Opus Opus, a few first thoughts

[HarryT]

Are you sure that you're doing it right? Hold in the power button, then press and hold "page back" (ie the lower of the two long buttons) until the blue light comes on and the machine reboots.

[emellaich]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

I don't really care for the way it goes back to the last folder I was in on boot up. I'd prefer it go right back to where I left off reading, although I can get used to it the way the Opus does it. It's not a deal breaker.

I don't care to the need to wait for it to boot up each time, although it's not a deal breaker either.

One of my big issues is that while reading my first book on it the device locked up four times and needed resetting.

You've pretty much summed up my problems with my Cybook Gen III the reboots and the stiff clicking were real pains. However, the thing that annoyed me the most was the startup time and process. I like to pickup my book and read a few pages -- maybe when I go to visit the 'facilities'. However when I used the Cybook it took up to a minute to get back into the book I was reading. This was definitely a downgrade over the paper book experience.

Furthermore, as JSWolf has said, don't count on it getting better. Most of the ebook providers have proven pretty poor in regard to updating their software and Bookeen is certainly no exception to this. You really need to be happy with what you see now.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by sassanik

Is freeze stuck on a start on startup or on a book? Reset button and removal of battery do not cause the device to reset?

I am curious because I had my Cool-ers hard freeze up on me, they got stuck on a start up page and nothing I could do would fix the problem.

I am curious if this Opus problem is related because as I understand it they use the same hardware and possibly even the same firmware.


Amy

It freezes on a page while reading. Using the reset button on the back, under the battery cover, works fine and resets the device.

AFAIK the Cool-er is similar Netronix hardware to the Gen3, not the Opus.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Are you sure that you're doing it right? Hold in the power button, then press and hold "page back" (ie the lower of the two long buttons) until the blue light comes on and the machine reboots.

No, I was using the back button at the bottom of the device (maybe my terminology is wrong). I'll try the one you mention today when it locks up.


Still, it shouldn't be needed. I shouldn't have to restart a $250 device multiple times when reading a book and then remember where it was when it froze and browse back to that spot. It becomes quite tedious.

Are other Opus users not having this problem?

[rlauzon]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Still, it shouldn't be needed. I shouldn't have to restart a $250 device multiple times when reading a book and then remember where it was when it froze and browse back to that spot. It becomes quite tedious.

Are other Opus users not having this problem?

Yes, but it's rather rare and sporatic for me. It will work perfectly for days, then twice in an hour, it will need a reset.

[rlauzon]

Originally Posted by emellaich

You've pretty much summed up my problems with my Cybook Gen III the reboots and the stiff clicking were real pains. However, the thing that annoyed me the most was the startup time and process. I like to pickup my book and read a few pages -- maybe when I go to visit the 'facilities'. However when I used the Cybook it took up to a minute to get back into the book I was reading. This was definitely a downgrade over the paper book experience.

That feature is there to conserve power. Turn it off. I did on my Opus.

I need to charge is up every couple of nights - as opposed to every week or so - but you avoid the boot times when you put it down for a few minutes.

[lisreed]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Are other Opus users not having this problem?

I have been. From the first day I got it I had to restart it at least once a day with normal use of a couple of hours of reading in general. I am reading a drm free book for the past couple of days and its the first time I have had no reset problems. I had a cybook gen3 before and same deal. Constantly resetting it. I had a kindle 2 and never had to do this. Sony 505 and extremely rarely so I find it annoying. The Opus I actually gave to my husband. I am just finishing a book up on it while I wait for my Sony 300. I like the Opus ok but between the restarting and how slow it is to start it up I kind of find it not worth the price. But my husband uses an ebook reader less than me and he is only interested in public domain books to complement his paperbook reading so its fine for him. And he loves how light it is. I got the sony 600 for myself but I still can't get used to the glare so I have a 300 on the way. I liked the 505 but find the 5 inch screens to be nice for how portable they are and lighter. Plus I have a lot of books from the Sony store so getting a 300 instead of another Opus made sense to me. The 300 and the cover for it ended up costing me less than the Opus did without a cover.

[AnemicOak]

Well, I've sent off an email to BoB to start the return process. I really think the Opus is a pretty good device, but it's just not turned out to be the device for me. After two and a half books I've had to reset it nine times, that just won't work for me. To frustrating. Not overly fond of the start up either, though I'm sure I'd probably get used to it.


I might look at a 300, but IIRC it's only very slightly smaller than the 505 so we'll see. Maybe Amazon will come out with the Kindle Mini

[lisreed]

Somewhere on the forum someone had pictures of the sony 300 next to the opus and it is only slightly bigger than the Opus. Mainly the corners. Couple of ounces heavier than the Opus but still real light. Good luck with whatever you decide. I am sure I will like the 300. I'm disappointed I didn't like the 600 but I like these smaller devices pretty well. Kindle mini would be neat! I gave up the kindle mainly because I wanted to be able to get books at the NYPL and overall I love Sony's designs.

[lisreed]

Here it is

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...=49817&page=10

the difference in size is very slight between the 300 & the Opus.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by lisreed

Here it is

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...=49817&page=10

the difference in size is very slight between the 300 & the Opus.

Not a lot of difference at all. I think I'll have to try one in person though, I'm unsure of a device with only the center bottom page turn button.

[emellaich]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Well, I've sent off an email to BoB to start the return process. I really think the Opus is a pretty good device, but it's just not turned out to be the device for me. After two and a half books I've had to reset it nine times, that just won't work for me. To frustrating. Not overly fond of the start up either, though I'm sure I'd probably get used to it.


I might look at a 300, but IIRC it's only very slightly smaller than the 505 so we'll see. Maybe Amazon will come out with the Kindle Mini

Is there any reason you aren't looking at the Astak Pocket Pro? http://www.theezreader.com/html/index.htm

I will note however, that it is a brand new model and the reports are still coming in. Some users report that the time between pushing the page turn button and turning the page is too long -- although the actual page flash is faster than normal. Others don't seem to be seeing this delay and there is not enough info yet to sort out the difference.

This is the model I've ordered for my son in 'slate blue'.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by emellaich

Is there any reason you aren't looking at the Astak Pocket Pro? http://www.theezreader.com/html/index.htm

I will note however, that it is a brand new model and the reports are still coming in. Some users report that the time between pushing the page turn button and turning the page is too long -- although the actual page flash is faster than normal. Others don't seem to be seeing this delay and there is not enough info yet to sort out the difference.

This is the model I've ordered for my son in 'slate blue'.

I haven't ruled it out and am thinking about it. I've been following the threads on them to see how the 'problems' shake out and to separate the hype from how it actually performs. Not that I absolutely NEED a new device. I might wait and see what Plastic Logic and B&N bring to market.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

I haven't ruled it out and am thinking about it. I've been following the threads on them to see how the 'problems' shake out and to separate the hype from how it actually performs.

Actually, the PocketBook 360 looks pretty sweet.

BOb

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Actually, the PocketBook 360 looks pretty sweet.

BOb

It does.