![]() |
#31 | |
Wizard
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 2,999
Karma: 300001
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Citrus Heights, California
Device: TWO Kindle 2s, one each Bookeen Cybook Gen3, Sony PRS-500, Axim X51V
|
Quote:
lmarie, Having had my Cybook since September and having gone through three separate firmware updates (from version 0.91 to 0.98, thence to 0.99 and finally to 1.00) all of which were accomplished by downloading a zipped img file, unzipping and loading onto an SD card and then following the simple instructions to have it overwrite the firmware on my Cybook, yes, I think I'm qualified to say that the Cybook *IS* very updateable! What I'd like to point out is that the PRS-505 is the 'third-generation' in the Sony Librie series and the second in the PRS5xx series, whereas the Cybook Gen3 is the first offering in eInk devices for Bookeen. And the Cybook, while quite functional for most users, has had it's share of 'initial release' problems. But they're being shaken out. And then there's the formats it either does or will support. No matter how big Sony's PRS gets, until it can directly, without hacking, support one of the major DRM'd ebook formats, be it eReader, Mobipocket, Microsoft's LIT or Kindle's AZW, the PRS will always be a second-class product. (I'm not a big fan of Amazon creating the AZW format, but it's so big in the book market that, well, like Microsoft, it can always 're-define the standard'. That said, AZW has become an 'instant' standard and cannot be ignored.) So I'd go with the Bookeen Cybook Gen3. ( Of course, I'd urge you to buy the Cybook from NAEB, http://store.naebllc.com/ as I'm part of NAEB, but that's a minor consideration, really ![]() Derek |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
eBook Enthusiast
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 85,544
Karma: 93383099
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6
|
The important thing to realise, when reading about these "problems", is that the overwhelming majority of people have no problems. To get a genuine hardware problem with an eBook reader is a very unusual occurance indeed.
|
![]() |
![]() |
Advert | |
|
![]() |
#33 | |
Outside of a dog
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 871
Karma: 4457646
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Device: Kindle Voyage
|
Quote:
I'm in the same boat as the initiator of the discussion. I *was* absolutely convinced that the Cybook was the right way to go: it's agnostic on input formats (including probably he least-intrusive DRM), it has Mobi dictionary features, and the support of NAEB really means a lot. However, the first "real" round of user comments/complaints has made me somewhat wary. More and more people are complaining about the page-change button, and others have commented about the button's finish wearing off after a few weeks. It makes me really worry about the long-term reliability of the device. I really hate to say it, but in spite of their evil DRM practices of the past (CD rootkits), I am seriously considering the Sony. In addition, a couple of the features of the PRS-505 have got me thinking that is going to be more similar to the p-book experience that I know and love (I'm talking about instant-on, and turning on right to the last page read). I've owned two Sony PDA's (and two of their camcorders, a portable CD player and countless Walkmen). With the exception of one pair of headphones, all have been wonderfully solid machines. If Sony is working on a device like an e-book reader, I just *know* that their designers have made sure that the page-change button is going to be good for a million presses. I just can't work up that kind of confidence in Bookeen. There is absolutely no engineering information on their web site, and no company history in the "technical" section of their FAQ that tells me whether they have taken a five-year life cycle into account for their device. I was hoping that you might be able to help convince me that both Bookeen and NAEB are laying the proper groundwork to deal with the inevitable warranty returns. I would have taken this question to the NAEB forums, but I haven't been able to log in for a week (you might want to get somebody to look into that). I was one of the folks who pre-registered to order your device when it becomes available, but I've become skittish about how much we still do not know about the Cybook. Otherwise, all of the other features of the Cybook aren't going to be able to overcome that nagging little man in my head that keeps talking about Sony's hardware reliability and warranty support. Can you help? ![]() Curt |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 | |||
eBook Enthusiast
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 85,544
Karma: 93383099
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6
|
Quote:
Quote:
The fact that it takes you to the library screen on start-up is beneficial if you have several books on the go at once. To get to where you were in the last book takes ONE BUTTON PRESS. That's really a concern for you? Quote:
|
|||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Grand Sorcerer
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 7,452
Karma: 7185064
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Linköpng, Sweden
Device: Kindle Voyage, Nexus 5, Kindle PW
|
Before I had the Cybook I thought this was going to be a bad thing. But after using it I realised it did not matter and it can be an advantage in some cases. Just shows how hard it is to predict what is going to be important.
|
![]() |
![]() |
Advert | |
|
![]() |
#36 | |
Outside of a dog
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 871
Karma: 4457646
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Device: Kindle Voyage
|
Quote:
But as I said, this is not my major concern. My main question is, "What kind of portable electronics has Bookeen built before the Cybook?" A list of their credentials would go far. If they have limited experience in the field, how did they spec their components? I don't expect them to hand out design sheets; I'd just like to see that they know what they're doing, and that they're not going to fold up their tents in a year. Googling only shows earlier Cybook models that got even less distribution; there's no company history in the Bookeen blog (the company profile is just a string of buzzwords). Heck, there isn't even an "About Bookeen" link on their site. Last edited by curtw; 12-31-2007 at 11:00 AM. Reason: needed clarification |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 | |
eBook Enthusiast
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 85,544
Karma: 93383099
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6
|
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 | |
Outside of a dog
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 871
Karma: 4457646
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Device: Kindle Voyage
|
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 |
Resident Curmudgeon
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 79,758
Karma: 145864619
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
|
The 505 is updatable once a new firmware is released.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 |
eBook Enthusiast
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 85,544
Karma: 93383099
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6
|
It's a VERY low traffic group. Perhaps best to read the archived messages on the web site.
If you want a device which can "take a real beating", however, I'd steer clear of any eInk reader. The screens have a glass substrate which is rather delicate and easily fractured by bumps and knocks. They do need to be treated with care. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#41 |
Resident Curmudgeon
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 79,758
Karma: 145864619
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
|
Not everyone is mentioning the problems they are having with their device(s). There are lots of people out there with problems we've not heard from. For every person who says the device is great or has a problem, there are lots who say nothing who have similar experience.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#42 | |
Outside of a dog
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 871
Karma: 4457646
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Device: Kindle Voyage
|
Quote:
Nothing personal, but you seem to be actively avoiding my concern. Obviously a glass screen needs to be handled with care, and protected from impact/flexing. I've owned PDA's, and I've seen the results of mis-treatment. I'm talking about daily use, which, for an ebook reader, is very likely to experience more usage cycles on the "page forward" button than 99% of all other switches out there. (I can imagine that video game controllers would come close). Yes, the number of people with negative reports about the Cybook is small, and yes, the people with no complaints are being predictably silent. But, almost ALL of the problems reported so far revolve around that 5-way switch, and the device has only been on the market for a month. That does not make me feel very good about how well a Cybook will be working in two years. I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm simply stating that if Bookeen wants to get my business, they should publicize more than just the eInk aspect of their hardware, because, IMHO, that's the only chance they have of competing with well-established hardware manufacturers (and no, I'm not even remotely considering a Kindle, for many of the same reasons). |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#43 | |
Grand Sorcerer
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 7,452
Karma: 7185064
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Linköpng, Sweden
Device: Kindle Voyage, Nexus 5, Kindle PW
|
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#44 | |
Grand Sorcerer
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 7,452
Karma: 7185064
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Linköpng, Sweden
Device: Kindle Voyage, Nexus 5, Kindle PW
|
Quote:
From an EU perspective we have two or three years to complain if the button fails. I expect to use another reader in three years. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#45 | |
Outside of a dog
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 871
Karma: 4457646
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Device: Kindle Voyage
|
Quote:
Here in the US, we only get a 1-year warranty. While it's perfectly reasonable to expect to move on to a more advanced device in three years, I would be very upset with a hardware failure at 18 months. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
64 bit vista + sony reader/cybook? | hapax legomenon | Which one should I buy? | 25 | 01-19-2009 09:35 PM |
Cybook Gen3 vs. Sony Reader 505 | pawel_z_wrocka | Which one should I buy? | 3 | 04-28-2008 09:03 AM |
sony reader vs cybook warranty. Please vote! | crazyTash | Which one should I buy? | 11 | 02-07-2008 09:41 AM |
sony reader, cybook, or iliad reader , help plz | waddragon | Which one should I buy? | 1 | 02-03-2008 12:25 PM |
Cybook vs. Sony Reader | Kilarney | Which one should I buy? | 5 | 08-31-2007 04:39 PM |