Tablet & Ereader Reviews

I think deep inside everyone there’s conflict going on between what is practical and what looks awesome. The Entourage eDGe is billed as the market’s first dualbook: an ereader, tablet, notepad and media player in one machine. It is available in bright red, midnight blue or Ice blue, dark red and the standard piano black or glacier white. From afar one would speculate when closed, it looks like a spiffy netbook, after closer inspection though you will observe dual-screens and perhaps the reflection of the smug grin on your own face.

The left screen is a great sized E-Ink display which is touch-enabled. The right screen is an additional touch screen display, this time LCD. The right screen is where you can manage applications like a browser and e-mail. It can link via WI-FI or (which is just so convenient) using the SIM card position for its own broadband connection. It is also designed with an audio player, webcam and mic.

This nifty gadget is marketed for students. They will be able to keep the left reader screen active while taking notes during a lecture in the right display. And for those like me who find it hard to rid yourself of the paper notebook (because I must scribble) you are able to hand write information within the E-Ink tablet as well.

An additional plus for me about this tablet device is that left handed people like me can rotate each screens to be able to hold the reading screen on the right and the LCD screen where you type or take notes on the left(how great is that lefties?). I additionally think that the pop up software key pad is simply so ‘Star Trekkie’ if you ask me. You are also provided with a built-in stylus but if that still does not suit you then you can plug in a computer keyboard to the USB.

And so now let us look at it from a purely eReader standpoint. The E-Ink screen has 8 grayscale contrasts which will make readability adjustable according to the surrounding illumination. As for downloading books to the device it is a snap because you can WI-FI it from the LCD side. The types of files it supports unfortunately is not as numerous as the Sony reader as it reads only PDF and ePub formats. The internal memory space is big compared to other readers at a hefty 4GB internal memory and it also has SD card position should you need to browse the encyclopedia. Page turning is actually snappy and easy. The large display is also an option for those who buy the oversized paperback books.

The cons however (which is why it’s a tug of war between functionality and desire) really do prevent you buying the gadget. The eReader’s function is comparable to it’s competition but it is simply too big at 3 lbs. It is larger than the netbook I’m currently typing on. Another issue, and some would say the deal breaker is the price, an astonishing $499. Yes, it costs nearly as much as an iPad and we all know which gadget consumers may pick if they had the $499 to spend. The company is going to produce pocket edition though. If this costs $220 or less, I’m purchasing.

Martin Sweeney is a self confessed ebook junkie and the co-creator of eReader Review HQ your one-stop-shop for all things eReader! Check it out for eReader reviews, news and buying guides! Coming soon the coolest eReader accessory reviews!

How does the BeBook Neo stack up against my questions?

Is it lighter than a 500 page hardcover book and Is it smaller than A4 (11.7″x 8.3″) so that it slips into my on-board luggage?
The Neo is a slick looking device with an overall size of 7.7 “x 4.8″ x 0.4″ with a 6″ diagonal E-Link touch screen (care of Wacom technology) weighing in at 10.5 ounces. Navigation is via a stylus pen which means the facility for annotation and adding notes; could be useful for reviewing textbooks, lecture notes and presentations.

Can I read it in the dark and in the direct sunlight on the beach in Waikiki or Turtle Bay?
It comes with 16 levels of grey scale and thus is comfortable on the eye and can be read at any angle. It is ok to read in the direct sunlight.

What is the capacity of the battery?
The battery lasts for what seems like a standard 7000 page turns (slightly less than the kindle models) and takes 3 hours to charge (an hour faster than the Kindles) although tests have shown up to 10,000 page turns. I wonder if the battery is removable?

How long does it take to charge and Can I charge the device up on the plane via USB?
The device has a 3 hour charge time.It comes with a USB cable and USB travel charger so you don’t need your laptop for charging.

What is the storage capacity?
It has an internal memory of 512MB storing up to 1000 books with capacity for extending it to 16GB adding more user options. At the moment I just want a device for reading books.

What types of formats does the device support?
The document formats supported by this device include: EPUB, DRM, PDF, TXT, HTML, RTF, MOBI, CHM and PDB – now I don’t even know what most of these formats are. The image formats supported include: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP and TIFF. This makes the BeBook compatible with nearly every major document and image formats around the world. It also supports MP3 formats.

Can I increase size of text for readability?
Yes, it comes with one-click zoom-in

Can I purchase my e-books from any provider with this e-reader?
Fully open source allowing the user to choose where you want to purchase your e-books from (and what country) unlike the Kindle versions or Sony reader and Nook.

What accessories come with the device?
Some are offering a case with your purchase; however a number of accessories are available such as: screen protectors, travel chargers, memory cards, wacom replacement stylus and a variety of covers.

How much does the device cost?
$299 from the manufacturer – it’s a bit pricey given what you can get a Kindle 3 for – $139

Good to know

• Comes with a stylus – navigation via stylus and not finger
• Can access e-book market via Wi-Fi
• Able to read Newspapers and blog
• SD slot for expandable memory
• Built in Google for browsing
• Portrait or landscape viewing
• Has a dictionary look up function
• Bookmarking capabilities for sketching, annotation and text mark up
• Has capacity to jump to bookmarks and annotations
• No Bluetooth or 3G/4G
• Email support, with online FAQs, manuals and documents – doesn’t appear to have phone-line support?

This could be a go as I do not like to be corralled by companies/technologies into using only their stuff.

I have always loved reading from when I can remember as a very young boy. The only thing that has changed since then is my choice of book or rather genre of book; and more recently how I can maintain my habit while I travel from country to country. On-board luggage is weight restricted and on-board movies are sometimes lacking in good content; for me the obvious choice is a good book. Read the rest of this entry »

Some Options for Mobile Computing With a Tablet

Although Apple started the new revolution of mobile computing with its wildly popular iPad, many smartphone and netbook manufacturers are now jumping on the bandwagon. With so many consumers purchasing the Apple iPad, it just makes sense that the PC industry would want a piece of the tablet mobile computing pie. Dell, Samsung, Avaya, Lenovo, and Cisco have all recently announced plans to bring their own touch screen tablets to the market in the next several months.

With all these new tablets entering the market, how can you decide which one will provide the maximum computing, collaboration, and mobile unified communications capabilities? There are several considerations to take into account before shelling out your cash on a new mobile device.

Shopping for a Tablet? Factors to Consider

Let’s start with operating systems. Of course, the iPad uses Apple’s iOS, but the majority of new tablets hitting the market will be based on the Android OS made popular by the latest smartphones. The Android platform has already proven its exceptional capabilities for a wide variety of utilizations. Lenovo is the sole exception, opting for Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS.

Along with the Android OS, all will utilize 3G, the third generation of developments in wireless technology for increased bandwidth. Only one, the Avaya DVD, is instead offering Dongle for security authorization.

What about size and weight? At just a half a pound and with a tiny five-inch screen, the Dell Streak is the smallest of the new tablets. It’s also one of the cheapest, with a proposed price of $550; of course it also has the fewest features. At the top end of the scale is the Lenovo X201, which weighs in at three pounds but features a screen just over twelve inches.

When it comes to Wi-Fi technology standards, the choices are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n.Apple and Cisco are the only two manufacturers to currently offer them all.

As far as features in relation to price and size, none of the new tablets really comes anywhere close to what you get with the Apple iPad. Since it’s been on the market for a while now, the price has come down and it’s the beefiest when it comes to computing capabilities.

Tablet Mobile Computing Success

Unfortunately, tablets are not the best choice if you need heavy-duty computing functionality. But when it comes to communication and collaboration, a tablet is a good smartphone alternative. Email access, texting, and media playing are the best features on a tablet, taking smartphone capability to the next level by offering a larger screen. Another advantage of a tablet over a smartphone is the ability to use it as an eBook reader.

Since communication and collaboration are the two advantages of a tablet, it’s best to connect these devices with synchronization service for your business. Choose a service that updates data between devices immediately and wirelessly. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the synching works across platforms so that Apple and Android users can share calendars, contacts, and project notes. Some mobile syncing applications will offer extras, such as free antivirus and anti-spam service.

Some Disadvantages of Tablet PCs

The biggest disadvantage of a tablet is data input. Yes, the touch screen is larger than a smartphone, but tablets just aren’t set up to easily input data other than through check boxes. Freeform text and graphics are often a requirement of mobile computing in many businesses and any of the tablets currently available or proposed do not address this capability. Read the rest of this entry »

Android tablets are all the rage these days as this attractive alternative to Windows and Mac OS has emerged from the shadows. The Android tablet and smart phone craze has initiated a sudden gush of apps that do everything under the sun. For Android enthusiasts, this is great news indeed! Let’s take a look at five fun apps for the Android tablet:

1. Calorie Counter PRO by MyNetDiary.com: This handy Android app is an essential tool for all the calorie counters out there. Easily track your food selections with a database consisting of over 300,000 foods; both pre-packaged and fresh. Keep tabs on your body measurements, recipes, favorites, exercise, planning, charts, food time tracking, barcode scanner capability, and so much more. Now dieting can be fun with this Android app!
2. Fruit Ninja: This ever popular iPhone app has arrived for users of the Android internet table. Android fans can experience this game like never before. Show off your ninja skills by slicing fruit en masse. Over 2 million copies (and counting) of this app have been sold for the iPhone. Who knows what the future holds for Android app users?
3. Reckless Racing: Attention Android racing fans: The realistic racing game that you have been waiting for is finally here. Reckless Racing brings exciting state-of-the-art graphics in this internet tablet Android app. Slip, slide, and skid your way through the tracks!
4. Entity Sensor: Have some ghostly fun with this Android app. Entity Sensor is an EMF detector that uses your phone’s built-in magnetic field sensor. This app measures areas that have strong magnetic fields; just like in the popular paranormal TV shows. Never miss out on another opportunity to investigate paranormal activity with the Android Entity Sensor app.
5. Training with Hinako: Let Hinako, a Japanese anime girl based on the popular DVD by Primastea, Inc. guide you through various exercises.

This is a fun way to get in your daily exercises without resorting to the same old gym routine. When you don’t have time to go out for a jog or hit the gym, turn on your Hinako Android app and squeeze in some valuable workout time.

As you can see, Android based apps for Android tablets are just as diverse and amazing as iPhone apps. There is definitely something for everyone in the huge Android marketplace that is growing exponentially every day. Grab your Android apps while they’re hot!

Susan Slobac is a consultant in the handheld electronics industry. Susan writes about trends in internet tablet android & android tablet.

As we rely heavily on electronic devices for fun, news and organization, it is not surprising that the future way to purchase and read books is by using small, handheld devices called e-readers. E-readers are portable and allow for books to be read and organized in these electronic devices. The two biggest sellers on the marketplace are the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader. Both have plenty of features, including the ability to connect to a computer in order to transfer and download books or other digital reading files.

What users love about e-readers is not just that they can conveniently read books from the palm of their hand, but that these handy devices have plenty of features that make the whole experience of reading electronic books enjoyable. E-readers allow you to turn the page with a click of a button, bookmark pages where you left off, highlight important sections or text, and even make notes. E-readers are no just limited to books, either. There are also have a wide range of digital reading material including newspapers and magazines that can also be downloaded to your e-reader. Best of all, you can toss reading glasses aside, as e-readers can zoom in and out for easy reading if you generally need magnification to read easily.

In addition to all the technical features built into the devices, e-readers are portable and lightweight so you can take them with you anywhere such as on the train, to the beach or to the doctor’s office. They also promote a healthier, greener environment by encouraging people to buy books digitally which naturally reduces the amount of trees, ink and labor that goes into printing and binding hard copy books. In many cases, these savings are passed onto the consumer who pays less for a digital copy of the book compared to a hard copy. Most e-reader models can hold around 200 books and if you’d like more, you can purchase an additional memory card that will multiply your storage capabilities. Read the rest of this entry »