First look at DR800SG (video review)

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by badbob001

Thanks for the great hands on video.

From the video, I don't think I will like the slip case at all. It seems to take too much effort to get the reader in and out from it. Certainly not the most convenient thing to use for quickly catching a few pages while on mass transit. Worse, I don't like how one would need to grip the top of the device tightly to pull it out... I would not be surprised if display problems occur around that location.

Perhaps if they added some sort of ribbon to make it easier to pull it out without having to touch the device... some nook slip cases has that and it's similar to how some battery compartments have a ribbon to help you get the batteries out.



I want to see some covers similar to the ones for the nook. Kindle or dr800 covers attach directly to the device and again I'm afraid of how that may unevenly stress the device (the kindle had reports of bent plastic near the attachment area and the dr1000 had screen issues due to being held at the corner). The nook cases have an inner pouch structure to hold the device in place and I like how the structure is rigid, so that the cover mostly rests on the structure and not on the device itself, keeping pressure off that glass screen. The rigid structure also allows you to hold the device at the corners without stressing the screen. Such a case would also allow the dr800 to be rotated 180 degrees so that the flipbar is at the edge of the cover so you can hold and turn pages with one hand (assuming they update the software to allow 180 degrees rotation). Right now, the flipbar is next to the cover spine, which forces you to either balance the device like a waiter, and still need two hands to turn pages, or bend back the cover 360 degrees to access to the flipbar. Last thing I want is this large glass screen device to come flying out of ones hand as the train jolts around. It's a mess!

The mechanics you have on iRex 800 are close to what you may know from Sony's units.
There are small "holes" in the unit, in which the plastic holders fit.
I don't see the "cracking" problem of Kindle. On Kindle, stress was on the back of the reader. Here's top and down.
I don't like the nook covers with the leather straps.I really like the Sony or Kindle covers. Minimalistic, non-intrusive.
I (sorry, iRex) really hate the iRex cover. I wouldn't mind the € 50 it cost. But it's simply ugly and kind of "cheap".
Right now, I'm helping myself with the case logic hard cover of my Sony 900. I've cut out the inlay and now can use it for iRex 800. Not perfect, but at least the display is protected.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by Mr. Goodbar

I would agree with you on the zoom feature. As for renaming files I prefer to have the metadata drive that and will manage that on the desktop, but everyone's needs and desires are different. The speed of the 800 puts it in a completely different category from the iLiad, but you probably do have a little less flexibility to do things on the device. However, the iLiad was pretty much alone in it's on device management functions and the 800 is probably more consistent with the rest of the competition in content management.

Concerning the metadata: I agree. Best of course is, not having to change anything at all. But I've had for example a great collection of Harr... P...tter books. All 7 books in a single file. With covers, hyperlinks and all you can wish for. And with copy protection. The author's name was "Socke2000" (Socke = sock). I know, there are workarounds to kill the password on PDFs. But imagine my joy: Dropping the file on my newly acquired iRex iLiad and changing "Socke2000" on the fly, while my wife was fighting with her Sony 505...
I'll never forget that - and iLiad always will have a special place in my memory...

[Mr. Goodbar]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

Concerning the metadata: I agree. Best of course is, not having to change anything at all. But I've had for example a great collection of Harr... P...tter books. All 7 books in a single file. With covers, hyperlinks and all you can wish for. And with copy protection. The author's name was "Socke2000" (Socke = sock). I know, there are workarounds to kill the password on PDFs. But imagine my joy: Dropping the file on my newly acquired iRex iLiad and changing "Socke2000" on the fly, while my wife was fighting with her Sony 505...
I'll never forget that - and iLiad always will have a special place in my memory...

That capability certainly has it's place. There was definitely a lot to like about the iLiad flexibility. Hopefully we'll see continuing enhancements to the 800 that will bring back some of that capability. The iLiad continues to be one of those ground breaking devices in my mind. It had many flaws, but was so ahead in some ways as well.

[badbob001]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

I don't see the "cracking" problem of Kindle. On Kindle, stress was on the back of the reader.

I'm just going by this info:

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/kit-...n-class-action

It's too early to tell how strong the dr800 frame is (anyone care for a tear-down so we can see the internal structure?). I do wish they had put the cover notches on the right side of the device as well for covers to be attached on that side, but I suppose that goes against how non-asian books are opened. I'm not sure if the iliad's flip-over-the-top cover is a better design... certainly makes it more right hand / left hand agnostic, and easier to hold and use with one hand, but goes away from being book-like in aesthetics.

I looked at the prs-900 cover and it looks nice. I like the little details like the indention in the cover over the physical buttons and the magnets that keep the cover closed over the metal front frame of the device. I wonder if the dr800sg's inside frame structure has room for sneaking in some metal to attract to cover magnets. I would also be curious if a stylus slot can be made. I guess I will have to wait for someone to drop their dr800 and have irex refuse warranty service before we will get a good look inside...

[PapaSqrt]

Ok just got mine, and I have it plugged in to get some juice.... but I see no indication that is it charging. The LED light has not illuminated. Anyone else have this issue? or do is there something wrong with my new toy?

[peaceridge]

I just unboxed mine and plugged it in - same here, no LED light or other indication. However, it is less worrisome since it is happening to you too.

[PapaSqrt]

Originally Posted by peaceridge

I just unboxed mine and plugged it in - same here, no LED light or other indication. However, it is less worrisome since it is happening to you too.

Well I feel a little better, but until I get a light, or someone who started with no light but now works says I'm ok.... still nervous.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by PapaSqrt

Well I feel a little better, but until I get a light, or someone who started with no light but now works says I'm ok.... still nervous.

Quite frankly: I think you can forget about the light. When turned on, you should see the charging icon in the lower right corner as an indicator.
But about the light, I'm very sceptical. Mine sometimes remains showing "charging" way too long. I can't imagine, it's not fully charged over night. So I simply go with my gut and pull the plug after 6 to 8 hours. And the icon usually shows pretty much fully loaded. You can touch the icon with your stylus and see a percentage of the charge status. Not absolutely precise of course, but a nice indicator.

[Mr. Goodbar]

Originally Posted by PapaSqrt

Well I feel a little better, but until I get a light, or someone who started with no light but now works says I'm ok.... still nervous.

I had the same issue and thought I had a DOA device. Let it sit for awhile (30 minutes) and then turn it on. You'll get a light and the setup process. I think the issue relates to the fact that these things ship completely dead which is not typically the case with consumer electronics.

As a side note I was about ready to hit the roof when I thought the device was DOA since the first iLiad I received was actually DOA and then the second one had a battery that wouldn't hold a charge. Took me a over a month to sort that entire problem and this was back during the first launch of the iLiad when their customer service was pretty much non-existent.

[PapaSqrt]

well look at that it has been about a half and hour and I tried to turn it on.. I have action....

[badbob001]

IREX did say something about a bug with the light when trying to charge it to 100%, something about it never indicating 100% charged if you touch the device while it's charging. Perhaps there are other bugs with the light.

[Mr. Goodbar]

Originally Posted by badbob001

IREX did say something about a bug with the light when trying to charge it to 100%, something about it never indicating 100% charged if you touch the device while it's charging. Perhaps there are other bugs with the light.

Mine doesn't seem to go fully to 100%. Seems to be stuck at 97%, but given the inherent inaccuracy of these meters not a big deal. I'll be curious to see how it holds up in my real world usage. If it is comparable to my Kindle DX that would be great. Initial indications seem to be pretty positive, but I need more normal usage to get a better feel. Too much playing around with search, opening and closing documents, etc. to yet get a good feel.

[peaceridge]

Originally Posted by PapaSqrt

well look at that it has been about a half and hour and I tried to turn it on.. I have action....

Well, it took mine and hour, but it is on too.

[Mr. Goodbar]

PapaSqrt and Peaceridge,

I'll be curious to hear your impressions and see how they match with mine. So far I think it's a great device. The online store could use some work, but overall I'm very satisfied.

[rhadin]

Thanks for the second video review. It has convinced me that the iRex is not for me at this time. I wouldn't have know for certain without your help.