Entourage Edge hands on - Page 3

brecklundin · 12-29-2009, 02:14 AM

Nice review Nate. I can see its a Gen1 device and missing a sense of refinement and obviously lacking in a track record so I won't be in line for one this year, even were I a student. I mean as a student I would need one of those "it just works and works all the time" type of devices. I could see CS students getting into one of these though given the Android OS and all...might be a great learning platform for the next gen of developers. Devices with this concept are going to be popular in the not to distant future and learning to code for the concept would be a nice idea. It might also be good for design engineers as well...as in lets take this apart and make it "better".

Has a ton of potential for sure.

BTW, I would love to see an app like OneNote, EverNote or other note management and taking software along with FreeMind or other mind mapping app...those would be super tools for a student or business person.

StevenP · 12-31-2009, 04:38 PM

I know there's a lot of push for academic uses but as a programmer I think it would work terrific. I can output my documents to PDF (there's a freeware printer driver that can do this) and put my documents on the Edge, take notes during meetings and store my tons of techinical books. I think this is a great tool for professionals not just students.

I am also interested in explaing in more detail your experience writing on the e-ink portion. The prototype model seems slow (there was a delay drawing the lines behind where the person moved the pen.) Has this been improved upon? Was screen changing fairly fast? Also, was the netbook portion slow or was it responsive?

Thanks!

StevenP · 12-31-2009, 04:40 PM

Also, I have pre-ordered this. As a developer I hope to write some software for it. I can see some real uses for the dual screens.

brecklundin · 12-31-2009, 08:40 PM

first, welcome to the board stevenP!! Lots of fun folks here, lots with decades of tech background so you should enjoy that side of the place.

You are dead on how devices like the Edge will be the future for a lot of applications. Obviously you bought into a first gen device. The hardware is mature enough but the integration from a communcation as well as software POV is likely going to have hurdles. I know I look forward to info you glean as you get to know the device. I would be interested to know if the EPD panel can function as the keyboard and the LCD side the output panel...for a lot of reasons that seems to make more sense to me than the other way around, but it should go both ways depending on the context at the moment.

Enjoy your new "toys"!!

StevenP · 01-02-2010, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the welcome!

ich461 · 01-04-2010, 12:11 AM

So how's the RAM? anyone knows?

paulckennedy · 01-13-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenP

Also, I have pre-ordered this. As a developer I hope to write some software for it. I can see some real uses for the dual screens.

I am a c# developer looking at starting developing for Android and Flex apps. I have pre-ordered. I had to sell my Kindles to afford it but it looks like it will be worth it. I too use a pdf printer with all of my web research. I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to annotate it all.

One note, the first gen device DOES NOT have 3G at all so it can not be turned on in a future software update. 3G is coming in the summer at the earliest. They also do not have an upgrade path in place for early adopters. I started to cancel my pre-order but decided the wifi was good enough. I'll probably buy the Fast Ethernet adapter to go along with it.

mrscoach · 01-13-2010, 02:28 PM

If I could afford it I would probably order the Edge, after seeing some early-adopter reviews, that is. I seriously want this device. I need something large enough to read my textbook pdf's, but they are passworded, so I had to have something that I could initially unlock. I have found that once unlocked the book will continue to open, even if no connection, so that is good.

Unfortunately my husband is taking a new job for slightly less money, AND moving away to do it. We can afford to do this and have bare minimum at each home, but it doesn't leave anything for extra spending. And I have him convinced of the need for one, too, because he has been studying for some exams of his own on his laptop reading over tons of material. He definitely sees the need.

Fortunately he should be getting a higher position in a month or two in the same place he is going, so more money will be forthcoming. But, then my son will be heading off to college, as well. *sigh* The circle of life continues.

I meant to start off by saying that I have considered the weight of the device, but in studying my reading habits, I rest my books on something, anyway. I don't live anywhere I ride mass transit and have to stand or even be among groups of people while traveling, so that isn't a consideration.

jim5467 · 01-13-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulckennedy

I am a c# developer looking at starting developing for Android and Flex apps. I have pre-ordered. I had to sell my Kindles to afford it but it looks like it will be worth it. I too use a pdf printer with all of my web research. I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to annotate it all.

One note, the first gen device DOES NOT have 3G at all so it can not be turned on in a future software update. 3G is coming in the summer at the earliest. They also do not have an upgrade path in place for early adopters. I started to cancel my pre-order but decided the wifi was good enough. I'll probably buy the Fast Ethernet adapter to go along with it.

When did they remove 3G? When I preordered week or so back the website said it would be 3G capable. I may cancel my pre order and wait for the "summer edition", as part of the attraction was that, in the future, I was not tied to a wifi spot.

paulckennedy · 01-13-2010, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim5467

When did they remove 3G? When I preordered week or so back the website said it would be 3G capable. I may cancel my pre order and wait for the "summer edition", as part of the attraction was that, in the future, I was not tied to a wifi spot.

I fully understand. The 3G would be a nice option but I now don't have my DX so waiting till summer is a no-go. I'll probably buy the 3G device next year and give the first gen to my daughter to use in college.

There are enough hot spots for me to be functional. I want the annotation capabilities more than anything else.

mrscoach · 01-13-2010, 04:30 PM

I just checked the Entourage site, and it does not list 3G, only WiFi and bluetooth. Maybe they'll add 3G by the time I buy, though I don't really see me needing it.

hanmik · 01-14-2010, 03:26 AM

I went out and picked up a MiFi to solve the 3G problem with the eDGe. Now to wait on a shipping date.

Ignatz Mouse · 01-14-2010, 03:37 AM

Still searching my first device ( buying date between march & june )...

I was hesitating between Sony prs 600 and the future Bookeen Orizon, and within 2 days 2 great devices are announced on the european market :
- Irex DR800S
- Entourage Edge

I don't really need 3G ( perhaps Wifi, but not sure ) and price is not so important for me.

One thing is sure : I need TXT reading ( The Project Gutenberg ebooks of US copyright renewals are all in TXT )

Does the Edge read TXT ? there's nothing on their site except epub and pdf ( I need these, too ).

Sweetpea · 01-14-2010, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ignatz Mouse

Does the Edge read TXT ? there's nothing on their site except epub and pdf ( I need these, too ).

Yes, I was wondering that myself. Did they really do away with all those other formats out there and only show epub and pdf? No non-DRM mobi, TXT, HTML, RTF...

EowynCarter · 01-14-2010, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ignatz Mouse

Still searching my first device ( buying date between march & june )...

I was hesitating between Sony prs 600 and the future Bookeen Orizon, and within 2 days 2 great devices are announced on the european market :
- Irex DR800S
- Entourage Edge

I don't really need 3G ( perhaps Wifi, but not sure ) and price is not so important for me.

One thing is sure : I need TXT reading ( The Project Gutenberg ebooks of US copyright renewals are all in TXT )

Does the Edge read TXT ? there's nothing on their site except epub and pdf ( I need these, too ).

If that .txt you want to read, prs-600, opus, or orizon maybe.
Unless you have some need that would jutify the higher cost for edge or DR800S (ie the edge's notebook fonction, or the iRex pdf / anotation (later !), spare some money and waiting, get an opus or prs-600.

12-29-2009, 02:14 AM	#31
brecklundin Banned Posts: 1,906 Karma: 15348 Join Date: Jun 2007 Device: mine	Nice review Nate. I can see its a Gen1 device and missing a sense of refinement and obviously lacking in a track record so I won't be in line for one this year, even were I a student. I mean as a student I would need one of those "it just works and works all the time" type of devices. I could see CS students getting into one of these though given the Android OS and all...might be a great learning platform for the next gen of developers. Devices with this concept are going to be popular in the not to distant future and learning to code for the concept would be a nice idea. It might also be good for design engineers as well...as in lets take this apart and make it "better". Has a ton of potential for sure. BTW, I would love to see an app like OneNote, EverNote or other note management and taking software along with FreeMind or other mind mapping app...those would be super tools for a student or business person. Last edited by brecklundin; 12-29-2009 at 02:18 AM.

01-13-2010, 02:28 PM	#38
mrscoach Guru Posts: 767 Karma: 4837659 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Angelo Texas Device: Samsung Galaxy tab	If I could afford it I would probably order the Edge, after seeing some early-adopter reviews, that is. I seriously want this device. I need something large enough to read my textbook pdf's, but they are passworded, so I had to have something that I could initially unlock. I have found that once unlocked the book will continue to open, even if no connection, so that is good. Unfortunately my husband is taking a new job for slightly less money, AND moving away to do it. We can afford to do this and have bare minimum at each home, but it doesn't leave anything for extra spending. And I have him convinced of the need for one, too, because he has been studying for some exams of his own on his laptop reading over tons of material. He definitely sees the need. Fortunately he should be getting a higher position in a month or two in the same place he is going, so more money will be forthcoming. But, then my son will be heading off to college, as well. sigh The circle of life continues. I meant to start off by saying that I have considered the weight of the device, but in studying my reading habits, I rest my books on something, anyway. I don't live anywhere I ride mass transit and have to stand or even be among groups of people while traveling, so that isn't a consideration. Last edited by mrscoach; 01-13-2010 at 02:28 PM. Reason: horrible spelling

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12-31-2009, 04:38 PM	#32
StevenP Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 86 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: Enterouge Edge	I know there's a lot of push for academic uses but as a programmer I think it would work terrific. I can output my documents to PDF (there's a freeware printer driver that can do this) and put my documents on the Edge, take notes during meetings and store my tons of techinical books. I think this is a great tool for professionals not just students. I am also interested in explaing in more detail your experience writing on the e-ink portion. The prototype model seems slow (there was a delay drawing the lines behind where the person moved the pen.) Has this been improved upon? Was screen changing fairly fast? Also, was the netbook portion slow or was it responsive? Thanks!

12-31-2009, 04:40 PM	#33
StevenP Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 86 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: Enterouge Edge	Also, I have pre-ordered this. As a developer I hope to write some software for it. I can see some real uses for the dual screens.

12-31-2009, 08:40 PM	#34
brecklundin Banned Posts: 1,906 Karma: 15348 Join Date: Jun 2007 Device: mine	first, welcome to the board stevenP!! Lots of fun folks here, lots with decades of tech background so you should enjoy that side of the place. You are dead on how devices like the Edge will be the future for a lot of applications. Obviously you bought into a first gen device. The hardware is mature enough but the integration from a communcation as well as software POV is likely going to have hurdles. I know I look forward to info you glean as you get to know the device. I would be interested to know if the EPD panel can function as the keyboard and the LCD side the output panel...for a lot of reasons that seems to make more sense to me than the other way around, but it should go both ways depending on the context at the moment. Enjoy your new "toys"!!

01-02-2010, 07:29 PM	#35
StevenP Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 86 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: Enterouge Edge	Thanks for the welcome!

01-04-2010, 12:11 AM	#36
ich461 Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: entourage edge	So how's the RAM? anyone knows?

01-13-2010, 04:30 PM	#41
mrscoach Guru Posts: 767 Karma: 4837659 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Angelo Texas Device: Samsung Galaxy tab	I just checked the Entourage site, and it does not list 3G, only WiFi and bluetooth. Maybe they'll add 3G by the time I buy, though I don't really see me needing it.

01-14-2010, 03:26 AM	#42
hanmik Member Posts: 24 Karma: 110 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Sony PRS-300, PRS-600, PRS-900, eDGe (pre-order)	I went out and picked up a MiFi to solve the 3G problem with the eDGe. Now to wait on a shipping date.

01-14-2010, 03:37 AM	#43
Ignatz Mouse Zealot Posts: 121 Karma: 200 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: France Device: Kobo Touch, Galaxy Note	Still searching my first device ( buying date between march & june )... I was hesitating between Sony prs 600 and the future Bookeen Orizon, and within 2 days 2 great devices are announced on the european market : - Irex DR800S - Entourage Edge I don't really need 3G ( perhaps Wifi, but not sure ) and price is not so important for me. One thing is sure : I need TXT reading ( The Project Gutenberg ebooks of US copyright renewals are all in TXT ) Does the Edge read TXT ? there's nothing on their site except epub and pdf ( I need these, too ).