could get it with the super high resolution, but if a choice is forced between the added resolution and touch, I want the better display.)

If nothing else, I applaud the decision to go for higher resolution rather than touch as it gives a new option in the market place. Sony Touch, Kobo Touch. and Nook Touch already fill the in the 6" E Ink Pearl touch-screen ereader space well.

[Hellmark]

Originally Posted by Kevin2960

2Gb Memory but 1.4Gb of that is System ! ... Thankfully it has an SD Slot for external memory. It kind of looks ok, not keen on the colors, Will it be US only or will we in the UK / Europe get it too ?


Either way, I think I'll wait and see how good the screen is and what can be sideloaded, before considering buying one,

Europe already has it. They got it a month before the US.

[thinkpad]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

How do you turn the page on this thing... I can't seem to see the page turn buttons?
BOb

My theory for the page turning is that it's the middle navigation button that is used for page turning since I don't see any other buttons for it.

[thinkpad]

Originally Posted by Hellmark

Europe already has it. They got it a month before the US.

After your post I went ahead and checked and what do you know I can already order it from Norway and it's in stock . I have seen no commercial or advertising for this device whatsoever. Not even a news article on the local tech-pages here in Norway so it certainly has been released very quiet without much fuss.

Here's the link to one of Scandinavia's largest on-line computer stores (Dustin) selling it:
http://www.dustinhome.no/pd_5010597124.aspx (this seems to be the model without the WiFi support)

[hughes]

Originally Posted by Hellmark

Europe already has it. They got it a month before the US.

Yeah, MobileReader perma reviewed the iRiver Story HD a couple weeks ago. Check it out with the subsequent discussion. The Story HD is getting tons of attention today, but it seems the only news is the Google connection.

[@.@]

Originally Posted by thinkpadx

My theory for the page turning is that it's the middle navigation button that is used for page turning since I don't see any other buttons for it.

You turn the pages by flipping the button up or down, much like the thingy on the guitar hero guitars.