Netbook Tablet as a Viable eBook Reader Option

[paaThaka]

Thank you very much for all the comments. Eagerly waiting for your reading experiences.

[pphilipp]

I also own a couple of netbook tablets which I occasionally read ebooks with. I enjoy using them and for many functions they are a complete replacement for my laptop computers.

But that said, when it comes to quick and dirty ebook reading, even the netbooks are not my device of choice, I end-up using the little devices with instant-on; far less processing power; smaller size; and greater computing limitations.
Why?
Simple. These little 'toys' might be more limited overall, but they do their functions and they do them well. They might not have all the muscle of the netbooks or laptops but for the most part they seem like they actually possess more power!
You can power on; open your ebook; read what you want; power off; and repeat the process endlessly... and with speed. After all, why do you need a computer to read a book? You don't. You need a computer for it's power. You need an ebook reader for doing what it does best. ((I'm including the Android/Wince/ipod/etc pocket-computer type of OS as ebook readers))

[paaThaka]

pphilipp makes a good point. Also having a eBook reader with no browser and no connection to buy more stuff can actually be good in some cirumstances. You are concentrated on reading not twiddling.

However, I for one am looking for an alternative to paper books + paper notebook combo.

Yes, I can read eBooks on Kindle3 or whatnot and then make notes either on paper notebook OR on my not-very-handy laptop.

However, I'd rather have those two integrated or sidbe by side (cf. Kno dual-screen tablet).

But as discussed, the tech/industry is not there yet. Maybe in a couple of years.

[Sweetpea]

The Dell Inspiron Duo looks better and better...

Price tag is around $550. Too bad there's no European release date + price known yet!

[adjangs]

I see lots of people like the tablet form, and I probably would too. But the 10.1" Acer netbook I picked up yesterday for $179 was such a great deal (Target)

I'm quite pleased with it so far, especially since my previous ereader was a 3.5" ipod touch screen.

http://www.target.com/ACER-ASPIRE-NE...n&frombrowse=0

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by adjangs

I see lots of people like the tablet form, and I probably would too. But the 10.1" Acer netbook I picked up yesterday for $179 was such a great deal (Target)

I'm quite pleased with it so far, especially since my previous ereader was a 3.5" ipod touch screen.

http://www.target.com/ACER-ASPIRE-NE...n&frombrowse=0

Yep! Only deal is it's a bit big to stick in your pocket. (but so is a KindleDX ) and it doesn't have 3G. And the sound/speakers are pretty sucky (at least on my 8" Acer Netbook) compared to my DroidX which is much smaller, but sounds 1000x better.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by adjangs

I see lots of people like the tablet form, and I probably would too. But the 10.1" Acer netbook I picked up yesterday for $179 was such a great deal (Target)

I'm quite pleased with it so far, especially since my previous ereader was a 3.5" ipod touch screen.

The problem I have with a regular netbook is the keyboard. I'd like the keyboard when I'm chatting, mail, or something that's typing-heavy, but for basic reading or maybe some internetting in bed, that keyboard would become a hindrance..

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

The problem I have with a regular netbook is the keyboard. I'd like the keyboard when I'm chatting, mail, or something that's typing-heavy, but for basic reading or maybe some internetting in bed, that keyboard would become a hindrance..

Yep, that's exactly the trade-off for me as well.....now if it had built-in voice to text that might be the answer....but even then....maybe not.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Yep, that's exactly the trade-off for me as well.....now if it had built-in voice to text that might be the answer....but even then....maybe not.

You try to dictate to your machine on a busy train or bus!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

You try to dictate to your machine on a busy train or bus!

Oh yeah....it would have to be able to discriminate your voice in that situation.....hmmm......

Guess I'll just wait on the 5G brain implant.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

The problem I have with a regular netbook is the keyboard. I'd like the keyboard when I'm chatting, mail, or something that's typing-heavy, but for basic reading or maybe some internetting in bed, that keyboard would become a hindrance..

There are a couple of Netbooks that are convertible tablets.

http://www.alltouchtablet.com/articl...ablet-pc-2538/

BOb

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

There are a couple of Netbooks that are convertible tablets.

http://www.alltouchtablet.com/articl...ablet-pc-2538/

BOb

What I want is a physically malleable tablet that will provide me with a keyboard that is a "real" keyboard but be the size/weight of no more than an iPad.

Larry Niven had/has some materials like this in his SF stories. If we can get nanotechnology off the ground we just might have something like this in the next 50-100 years...

But then again, we'll all have brain implants and that works too.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

There are a couple of Netbooks that are convertible tablets.

http://www.alltouchtablet.com/articl...ablet-pc-2538/

BOb

Oh, I know. But I like the looks of the Dell Duo!


(and if I had the money, I'd get a HP TouchSmart tm2...)

[pphilipp]

The Dell looks like a good piece of hardware.
I do notice that Dell's trying to make it look like an original innovative design... and in some ways it is.

But in actuality it's design goes back a dozen years or so. The flip-screen touch was quite innovative when released in the late 90s and actually worked quite well. Mine has held-up for twelve years and still draws attention where ever I go.

[kennyc]

I think the new Acer's look good, but won't be available til spring...

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...ples_ipad.html