PRS-500 Why no native Reader apps?

[NatCh]

In all fairness, UncleDuke, the things they're suggesting, full unicode support, some sort of file organization/ management that makes sense to a normal (and I include myself in that group only loosely ) adult, those things really aren't all that extravagant on a Reading device.

[Azayzel]

There are a few features most people want added to the Reader, but I think most can be implemented through a software package that changes the existing format to LRF (which a lot of people have already put a ton 'o work into). Given the fact that the device uses a static display; i.e., eink, it would be tough to get a lot of uses out of it without burning through its battery life like crazy. $ony would be smart to develop/market a software package that converts from existing formats to the more streamlined/their format (at least in regards to their system).

I'm not sure what else I would like the Reader to do than what it already does, of course, when someone comes out with a *novel* hack/feature I'll probably change my mind at that time.

[JSWolf]

What I would like is a dictionary (internal) for hyphens so it won't always have badly spaced lines. I'd also like italics fixed so they don't have this stupid space after them. This is other then what's already been mentioned. Oh one other thing.. I'd like real bold fonts so bold will work properly.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Azayzel

There are a few features most people want added to the Reader, but I think most can be implemented through a software package that changes the existing format to LRF (which a lot of people have already put a ton 'o work into).

Agreed. "Pictures in RTF files", for example, used to be right at the top of my "wish list". Now, though, I can just load an RTF file into "Book Designer", tweak it a bit, and there it is, complete with pictures, so this request has gone completely off my radar screen now.

There are some things we'd all still like, such as a decent (in fact ANY sort!) of hierarchical file system. That could - and should - be done with a software update from Sony. We live in hope

[EatingPie]

Originally Posted by NatCh

That's the most obvious one to me too, Pie, but I expect there are other apps that would be desirable to other folks, and I'd just as soon they be able to do them if they like, even if those apps are completely disinteresting to me.

Touching on the Palm again...

I do agree that there are other apps that people would want. I'm not one to stop having a clock option, for example. I think I could have been a bit clearer, and the responses that followed my last bear what I'm about to say out.

The Reader is a reader. It serves a very specific, targeted purpose. Almost universally, the programs suggested here are about (a) fixing the current Reader interface (Collections, ugh!) or (b) adding more features to books being read (Chinese fonts, etc.). All the features are about reading, or getting to the reading.

What I would far prefer to see is Sony fixing and adding stuff... Stuff that makes it easier to read books. Or, even better, giving Open Source access to the Reader interface itself, and letting people hack on that (alas the phrase "never in a million years" comes to mind -- and even for some good reasons).

The Palm has a far broader purpose than the Reader. And even then, a laptop is broader still. These are all computers -- but we own them for very different reasons. I can certainly see a reason for running bash on my Reader, but it doesn't provide enough functional value for me to want this feature above and beyond reading-related features. I'd far, far, far rather Sony focus on ramping up work on the Inerface / book reading than waste time helping people turn the Reader into a Linux box. The only caveat to that, once again, would be open sourcing the interface so developers could fix and extend the things Sony doesn't want to.

-Pie

[NatCh]

Ah, well, then, I think we're pretty much in the same place then, Pie, just expressing it differently.

Although .... some of those old Interactive Fiction games would be a blast on a Reader. Zork anyone?

[Leaping Gnome]

Of the two main things that I want on the Reader one deals with something a reading device should offer (good library management) and one a nice-to-have (a clock that refreshes when you change pages).

Now the Connect software, I could give you a laundry list of improvements there...

[Azayzel]

I totally agree with a UI revamp, something to make it a little more streamlined and add a feature or two, as listed here. We should be able to remove books as we finish them and organize books into categories, or sort by genre, etc.

As to Sony ever giving the kind of access personal devs would like, I doubt that will ever happen. Look at how they keep trying to close the door with the PSP, there's been an update almost monthly since the beginning of the year and most users are thinking they're getting something cool, but all it does is try to patch security to keep hackers/homebrewers out. Fortunately for us, their security is so broken that a custom f/w is released within a day or two that adds any functionality they might have thought to add while still enabling custom apps to run.

Ahh, the ol' text-based adventure games... I remember you fondly. One type that could be implemented right now are the old choose-your-own-adventure type. There were quite a few in this genre, though mainly for kids, but I so enjoyed them as a teenager. This would be quite easy now using the link feature built-in to the Reader... now it's just a matter of getting the print material into the proper format, I wonder if there are any HTML versions legally available that can be converted. Nice trip down memory lane.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by NatCh

Although .... some of those old Interactive Fiction games would be a blast on a Reader. Zork anyone?

That's one thing I use my Pocket PC for - I have all the old "Infocom" games on it.

[Madam Broshkina]

You can play some of the old Infocom games here:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~pot/infocom/

[a13sda]

Personally, I'm perfectly satisfied with what it does - with the exception of that perrenial chestnut - file organisation. To be frank, I'm even happy enough with the "Collection" facility - or would be if it extended to the SD card.

However, although it's not something that I'm gagging for, I've been struck from the moment that I took it out of the box that the interface would be perfect for a Suduko application (i.e. left/right/up/down navigation with the joystick and 1-9 on the numbered buttons with zero as a cancel or rub-out)

[GodDamN]

oh why, oh why no html sony... After printed books this must be the biggest source of readable information in the world by thousands and millions.

I dont care if it is in comic sans and i need to look at a clock, i just want to save a .mht archive and read!!

[EatingPie]

Originally Posted by a13sda

However, although it's not something that I'm gagging for, I've been struck from the moment that I took it out of the box that the interface would be perfect for a Suduko application (i.e. left/right/up/down navigation with the joystick and 1-9 on the numbered buttons with zero as a cancel or rub-out)

You know, after I make this long and adamant argument about other apps being useless, someone comes along and makes a perfectly good suggestion that just proves me wrong!

I think my humility level just went up a few notches.

-Pie

[NatCh]

Guess you'll have to change your title from 'blueberry" to "humble" ... pie that is.