Almost Decided on the EZ Reader

[babarous]

Hi guys,

Hey, I'll get right to the point: I really really like the look of the Hanlin (and it's derivatives), mostly because of it's broad format support and affordability relative to the other options. But I got a couple of questions that I couldn't find posted elsewhere (sorry if I missed them!):

1. I assume the Jinke/Hanlin supports Chinese characters - does anyone know if Thai script is supported? Or if the ebooks are pdf, perhaps everything within shows up fine?

2. PDF - I read a few things that intimated that it was a bit slow. I like Djvu, does anyone know if that works better than pdf (much smaller file sizes, and generally loads faster on the PC, I assume it would be faster on the ereader too)?

3. I like that it uses the regular old mobile phone battery. I live in a hot country where batteries don't last as long as they do in N. America/Europe. How hard is the EZ reader to open and replace this (12-18 months down the road if need be)?

Thanks very much.

-Babarous

[Gudy]

I can't help you with your first two questions, but the battery is really easy to replace. In fact, some places you order the V3 from, it's the first thing you'll have to do when you open the package, then charge the device up for the first time. The screwdriver is even included.

[keng2000]

My friend and I do work with Jinke on Thai support and will start on Thai version in this October.
What we have now in Beta is Thai menu on Bookshelf, Coolreader 3 with E/T and T/E dictionary and Virtual Thai Keyboard.
Features will be released soon.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by babarous

Hi guys,
<snip>
2. PDF - I read a few things that intimated that it was a bit slow. I like Djvu, does anyone know if that works better than pdf (much smaller file sizes, and generally loads faster on the PC, I assume it would be faster on the ereader too)?

DJVU works o.k, however a simple comparison with PDF is not really valid. DJVU is ideal for pure image files, however most PDFs are simply formatted text. If the PDF is used as container for images then DJVU will be better, however if the source is text (rather than an image of text) then PDF is probably to be preferred (to be honest I don't think DJVU would work with this sort of original anyway).

The DJVU format is optimised for page turning which is one reason to use it where appropriate.

BobC

[mtravellerh]

Originally Posted by BobC

DJVU works o.k, however a simple comparison with PDF is not really valid. DJVU is ideal for pure image files, however most PDFs are simply formatted text. If the PDF is used as container for images then DJVU will be better, however if the source is text (rather than an image of text) then PDF is probably to be preferred (to be honest I don't think DJVU would work with this sort of original anyway).

The DJVU format is optimised for page turning which is one reason to use it where appropriate.

BobC

As nicely shown on the archive.org booksite

[babarous]

Thanks for the quick replies!

keng2000, glad to hear that things are almost "there" for Thai. Since I see you're in BKK - is there a place that sells the Hanlin in Thailand? I had planned to order it and have a friend bring it out when they travel here later this year. Pantip maybe?

[keng2000]

I am not sure for the retail store yet,
It could be both Computer store and Book store.
Also It will support Thais who live aboard for newspaper and magazine subscription.
let you know when it is ready.
It is rebranded to "YANNAKORN" :the wisdom machine.

[helena]

I don't think PDF is too slow (I use a recent firmware, don't know how it is with the original firmware). I often use the custom PDF that feedbooks offers and find it the best format to read ebooks in, because I like the font (bookman) and the fixed pages.