Cheap reader?

Pete · 11-24-2007, 04:05 AM

Hello all,

Im trying to decide between a Sony clie and a Palm tungsten, basically my question is which one has a larger screen? Im trying to stay under 50$ (ebay), but Im willing to spend a bit more if it seems wise for me to do so. The models Im looking at both have color screens and at least 320x320 resolution, which are two things that I want. The clie seem to be getting higher prices for less powerful hardware, though, and I would prefer to get more bang for my buck. Any advice on which of these two, or any other low priced reader/PDA would be appreciated. If you can, please be specific about model #s. I dont know much about PDAs

Thanks

Looking around some, the Tugesten T3s look like they may be good.

rlauzon · 11-24-2007, 05:19 AM

They both have the same size screens and both will function equally well as an eBook reader.

If you move to the Tungsten E2 or TX, the graffiti area is virtual, making more screen area for eBooks. Of course, those devices cost more.

The very low end Palms have smaller (like the m5 and Zire) physically smaller screens (but the same resolution).

HarryT · 11-24-2007, 05:33 AM

You may also wish to consider Pocket PC devices - that would give you the option of using Microsoft Reader, which is actually a pretty nice reader.

Pete · 11-24-2007, 06:29 AM

Youre right, Ive only had time for a cursory glance, but those pocket pcs look like they may fit the bill exactly. Fairly powerful, larger screens, low prices, and they seem to have decent resolutions. Thanks.

I have to say, its kind of amazing that we are able to get any of these devices so cheaply. Judging by the shipping prices on ebay they seem to be made of depleted uranium.... or at least solid lead.

kacir · 11-24-2007, 07:26 AM

Have a look at the Cassiopeia A-20 or A-11.
Grey LCD display. Cam be read without backlight.
I have been using one as a reader until I replaced it with Sony Reader.

kjn24 · 11-24-2007, 03:34 PM

It has been my experience anything small and electronic from ebay is made from very heavy materials. I have yet to recover the cost of shipping an SD Card!
Kathy

Pete · 11-24-2007, 08:35 PM

I picked up an HP ipaq h1945. Id have preferred if it was a full 320x320 instead of 240x320, but hopefully it wont be that big of a deal. It was 50$ with cheap shipping, so Im not in too deep. Seriously on the shipping side of things, some of those rates are completely ridiculous. I sold an old Budweiser Clydesdale model kit that was three feet long not too long ago, and it cost like 20.00 to ship. The most I could reasonably see an PDA shipping for would be 10.00.

Thanks for the replies.

mocelet · 11-25-2007, 07:28 AM

The low price and high shipping thing is a way to:
a) make the item look cheaper in the listings, and
b) reduce the eBay fees that the seller pays.

It is daft, but I have just got used to looking at the total price

Pete · 11-29-2007, 12:39 AM

Ive had the IPAQ 1945 for a few days now, so I figure Id put down how its working out just in case someone runs across this thread in the future and wants to use it as a reference.

The screen size and resolution are perfectly fine, the text is pretty sharp, I definitely have no problems reading it. I think it might be a bit better if it had a full 320x320, but Id rather have a larger screen that a little bit better defined text. Plus, Im not positive that another 120 resolution one way would even make that big of a difference. (the ipaqs resolution is 320x240)

Since all the buttons are customizable on the device, there are alot of options for turning the pages. Ive got it set so that the two inner buttons scroll up and down, so that any position I want to hold the device in the downward button turns the page (I switch between the two landscape orientations and holding the device right side up--I have that linked to a button too, through the Mobipocket options).

I tried MS reader, but even with the lowest font size, the text was still too large. I went with Mobipocket and Im quite happy with it. The text size is nice and small, the background is black and the text is yellowish. I did that to help with the battery.

And speaking of the battery, thats the one area that Im not 100% pleased with. It does drop energy quickly. Id guess that It goes down 1% every 5 minutes or so--maybe a bit more, maybe less, I havent really timed it. The device does recharge very quickly, though, and uses very little energy when in standby mode, so both of those help alot with the battery issue--but it still isnt a device that youd want to depend on for a long road trip or continental flight. This is an old battery, though, so a newer one might perform much better. Ive considered getting one, they can be had on ebay for 10-12 dollars, shipping included.

And, of course, It does have all the functions of a PDA, so its not a "one trick pony" to use a metaphor I dont really care for.

So all in all, its definitely a good little reader, Id say worth considering if youre in 50$ market.

DaleDe · 11-29-2007, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Ive had the IPAQ 1945 for a few days now, so I figure Id put down how its working out just in case someone runs across this thread in the future and wants to use it as a reference.

And speaking of the battery, thats the one area that Im not 100% pleased with. It does drop energy quickly. Id guess that It goes down 1% every 5 minutes or so--maybe a bit more, maybe less, I havent really timed it. The device does recharge very quickly, though, and uses very little energy when in standby mode, so both of those help alot with the battery issue--but it still isnt a device that youd want to depend on for a long road trip or continental flight. This is an old battery, though, so a newer one might perform much better. Ive considered getting one, they can be had on ebay for 10-12 dollars, shipping included.

A new battery will definitely help. If you keep the backlight low you should get about 5 - 6 hours on a charge with a fresh battery on that model I believe. Be sure BT is off.

Dale

hidari · 11-29-2007, 01:58 AM

I would recommend as stated earliesr Mobipocket for Pocket Pcs. A great piece of software. I would suggest making the background black and print white ..less stress on the eyes.

good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Ive had the IPAQ 1945 for a few days now, so I figure Id put down how its working out just in case someone runs across this thread in the future and wants to use it as a reference.

The screen size and resolution are perfectly fine, the text is pretty sharp, I definitely have no problems reading it. I think it might be a bit better if it had a full 320x320, but Id rather have a larger screen that a little bit better defined text. Plus, Im not positive that another 120 resolution one way would even make that big of a difference. (the ipaqs resolution is 320x240)

Since all the buttons are customizable on the device, there are alot of options for turning the pages. Ive got it set so that the two inner buttons scroll up and down, so that any position I want to hold the device in the downward button turns the page (I switch between the two landscape orientations and holding the device right side up--I have that linked to a button too, through the Mobipocket options).

I tried MS reader, but even with the lowest font size, the text was still too large. I went with Mobipocket and Im quite happy with it. The text size is nice and small, the background is black and the text is yellowish. I did that to help with the battery.

And speaking of the battery, thats the one area that Im not 100% pleased with. It does drop energy quickly. Id guess that It goes down 1% every 5 minutes or so--maybe a bit more, maybe less, I havent really timed it. The device does recharge very quickly, though, and uses very little energy when in standby mode, so both of those help alot with the battery issue--but it still isnt a device that youd want to depend on for a long road trip or continental flight. This is an old battery, though, so a newer one might perform much better. Ive considered getting one, they can be had on ebay for 10-12 dollars, shipping included.

And, of course, It does have all the functions of a PDA, so its not a "one trick pony" to use a metaphor I dont really care for.

So all in all, its definitely a good little reader, Id say worth considering if youre in 50$ market.

Prash · 07-18-2008, 07:09 AM

Sorry for bumping up an old thread....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

I picked up an HP ipaq h1945. Id have preferred if it was a full 320x320 instead of 240x320, but hopefully it wont be that big of a deal. It was 50$ with cheap shipping, so Im not in too deep. Seriously on the shipping side of things, some of those rates are completely ridiculous. I sold an old Budweiser Clydesdale model kit that was three feet long not too long ago, and it cost like 20.00 to ship. The most I could reasonably see an PDA shipping for would be 10.00.

Thanks for the replies.

Can you please tell from where you got your Ipaq h1945, i too am in the look out for a cheap reader with similar thoughts like you had, so other suggestions are also welcome...
TIA....

HarryT · 07-18-2008, 08:38 AM

eBay would be one good place to look.

Prash · 07-18-2008, 08:47 AM

Yup got it. I have some doubts, so creating a thread. Thanks for the help...

MrFinch · 09-19-2008, 09:44 PM

I bought a used iPaq 3630 from eBay for about 50 bucks, made a great bookreader until I upgraded to my Nokia 770.

11-24-2007, 04:05 AM	#1
Pete Member Posts: 11 Karma: 64 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none	Cheap reader? Hello all, Im trying to decide between a Sony clie and a Palm tungsten, basically my question is which one has a larger screen? Im trying to stay under 50$ (ebay), but Im willing to spend a bit more if it seems wise for me to do so. The models Im looking at both have color screens and at least 320x320 resolution, which are two things that I want. The clie seem to be getting higher prices for less powerful hardware, though, and I would prefer to get more bang for my buck. Any advice on which of these two, or any other low priced reader/PDA would be appreciated. If you can, please be specific about model #s. I dont know much about PDAs Thanks Looking around some, the Tugesten T3s look like they may be good. Last edited by Pete; 11-24-2007 at 04:19 AM. Reason: addd info

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11-24-2007, 05:19 AM	#2
rlauzon Wizard Posts: 1,018 Karma: 67827 Join Date: Jan 2005 Device: PocketBook Era	They both have the same size screens and both will function equally well as an eBook reader. If you move to the Tungsten E2 or TX, the graffiti area is virtual, making more screen area for eBooks. Of course, those devices cost more. The very low end Palms have smaller (like the m5 and Zire) physically smaller screens (but the same resolution).

11-24-2007, 05:33 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	You may also wish to consider Pocket PC devices - that would give you the option of using Microsoft Reader, which is actually a pretty nice reader.

11-24-2007, 06:29 AM	#4
Pete Member Posts: 11 Karma: 64 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none	Youre right, Ive only had time for a cursory glance, but those pocket pcs look like they may fit the bill exactly. Fairly powerful, larger screens, low prices, and they seem to have decent resolutions. Thanks. I have to say, its kind of amazing that we are able to get any of these devices so cheaply. Judging by the shipping prices on ebay they seem to be made of depleted uranium.... or at least solid lead.

11-24-2007, 07:26 AM	#5
kacir Wizard Posts: 3,450 Karma: 10484861 Join Date: May 2006 Device: PocketBook 360, before it was Sony Reader, cassiopeia A-20	Have a look at the Cassiopeia A-20 or A-11. Grey LCD display. Cam be read without backlight. I have been using one as a reader until I replaced it with Sony Reader.

11-24-2007, 03:34 PM	#6
kjn24 Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 40 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: eBookwise	It has been my experience anything small and electronic from ebay is made from very heavy materials. I have yet to recover the cost of shipping an SD Card! Kathy

11-24-2007, 08:35 PM	#7
Pete Member Posts: 11 Karma: 64 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none	I picked up an HP ipaq h1945. Id have preferred if it was a full 320x320 instead of 240x320, but hopefully it wont be that big of a deal. It was 50$ with cheap shipping, so Im not in too deep. Seriously on the shipping side of things, some of those rates are completely ridiculous. I sold an old Budweiser Clydesdale model kit that was three feet long not too long ago, and it cost like 20.00 to ship. The most I could reasonably see an PDA shipping for would be 10.00. Thanks for the replies.

11-25-2007, 07:28 AM	#8
mocelet Connoisseur Posts: 56 Karma: 11 Join Date: Aug 2007 Device: iLiad / Palm Vx / Nokia E65	The low price and high shipping thing is a way to: a) make the item look cheaper in the listings, and b) reduce the eBay fees that the seller pays. It is daft, but I have just got used to looking at the total price

11-29-2007, 12:39 AM	#9
Pete Member Posts: 11 Karma: 64 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none	Ive had the IPAQ 1945 for a few days now, so I figure Id put down how its working out just in case someone runs across this thread in the future and wants to use it as a reference. The screen size and resolution are perfectly fine, the text is pretty sharp, I definitely have no problems reading it. I think it might be a bit better if it had a full 320x320, but Id rather have a larger screen that a little bit better defined text. Plus, Im not positive that another 120 resolution one way would even make that big of a difference. (the ipaqs resolution is 320x240) Since all the buttons are customizable on the device, there are alot of options for turning the pages. Ive got it set so that the two inner buttons scroll up and down, so that any position I want to hold the device in the downward button turns the page (I switch between the two landscape orientations and holding the device right side up--I have that linked to a button too, through the Mobipocket options). I tried MS reader, but even with the lowest font size, the text was still too large. I went with Mobipocket and Im quite happy with it. The text size is nice and small, the background is black and the text is yellowish. I did that to help with the battery. And speaking of the battery, thats the one area that Im not 100% pleased with. It does drop energy quickly. Id guess that It goes down 1% every 5 minutes or so--maybe a bit more, maybe less, I havent really timed it. The device does recharge very quickly, though, and uses very little energy when in standby mode, so both of those help alot with the battery issue--but it still isnt a device that youd want to depend on for a long road trip or continental flight. This is an old battery, though, so a newer one might perform much better. Ive considered getting one, they can be had on ebay for 10-12 dollars, shipping included. And, of course, It does have all the functions of a PDA, so its not a "one trick pony" to use a metaphor I dont really care for. So all in all, its definitely a good little reader, Id say worth considering if youre in 50$ market.

07-18-2008, 08:38 AM	#13
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	eBay would be one good place to look.

07-18-2008, 08:47 AM	#14
Prash Zealot Posts: 102 Karma: 387 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore, India Device: K3W, LG OG-E970, Utopia Apad	Yup got it. I have some doubts, so creating a thread. Thanks for the help...

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09-19-2008, 09:44 PM	#15
MrFinch Collector Posts: 34 Karma: 88 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Device: Nokia 770	I bought a used iPaq 3630 from eBay for about 50 bucks, made a great bookreader until I upgraded to my Nokia 770.