Plastic Logic QUE event (Thu 7:30 am PT) - Page 15

Jumpn Jack Flash · 01-10-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dulin's Books

Of the Push stuff like email and subscriptions etc will push to the device over the wife so you dont NEED the 3g to get the full use of the device.

Best typo I have seen in a while

vivaldirules · 01-10-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

You can annotate with one of the $12 styluses that work on touch screens that someone linked to in this thread a few days back.

I assume the stuff you write on with your finger will save with the document?

BOb

PS: Have you seen the Edge demo?

Oh, my! That Edge looks nice and has, perhaps, everything I may be looking for. Thanks, BOb! (I obviously need to pay more attention to all these new gizzies coming out.)

oncdoc · 01-10-2010, 09:16 PM

I am looking for the ability to read pdf on a screen without having to reflow.

I thought que was the answer but now I think people are saying it will not be 1:1 pdf because the screen is actually less optimal dimesions for that.

is this true?

is there any reader that can do this or a reader coming? thanks.

ziegl027 · 01-10-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oncdoc

I am looking for the ability to read pdf on a screen without having to reflow.

is there any reader that can do this or a reader coming? thanks.

I'm not an expert by any means, but I don't see on the horizon anything with a display the size of a piece of paper, which is what you would need to *perfectly* display a PDF. I'm guessing by your user name that you, like me, are interested in PDF's primarily from the standpoint of keeping up with the current literature in your field. I think what really needs to happen for US folks, is stop trying to make Mohammed come to the mountain (big reader), and try to make the mountain come to Mohammed (get the people who publish our journals to use e-formats that will play well with a variety of display types). Even though my field is theoretically image-heavy, the vast majority of the info I need is text. Newly generated text, already being "typeset" digitally. Not scanned documents from old books and journals. Not manga. Text.

You can't tell me that the RSNA can organize a standardized file system so that I can take any DICOM medical image file, from any modality, from any manufacturer of the image generating device, and open it on ANY computer with a number of different programs (many of which are free) and do what I want with it, but can't format Radiographics so that it will display reasonably pleasantly on a variety of reading devices. Us vet rads are a bunch of hicks, the ACVR barely has a functioning website, but the friggin' RSNA and similar academic groups that publish journals the size of telephone books should be all over it.

pilotbob · 01-10-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oncdoc

I thought que was the answer but now I think people are saying it will not be 1:1 pdf because the screen is actually less optimal dimesions for that.

is this true?

Yes, that is true... it won't be exactly 1:1 compared to printed on a 8.5x11 inch piece of paper. But with a 9.7 inch eInk screen with the margins cropped it is certainly close enough and perfectly readable.

BOb

kazbates · 01-11-2010, 09:03 AM

After posting here, I went back on Saturday and asked for a full demo. It is a very slick device and VERY lightweight. There is no stylus and no SD slot. They felt that they were giving you enough internal storage that you shouldn't need more. To get any docs, ebooks, etc., from your computer onto the device, you need to connect directly to your computer through the USB (you can, of course, use the WiFi for things like emails, puclications, etc.). I still feel the print could be darker. When I said that to the rep, he said, "people are always asking me how to make the print darker. . ." and then went on to show me how to zoom. He did look through the settings to see if there was a way to increase contrast, but there is not. That exchange led me to think that others had had the same concerns about print contrast as I did. I was also concerned about the thinness of the device. It is very thin and although it does have a flexible Plastic Logic layer inside, it still has a glass top layer which could easily be broken. When you get something that size, I would think cracking the screen could be an issue. In my opinion, It will need a good sturdy cover like a leather binder or portfolio to keep it safe and make it easier to transport.

This device is definitely geared toward the executive which seems to be supported by the many publication partners of which the company boasts such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, etc. The price also supports my Exec theory, which definitely limits it's target markets. The bottom line, for that price, I would wait for another year. There are a few promising things on the horizon. Yes, some are still LCD displays, but they've increased the battery life to make them viable. I really liked MSI's dual screen device which should have a battery life of 10 hours and is expected to be available in the fall. Even ASUS had a dual screen concept device that they are working on.

As for the Entourage Edge, it is a wonderful device and I was very impressed. In a contest between the Edge and the Que, the Edge would win handily. Of course, it's kind of like comparing apples to oranges. The Edge is built more for students and home users while the Que is built for company execs. As for me, I can't really justify ordering an Edge (although that's really never stopped me before

) but I can see a great many possibilities for it's use. My only regret is that it is larger and heavier than my Sony reader and would not fit in my purse. For me, portability in a reader is essential. If I were still teaching, the Edge would definitely be on my "Next Gadget" List. My husband loved the Edge, so knowing him, I could get one for a birthday gift (he says it easier buying me gadgets than anything else

).

acastillo · 01-11-2010, 10:20 AM

The feature that I most looked forward to was the ability to simply print to the Que -- but it now sounds like I have to connect the Que directly to the computer.

I can do that with a Kindle DX or Sony 900.

And finally, to hear that the Que has a glass screen -- that may be a deal breaker. I was counting on it being more durable that the current ereaders.

Also, I have started looking at the Entourage Edge and am liking what I see. For the price, that seems like a stronger candidate as my "next gadget" than the Que.

Sigh. I had such high hopes for the Que.

Brainiac 5 · 01-11-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acastillo

And finally, to hear that the Que has a glass screen -- that may be a deal breaker. I was counting on it being more durable that the current ereaders.

I may be confusing the Que with another reader, but I seem to recall them saying that initial units will ship with a glass screen, but sometime soon they'll switch to a plastic screen that will ship on all units from then on.

pilotbob · 01-11-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazbates

It is very thin and although it does have a flexible Plastic Logic layer inside, it still has a glass top layer which could easily be broken.

Are you 100% sure about that? This goes against all of the advertising (and the shoe test) that PL has been doing for the past two years. Perhaps the rep that told you that was incorrect? I sure hope so for the devices part.

BOb

jasonkchapman · 01-11-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Are you 100% sure about that? This goes against all of the advertising (and the shoe test) that PL has been doing for the past two years. Perhaps the rep that told you that was incorrect? I sure hope so for the devices part.

BOb

The site specifically refers to "its crisp and clear shatterproof screen.…" Unless it's some kind of unusual use of the word shatterproof.

I don't mean to imply that I doubt Kaz. I'm just confused about the apparent contradiction.

kazbates · 01-11-2010, 12:27 PM

Feel free to doubt me! I often get things incorrect.

I don't know that he actually told me what material was used for the screen, but it looked and felt like glass to me. I will admit that I don't have any of the specs. I didn't burrow into the tech side of the information and have stated that I was giving my lay person opinion, but my husband and I both were left with the impression that it was something that you would have to take some care with. I will say for full disclosure that the rep was not overly interested in spending a lot of time with us. My husband's badge indicated that he was working for "Uncle Sam" and I believe that held little appeal to the rep. I mean, it's not like the US federal government is big on spending money or anything.

It was our feeling that he kind of condensed his regular schpeel to hurry us along. At one point, in response to a question I asked, he told me, "I already explained that" which, of course, he hadn't. When I asked him why they didn't include a stylus, he got a bit snitty with me that you could always purchase one that worked for the capacitive screen. Of course, that didn't answer my question. Bottom line: whether it's glass or not, the product is totally unimpressive for it's price points.

pilotbob · 01-11-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazbates

Feel free to doubt me! I often get things incorrect.

I don't doubt you, I doubt the information. I assume you were told this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazbates

Bottom line: whether it's glass or not, the product is totally unimpressive for it's price points.

Really? It cost less than I expected. What other product provides the same size screen, light weight, features and batter life for the price?

The lack of ability to use a stylus to annotate is a let down I admit.

BOb

kazbates · 01-11-2010, 12:40 PM

See my edited post about the stylus.

The things that they are developing seem so much "more" than this. It's a good product and for at least a couple of hunderd dollars less, it would be a great product. I just think they limited their market right from the gate, which, in this economy makes no sense. It seems to me that they were going for what I call the "Sharper Image" buyers but in reality, it's the "Kindle/Sony" buyers who will make or break a product.

pilotbob · 01-11-2010, 12:42 PM

Kaz... cool, thanks for the review and info. I was thinking this would be "the" large screen device for me. But after comparing it to the Edge (only via info online) I think I would prefer the Edge... I think it's price and features gives in the edge (pun intended) over the Que.

BOb

kazbates · 01-11-2010, 12:50 PM

I really did like the Edge and my husband was impressed, as well, which rarely happens. He sees all kinds of really up-to-the-minute technology developments, so to impress him, it takes quite a lot. At first glance, I liked the Que, too. It was when they told me how much it cost that my interest took a nose dive.

By the way, the Entourage rep was very informative and gave a great demo, not to mention very pretty as well. I told her she was the first pretty girl demoing a product to me who could actually answer more detailed questions that went beyond a script.

She got the biggest kick out of that.

BOb, If it's between the Que and the Edge, definitely go with the Edge. She told me they are supposed to start shipping in February, right aroung Valentine's Day so maybe there will be an Edge in my Valentine's stocking.

01-11-2010, 10:20 AM	#217
acastillo Enthusiast Posts: 49 Karma: 806 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Texas Device: Sony PRS-505, Apple iPad	the more I hear the less I like The feature that I most looked forward to was the ability to simply print to the Que -- but it now sounds like I have to connect the Que directly to the computer. I can do that with a Kindle DX or Sony 900. And finally, to hear that the Que has a glass screen -- that may be a deal breaker. I was counting on it being more durable that the current ereaders. Also, I have started looking at the Entourage Edge and am liking what I see. For the price, that seems like a stronger candidate as my "next gadget" than the Que. Sigh. I had such high hopes for the Que. Last edited by acastillo; 01-11-2010 at 10:27 AM.

01-11-2010, 12:27 PM	#221
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	Feel free to doubt me! I often get things incorrect. I don't know that he actually told me what material was used for the screen, but it looked and felt like glass to me. I will admit that I don't have any of the specs. I didn't burrow into the tech side of the information and have stated that I was giving my lay person opinion, but my husband and I both were left with the impression that it was something that you would have to take some care with. I will say for full disclosure that the rep was not overly interested in spending a lot of time with us. My husband's badge indicated that he was working for "Uncle Sam" and I believe that held little appeal to the rep. I mean, it's not like the US federal government is big on spending money or anything. It was our feeling that he kind of condensed his regular schpeel to hurry us along. At one point, in response to a question I asked, he told me, "I already explained that" which, of course, he hadn't. When I asked him why they didn't include a stylus, he got a bit snitty with me that you could always purchase one that worked for the capacitive screen. Of course, that didn't answer my question. Bottom line: whether it's glass or not, the product is totally unimpressive for it's price points. Last edited by kazbates; 01-11-2010 at 12:35 PM.

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01-10-2010, 09:16 PM	#213
oncdoc Addict Posts: 299 Karma: 300 Join Date: May 2009 Device: kindle, pocket pro	I am looking for the ability to read pdf on a screen without having to reflow. I thought que was the answer but now I think people are saying it will not be 1:1 pdf because the screen is actually less optimal dimesions for that. is this true? is there any reader that can do this or a reader coming? thanks.

01-11-2010, 09:03 AM	#216
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	After posting here, I went back on Saturday and asked for a full demo. It is a very slick device and VERY lightweight. There is no stylus and no SD slot. They felt that they were giving you enough internal storage that you shouldn't need more. To get any docs, ebooks, etc., from your computer onto the device, you need to connect directly to your computer through the USB (you can, of course, use the WiFi for things like emails, puclications, etc.). I still feel the print could be darker. When I said that to the rep, he said, "people are always asking me how to make the print darker. . ." and then went on to show me how to zoom. He did look through the settings to see if there was a way to increase contrast, but there is not. That exchange led me to think that others had had the same concerns about print contrast as I did. I was also concerned about the thinness of the device. It is very thin and although it does have a flexible Plastic Logic layer inside, it still has a glass top layer which could easily be broken. When you get something that size, I would think cracking the screen could be an issue. In my opinion, It will need a good sturdy cover like a leather binder or portfolio to keep it safe and make it easier to transport. This device is definitely geared toward the executive which seems to be supported by the many publication partners of which the company boasts such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, etc. The price also supports my Exec theory, which definitely limits it's target markets. The bottom line, for that price, I would wait for another year. There are a few promising things on the horizon. Yes, some are still LCD displays, but they've increased the battery life to make them viable. I really liked MSI's dual screen device which should have a battery life of 10 hours and is expected to be available in the fall. Even ASUS had a dual screen concept device that they are working on. As for the Entourage Edge, it is a wonderful device and I was very impressed. In a contest between the Edge and the Que, the Edge would win handily. Of course, it's kind of like comparing apples to oranges. The Edge is built more for students and home users while the Que is built for company execs. As for me, I can't really justify ordering an Edge (although that's really never stopped me before ) but I can see a great many possibilities for it's use. My only regret is that it is larger and heavier than my Sony reader and would not fit in my purse. For me, portability in a reader is essential. If I were still teaching, the Edge would definitely be on my "Next Gadget" List. My husband loved the Edge, so knowing him, I could get one for a birthday gift (he says it easier buying me gadgets than anything else ).

01-11-2010, 12:40 PM	#223
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	See my edited post about the stylus. The things that they are developing seem so much "more" than this. It's a good product and for at least a couple of hunderd dollars less, it would be a great product. I just think they limited their market right from the gate, which, in this economy makes no sense. It seems to me that they were going for what I call the "Sharper Image" buyers but in reality, it's the "Kindle/Sony" buyers who will make or break a product.

01-11-2010, 12:42 PM	#224
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	Kaz... cool, thanks for the review and info. I was thinking this would be "the" large screen device for me. But after comparing it to the Edge (only via info online) I think I would prefer the Edge... I think it's price and features gives in the edge (pun intended) over the Que. BOb

01-11-2010, 12:50 PM	#225
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	I really did like the Edge and my husband was impressed, as well, which rarely happens. He sees all kinds of really up-to-the-minute technology developments, so to impress him, it takes quite a lot. At first glance, I liked the Que, too. It was when they told me how much it cost that my interest took a nose dive. By the way, the Entourage rep was very informative and gave a great demo, not to mention very pretty as well. I told her she was the first pretty girl demoing a product to me who could actually answer more detailed questions that went beyond a script. She got the biggest kick out of that. BOb, If it's between the Que and the Edge, definitely go with the Edge. She told me they are supposed to start shipping in February, right aroung Valentine's Day so maybe there will be an Edge in my Valentine's stocking.