Viliv MIDs as ebook readers

cstross · 06-13-2009, 01:30 PM

I thought I ought to mention this option for ebook readers ...

I just bought a Viliv S5 mobile internet device. And yes, it makes a good ebook reader.

The Viliv S5 is a small tablet PC -- 5" screen, netbook-like specs (Atom 270 cpu clocked at 1.33GHz, 1Gb RAM, 60Gb hard disk, Windows XP, Wifi/bluetooth/USB), and weighs about 500 grams. Battery life is 6 hours in regular use, up to 8 hours with no wifi and the screen dimmed. The screen resolution is an eye-bleedingly sharp 1024x600 pixels. Build quality is very solid indeed, and it sells for around $599 right now (I bought a grey market import via eBay; Dynamism.com also sells them).

In the hand, it feels like a thicker (inch thick) version of the Nokia web tablets. The big difference is that it's a much beefier hardware spec, higher resolution screen, and a "real" operating system. (I don't like Windows, but while I've got a bootable Ubuntu partition, getting networking and touchscreen drivers up is taking some time. Ah well.)

FBReader and Calibre both run on the S5, and FBReader in 90-degree counterclockwise rotation works well. (It also runs Mobipocket Desktop 6.2.) I gather that eReader also runs happily. I've got Firefox on it as a web browser, and iTunes for music.

If you're used to using a big PDA such as an iPaq as an ebook reader, think of the Viliv S5 as being similar (albeit slightly chunkier) but running a full desktop OS and with a higher resolution screen. If your main thing is reading ebooks -- it costs about as much as an Iliad, and the battery life is slightly worse, but it's a far more flexible device as long as you're okay with an LED backlit colour screen.

And Viliv are launching a 7" model, the X70, very soon. (Don't confuse this with the S7, which is a laptop with a swiveling/tablet touchscreen.)

Sweetpea · 06-13-2009, 01:46 PM

I've been looking at such devices as long as I knew they existed (which is about a month

)

The only thing stopping me from buying one is the price. $599 is way too pricy for my taste, the rest I rather like...

cstross · 06-14-2009, 08:41 AM

The price is indeed a little steep -- on the other hand, it's comparable to other MIDs such as the Nokia web tablets (at introduction price), or a netbook, which is basically what these gadgets are. They're the second generation of the ill-fated Origami/UMPC concept, which lost out to the Netbook on both price and usability; they're back now, with better usability and at half the original (steep) cost.

If you just want an ebook reader, this device isn't for you. On the other hand, if you want a PC that fits in your pocket (unlike a 9" or 10" netbook) and doubles as a decent movie/music player, it's another matter.

Sweetpea · 06-14-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstross

The price is indeed a little steep -- on the other hand, it's comparable to other MIDs such as the Nokia web tablets (at introduction price), or a netbook, which is basically what these gadgets are. They're the second generation of the ill-fated Origami/UMPC concept, which lost out to the Netbook on both price and usability; they're back now, with better usability and at half the original (steep) cost.

If you just want an ebook reader, this device isn't for you. On the other hand, if you want a PC that fits in your pocket (unlike a 9" or 10" netbook) and doubles as a decent movie/music player, it's another matter.

Oh, I love the idea of those devices! But, if I were to buy one, the most important feature it must have (if it's an LCD screen!) is a transflective screen. As I can't find anywhere it has one, I presume it hasn't...

brycej · 07-06-2009, 02:01 PM

I just placed an order for the Viliv X70. I currently have a Sony PRS-505 which I love, but I wanted a small portable computer that could be used for reading as well as watching movies and a little Internet surfing. I think this device will fit the bill.

ilovejedd · 07-06-2009, 03:10 PM

Placed an order here, too. I doubt I'll use it much for ebooks, but it should be great for reading comics.

phenomshel · 07-08-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brycej

I just placed an order for the Viliv X70. I currently have a Sony PRS-505 which I love, but I wanted a small portable computer that could be used for reading as well as watching movies and a little Internet surfing. I think this device will fit the bill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Placed an order here, too. I doubt I'll use it much for ebooks, but it should be great for reading comics.

Y'all please keep us updated! I've been looking at similar devices for a while. I liked the Smart Q7 for the price, but there have been a lot of issues with it, and it seems to be poorly built. I'm drooling over this Viliv X70, but it is pricey. Will look forward to your reviews!

Gibbo · 11-16-2009, 10:14 AM

*Bump*

Any news/reviews on the X70 or the S7?. I'm seriously considering buying the S7 mainly for ereading with the occasionally sofa/bed browsing, any recommendations?

bbusybookworm · 11-16-2009, 10:32 AM

James Kendrick on JKOnTheRun has done some nice reviews of the Viliv S5 and S7.

He always comments on eBook reading as He uses the eReader and now the Kindle Apps, so is quiet thorough on how well it works.

Back to the original question, I'll love to get one of these, not so much for Reading books, as for having a pocket sized portable PC as a companion device.

While I like my N800, I'm quiet aware of how much of a pain it can be at times to get something working especially if you don't have a Linux or Unix Background.

Having windows means that while you may run into issues, finding a solution is comparatively easy.

rana · 11-16-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibbo

*Bump*

Any news/reviews on the X70 or the S7?. I'm seriously considering buying the S7 mainly for ereading with the occasionally sofa/bed browsing, any recommendations?

I have the Viliv X70 and it is a great device for sofa/bed browsing or playing videos, but is a bit too heavy for holding in your hands for multiple hours (approx 700gms, with the cover).

Also, the unit gets quite warm after a while ... even with the cover on. I have heard (but never tried) that the back of the unit can't be touched with bare hands unless you have the cover after about an hour of use.

Battery life is pretty good, and it uses Windows XP Home ... so you have lots of choices for e-reader apps.

I use the X70 for browsing or playing videos, but when I am reading at bed, the best device I have found so far is the JoinTech JE100. Perfect weight, built in backlight, that can be turned down a lot and Mobipocket works great. I wish there was a good epub reader for WinCE though !

I am not good at reviews (or writing for that matter

) but if you have any questions on the X70, I will try my best to answer in detail !

Valio · 11-17-2009, 04:21 AM

hi, rana, what was the price for your X70 ?

rana · 11-17-2009, 10:27 AM

I got it at Dynamism at the pre-order promotion and got the Ex model. I believe the price at that point was $729 or so. It may have come down now.

Simon - VILIV · 11-17-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valio

hi, rana, what was the price for your X70 ?

Please be aware that the warranty is only applicable in the country of purchase!

Think4IT have been granted UK / Pan European distribution rights.

I will be happy to help any one with any questions relating to the ViliV product range - sthomas@think4.com

Many thanks,

Simon.

eimert · 11-17-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon - VILIV

Please be aware that the warranty is only applicable in the country of purchase!

Think4IT have been granted UK / Pan European distribution rights.

I will be happy to help any one with any questions relating to the ViliV product range - sthomas@think4.com

Many thanks,

Simon.

Any website? Google didn't show anything.

CyGuy · 11-17-2009, 05:16 PM

I also had my eye on the X70 but it is just too thick for me, still looking.
Also had my eye on the Archos 9, no SDHC card reader, still looking.

06-13-2009, 01:30 PM	#1
cstross Cynic Posts: 86 Karma: 514 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Device: Lots, started with a Psion 3 circa 1998	Viliv MIDs as ebook readers I thought I ought to mention this option for ebook readers ... I just bought a Viliv S5 mobile internet device. And yes, it makes a good ebook reader. The Viliv S5 is a small tablet PC -- 5" screen, netbook-like specs (Atom 270 cpu clocked at 1.33GHz, 1Gb RAM, 60Gb hard disk, Windows XP, Wifi/bluetooth/USB), and weighs about 500 grams. Battery life is 6 hours in regular use, up to 8 hours with no wifi and the screen dimmed. The screen resolution is an eye-bleedingly sharp 1024x600 pixels. Build quality is very solid indeed, and it sells for around $599 right now (I bought a grey market import via eBay; Dynamism.com also sells them). In the hand, it feels like a thicker (inch thick) version of the Nokia web tablets. The big difference is that it's a much beefier hardware spec, higher resolution screen, and a "real" operating system. (I don't like Windows, but while I've got a bootable Ubuntu partition, getting networking and touchscreen drivers up is taking some time. Ah well.) FBReader and Calibre both run on the S5, and FBReader in 90-degree counterclockwise rotation works well. (It also runs Mobipocket Desktop 6.2.) I gather that eReader also runs happily. I've got Firefox on it as a web browser, and iTunes for music. If you're used to using a big PDA such as an iPaq as an ebook reader, think of the Viliv S5 as being similar (albeit slightly chunkier) but running a full desktop OS and with a higher resolution screen. If your main thing is reading ebooks -- it costs about as much as an Iliad, and the battery life is slightly worse, but it's a far more flexible device as long as you're okay with an LED backlit colour screen. And Viliv are launching a 7" model, the X70, very soon. (Don't confuse this with the S7, which is a laptop with a swiveling/tablet touchscreen.)

07-06-2009, 02:01 PM	#5
brycej Member Posts: 11 Karma: 32 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Device: Sony PRS-505	Viliv X70 I just placed an order for the Viliv X70. I currently have a Sony PRS-505 which I love, but I wanted a small portable computer that could be used for reading as well as watching movies and a little Internet surfing. I think this device will fit the bill.

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06-13-2009, 01:46 PM	#2
Sweetpea Grand Sorcerer Posts: 9,707 Karma: 32763414 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Krewerd Device: Pocketbook Inkpad 4 Color; Samsung Galaxy Tab S6	I've been looking at such devices as long as I knew they existed (which is about a month ) The only thing stopping me from buying one is the price. $599 is way too pricy for my taste, the rest I rather like...

06-14-2009, 08:41 AM	#3
cstross Cynic Posts: 86 Karma: 514 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Device: Lots, started with a Psion 3 circa 1998	The price is indeed a little steep -- on the other hand, it's comparable to other MIDs such as the Nokia web tablets (at introduction price), or a netbook, which is basically what these gadgets are. They're the second generation of the ill-fated Origami/UMPC concept, which lost out to the Netbook on both price and usability; they're back now, with better usability and at half the original (steep) cost. If you just want an ebook reader, this device isn't for you. On the other hand, if you want a PC that fits in your pocket (unlike a 9" or 10" netbook) and doubles as a decent movie/music player, it's another matter.

07-06-2009, 03:10 PM	#6
ilovejedd hopeless n00b Posts: 5,111 Karma: 19597086 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: in the middle of nowhere Device: PW4, PW3, Libra H2O, iPad 10.5, iPad 11, iPad 12.9	Placed an order here, too. I doubt I'll use it much for ebooks, but it should be great for reading comics.

11-16-2009, 10:14 AM	#8
Gibbo Guru Posts: 776 Karma: 2475053 Join Date: May 2007 Device: Galaxy Tab A (2019) - iPhone 11 - KA1 - Onyx Boox Nova Pro	Bump Any news/reviews on the X70 or the S7?. I'm seriously considering buying the S7 mainly for ereading with the occasionally sofa/bed browsing, any recommendations?

11-16-2009, 10:32 AM	#9
bbusybookworm Tech Junkie Posts: 1,027 Karma: 10080 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Earth Device: iPad, MotoXStyle, OnePlusOne	James Kendrick on JKOnTheRun has done some nice reviews of the Viliv S5 and S7. He always comments on eBook reading as He uses the eReader and now the Kindle Apps, so is quiet thorough on how well it works. Back to the original question, I'll love to get one of these, not so much for Reading books, as for having a pocket sized portable PC as a companion device. While I like my N800, I'm quiet aware of how much of a pain it can be at times to get something working especially if you don't have a Linux or Unix Background. Having windows means that while you may run into issues, finding a solution is comparatively easy.

11-17-2009, 04:21 AM	#11
Valio Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: Iriver Story	hi, rana, what was the price for your X70 ?

11-17-2009, 10:27 AM	#12
rana Gadget Freak Posts: 113 Karma: 312 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: SonyPRS505,Kindle1,NokiaN810,VilivX70, SmrtQ7,JoinTechJE100,NookColor	I got it at Dynamism at the pre-order promotion and got the Ex model. I believe the price at that point was $729 or so. It may have come down now.

11-17-2009, 05:16 PM	#15
CyGuy Avid Reader Posts: 769 Karma: 7777778 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: PocketBook 902, Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, ASUS TF700, and Cybook Gen III	I also had my eye on the X70 but it is just too thick for me, still looking. Also had my eye on the Archos 9, no SDHC card reader, still looking.

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