|
View Poll Results: What EZ Reader and PP features we like best. | |||
FORMATS: DRM PDF [with reflow] & EPUB Formats |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
32 | 60.38% |
FORMATS: 20+ open non-proprietary, non-DRMed formats |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
39 | 73.58% |
FORMATS: Audio: MP3 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
8 | 15.09% |
FORMATS: Graphics |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
8 | 15.09% |
FEATURES: Customizable startup and closedown screens |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
12 | 22.64% |
FEATURES: Memory: Internal 512MB; External SD |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
36 | 67.92% |
FEATURES: Multi Level Folder support |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
40 | 75.47% |
FEATURES: Display: Font Increase 3 to 9 levels depending on format |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
32 | 60.38% |
FEATURES: Display: Portrait or Landscape |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
18 | 33.96% |
FEATURES: Display: Grayscale resolutions (4 Basic or 8 PP) |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
15 | 28.30% |
FEATURES: Display: controls on graphic displays |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
8 | 15.09% |
FEATURES: Text-to-Speech (TTS) |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
7 | 13.21% |
FEATURES: Volume control on MP3 files |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
9 | 16.98% |
FEATURES: Bookmarks |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
16 | 30.19% |
FEATURES: Hyperlink jumping |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
13 | 24.53% |
FEATURES: Search capability |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
13 | 24.53% |
FEATURES: Clock |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
7 | 13.21% |
FEATURES: Ability to add favorite fonts |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
19 | 35.85% |
FEATURES: Firmware upgradeable |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
37 | 69.81% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: MR members chosen colors |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
7 | 13.21% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Rubberized coating |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
19 | 35.85% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Battery: Long life |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
32 | 60.38% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Battery: User Replaceable |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
33 | 62.26% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Size: Think, Lightweight, portable |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
33 | 62.26% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: E-paper, reflective anti-glare screen |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
33 | 62.26% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Supplied leather cover |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
28 | 52.83% |
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: Standard cables |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
21 | 39.62% |
SERVICE: Good price |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
36 | 67.92% |
SERVICE: Worldwide customer support |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
16 | 30.19% |
SERVICE: Warranty support |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
13 | 24.53% |
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 53. You may not vote on this poll |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
![]() |
#31 | |
friendly lurker
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 896
Karma: 2436026
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: US
Device: Kindle, nook, Apple and Kobo
|
Quote:
I have a beautiful book with great photos of the moon and planets, galaxies, stars and nebula. It’s full of beautiful, full color images on big 14.25 by 17.25 inch glossy paper. I compared it with a paperback copy of The Tale of Two Cities, which was published on 4.25 by 6.5 inch pages with a reading area of just 3.25 by 5 inches. Then I measured the Pocket Pro and found a reading screen size of 3 by 4 inches. Obviously if you tried to publish Cosmos on a Pocket Pro no one could read it. Books, newspapers and magazines are published in all sorts of ways based on how best to present the content and for some content Wifi is best but it’s not best for all. Criticizing any 5-inch book reader for not having Wifi is like criticizing a submarine for riding low in the water. If your only paradigm for warships is the battleship, then submarines can’t possibly rise to your standard. (That wasn’t meant as a pun but I’m going to leave it.) I bought a single copy of a newspaper called "The New York Observer" to try it out. It seemed to me that while it worked, it felt tight on the Pocket Pro. So I got a single copy of the "Washington Times," a regular sized newspaper. They did a fair job formatting it (after I resized the font) and the banner looked great, but reading it compared poorly to reading a book, either fiction or nonfiction. This is a new technology and I expect it will take awhile for the reviewers to catch on and figure out how to evaluate book readers. In the meantime, let’s keep ranting. It can’t hurt. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 | |
Connoisseur
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 66
Karma: 500010
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Greenfield, MA
Device: Astak EZ Reader Pocket PRO
|
Quote:
I, for one, have always been and always will be different from most people, and proud of my difference. Maybe wanting an "ebook reader" that's designed for you to "read ebooks" instead of "read webpages" (which I would call a "webpage reader", or a web browser) is one way in which I'm different from the masses. (Or, at least different from the masses of professional electronics reviewers.) |
|
![]() |
![]() |
Advert | |
|
![]() |
#33 |
Member
![]() Posts: 15
Karma: 10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Device: Astak EZ Reader Pro
|
My Turn
Hello All,
I read all the previous posting and I have to agree with most. I chose the Pocket Pro because I didn't want to be tied down to one format like the Kindle, Nook or Sony Reader. Nor did I want to have to be tied down to purchasing my reading material from one place. I don't care about wireless, touch screen, color or a keyboard. Isn’t that what laptops are for? I have so many other things that I can use to surf the web with. I am not looking for an all in one device. I want a device that is not only portable, pocket and purse friendly, but will allow me to carry my choice of books without limiting me to the number of books I can have at one time. I have over 4000 books in either .LIT or .HTML format that I want to be able to read and not have to worry about trying to convert to a different format or God forbid, repurchase just to read on an ereader. I don’t like the idea of once I purchase something, if they, for what ever reasons decide to; can remove that purchase from my device. I too like being different and don’t like following the masses. I want something that conforms more to my needs rather than having to change my needs to fit the mold already in place. I also hate reviews that penalizes when an item doesn’t have something rather than review it on what it actually does. Like RobertB said, there are those that want certain items and those that don’t. Why should I pay for something that I don’t want or need? I chose the Pocket Pro because in my opinion it offered the most options and accessories for the price and it fits me. Again, this forum, the members here, the support and knowledge really were the selling points that lead me to purchase not 1 but 2 Pocket Pros. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 2,560
Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
|
Keep Ranting!!
Quote:
Yes, I think from my experience talking to reviewers that they do not get this whole idea. The Kindle model essentially says: "One format, one wireless device, one eBook store, one choice". I tell them the Pocket PRO has 20 formats and end users can buy from hundreds of websites freely and with our blessing. I tell them people really like this feature more than any other and it makes for a good experience. They do the review and write: "Has 20 formats but I only need EPUB, Astak does not have a bookstore of their own, could be a problem finding eBooks, and not a real eBook Reader as it does not have wireless". I call them and say: "you missed the point" and they say: "that is how we saw it". Sony was the first but Kindle is the yardstick. Everything is measured against the Kindle. Many of the reviewers own a Kindle and that is their perspective of "how an eBook Reader really is". I am NOT complaining about "poor Astak"... but I am irritated that so many reviewers are using a Kindle yardstick to measure the Kindle and that same yardstick to measure Astak devices. I, personally, am NOT interested in buiding a Kindle and calling it an "Astak". I think what we are selling is better than the Kindle in many ways. That is just my thinking. But, how would it be if a reviewer used the Astak Yardstick to measure a Kindle? That could be fun. Then we might hear: "heavier, bigger, does not come with a case, has only one format, can buy eBooks from only their own website, thicker, has this wireless thing that ties me only to them, needs an SD card slot, and I need to send the device back to get a battery change ". I have no animosity at all toward Kindle or their end users and mean no offense here... but a level playing field by reviewers would be nice. Last edited by Robertb; 02-08-2010 at 07:02 PM. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 | |
Grand Sorcerer
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 11,470
Karma: 13095790
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Device: EB 1150, EZ Reader, Literati, iPad 2 & Air 2, iPhone 7
|
Quote:
Dale |
|
![]() |
![]() |
Advert | |
|
![]() |
#36 | |
Guru
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 815
Karma: 1029784
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nebraska, USA
Device: PEZ, Color Libre, 2@Sony T1, Onyx i62HD
|
Quote:
I just got back from my local library [brick and mortar style]. There's a new author I want to check out her writing style before I start buying her ebooks. Anyway..... Since I hadn't been to the library for a while, I asked, "Has this library joined the 21st Century and provide ebooks?" The young boy helping me looked confused, so I clarified, "Do you have ebooks for dowload?" He replied, sortof confused, "You mean like on a Kindle?" Being a loyal anti-Kindle member my reply was "The Kindle is the very last device I would ever use, but yes, ebooks I can use on MY reader." Unfortunately, no. My library still doesn't have ebook check outs, even though the Omaha's Library does provide ebooks for download loans. We are a suburb to Omaha, but since we have our own library, I can't check out from Omaha's. I will point out, my city library does have "Net Library" where there are ebooks I can read on-line, and Overdrive Audio book loans. We'll get there someday..... AJ |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 2,560
Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
|
Duly noted!!
Quote:
Thank you. I guess I had better brush up on early eBook Readers. You know better than me on who came out first! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 | |
Grand Sorcerer
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 11,470
Karma: 13095790
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Device: EB 1150, EZ Reader, Literati, iPad 2 & Air 2, iPhone 7
|
Quote:
2003 Hanlin eBook with zero-power-consumption when reading was awarded Production & Study Outstanding Contribution Awards. 2003 eBook of zero-power-consumption when reading was awarded the First Prize of Tianjin Technology Invention Award. 2003 Electronic Blackboard/Whiteboard Recording & Reading System was listed on National Torch Project of National Science & Technology Ministry. 2002 Hanlin eBook was selected to display in the great hall of the people national brands exhibition center. 2002 eBook of zero-power-consumption when reading was listed on National Torch Project of National Science & Technology Ministry. 2000 The first eBook with zero-power-consumption when reading was listed in the Important Science & Technology Project of Tianjin Science Committee. Dale |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 |
Addict
![]() ![]() Posts: 276
Karma: 106
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Device: Pocketbook 360, Sony PRS-T1
|
And that's why I've been visiting MobileRead so much since I joined a couple of weeks ago. I think I am finally getting closer to making a decision!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 | |
MR Drone
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 1,613
Karma: 15612282
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DRONEZONE
Device: PB360+, Huawei MP5, Libra H20
|
Quote:
Also love the Key lock... simliar to Sony's on/off on my 505.... |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#41 | |
Connoisseur
![]() Posts: 75
Karma: 39
Join Date: May 2009
Device: Astak EZreader, Aluratek Libre Pro
|
Quote:
I totally understand your frustration. It seems to me those reviewers don't really own an ebook reader and use it on a regular basis. They base their reviews on their speculations and not hands-on experience. And by hands-on experience, I don't mean just fiddling with the reader for a few hours. I mean using it for a reasonable period of time, no less than a few weeks. It's only then you'll find what you really need from an ebook reader. I for one don't really care for wifi on my reader. I manage my library on my PC and it's much easier that way, then I simply copy everything to an SD card and there I go. And I don't think the current e-ink technology would make for a really satisfactory web-browsing experience. I judge an ebook reader by how good a reading experience it provides, and that means easy-on-the-eyes screen, page turn speed, ease of navigation, bookmarking, table of content support, hyperlink support, library management, text reflow capability, font choice, multi-format support, multi-language support...and so on. And I wouldn't compare an ebook reader to a netbook or a tablet, they are really different gadgets to me. And an ebook reader shouldn't attempt to be something that it is not. Last edited by manifestor; 02-14-2010 at 07:54 AM. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#42 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 2,560
Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
|
Thank you, Manifestor
Quote:
I am starting to get more proactive. Now when I send out an eval to a reviewer I tell them straight out that the Pocket PRO does not have wirless by CHOICE... and it is not a defect. I mention that 60% of the people on MobileRead Forum like it non-wireless and how existing wireless only ties and restricts the end user to buying from one website. They think of wireless like it is on a notebook... a real browser takes you anywhere. They do not understand that the browser on wireless eBook Readers is a joke. It "browses" one option only!! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#43 |
MR Drone
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 1,613
Karma: 15612282
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DRONEZONE
Device: PB360+, Huawei MP5, Libra H20
|
Maybe the fifth generation of ebookreaders will come with a walkietalkie/washlet/coffemaker/3DTV funtionality....... I can't wait.......
Kind of like my mobile phone that has TV on it with 60 channels..... that I never watch.... As the Police sang..... Too much information (or ebook functions) running through my brain too much information driving me insane...... Or even better as a message to ebook companies: Keep it simple....... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
PRS-600 Features I really would like to see... | eosrose | Sony Reader | 5 | 10-01-2010 05:36 AM |
I am looking for the ff. features in an eReader | chris1 | Which one should I buy? | 1 | 02-07-2010 11:15 AM |
Right now, you can have 2 of 3 features? | surrealmind | Which one should I buy? | 10 | 01-03-2010 10:08 PM |
Unutterably Silly Which is your favorite Desertgrandma poll? | vivaldirules | Lounge | 22 | 06-01-2009 12:45 AM |
Price vs features | Indigo Ink | Which one should I buy? | 3 | 05-13-2008 12:46 PM |