Iliad vs Sony 700

[Sonist]

Originally Posted by bazmi

i think that irex iliad, as a consumer device, has the following things not well done (you could say they are unfinished):

1. battery life is quite poor - mainly because of power management - no suspend mode etc.
2. library management is poor. takes forever to browse thru the library.
3. some design issues just suck - to charge the device, you have to attach the ugly ethernet adaptor. also charging is with a 12vdc unit which means no usb charging is possible. this means that i have to carry two more items in my bag when i travel.
4. doesnt come with any cover - one of the most elegant features of sony is the absolute marvel of a cover - with the device hinged on it to make it feel like a book.
5. no support for sdhc cards - these days, any device which supports mmc cards only can only be termed obsolete.

the great innovation of irex is to integrate the wacom tablet and also the screens on their devices are much better. is it worth it even with all the problems?...

I'd agree with most of the points. However, as a reader (meaning primarily as a screen,) for me, the iLiad is the best I've tried (I have owned a PRS-700, PRS-505 and iLiad BE, my K2 is on its way).

It's just a perfect size, IMO. I don't really mind the library browsing, with just over 100 books, usually do it by Author. I rarely use the stylus for navigation, and never for notes.

The 8" screen is so much more like a book, than any of the 6" devices. I don't feel like I am looking at a screen refresh every few seconds.

I don't carry it with me often, it sits by my bed, unless I am traveling, when it goes next to my Powerbook. So while to some the smaller size of the Sonis may be a great advantage, to me is mostly irrelevant. I do think that a 10" device might be a bit too large, but if thin and thin-bezeled, I'd be willing to try it.

The build of the iLiad BE feels inferior to either of the Sonis. The IU of the 700 is clearly superior, but its screen is clearly dimmer.

But for reading, nothing I've seen beats the 8". I am really happy with the screen.

Having said this, iRex is a joke as a company, for dropping development for the iLiad, even while still selling it. If there was a choice, I'd go with and recommend another vendor.

[DesiLinguist]

Sonist, even though I am a new iLiad user, my usage pattern is pretty much like yours and I agree with most of your comments. I definitely share the disappointment that iRex is no longer developing for iLiad.

As an aside, how do you usually travel with the iLiad? I ask because I also have a powerbook (macbook pro) and I am wondering how best to travel with the iLiad while making sure that its relatively fragile screen is protected?

[Sonist]

I bought the leather-like (but not really leather:-) book-jacket for the iLiad, in black (http://www.ereaderoutfitters.com/iRe...d42a8fd1d3731d).

It is not the prettiest, but it functions fine and it has a semi-hard protective layer over the screen. I usually just stick the iLiad (in it's book-jacket) next to the MacBook, which provide extra rigidity in the bag.

I've had the iLiad in its jacket in airline seat-pockets and know that I have applied some pressure at times (not on purpose, but when I forget it's there.) It has survived so far without any issues, although I'd imagine one should be careful with the larger screen.

[Mr. Goodbar]

I agree completely with the comments about the iLiad. A screen and screen size are really great, but the company and software platform are pretty much a joke.

In regards to travel, I've used the included slip case and it works quite well. I put it in my briefcase with the screen facing in so that I don't have to worry about something bumping it from the outside. After a few hundred thousand air miles it is still fine.