any suggestions will be appreciated

pj123 · 11-16-2010, 01:25 AM

I am looking for an ereader for PDF documents (scientific papers). I don't need any network (no WiFi no 3G) because I don't need network to download files. But I do need PDF annotations and note-taking function (hanwriting). Any advice? I prefer large screen (10") readers. Thank you.

neilmarr · 11-16-2010, 05:41 AM

Good to have your company, PJ. It seems to me that a tablet might be the best option for you. But I'm sure you'll soon have advice here from members who have experience of a wider range of devices that I do. Good luck and best wishes. Neil

fjtorres · 11-16-2010, 07:07 AM

1- PDf is a format that really only performs well on full computers and paper; it is not an ebook format but a digital paper/digital microfiche format. Using PDF on an ereader negates a good portion of the value of a good reader; the ability to control the display yourself.

2- ebook readers are *not* computers, PDAs, or media pads. They are content consumption devices. Even when equipped with touch screens or pen digitizers they do not offer the functionality of even the cheapest Tablet PC or even an iPad.

3- That said, if you understand those limitations and still want to use an ebook reader for reading PDFs, your 10in choices are effectively two: Kindle DXG and Pocketbook 902/903. Several others have been announced but those two are actually available for purchasing. Prices for both brands are comparable and they are clearly defined:
-Kindle offers access to the Amazon ebookstore, a vestigial keyboard, and the highest contrast screen shipping.
-Pocketbook offers Adobe Adept DRM support on ePUB and PDF, the choice of 3G or not and the option of a digitizer pen or not, plus broad format support and a more flexible and customizable user experience.

If all you want to do with PDFs is "print" them to a screen, either line will do a decent job but do not expect the bells and whistles you'd get on a tablet PC. In the next 6 months there should be dozens of Win7 tablets (based on both Atom and Core cpus) starting right around the PB903 price so going with a large format eink device has to be because you *really* need the weeks of battery life, outdoor readability, or eink tech.

Otherwise, a Tablet or netbook is a better tool for academic PDFs.

There's a lot of good reasons to get large-format eink readers but PDFs are not the best.

pj123 · 11-16-2010, 01:57 PM

Neil and Fjtorres: thank you for the help. your answers are really helpful. I am now thinking of buying a tablet.

11-16-2010, 01:25 AM	#1
pj123 Zealot Posts: 114 Karma: 1050004 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Lenovo Tablet 3 Pro, Kobo Aura H2O, Ipad	any suggestions will be appreciated I am looking for an ereader for PDF documents (scientific papers). I don't need any network (no WiFi no 3G) because I don't need network to download files. But I do need PDF annotations and note-taking function (hanwriting). Any advice? I prefer large screen (10") readers. Thank you.

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11-16-2010, 05:41 AM	#2
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,216 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	Good to have your company, PJ. It seems to me that a tablet might be the best option for you. But I'm sure you'll soon have advice here from members who have experience of a wider range of devices that I do. Good luck and best wishes. Neil

11-16-2010, 07:07 AM	#3
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	1- PDf is a format that really only performs well on full computers and paper; it is not an ebook format but a digital paper/digital microfiche format. Using PDF on an ereader negates a good portion of the value of a good reader; the ability to control the display yourself. 2- ebook readers are not computers, PDAs, or media pads. They are content consumption devices. Even when equipped with touch screens or pen digitizers they do not offer the functionality of even the cheapest Tablet PC or even an iPad. 3- That said, if you understand those limitations and still want to use an ebook reader for reading PDFs, your 10in choices are effectively two: Kindle DXG and Pocketbook 902/903. Several others have been announced but those two are actually available for purchasing. Prices for both brands are comparable and they are clearly defined: -Kindle offers access to the Amazon ebookstore, a vestigial keyboard, and the highest contrast screen shipping. -Pocketbook offers Adobe Adept DRM support on ePUB and PDF, the choice of 3G or not and the option of a digitizer pen or not, plus broad format support and a more flexible and customizable user experience. If all you want to do with PDFs is "print" them to a screen, either line will do a decent job but do not expect the bells and whistles you'd get on a tablet PC. In the next 6 months there should be dozens of Win7 tablets (based on both Atom and Core cpus) starting right around the PB903 price so going with a large format eink device has to be because you really need the weeks of battery life, outdoor readability, or eink tech. Otherwise, a Tablet or netbook is a better tool for academic PDFs. There's a lot of good reasons to get large-format eink readers but PDFs are not the best.

11-16-2010, 01:57 PM	#4
pj123 Zealot Posts: 114 Karma: 1050004 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Lenovo Tablet 3 Pro, Kobo Aura H2O, Ipad	Neil and Fjtorres: thank you for the help. your answers are really helpful. I am now thinking of buying a tablet.