Announced: the iRex Reader DR1000

[Shaggy]

Originally Posted by awi

Irex keeps on selling the Iliad. I think the Iliad and the DR1000 wille serve two different groups of users. So, i'm hopeful on future development of the iLiad software.

They've been talking about the new viewer framework for awhile. I'm reasonably certain that it'll be included in a firmware update for the iLiad. I'm just not sure whether they'll change the current UI to match what the new Reader has, or if they'll leave the iLiads with their current UI.

If they're planning on long term support of the iLiad, then it would make sense to keep the code bases as close as possible. If they're only intending a couple more updates and then stopping development, then they likely won't bother with major UI overhauls.

Either way, I'd be happy with just the viewer framework update. I wish they would mention whether or not it's expected soon. They originally said the announcement today would include software, but I don't know if they only meant the new DR1000 software, or if there is an iLiad update coming. Hopefully they'll clarify that soon.

[NatCh]

Originally Posted by Shaggy

Yeah, based on the comments there, they don't "get it" when it comes to eInk devices. They're basically comparing it to a laptop. Sounds like a much different audience than the people who hang out here.

At least they don't seem to be comparing it to cell phones or iPods anymore.

[Robbeli]

Originally Posted by ericshliao

I will not buy a Digital Reader unless it provide suspend mode, compatible with large size SD&SDHC, deeper greyscale than iLiad. iLiad already cost me much, I can't afford to buy another similiar device just for its bigger screen.

Why I need more greyscale? I am using iLiad to read comics. 16 greyscale is fine, and I am satisfied. I think 32 greyscale will be better.

Irex said the iLiad 1000 is fully SD compliant. So it should support SDHC.
And for greyscale, 16 levels, so you're satisfied. In my opinion it is a good e-device to read manga.
And, as I previously stated, the processor will hibernate to 0 Mhz, I consider that the same as suspend mode.

[carandol]

Originally Posted by Robbeli

Only problem, the standard iLiad is perfectly for reading in bed, the 1000 is too large. It surely is business oriented.

Well, obviously the iLiad for reading in bed, the 1000 for the office. I believe they're bringing out a bathtub model soon, and a chewable one for toddlers.

[Robbeli]

Originally Posted by manekineko

Any chance this thing can surf the web?

The connectivity Edition (1000SW) will have some sort of browser,According to Irex iit can surf the web. No support for flash and video, but you should be able to use it for RSS feeds. I don't know the precise details.

[Robbeli]

Originally Posted by carandol

Well, obviously the iLiad for reading in bed, the 1000 for the office. I believe they're bringing out a bathtub model soon, and a chewable one for toddlers.

Yeah, but that makes it all the more expensive for those of use who like to read all the time and everywhere.

[TadW]

Originally Posted by Donnageddon

As if it matters, Gizmodo seems less than impressed -

I don't understand these folks. What did they expect? A turbo-charged e-book reader equipped with a Dyson vacuum cleaner?

The one and most important aspect of an e-book reader is its screen - and here the Digital Reader shines.

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by Shaggy

If they're planning on long term support of the iLiad, then it would make sense to keep the code bases as close as possible.

It seems likely that the iLiad will no longer be sold. The v2 is still for sale at $699, but the Book Edition is out of stock in the iRex store. In the US, eReader Outfitters only has an open box special iLiad. If iRex is going to continue to sell the iLiad it would have to be at a lower price and that may not be practical.

There is a difference between "available for sale" and "supported", but I would only expect maintenance software releases if they stop selling it.

[zerospinboson]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

It seems likely that the iLiad will no longer be sold. The v2 is still for sale at $699, but the Book Edition is out of stock in the iRex store. In the US, eReader Outfitters only has an open box special iLiad. If iRex is going to continue to sell the iLiad it would have to be at a lower price and that may not be practical.

There is a difference between "available for sale" and "supported", but I would only expect maintenance software releases if they stop selling it.

Considering this one is targeted towards "business use", discontinuing the iLiad series seems somewhat unlikely, although i do wonder what distinguishes the "business user" from the casual user if it isn't their respective wallet sizes.

[ericshliao]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

It seems likely that the iLiad will no longer be sold. The v2 is still for sale at $699, but the Book Edition is out of stock in the iRex store. In the US, eReader Outfitters only has an open box special iLiad. If iRex is going to continue to sell the iLiad it would have to be at a lower price and that may not be practical.

That's quite a thinking different from me. There is no 8' display ebook on the market (other than iLiad). I can't see why iRex will retreat from this part of market. Unless most customers are satisfied with 6' and 10' ebook device, iLiad will stay in market.
Well, we have to wait and see what will happen in the future.

[MaggieScratch]

Originally Posted by TadW

I don't understand these folks. What did they expect? A turbo-charged e-book reader equipped with a Dyson vacuum cleaner?

It's got the ability to connect to the Intartubes, and therefore should be able to be used to play World of Warcraft (preferably using a hack that allows one to scam wireless internet access without paying for it) in high-definition color or it is useless junk.

*turns off snark tag*

ETA: and it should cost $50. forgot that part.

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by ericshliao

There is no 8' display ebook on the market (other than iLiad). I can't see why iRex will retreat from this part of market. Unless most customers are satisfied with 6' and 10' ebook device, iLiad will stay in market.

I like the 8" size too, but if a 10" screen is $649-$849 how many sales of 8" iLiads will there be at $599-$699? When they are lined up feature for feature there is about a $150 price difference, so perhaps that is enough - but only if the iLiad software is upgraded to be Digital Reader like.

[tribble]

Originally Posted by NatCh

Anybody got a weight spec on this rascal yet?

570 gramms

[ericshliao]

Originally Posted by Robbeli

And, as I previously stated, the processor will hibernate to 0 Mhz, I consider that the same as suspend mode.

No. iLiad's CPU will reduce to 100 Mhz if not used, not 0 Mhz. The device is still on, and every part will drain power.

[NatCh]

Originally Posted by tribble

570 gramms

Thanks, tribble!

Now where'd I put that conversion table? (rummage rummage)