If you could design your own ereader?

crossi · 08-28-2013, 07:28 AM

Rules for the design
The software should have functions commonly in use in many programs, no unusual creativity needed.

The hardware should be in use now and inexpensive

Keep the cost of building it low

My choice
1. A 6 inch e-ink screen
2. changeable battery
3. SD slot
4. buttons for page turns and home and back (page turns on both sides)
5. touch for selecting book on page (can leave out if needed to cut cost)
6. No Wi-Fi or 3G, load books from USB or SD card
7. Front light OK but can cut if need to lower cost

8. Can read many formats including both mobi and epub
9. Folder organization
10. On home screen can toggle between viewing Device or SD contents
11. When viewing contents see collections and loose books
12. When select collection (folder) will show books and subfolders in collection
13. When attached via usb easy drag and drop to move books and change and add folder names like any other computer folders.
14. To save costs and simplify software can leave out underlining, highlighting, notetaking and internal searches of books. This is a simple device for reading fiction, only needs to remember last location.
15. Keyboard (mechanical or screen) not needed because no notes and folders created by computer connection.

Antoinekamel · 08-28-2013, 10:22 AM

My own e-reader would be a book, with all its qualities plus being able to change the text on the pages.

theducks · 08-28-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossi

Rules for the design
The software should have functions commonly in use in many programs, no unusual creativity needed.

The hardware should be in use now and inexpensive

Keep the cost of building it low

My choice
1. A 6 inch e-ink screen
2. changeable battery
3. SD slot
4. buttons for page turns and home and back (page turns on both sides)
5. touch for selecting book on page (can leave out if needed to cut cost)
6. No Wi-Fi or 3G, load books from USB or SD card
7. Front light OK but can cut if need to lower cost

8. Can read many formats including both mobi and epub
9. Folder organization
10. On home screen can toggle between viewing Device or SD contents
11. When viewing contents see collections and loose books
12. When select collection (folder) will show books and subfolders in collection
13. When attached via usb easy drag and drop to move books and change and add folder names like any other computer folders.
14. To save costs and simplify software can leave out underlining, highlighting, notetaking and internal searches of books. This is a simple device for reading fiction, only needs to remember last location.
15. Keyboard (mechanical or screen) not needed because no notes and folders created by computer connection.

This almost matches my Astak PEz (Hanlin V5) bought in 2010
I use folders automagically created by Calibre to store series (by series) or non-series (by Author)
No WiFi, No Touch
Page turn in 3 places,
Reads many formats (some, not so well

)
Some FW has TTS
Battery is changeable, but NOT a standard like the V6 was

Jessica Lares · 08-28-2013, 02:57 PM

8.5 x 11 e-ink screen
month long built-in battery
16GB
completely touch based except power button
24-bit color

Calibre would be like iTunes for syncing all our books/collections to it.

icallaci · 08-28-2013, 05:09 PM

1. 7"-8" high-def e-ink screen.
2. SD card slot.

That's pretty much it.

Julius Caesar · 08-28-2013, 08:18 PM

1. Optional models with two pages side by side. A variety of different screen sizes to choose from 6" to 13".
2. My book store only sells DRM free eBooks just like iTunes for songs
3. Side lit technology like those from Kobo Aura HD
4. Full Color e-ink
5. 12 hours battery life, light at full blast but wireless off
6. Replaceable battery
7. Touch screen
8. Support all major ebook formats.
9. Built in speakers for audio books
10. 4 to 50GB storage. Those pdf documents take a lot of space.
11. Built in ebook management software similar to Calibre
12. eBooks can only be sold in the store if it is converted from its original electronic source - like Microsoft Word documents from the authors. Sources from OCR will not be accepted. Enough mistakes from OCR already. The eBook must be 100% identical to the printed book in every way including the layout.
13. Can annotate a book with pictures, songs or videos

SteveEisenberg · 08-28-2013, 08:54 PM

1. Free world-wide cell-phone network internet for text heavy web sites.

2. Email address you (and Readability.com) can send essays to so they automatically wind up on the device.

3. Compatible with Overdrive.

4. Reasonably priced good condition units available (used OK).

4. Screen virtually uncrackable.

Except for item 4 above, I already have the ideal unit, so no further design is necessary.

I suppose a slightly faster processor than what I have in the Kindle Keyboard would also be a plus, but then the battery would have to be heavier. And designing for sale at a lower price is always good.

crossi · 08-28-2013, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julius Caesar

1. Optional models with two pages side by side. A variety of different screen sizes to choose from 6" to 13".
2. My book store only sells DRM free eBooks just like iTunes for songs
3. Side lit technology like those from Kobo Aura HD
4. Full Color e-ink
5. 12 hours battery life, light at full blast but wireless off
6. Replaceable battery
7. Touch screen
8. Support all major ebook formats.
9. Built in speakers for audio books
10. 4 to 50GB storage. Those pdf documents take a lot of space.
11. Built in ebook management software similar to Calibre
12. eBooks can only be sold in the store if it is converted from its original electronic source - like Microsoft Word documents from the authors. Sources from OCR will not be accepted. Enough mistakes from OCR already. The eBook must be 100% identical to the printed book in every way including the layout.

I like the 4 to 50G storage and the Calibre-like library management software.
I don't just want a book display unit I want a portable library as well.

elcreative · 08-28-2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julius Caesar

Snip...
12. eBooks can only be sold in the store if it is converted from its original electronic source - like Microsoft Word documents from the authors. Sources from OCR will not be accepted. Enough mistakes from OCR already. The eBook must be 100% identical to the printed book in every way including the layout.

Damn, no ebooks allowed pre-mid 70s then as before that there were no (or very few) electronic sources...

pidgeon92 · 08-28-2013, 10:53 PM

I would like a device that could enlarge or shrink the screen based on how I want to hold it. A 6" screen at night in bed, a 10" screen during the day when I'm at the table. Otherwise, I don't care. E-ink or LCD, buttons or touch.

Julius Caesar · 08-28-2013, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcreative

Damn, no ebooks allowed post mid 70s then as before that there were no (or very few) electronic sources...

I am just tired of eBooks riddled with typos due to OCR scanning mistakes. Just look at how many complains people posted at Amazon reviews specific to the Kindle version.

Case in point is rn becomes the letter m. So, corner becomes comer.
Another example is ri becomes n, so stories becomes stones. A spell checker won't catch them.

e becomes c or I becomes 1. Sure, you can report the typos but it would take several months to fix them if any.

Stephen King books are notorious for its OCR mistakes and they are not limited to just his older books.

fjtorres · 08-29-2013, 12:25 AM

Hardware:
Basic Kindle form factor with similar paging buttons
6.8in HD eink with frontlight, capacitance touch, and ultrathin bezel
16gb storage
Wi-Fi n
audio

Software:
unlocked android 4.x OS

The rest I'll take care of myself.

hapmas77 · 08-29-2013, 12:57 AM

My ideal ereader will be:

1. e-ink, 8 inch, 4:3 ratio
2. based on android 4.3
3. Touchscreen + physical buttons to switch pages.
4. wifi, with built-in driver to connect to Calibre wirelessly.
5. Web browser so I can connect to cloud storage or e-mails.
6. pinch to zoom to change font size or to resize picture
7. As it is based on android, It can be installed with various reader software
8. easily customized/rooted.
9. Removable and easy to find battery (e.g. compatible with Samsung batteries. No point to have a removable battery but then you cannot find it sold anywhere).
10. 16GB internal storage + external SD Card.
11. micro USB port (non-proprietary).

Teknikal · 08-29-2013, 03:31 AM

I'll go for a basic option as I think it's what the market needs

6" e ink touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 3
Powered by standard triple AAA's ideally.
Work with someone like Mantano for their epub reader software
Micro SD (I'd leave out internal storage altogether)
Micro-USB for accessing the SD card and firmware updates

crossi · 08-29-2013, 07:20 AM

Unfortunately until ebooks are sold DRM free there really is no possibility of gedneric ebook readers so little competition and only a few choices of features. But I can dream of what I want.

08-28-2013, 07:28 AM	#1
crossi Guru Posts: 992 Karma: 12000001 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle Wahington U.S. Device: kindle	If you could design your own ereader? Rules for the design The software should have functions commonly in use in many programs, no unusual creativity needed. The hardware should be in use now and inexpensive Keep the cost of building it low My choice 1. A 6 inch e-ink screen 2. changeable battery 3. SD slot 4. buttons for page turns and home and back (page turns on both sides) 5. touch for selecting book on page (can leave out if needed to cut cost) 6. No Wi-Fi or 3G, load books from USB or SD card 7. Front light OK but can cut if need to lower cost 8. Can read many formats including both mobi and epub 9. Folder organization 10. On home screen can toggle between viewing Device or SD contents 11. When viewing contents see collections and loose books 12. When select collection (folder) will show books and subfolders in collection 13. When attached via usb easy drag and drop to move books and change and add folder names like any other computer folders. 14. To save costs and simplify software can leave out underlining, highlighting, notetaking and internal searches of books. This is a simple device for reading fiction, only needs to remember last location. 15. Keyboard (mechanical or screen) not needed because no notes and folders created by computer connection. Last edited by crossi; 08-28-2013 at 07:32 AM.

08-28-2013, 08:18 PM	#6
Julius Caesar Addict Posts: 341 Karma: 1244808 Join Date: Oct 2012 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	1. Optional models with two pages side by side. A variety of different screen sizes to choose from 6" to 13". 2. My book store only sells DRM free eBooks just like iTunes for songs 3. Side lit technology like those from Kobo Aura HD 4. Full Color e-ink 5. 12 hours battery life, light at full blast but wireless off 6. Replaceable battery 7. Touch screen 8. Support all major ebook formats. 9. Built in speakers for audio books 10. 4 to 50GB storage. Those pdf documents take a lot of space. 11. Built in ebook management software similar to Calibre 12. eBooks can only be sold in the store if it is converted from its original electronic source - like Microsoft Word documents from the authors. Sources from OCR will not be accepted. Enough mistakes from OCR already. The eBook must be 100% identical to the printed book in every way including the layout. 13. Can annotate a book with pictures, songs or videos Last edited by Julius Caesar; 08-28-2013 at 11:25 PM.

08-29-2013, 03:31 AM	#14
Teknikal Fanatic Posts: 574 Karma: 5264318 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belfast Device: Sony T1, Note Pro 12.2, Honor 10	I'll go for a basic option as I think it's what the market needs 6" e ink touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 3 Powered by standard triple AAA's ideally. Work with someone like Mantano for their epub reader software Micro SD (I'd leave out internal storage altogether) Micro-USB for accessing the SD card and firmware updates Last edited by Teknikal; 08-29-2013 at 03:35 AM.

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08-28-2013, 10:22 AM	#2
Antoinekamel Addict Posts: 278 Karma: 2511467 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: ABC W p2	My own e-reader would be a book, with all its qualities plus being able to change the text on the pages.

08-28-2013, 02:57 PM	#4
Jessica Lares Wizard Posts: 2,240 Karma: 5759170 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Near Dallas, Texas, USA Device: iPad Mini, iPod Touch (5th gen)	8.5 x 11 e-ink screen month long built-in battery 16GB completely touch based except power button 24-bit color Calibre would be like iTunes for syncing all our books/collections to it.

08-28-2013, 05:09 PM	#5
icallaci Guru Posts: 768 Karma: 6528026 Join Date: Sep 2012 Device: Kobo Elipsa	1. 7"-8" high-def e-ink screen. 2. SD card slot. That's pretty much it.

08-28-2013, 08:54 PM	#7
SteveEisenberg Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,032 Karma: 39379388 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: near Philadelphia USA Device: Kindle Kids Edition, Fire HD 10 (11th generation)	1. Free world-wide cell-phone network internet for text heavy web sites. 2. Email address you (and Readability.com) can send essays to so they automatically wind up on the device. 3. Compatible with Overdrive. 4. Reasonably priced good condition units available (used OK). 4. Screen virtually uncrackable. Except for item 4 above, I already have the ideal unit, so no further design is necessary. I suppose a slightly faster processor than what I have in the Kindle Keyboard would also be a plus, but then the battery would have to be heavier. And designing for sale at a lower price is always good.

08-28-2013, 10:53 PM	#10
pidgeon92 Wizard Posts: 3,144 Karma: 8426142 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Device: Kindle PW2, Kindle Voyage, Kindle DXG, Boox M90, Kobo Aura HD	I would like a device that could enlarge or shrink the screen based on how I want to hold it. A 6" screen at night in bed, a 10" screen during the day when I'm at the table. Otherwise, I don't care. E-ink or LCD, buttons or touch.

08-29-2013, 12:25 AM	#12
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	Hardware: Basic Kindle form factor with similar paging buttons 6.8in HD eink with frontlight, capacitance touch, and ultrathin bezel 16gb storage Wi-Fi n audio Software: unlocked android 4.x OS The rest I'll take care of myself.

08-29-2013, 12:57 AM	#13
hapmas77 Connoisseur Posts: 74 Karma: 691140 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Device: iPad Mini 2, Galaxy Tab S2 9.7, Kindle PW	My ideal ereader will be: 1. e-ink, 8 inch, 4:3 ratio 2. based on android 4.3 3. Touchscreen + physical buttons to switch pages. 4. wifi, with built-in driver to connect to Calibre wirelessly. 5. Web browser so I can connect to cloud storage or e-mails. 6. pinch to zoom to change font size or to resize picture 7. As it is based on android, It can be installed with various reader software 8. easily customized/rooted. 9. Removable and easy to find battery (e.g. compatible with Samsung batteries. No point to have a removable battery but then you cannot find it sold anywhere). 10. 16GB internal storage + external SD Card. 11. micro USB port (non-proprietary).

08-29-2013, 07:20 AM	#15
crossi Guru Posts: 992 Karma: 12000001 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle Wahington U.S. Device: kindle	Unfortunately until ebooks are sold DRM free there really is no possibility of gedneric ebook readers so little competition and only a few choices of features. But I can dream of what I want.

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