Well dispite my earlier post about the Kindle I broke down and bought a reader. However, I didn’t go with the Kindle or the Sony but with the ASTAK EzReader.
My reasons are as follows:
- Astak EZReader is basically a Hanlin v3 which allows the use of Openinkpot.org opensource Reader software or you can install more recent Hanlin v3 software. Currently the most recent can be obtained from bebook.
- Because of the software installed on the device it supports more formats than either the Kindle or the Sony. I have noticed that MS Lit files sometime crash the software but at least they can be read. Also the openinkpot pdf viewer is much better than the hanlin software.
- Netbook tablets are still several months off and they are not being priced similarly to the original netbooks. Functionally the tablets only require a more complex hinge and touch screen but it looks like the price will take a little time to drop to a sub $600 price tag. I still believe that they could be the reader killer that I described before.
- I needed some kind of reader for PDF and HTML files for when I am away from the keyboard. I needed it mostly for the Apple Documentation on the IPHONE
The device is kind of slow but for the convenience it is acceptable. The USB upload sucks but the SD card makes up for it. Definetly get a 4GB SD card as a complement to the reader because it really is the only acceptable way to get and store data on these devices. Also openinkpot.org also offers a runable version of the software that you can use to boot into without reflashing your device. This then allows you to reboot back into your hanlin software without reflashing the reader.
I got my ASTAK from Fry’s about a two months ago. There are many Hanlin readers branded under different names such as bebook. Shop around I am sure you can find a good deal.