Skiff reader is largest yet with 11.5" display to debut at CES

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by BKeeper

This is really interesting.

See Plastic Logic? (and iRex and company...)
This is what happens when you announce products 18 months in advance.... Someone virtually beats you to it. (with an advance announcement...)

But I have a feeling that the introduction of tabled devices will change the paradigm/expectations before any of the new flexible readers have a chance to launch.

Anyway,looks like 2010 will be a great year.

Tablets are targeted at a very different market segment, they have a lot of additional functionality (browsing, music, video, interacting with online contacts) in some areas but fall way short in other ways (they are heavy, run hot, have a short battery life, have poor text readability, etc).

Tablets will outsell readers, of course. Computers are a much bigger markets than reading devices. The real fun will start when the two can actually merge and tablets begin to look like the pictured device.

[brecklundin]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

As I have read, Plastic Logic started out with a flexible model but decided to change to a rigid frame after test users just couldn't get used to the flexibility. I guess it depends how soft it is, if it stays rigid when you hold it in one hand but can be bent using slight pressure, then it would be okay. Though perhaps more of a gimmick then really useful.

Anyway, great somebody else is coming out with a similar device, this will keep Plastic Logic's pricing in check. But let us hope this device will be available in the very near future.

Dude, it's not as if the Skiff is going to be floppy either. It will be in a rigid case as well. The original design of the Que show as a prototype was very floppy and would be completely frustrating to use, plus there would be no reasonable place for a battery and other hardware...my guess was the prototype shown was simply to show off the flexible panel. And it will be just as flexible in the final product as well...take a look at the Skiff website and the images again...the actual reader is rigid...

[brecklundin]

Hans:

This info should help you out, it's direct from the Skiff site:

Device Dimensions:
9 inches (228.6 mm) by
11 inches (279.4 mm) by
0.268 inches (6.8 mm)

Weight:
17-9/16 oz (498 grams)

Magnesium housing

this means rigid housing/case. it is nice that it's an MgAlloy case so it will stand up to about anything.

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

At least they have some new ideas! Of course, what I would want is full functionality, also when using it in tablet mode.

Hmm, that though brings up a limitation I didn't think of initially.

Why tablet/slate PCs tend to suck is they just end up being a touch version of Windows, with touch replacing the mouse, and that's not idea. Vs. something like the iPhone with an OS built from the ground up around touching to control it.

So any tablet that just detaches from a Laptop would probably have the same issues as it would just be running the laptop OS rather than some new OS designed specifically around being a touch/stylus tablet rather than a mouse/keyboard (or touch pad) computer.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by dmaul1114

Hmm, that though brings up a limitation I didn't think of initially.

Why tablet/slate PCs tend to suck is they just end up being a touch version of Windows, with touch replacing the mouse, and that's not idea. Vs. something like the iPhone with an OS built from the ground up around touching to control it.

So any tablet that just detaches from a Laptop would probably have the same issues as it would just be running the laptop OS rather than some new OS designed specifically around being a touch/stylus tablet rather than a mouse/keyboard (or touch pad) computer.

I don't see that as too much of a problem. In tablet mode I would only use it for browsing, video, and music. In that case it is fine to use a touch screen as a substitute for a mouse. For everything else I would use keyboard and mouse.

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

I don't see that as too much of a problem. In tablet mode I would only use it for browsing, video, and music. In that case it is fine to use a touch screen as a substitute for a mouse. For everything else I would use keyboard and mouse.

We'll see. The tablet PCs I've used have been pretty clunky even for that when using the stylus instead of the keyboard/mouse, even for browsing.

I really want a tablet that's optimized for use as a tablet. Something that "just works" like an iPhone does. But with stylus and finger support--and a larger screen of course.

And of course, for me, a main need is marking up documents with stylus, so it needs REALLY good and precise stylus support etc. Multi touch is a must as well.

I guess I don't really want a PC with a touch screen. I want a pure tablet device.

[Bremen Cole]

Based on the photo's the skiff is the sexiest reader yet. Don't know if I would actually have a use for one, but it sure does look nice.....

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by Bremen Cole

Based on the photo's the skiff is the sexiest reader yet. Don't know if I would actually have a use for one, but it sure does look nice.....

I agree with you wholeheartedly, I love the streamlined look of it. Actually, this might just be my ideal academic reader, here's to hoping! I can't seem to see any place to put the stylus, however, maybe the skiff will come with a special case?


I wonder when we will start to see 5 and 6 inch flexible screens? Maybe this year?

[badbob001]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

Tablets will outsell readers, of course. Computers are a much bigger markets than reading devices.

So you think there are more Tablet PCs out there than ereaders such as the kindle?

[beezle]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

As I have read, Plastic Logic started out with a flexible model but decided to change to a rigid frame after test users just couldn't get used to the flexibility.

Thats interesting. I was thinking myself last night about these two large devices. Its great to have something suitable for text books, academic papers, etc. However, are we talking a clear plastic coating which is reflective? I think that would be quite annoying, similar to the problems many people have with their shiny iMacs. My Sony ereader has a matte finish which makes it very easy on the eyes. I wouldn't want to read from it if it had a clear glass finish as that would pick up interior lightling.

Just something to wonder about

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

Consider it to be your duty to find a way to sneak in and deliver a full report!

If someone can find a way to sneak into a presidential affair I think Nate can manage this. Just use the same line:

"I lost my invitation."

BOb

[Dulin's Books]

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

I wonder when we will start to see 5 and 6 inch flexible screens? Maybe this year?

PolymerVision's new "Readius" will be out this year. I'm not sure if they will use a 5 or 6 inch screen. The CEO told me they have made a few advancements since they original failed to launch. What will launch will be a newer improved device. I for one can't wait to see it.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by brecklundin

I don't see how this is the largest display...the Que panel is spec'd at 8.5" x 11" which means about a 14" diagonal measurement. Still it's a nice true large format panel.

I think they're saying that it will be the largest device actually on the market. The Que currently has no announced release date.

[scottiac]

I would dearly love to have either the skiff or the que, almost entirely for "academic" and "tech" books. The skiff looks absolutely beautiful, but reading their web site, I don't get a warm and fuzzy that you would be able to load any ole' content on it. It *could* be interpreted to say they will only have content that goes through their Skiff services.

Anyone getting any other information about formats / accessibility of content?

[Dulin's Books]

I'm a bit concerned that they don't include which formats they support on the website or the press release. Bu they want of course to save some things for the official launch event on Thursday.

The press release does say

A full touchscreen enables users to intuitively navigate and engage with the newspapers, magazines, books and other digital content they purchase through the Skiff Store, as well as personal and work documents.

The Tech Spec page also talks about USB for side loading content. So you will definitely be able to use some items of your own. We'll have to wait until Thursday for more detail.