Could this investment show promise for advancing the cause
of eInk reader technology?
It looks like it should be better for reading than iPad (with anti-reflection coated screen) and better for web browsing than
dedicated eInk readers like Kindle.
if sony releases a 8.9 ″ (or above) non gossy touchscreen
eink reader with android for the proper pdf support, i'd snap it in an instant!
You defnitely need your own category of «ebooks» in the book section, there are a lot of people who have
bought eink readers so they can stop buying paper books and don't want to search for them.
One year ago I believed and I still do that if someone were to dethrone Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) as eBook leader, it would be Google and not
other eInk reader manufacturers and definitely not Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).
The iRiver Story HD, the first ereader set for Google branding, is likely to be the
first eink reader of a similar size to offer significantly higher pixel density.
Next week it is anticipated that BN will announce a
color eink reader in the price range of around $ 249.
Also most people are not reading on 10 inch tablets, they are reading on 6
inch eink readers.
After all, the momentum has already swung towards tablets and away
from eInk readers.
I would think that Amazon should make a priority of releasing a $ 49, then a $ 25 very
basic eink reader.
You have black &
white eInk readers, tablets, cell phones, and software readers for desktop computers, not to mention countless cheap eBook readers from China.
eInk reader sales are going down because people are using an app on high resolution tablets like the iPad.
The previous 3
Nook eInk readers included support for Adobe DRM for library books so I bet the lack of it on the Glowlight Plus in a software bug that will be fixed in a future update.
Thanks not trying to be annoying and will likely purchase just to support the effort to get an
agnostic eink reader.
As for eInk not being backlit,
most eInk Readers have a front light so the screen can be seen in the dark or in low light.
Despite Bezos» insistence that he doesn't need his customers on the «upgrade treadmill», Amazon released an upgrade to pretty much every single one of their devices, including two new Kindle Fire tablets and the predicted
backlit eInk reader.
Today Amazon has announced a foray of new Kindle devices: Kindle Touch (
eInk reader similar to latest generation Sony models), Kindle Fire (Android - based 7 ″ tablet with backlit LCD screen that acts like a storefront for Amazon digital content: eBooks, periodicals, video and music) and Kindle 4 mini (keyboardless Kindle of a very small form factor, priced at $ 79).
I also tried a
couple eInk readers, the Sony Touch PRS - 600, and the Pandigital 6 - inch Linux - based unit (had screen identically sized with that of the Sony, but not quite as nice).
I fear that if zoom is not powerfull enough it will be the same than with other
smaller eink readers.
I thought about the
Andoid eink readers, but their usefulness isn't even determined by their manufacturer.
I have been waiting patiently for Sony to get caught up with the rest of the universe, so I didn't buy any of the other
frontlight eink readers because IMO none of them can compete with Sony's advanced software (especially with pdf files).
If I'm reading for more than 20 minutes or so I'd much rather hold a feather -
light eInk reader than any tablet out there.
Kindle DX will most likely get software version 2.3 that is now standard for the entire line - up of
Amazon eInk readers.
There were a number of eink prototypes at CES, so many that it prompted this article at Gizmodo
calling eink readers the spam of the show.
When you say the PRS - 700 «was the first touchscreen e-reader and the first model to feature an illuminated screen to let you read in the dark,» you probably mean either the first Sony or
first eInk reader.
EInk (the maker of Kindle eInk displays) has won a big order to make 6 ″ color eInk Panels for Amazon (presumably for
color eInk Readers or color eInk powered Tablets).
The challenge here is that while eInk is often easier to read, many eTexts do not have a version that will work
on eInk readers.
Few manufacturers
of eink readers have demonstrated an understanding of what an ereader should be like as well as Kobo has with this device.
The real drawback
for eink readers is a) the time it takes for the pages to turn and b) lack of an integrated light.
We just have to look at how
Kindle eInk Readers are ignored currently — All the focus is on Kindle Fires.
As far as 6 ″
inch eInk reader, I am very impressed with PRS - T1 (especially given the recent price improvement).
The key features of
an eink reader obviously depend on the PDF rendering engine used, which often performs differently (worse) on eink vs. the usual LCD.
eInk readers are easier on the eyes, however they are not back - lit so reading in the dark requires a book light.
Partnering with high street giant WHSmith, Kobo offers a pair of
eink readers, both attractive in price and design.