5" vs 6" resolution and words per screen

Wally · 12-16-2009, 03:56 PM

I am struggling over whether to purchase a 5" or 6" device. As I understand it almost all devices are 800x600. Are the font sizes different such that a 5" device has less text per screen? Or, is the amount of text per screen the same with smaller text on the 5"?

wallcraft · 12-16-2009, 04:22 PM

This depends on the device (i.e. on the software). Some display fonts at the same physical size on 5" and 6", so they show less words per line on the 5" screen. Others display fonts at the same number of pixels on 5" and 6", so they show the same number of words per line but the font is physically smaller on the 5" screen.

In the end, you need to find a comfortable font size and it would not be surprising for this to end up with fewer words per line (and per page) on the 5" screen. Note that you can usually rotate to landscape. I never do this on a 6" screen, but I sometimes do on a 5" screen (I use a relatively large font).

Wally · 12-16-2009, 04:33 PM

Thanks. Does anyone know what 5" devices display by pixel rather than physical size so I can have the same words per screen just smaller?
I'm not worried about small fonts; I still have a few years before the warranty on my eyes runs out.

wallcraft · 12-16-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wally

Thanks. Does anyone know what 5" devices display by pixel rather than physical size so I can have the same words per screen just smaller?

The EZ Reader Pocket Pro (Hanlin V5, BeBook Mini, etcetera) display fonts with the same number of pixels as the 6" Basic. It also now has 9 font sizes for PDF and ePub. The Sony PRS-300 reportedly has the same size fonts as the PRS-505, i.e. it displays physical size, and it only has 3 font sizes. As I said, in the end what matters is how the font looks on the screen. If the PRS-300 happens to have a good font size for your eyes then you are good to go. However, I do think the Pocket Pro is a more capable device at about the same price. The PocketBook 360 has lots of font sizes for most formats, but I'm not certain how many it has for DRMed PDFs and ePubs (or how they compare to the 6" 301+).

JSWolf · 12-16-2009, 04:49 PM

If it was up to me, I would go witha 6" device. The size difference is not that great and you will get a larger screen.

GhostHawk · 12-16-2009, 10:03 PM

My 5" Jetbook fits comfortably in my pocket, goes where I go.

Very easy to read on and has a wide range of font sizes.

AnemicOak · 12-16-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If it was up to me, I would go witha 6" device. The size difference is not that great and you will get a larger screen.

I'd probably go 6" too, but my Opus is a lot easier to fit in a coat pocket or something than my Kindle or Sony so if the portability is a factor 5" might be worth a look.

12-16-2009, 03:56 PM	#1
Wally Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2007 Device: sony reader	5" vs 6" resolution and words per screen I am struggling over whether to purchase a 5" or 6" device. As I understand it almost all devices are 800x600. Are the font sizes different such that a 5" device has less text per screen? Or, is the amount of text per screen the same with smaller text on the 5"?

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12-16-2009, 04:22 PM	#2
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,975 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	This depends on the device (i.e. on the software). Some display fonts at the same physical size on 5" and 6", so they show less words per line on the 5" screen. Others display fonts at the same number of pixels on 5" and 6", so they show the same number of words per line but the font is physically smaller on the 5" screen. In the end, you need to find a comfortable font size and it would not be surprising for this to end up with fewer words per line (and per page) on the 5" screen. Note that you can usually rotate to landscape. I never do this on a 6" screen, but I sometimes do on a 5" screen (I use a relatively large font).

12-16-2009, 04:33 PM	#3
Wally Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2007 Device: sony reader	Thanks. Does anyone know what 5" devices display by pixel rather than physical size so I can have the same words per screen just smaller? I'm not worried about small fonts; I still have a few years before the warranty on my eyes runs out.

12-16-2009, 04:49 PM	#5
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,987 Karma: 128903378 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	If it was up to me, I would go witha 6" device. The size difference is not that great and you will get a larger screen.

12-16-2009, 10:03 PM	#6
GhostHawk Data Privateer! Posts: 586 Karma: 62887 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fargo ND Device: Ectaco Jetbook& Jetbook Lite	My 5" Jetbook fits comfortably in my pocket, goes where I go. Very easy to read on and has a wide range of font sizes.

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