I just posted
part 2 of the review over on
my blog. I think it's worth a read.
Quote
Original Firmware
When using the default firmware (v1.7), the N516 scores a 1 out of 3. It has no sleep mode, and it can’t read a popular format. In fact, it’s really not very good at reading ebooks. My unit only supported HTML, TXT, and PDF. The HTML was completely unusable; all of the tags were ignored. The PDF was marginal (on a 5″ screen). And the txt is text.
Open Inkpot Firmware
My reading experience improved greatly after I installed OI. Open Inkpot uses FBReader as its reading software, and all of FBReader’s features were implemented: page margin, line spacing, font choice & size, justification, everything. It’s difficult to convey how many options FBreader has, but I can say that it will satisfy the pickiest user.
...
My Recommendation
I still think the Jetbook is better, but if you get the N516 then you should install Open Inkpot. It’s worth it. If it were available, I’d use the OI firmware on my Jetbook.
I'm still trying to find the right level of detail to include in a review. If there is too much detail, then the review is too long. Too little detail, and it's shallow. I think this review is about right. If you think there's something I missed, please let me know.
Nate I have but 2 minor points to make sir.
One, you do this community an incredible service. Please, don't stop anytime soon.
Two, I'd say what you posted was right on the money. Short, sweet, informative.
With a link to more information for anyone interested.
Thanks!
I am very happy with OpenInkPot on my EZ Reader (Hanlin V3). The 0.2 version has never crashed for me, and I use it every day. There are other EInk devices using FBReader, notably those from PocketBook and Onyx.
FBReader starts from a "reader is right" perspective, and this means that much of the publisher provided styling is ignored. At one time all CSS was ignored, but now some is honored in ePub and it isn't always clear what will be used and what will not. Still, ePub is my preferred format with FBReader.
Quote wallcraft
FBReader starts from a "reader is right" perspective [...]
+1. My first ebook experience was with FBReader on an EeePC 701. Now I have an N516, and under OpenInkpot it does almost exactly what I want.
It's difficult not to feel superior when reading about people editing their ebook files to change the margins or font size to suit their taste :-).
Same here. I am an absolute fan of FBReader compared to Adobe Viewer (both are available on my 360° for viewing ePubs). I want that book to look like I want and not how Adobe imposes it to me!
Great info, I kept meaning to do a review but DIY is ruling my life right now.
I left a comment but I'll note it here too that if you install one of the newer daily builds of OpenInkpot, you can also use Coolreader to open books as well as FBReader.
nice review, il be sure to use lots of this for my
website so thanks in advance :P (il be sure to link to you )
Is there a 6" e-ink device that uses Open Inkpot/FBreader?
Quote Teddman
Is there a 6" e-ink device that uses Open Inkpot/FBreader?
Yes. The Hanlin V3 (and clones)
Quote Teddman
Is there a 6" e-ink device that uses Open Inkpot/FBreader?
Pocketbook uses FBReader in its official firmware (beside the Adobe software)
