iPod moment for ebook readers (Engadget)
Homepage:
http://www.coolreaders.com/Looks like a great little device. Seems to only support EPUB, PDF and TXT, but that is better than nothing (or introducing a new DRM type).
Also let me say well done on announcing it just before the release in the next two weeks. I prefer this much more to teasing us for months.
EDIT: Now with video walkthrough by Techcrunch (thanks soilwork)
YouTube clip »Quote
Cool-er Classic - Dimensions (Excluding Case)
Height (mm) 183.00
Width (mm) 117.74
Depth (mm) 10.89
Volume (litres) 0.23
Weight (g) 178.00
Screen Size 6"
DPI 170 pixels per inch
Levels of Greyscale 8
Type E Ink® Vizplex
Touchscreen No
Manufacturer PVI
Operating System Linux
Storage 1GB
Memory 128
Processor Samsung® S3C2440 ARM 400MHz
Battery Li-Polymer battery (1000 mAh)
Battery Life (single charge) 8000 page
Memory Expansion SD (up to 4GB)
Wireless No
PC Yes
Mac Yes
Formats JPEG, PDF, EPUB, TXT
Languages 8
Content DRM PDF. EPUB
Bookstore (Titles) Over 750,000
Accessories included: White USB cable, Quick Start Guide
Optional Accessories: Headphones, SD memory cards, mains charger, protective cases
Looks like another Netronix unit but with the new body design. I wonder if it's metal or still plastic.
Specs claim support for "JPEG, PDF, EPUB, TXT", but the "Loading FB Reader" message on one of the photos might mean FB2 as well.
It also seems to claim that it works with ADE on Mac OSX... if so, that will be the first reader to do that.
They claim to have 750k titles available on
www.coolerbooks.com.
yeah, they seem to have tried to make it as universal as possible. If they can actually ship these by the end of the month as they claim i think they can do really well.
I really like the simple meny system, with its BIG BOLD font.
It seems that 250 be it €/$ is the new standard price for ebook readers.
So, do they support folders?
I'm not sure how they get 750,000 titles. Perhaps they count each e-book format separately.
Ooh. Me likey.
Darnit, I was almost decided on the PRS-505. Now, I'm going to have to rethink my choice. I often read in the dark so I was thinking of getting the PRS-505 + light wedge. Would the Sony light wedge fit the Cool-er or are there maybe generic light wedges for use with e-ink readers?
It does look to be worth investigating, but two things stand out:
1. If I can get a new Sony PRC-505 for $269 at Sam's Club, why wouldn't I get a know quality device like that for roughly the same price.
2. The books on their store look MUCH more expensive (but I guess you DON'T have to shop there if you buy this device.
While poking around at CoolerBooks.com I came across something that drives me crazy. I hate when shopping websites give you a teaser price in some small link and then when you select the link it is actually a higher price. Dell is the WORST about doing this, good luck EVER getting something for the price you were shown. I'll bet I've followed the teaser link on over two hundred Dell 'deals' only to place them in my shopping cart and find the rate is higher. Notice the two prices for the ebook 'The Reader' on CoolerBooks.com. Granted 17 cents is much difference, but why can't the actual price be the same as the small teaser rate at the bottom? Why, o' why?:
The specs do say
Quote
DRM PDF. EPUB
I like the simple. But I wish they would at least give usability a thought and put some well placed turn pages buttons on it. It can not be that hard to do!
Had they set the price at $200 I think they would have trouble meeting demand.
