Cybook now $399
The Cybook, earlier reviewed here at length, is now selling for $399 rather than $499–less than some upper-end PDAs.
If you’re serious about e-books, this machine is worth a good look. I have a long-term loaner from Bookeen and use it as my main e-reading device. Optimal software for me is the bundled uBook since I can bold the characters as much or little as I like. Plus, I can adjust the font size precisely. The screen is more readable than the Librie’s, by the way, even though the characters are not as smooth, because there’s far more contrast.
Worth the cost for serious e-bookers
Compared to something like the eBookwise machine, of which I’m also a fan, the Cybook may be harder for some e-book newbies to learn the operation of. And of course, even with the new $399 price, a far cry from the original $799, the Cybook is still far more expensive than the $130 eBookwise alternative. However, the ten-inch color screen with 800-by-600-res justifies the extra cost if you’re as addicted to e-books as I am.
For toting around town, I’d prefer something smaller and more rugged than the Cybook–I use a Sony Clie PDA or my eBookwise 1150, which also offers a longer interval betwee battery charges. But for reading at home or in the office? Nothing beats the Cybook, as least as I see it. In viewability, the Cybook leaves the 1150 in the dust even though both machines are good values by current e-book standards.
More formats
What’s more, compared to the eBookwise machine, you’ve got more of choice of formats–via Mobipocket and uBook. You can’t read Mobipocket on an eBookwise machine. Both uBook and Mobipocket allow the reading of HTML. Plus the Cybook comes with Boo Reader, a format based on the OeBF production standard, and it also offers Pocket Word.
Mobipocket, by the way, is of a bit more interest than before now that Amazon has bought a stake in the company, even though it is inadquate for the most complex kinds of pubishing (OpenReader , by contrast, will shine). A PDF reader for nonDRMed books and eReader are expected in the future. The folks at Bookeen dislike the Tower of eBabel but commendably are doing what they can to help people live with it.
(Found via the eBook Community list.)
April 17th, 2005 at 4:06 am
It’s a pity that the only place to purchase the Cybook seems to be direct from Bookeen themselves. I think that if it was available through other channels, we might have seen a price drop sooner than this.
April 17th, 2005 at 5:49 am
Guess it’s a Great Minds Think Alike situation, Dan. I myself have told Laurent he’d do well to think about hooking up with a major retailer. With more volume, the prices just might be able to come down more. As it is, the Cybook is still a veritable bargain compared to the orignal $800. In fairness to Laurent, he probably can do just so much about prices. Fingers crossed, though, that volume could help!
April 24th, 2005 at 12:01 pm
Well, I’m taking the plunge for a Cybook although it’s the size, not the price that has had me hesitating. I still say give the book devices away and make the money on subscriptions, memberships, higher book prices…whatever. Every person I talk to about this thinks I’m looney to spend $462 (incl shipping) for a book reader - that’s a lotta books I’ve got to admit. I’m a reader and a gadget freak - bad combo. Enjoy your site!
April 24th, 2005 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for your nice comments about the TeleRead site, Roger. Suggestions always appreciated for further improvement! Keep us informed here about your Cybook experiences. I’ve already asked other users to share their thoughts. Feel free to email me directly at dr@teleread.org.
Update: Someone on the eBook Community list complained in the past week or so of operating system glitches and did not like the viewing angle limit, but I’m very happy with the long-term loaner I’m using since December. Except for one or two burps, which a reset addressed, I don’t recall problems. The key to using the screen is to adjust the contrast and brightness precisely. The viewing angle is more limited than on the most recent LCDs, but is no problem for me. When you’re reading a book, you look directly at it anyway. If I had a choice of using just the Cybook or the Librie, it would be a Cybook in a flash. Same, of course, for the Gemstar machines and cousins. Readability is far better than on lower-priced machines, and the cost is still a fraction of a Tablet PC’s and is fair as I see it. Unlike the eBook Community poster, I don’t consider the construction to be of “super cheap build quality.” Please note that I use the Cybook just at home–to reduce the possibility of damage to that 10 inch screen, especially since this is a loaner. But if I did have a neck strap I’d probably be less cautious. Home use also addresses the battery issue. I get several hours of use. Finally, to address the weight issue, which the poster also mentioned, the Cybook is far lighter than the typical Tablet PC.
Two tips: (1) At least for unDRMed books, the easiest way to bring in books is just to use the memory card. It’s faster than syncing. (2) Follow Bookeen’s advice and keep the machine plugged in when you’re not using it. That way, it’ll be instantly ready to go even it’s been a week or so since you used the Cybook. Otherwise, if the battery runs down, you may need to wait for the programs to reload.
As for giving the machines away vs. buying the books, I think that won’t be such a big question a few years from now when devices better than the Cybook are going for $100-$150.
Best of luck!
David Rothman
April 24th, 2005 at 1:54 pm
One more quick comment re cost: For those willing to be patient, check ebay in a year - Cybooks will start showing up there. I won’t wait that long - for one thing any manufacturer going out on a limb with book reading devices needs support or else there will be nothing eventually other than Tablets, notebooks and PDAs.
April 24th, 2005 at 2:06 pm
Wise advice! Furthermore, if Bookeen moves on to a new model in six months, you could see a bunch of bargain-priced Cybooks on eBay in far less than a year. Just a wild guess about the six months. Maybe it will be sooner, maybe later. But again, yes, it will be good if people can buy Cybooks now to keeep the company in business–well, assuming the machine fits their needs. Same for lower-priced Gemstar-style machines sold by eBookwise.
April 27th, 2005 at 6:02 am
From Ellen Hage…
I have had my Cybook for one week now. At first I was concerned about the lack of a recovery disk, the tiny stylus, and the noted weight of the device. Yes, there was a slight learning curve in its operation and loading e-books. Compared to other devices, it was better than expected. Much easier than the Hiebook and certainly more dependable than the Ebookman. That was a week ago. I am now at the point where I don’t want to let it out of my sight. I am in the process of writing my dissertation on e-book technology and I can do most of what I need on this device rather than carry my laptop everywhere. It is easier on my eyes and I enjoy the larger view. The greatest attribute is that the Cybook offers a choice. I like deciding for myself what software I want to use to read a book. Also I am not tied to buying my books from one vendor. I can now compare prices. This is something that no other device has offered. I am still a fan of the Gemstar devices, but have realized that it is time to move on. I have an EBW 1150 and it’s great, but it takes a back seat to the Cybook. I look forward to ereader and msreader applications for the device. Hopefully a viewer for Adobe files is on the way soon. In my opinion this is how the device should be marketed: A firm concentration on choices, choices that don’t evaporate when the company moves on to other models, or when one vendor closes shop. The price is still high, but I have paid as much for a PDA. I have paid more in buying dedicated e-book devices (You name it, I have it) that promised much and delivered little, then disappeared altogether.
May 1st, 2005 at 7:24 pm
Just in from Roger:
An update to my Cybook dithering…….I bought an eBookwise j($101 on eBay) just to see if I would enjoy reading on a device. I think this thing is terrific! Even without color. I have read two books in three days and have seven loaded and ready to read. But, the problem remains that there is a very limited library for this thing unless one wants to read indiscriminately. If it weren’t for that I would quit debating with myself about whether or not to buy a Cybook - there would be no need. The Cybook is still too big for me and the eBookwise is perfect…we’ll see.
One thing about Blackmask; I am so impressed with the site that I made a donation even though I don’t have a device to read anything I might download.
May 14th, 2005 at 9:13 pm
I received my Cybook today and am pleased. It could be made simpler but I really have no complaints. The text is excellent and I love the ability to colorize. Books already purchased from Blackmask and MobiPocket downloaded easily - now if eReader will just become available……….
May 14th, 2005 at 9:30 pm
Congrats on the Cybook, Roger. Keep us posted on all the pros and cons as you see ‘em! - David
May 18th, 2005 at 8:49 am
Roger’s latest thoughts:
This is probably my last post unless something unusual occurs my Cybook. I have read one novel and like it very much despite its size. I have only three comments that are not positive: The battery life is short - but everyone seems to know that - and since I’m on the go much of the time that is an important consideration; lighting conditions need to be just right - I tried reading in my car while waiting for an appointment with no success - maybe some tweaking would help that and finally; the damn snap-fastener on the leather case takes someone with more patience than me. It just doesn’t mesh. Would I buy it again? you bet! If these are the worst problems in my life I’ve got it made!
Regarding the eBookwise “book” - device sounds very sterile - I also like it very much. Much more comfortable to hold and it is better looking. Just too little selection on the site.
Oh, one more thing - speaking of the eBookwise being better looking - the Cybook does look like a “device” but I am going to fix that. I am going to get some umber, amber, light brown and light red hobby paint and dry brush the aluminum looking finish. It ought to look more like a real book, right?
Take care and good luck.
February 9th, 2006 at 10:44 am
I am seriously thinking about getting a Cybook. I have a PDA but dislike the size and trying to read PDF ebooks on it is a huge pain! I am a vorcious reader, I probably read anywhere from 10 books (paperback and ebooks) up a week. I’ve recently started reviewing books for a couple of on-line sites. Most of the ebooks I review are PDF format. With my PDA, that’s a pain and I hate feeling tied to my desktop. Do the people that have bought a Cybook, still like it?
February 9th, 2006 at 10:56 am
Hi, Vicki. The PDF reader for the Cybook is a work in progress, though I’ll be optimistic about the final results. As for how people like the Cybook, I certainly enjoy mine–used with uBook. Others are welcome to speak up here about the Cybook, pro or con. You can also try the Cybook email list. Happy reading! - David
May 14th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I love my Cybook. The biggest pros for me are the size (it’s so light! I can toss it in my purse) and the screen, which doesn’t put any strain on my eyes. The reading experience is similar to reading a book. The price is now lower at several retailers and they have a new version of the Cybook out… definitely worth it!