Cool-er: light, trendy, inexpensive e-book reader - Page 17

rgeorg · 06-03-2009, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1Wild

Not to continue a debate that belongs elsewhere (

), but this is the big reason why I sold my jetBook and bought a 505. I sent request after request from all kinds of books (mostly classics such as Steinbeck, but around 20 others) and I received the same email response each time directing me to a few websites that didn't have the books in their library.

I don't believe that any of the reader manufacturers/distributors provide you with on-demand free ebooks. I'm pretty sure Sony doesn't. There are some small language issues with Ectaco documentation - but I think the buyer has to use common sense as well.

I guess you bought the jetBook in expectation of unlimited on-demand free books?

F1Wild · 06-03-2009, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris777

Strange. I know 2 persons who purchased jetBook and sold
Sony 505 after it

I wouldn't expect you to say any different as you are in love with everything associated with the jetBook...and I'm glad it's everything for you - an ereader out there for everyone.

F1Wild · 06-03-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgeorg

I don't believe that any of the reader manufacturers/distributors provide you with on-demand free ebooks. I'm pretty sure Sony doesn't. There are some small language issues with Ectaco documentation - but I think the buyer has to use common sense as well.

I guess you bought the jetBook in expectation of unlimited on-demand free books?

Firstly, I did not buy the book, it was a gift. The person who gave it to me did a pretty fair amount of research, including communicating with one of the jetBook customer service people on more than one occasion who insisted that I would have no trouble finding any ebook I wanted free and in a format to work with the jetBook. Although neither of us was an expert on ereaders prior we assumed their customer service department would be giving out truthful info. On their website it says, "Can't find the book you want? Let us find it for you! All you need to do is enter the title of the book you want and your email address, then sit back and let us do the rest!" If this information, both online and verbally, is incorrect due to "small language issues" then they should consider the countries that they are selling in (and collecting money) so that they are not continuously giving wrong info. Maybe they should also consider the false advetising laws in the countries in which they sell (which I'm sure could be translated into any language they prefer).

Lastly, the jetBook was not purchased with the "expectation of unlimited on-demand free books" as you assume (with quite a condescending attitude), but they were not able to provide me with the location of a single ebook that I had requested (free or not)!

rgeorg · 06-03-2009, 06:02 AM

F1Wild,
Sorry if my note appeared condenscending. Your previous post just struck me as oddly worded - sounded like you expected free-book (locator) service from Sony. I suppose even the best-intentioned statements can be misinterpreted in print and according to expectations.

To be sure, I have no idea of a third-persons communications with Ectaco sales service people. My point - and I don't know why I feel like an "Ectaco Cheerleader" when I typically have very little manufacturer loyalty - is just something that I teach in my Applied IT course: when you evaluate IT equipment for purchase, it is useful to list your use requirements and then check that the system you purchase will meet your list or at least the most important items.

For example, although I would have liked a locator service for books, it was in my "nice but not neccessary" category. On the other hand if the screen flashed, or if my txt books didn't display - I would have returned it immediately.

You obviously feel that you checked out your requirements via your friend's inquiries - fair enough. The action that I questionned is why you then totally switched platforms to Sony - when Sony doesn't provide that service either? It sounded as though the assumed book locator service was the only reason that you selected the jetBook, which is a very different technology platform from other reader offerings?
Perhaps I just read your note wrong.

Please don't take my ramblings too seriously. This is not a very important distinction, all of the current gen of readers including jetBook have serious limitations in my opinion. Pros and cons to each choice and I am far from being an expert in this technology. I hope that you are happy with the Sony, it is a fine-looking device and people on this forum seem very pleased with it (sincerely).

F1Wild · 06-03-2009, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgeorg

F1Wild,
Sorry if my note appeared condenscending. Your previous post just struck me as oddly worded - sounded like you expected free-book (locator) service from Sony...You obviously feel that you checked out your requirements via your friend's inquiries - fair enough. The action that I questionned is why you then totally switched platforms to Sony - when Sony doesn't provide that service either? It sounded as though the assumed book locator service was the only reason that you selected the jetBook, which is a very different technology platform from other reader offerings?

No need for apology, I just respond to replies. I really knew nothing about ebook readers (not even Kindle), but drove my husband crazy when traveling internationally all the time with 10 or more books - not to mention keeping him awake with my "loud page turning". The jetBook was a Christmas gift and as I said he thoroughly checked it out. I am skeptical of everything, especially of things he raves about, since he seems to believe everything someone tells him (as he comes from an 'everything done with the shake of the hand' town in N. Ireland). I had a hell of a time finding specific books I wanted to read, tried the jetBook service for ebooks (free or $$) and every link they sent me to didn't even come close to having one of the books I had requested. The more I requested, tried their email links without success the angrier I got and finally spoke with Customer Service a few times (in addition to my husband's tries as well), always being assured they would point me in the right direction and would be able to find the ebooks "almost always free". Still, not a one.

So, my beef was not with the ebook location service. It was the misleading info on the website & customer service. I also had problems reading the screen. Plus, had a hard time finding book formats it would accept on my own - this was before I found this forum.

So far, with the amount of research I was able to do here I decided on the 505 and so far have been very happy. I still wonder if I should have gone for the Kindle and when I'm through with this first book I'll make the decision to keep the 505 or return and purchase the Kindle.

Thanks for clearing up your post!
Cheers!

Hatgirl · 06-05-2009, 04:58 PM

Europe can now pre-order. I'm getting a Violet one!

There have been updates to the website - now it can also read FB2, RTF, HTML and PRC!

They've added an explanation about their file system - "...save your files into your individually named folders. You choose how to sort your library; for example by genre, date or favourite author. You have full control of your filing." Control freak that I am, this was just what I was hoping for :-)

Coolerbooks.com has also been updated with a pricing explanation. Basically I think they're saying that Amazon can afford to price at a loss but they can't, but you can always buy things from Fictionbook or Baen if you don't like their prices :-D

And the 25% discount for Cool-er owners is a... well, not quite a lie but a very positive interpretation of the facts. Everyone gets 20% off list price, and Cool-er owners get 25% off - so really Cool-er owners are just getting 5% off the site's usual price. Grrr...

Two more hands-on videos
cnet
Gadget Inspectors
Usual stupid complaints. "Wahhhh, it doesn't have wireless download. Wahhhh, my feeble google-skills mean I am only capable of looking for books on the manufacturer's website." But there is another complaint about stiff buttons. Drat.

Argel · 06-05-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatgirl

Everyone gets 20% off list price, and Cool-er owners get 25% off - so really Cool-er owners are just getting 5% off the site's usual price.

Actually if the usual price is 80% of the full price and Cool-er owners pay 75%, that's a discount of 6.25% off the site's usual price.

I'll go and get a life now.

Hatgirl · 06-05-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argel

Actually if the usual price is 80% of the full price and Cool-er owners pay 75%, that's a discount of 6.25% off the site's usual price.

I'll go and get a life now.

You are correct. And who needs a life when we have the internet?

sassanik · 06-05-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatgirl

Europe can now pre-order. I'm getting a Violet one!

Two more hands-on videos
cnet
Gadget Inspectors
Usual stupid complaints. "Wahhhh, it doesn't have wireless download. Wahhhh, my feeble google-skills mean I am only capable of looking for books on the manufacturer's website." But there is another complaint about stiff buttons. Drat.

I watched the Gadget Inspectors review, and I did like that one of the commentators did point out that the lack of ebook titles is not entirely the readers fault, that much of that lies with the publishing industry.

I also don't think its fair that they don't mention that you can buy ebooks through other websites like BoB or Fictionwise.

I thought that these were nice reviews though.

I am curious about the .prc format compatibility, does that mean it will be heading towards reading drm'd .prc?

And yes I agree violet is the way to go!

Amy

brecklundin · 06-05-2009, 06:33 PM

sassanik:

Do you get the sense that so many people, and I mean the general pop sort of folks, are indoctrinated that one can only buy IpOd content from iTunes (I know not true) or in the case of the Kindle feel they can only buy from Amazon, that they really do not understand the way it all works?

So, in their ignorance of the facts and how to actually get the most from the new cool tool they just bought, the just never look deeper into it. This then will carry over to other potentially superior devices either dying on the vine or thanks to the superfical media, never getting an honest shot due to very shallow and obviously biased reviews because of the reviewers own lack of understanding of the state of the consumer side of the industry as well as the product/device they are reviewing.

Perhaps the world has become a "everyone must shop at the company store" place again.

rixte · 06-05-2009, 07:31 PM

Actually the part that cracked me up about that is that they when they said that you couldn't get as many 'modern titles' they did a search and said "you can't get your Jackie Collins blockbuster" and showed no results.

Except they did the search using 'title' and not 'author' - for kicks I just searched and it looks like there are 3 books by her available through coolerbooks in Adobe Digital Edition.

Hatgirl · 06-06-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sassanik

....I am curious about the .prc format compatibility, does that mean it will be heading towards reading drm'd .prc?....

Dammit. Poked around on the site a little bit more and found this phrase - "Additionally, you can listen to your favourite MP3 audio files and view JPG and PRC images."

They mean the image file extension PRC, not the ebook file extension. (and why not GIFs and BMPs, while they're at it?)

HarryT · 06-06-2009, 08:41 AM

Image file PRC? That's a new one on me. What image format uses "PRC" as an extension?

ahi · 06-06-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Image file PRC? That's a new one on me. What image format uses "PRC" as an extension?

This one does:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRC_(File_format)

But I'm not certain that seems entirely right...

Edit: The letters R and C and suspiciously close to F and D on the keyboard. Perhaps temporary dyslexia + some keyboard shift turn PDF --> PRC

wallcraft · 06-06-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatgirl

Dammit. Poked around on the site a little bit more and found this phrase - "Additionally, you can listen to your favourite MP3 audio files and view JPG and PRC images."

Their FAQ does say this, but to me: "Supported formats PDF, EPUB, FB2, RTF, TXT, HTML, PRC, JPG AND MP3" can only mean PRC/MOBI (DRM-free) ebooks. So I think the FAQ is wrong, and they just split between ebooks and images one file format too soon.

06-05-2009, 04:58 PM	#246
Hatgirl Addict Posts: 296 Karma: 955301 Join Date: Oct 2008 Device: Sony PRS-300, Sony PRS-T2, Kindle (7th Gen)	Europe can now pre-order. I'm getting a Violet one! There have been updates to the website - now it can also read FB2, RTF, HTML and PRC! They've added an explanation about their file system - "...save your files into your individually named folders. You choose how to sort your library; for example by genre, date or favourite author. You have full control of your filing." Control freak that I am, this was just what I was hoping for :-) Coolerbooks.com has also been updated with a pricing explanation. Basically I think they're saying that Amazon can afford to price at a loss but they can't, but you can always buy things from Fictionbook or Baen if you don't like their prices :-D And the 25% discount for Cool-er owners is a... well, not quite a lie but a very positive interpretation of the facts. Everyone gets 20% off list price, and Cool-er owners get 25% off - so really Cool-er owners are just getting 5% off the site's usual price. Grrr... Two more hands-on videos cnet Gadget Inspectors Usual stupid complaints. "Wahhhh, it doesn't have wireless download. Wahhhh, my feeble google-skills mean I am only capable of looking for books on the manufacturer's website." But there is another complaint about stiff buttons. Drat. Last edited by Hatgirl; 06-05-2009 at 05:00 PM.

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06-03-2009, 06:02 AM	#244
rgeorg Guru Posts: 675 Karma: 3314796 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Europe & USA Device: K3/3G(2x), Glo HD, Amazon Voyage	F1Wild, Sorry if my note appeared condenscending. Your previous post just struck me as oddly worded - sounded like you expected free-book (locator) service from Sony. I suppose even the best-intentioned statements can be misinterpreted in print and according to expectations. To be sure, I have no idea of a third-persons communications with Ectaco sales service people. My point - and I don't know why I feel like an "Ectaco Cheerleader" when I typically have very little manufacturer loyalty - is just something that I teach in my Applied IT course: when you evaluate IT equipment for purchase, it is useful to list your use requirements and then check that the system you purchase will meet your list or at least the most important items. For example, although I would have liked a locator service for books, it was in my "nice but not neccessary" category. On the other hand if the screen flashed, or if my txt books didn't display - I would have returned it immediately. You obviously feel that you checked out your requirements via your friend's inquiries - fair enough. The action that I questionned is why you then totally switched platforms to Sony - when Sony doesn't provide that service either? It sounded as though the assumed book locator service was the only reason that you selected the jetBook, which is a very different technology platform from other reader offerings? Perhaps I just read your note wrong. Please don't take my ramblings too seriously. This is not a very important distinction, all of the current gen of readers including jetBook have serious limitations in my opinion. Pros and cons to each choice and I am far from being an expert in this technology. I hope that you are happy with the Sony, it is a fine-looking device and people on this forum seem very pleased with it (sincerely).

06-05-2009, 06:33 PM	#250
brecklundin Banned Posts: 1,906 Karma: 15348 Join Date: Jun 2007 Device: mine	sassanik: Do you get the sense that so many people, and I mean the general pop sort of folks, are indoctrinated that one can only buy IpOd content from iTunes (I know not true) or in the case of the Kindle feel they can only buy from Amazon, that they really do not understand the way it all works? So, in their ignorance of the facts and how to actually get the most from the new cool tool they just bought, the just never look deeper into it. This then will carry over to other potentially superior devices either dying on the vine or thanks to the superfical media, never getting an honest shot due to very shallow and obviously biased reviews because of the reviewers own lack of understanding of the state of the consumer side of the industry as well as the product/device they are reviewing. Perhaps the world has become a "everyone must shop at the company store" place again.

06-05-2009, 07:31 PM	#251
rixte Addict Posts: 300 Karma: 396757 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: new oasis, paperwhite, ipad, kobo	Actually the part that cracked me up about that is that they when they said that you couldn't get as many 'modern titles' they did a search and said "you can't get your Jackie Collins blockbuster" and showed no results. Except they did the search using 'title' and not 'author' - for kicks I just searched and it looks like there are 3 books by her available through coolerbooks in Adobe Digital Edition.

06-06-2009, 08:41 AM	#253
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Image file PRC? That's a new one on me. What image format uses "PRC" as an extension?