06-28-2009, 10:13 AM | #31 |
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Other than firmware, the EZ Reader is the same hardware as the BeBook.
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06-28-2009, 11:37 AM | #32 | |
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Folders on BeBook
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Somy of my friends and colleagues have checked out my readers to decide, which one to purchase. Their reaction ALWAYS is the same as mine concerning BeBook, it "looks cheap", "seems a lower level" and so on. The use of folders is solved quite nicely, as are lots of features in BeBooks OS. - The main (standard) folder is called "eBooks". - Next to it, you find a description, for example "1 folder, 249 files". - You can generate subfolders. Only have checked up to 2 levels of subfolders, but I guess there's no limit. - When entering "eBooks", you see descriptions for the folders as well. And when entering a folder for the subfolders and so on. In comparison, I prefer Sony's collections. I can link a single book to more than one collection at a time (only having the book 1 time on my unit, of course. It's just links, not the physical ebooks themselves), for example "genre" and "series" and "bought via Mobipocket" and..... True: I HAVE to install Sony's library software for that, whereas I can generate folders on BeBook simply via Windows Explorer and even on my MAC. BeBook simply is recognized as a drive and can be operated accordingly. But to me, that's no biggy. I'm using Sony's software for purchasing eBooks from them anyway. BUT: Sony's software is NOT avalable for MAC... |
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06-28-2009, 11:45 AM | #33 | |
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For me, I have "feel good" when using any unit. Why has iPod touch been that successful? Usability and iTunes probably have their share. But mainly, I guess, it's because it's simply a "cool" gadget. Sony's design, in my opinion, is close to perfect. Kindle 2 and Kindle DX aren't that "attractive", but at least they are okay. (Didn't like Kindle 1, though). BeBook doesn't have a webshop of their own for eBooks, so it's all about the unit itself... |
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06-28-2009, 12:57 PM | #34 | |
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https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...836#post458836 You can read more information about jetBook TFT screen below https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45593 |
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06-28-2009, 01:06 PM | #35 | |
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And what about the unit itself? Is it as "elegant" as the Sony 505? or as "cheap" as BeBook? |
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06-28-2009, 01:18 PM | #36 | |
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When I travel and read my jetBook in airplane many people like how it looks and ask me where I purchased it Last edited by Kris777; 06-28-2009 at 01:20 PM. |
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06-28-2009, 02:10 PM | #37 | |
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I have also found some worrying threads in Hanlin forum about problems with BeBook crashing and about the need to reformat the SD card from time to time. Some say, even the internal memory needs to be reformatted occasionaly. OpenInkpot seems to be the most stable firmware for the hanlin, according to some discussions. I find it strange that version 0.1 of firmware done by people that do not have access to fraction of resources available to manufacturer or OEM distributor has, is more stable than the original firmware ver. 2.02 |
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06-28-2009, 03:06 PM | #38 | |
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I've only used BeBook the first few days after purchasing it. But I didn't find any instability or technical issues. For me it's really only about the design. Why do you consider BeBook over, let's say, Sony 505 or CyBook Gen3? I only see 1 potential argument: Biggest variety of file formats. BUT: The only DRM format is .prc. For this, you can use Cybook or iLiad as well. If you go for the "free" formats, you probably have to convert anyway... |
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06-28-2009, 03:58 PM | #39 | |
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I am not interested in BeBook as such, I am interested in Hanlin V3 by Jinke. I am researching devices so I can decide if I win that summer giveaway I do not like Sony corporation. I do not like them for many, many little things. Like making things as incompatible as possible. (I talk about electronics in general, not about Reader). I do not like what they did to their Sonny Connect MUSIC store and its customets. After the Sony Rootkit debacle I thought I would never, ever buy ANYTHING made by Sony, especially not device that would require me to install software provided by Sony. Yet I purchased Sony reader PRS-500. The only thing I really dislike about PRS-500 is big shiny Sony logo at the top bezel. I also strongly dislike their software - the Sony Library. I might end up buying my next reader from Sony. I somehow do not like things I read on this forum about Cybook. Like the fact it is booting almost 60 seconds, depending on number of books on device (unlike my Reader that is ready for reading in 2 seconds). I also do not like mobi reader that is on Cybook that can not even display page number correctly. I do not like how the Bookeen is handling situation about promised firmware update. I do not like the fact that there is Delete button on the device that does not do anything and the fact that Bookeen is not doing anything about the button that is not doing anything ;-) Things I like about Hanlin V3 - the company actively supports developers developing 3rd party firmware, applications - there is open source firmware available that anybody can hack to do cool things. And indeed, the OpenInkpot IS doing things that users of other devices can only wish for. - It is available in my region for price that is considerably lower than price for other comparable devices - is supports folders (Hierarchical directory structure) I too use tags in my Sony Reader but I think directory structure would be better for me - it has user replaceable battery EDIT: ------------------------------------------------- Astak EZ Reader is a rebranded Hanlin V3. I very much like the attitude Astak has towards it customers, I like how RobertB participates on this forum. ------------------------------------------------- I am still waiting for the newly announced 5" devices from Netronix and Jinke. My Sony reader PRS-500 is still working, so I have *plenty* of time to consider its replacement / upgrade. Last edited by kacir; 06-28-2009 at 04:05 PM. |
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06-28-2009, 05:06 PM | #40 | |
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So, if you reflash with OpenInkpot: What difference would remain? Which would be the benefit of Hanlin V3 over BeBook then? Is it just the company behind BeBook? |
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06-28-2009, 05:07 PM | #41 |
You folks stay classy.
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While some may be critical of mgmueller for his extensive collection, I am all for it, as he gives a very uncommon perspective. I'm glad he has chosen to share all these information as well - to me, his actions are comparable to wealthy benefactors from the past who've released their art collection to the public.
I've composed a "comparison matrix" for Mgmueller the Great's comments so far, to better present all this overwhelming amount of data. This will be updated accordingly. |
06-28-2009, 05:50 PM | #42 | |
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Nice comparison matrix. This is definitely something I like to see, its hard to get a feel for which devices are better than others because most people only have one device so you have to go off of multiple perspectives, this is great because you get to have one person compare them all to see what the pluses and minuses are on a first hand perspective. Great thread |
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06-28-2009, 06:02 PM | #43 | |
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If you've got any specific questions... I guess, tomorrow I'll use my stopwatch, to actually measure boot-time, restart from standby and things like that. |
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06-28-2009, 10:25 PM | #44 | |
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Quote:
However, the Pocket Pro is not quite the same as the current BeBook. The Pocket Pro is the next generation of the BeBook hardware. I am sure that BeBook will also carry this. Both units are actually the Hanlin hardware with BeBook/EZReader branding. I'm not sure how exact my memory is, but here goes. The pocket pro has a faster (Epson) controller, it is five inches in size, and it has a scroll wheel added to the right side for an alternative page advance button. There will be a lot of similarities with the current generation BeBook, so I am interested in your opinion. However, I have no way of knowing about any more subtle design changes that may have impacted the product. |
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06-29-2009, 03:21 AM | #45 | |
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https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Hanlin_V3 So IF I get BeBook or EZ Reader, or lBook (a very interesting firmware from Ukraine) I will have quite a few choices regarding firmware. Original Hanlin, BeBook, EZ Reader, lBook, OpenInkpot, ... With OpenInkpot, for example you can eat your cake and keep it as well. You can "install" OpenInkpot firmware on an SD card and run it at will. You reset the reader and it has the original firmware again. Another reason for my interest is, that Jinke (Hanlin manufacturer) is preparing 5 inch version and that new model is rumored to have many of the features of 6" model. |
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comparing, comparison, features, readers, test |
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