Comments on: The Cybook Gen3 e-reader close up: A review, with buying tips and other advice http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/ News & views on e-books, libraries, publishing and related topics Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:07:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: William F. Hostman http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-817684 William F. Hostman Fri, 30 May 2008 21:06:29 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-817684 I am curious: will it read encrypted PDFs, like those commonly sold via DriveThroughRPG.com ??? While not Adobe DRM, per se, they are secured via pasword and encrypted content. The vast majority of my use for an ebook is to read those documents. I am curious: will it read encrypted PDFs, like those commonly sold via DriveThroughRPG.com ???

While not Adobe DRM, per se, they are secured via pasword and encrypted content. The vast majority of my use for an ebook is to read those documents.

]]> By: Joseph Gray http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-746577 Joseph Gray Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:04:55 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-746577 Well, I didn't think I needed to spell it out by saying "without conversion". To me, this would be like claiming that I can read Japanese because I had it translated to English. If you don't count conversion, then practically any ebook reader ever made can read a wide variety of formats. In any case, I'm glad you are happy with your Kindle. Many people seem to be. We just have different criteria as to which features are important to us. That's why competition in the marketplace is good. It gives us a selection to choose from. Well, I didn’t think I needed to spell it out by saying “without conversion”. To me, this would be like claiming that I can read Japanese because I had it translated to English. If you don’t count conversion, then practically any ebook reader ever made can read a wide variety of formats.

In any case, I’m glad you are happy with your Kindle. Many people seem to be. We just have different criteria as to which features are important to us. That’s why competition in the marketplace is good. It gives us a selection to choose from.

]]> By: HeavyG http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-746336 HeavyG Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:45:59 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-746336 Joseph Gray says: <i>"I’m not trying to sell you a Cybook, I’m just pointing out that for the current crop of ebook readers, it has the widest format support, without conversion."</i> Your original statement did not include the qualifier of "without conversion". Realistically though I don't see how native support of a handful of formats is somehow deemed superior to having the ability to read a wider range of formats via conversion. Also, I'm not in the market for a Cybook - I've had my Kindle since release day and don't see anything better in the existing marketplace. :) Joseph Gray says:

“I’m not trying to sell you a Cybook, I’m just pointing out that for the current crop of ebook readers, it has the widest format support, without conversion.”

Your original statement did not include the qualifier of “without conversion”.

Realistically though I don’t see how native support of a handful of formats is somehow deemed superior to having the ability to read a wider range of formats via conversion.

Also, I’m not in the market for a Cybook - I’ve had my Kindle since release day and don’t see anything better in the existing marketplace. :)

]]> By: Joseph Gray http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-745198 Joseph Gray Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:13:46 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-745198 The Cybook supports TXT, HTML, Mobipocket, PalmDoc and PDF. These are all read natively on the Cybook without conversion. The Kindle supports TXT and AZW. All other formats are converted. I'm not trying to sell you a Cybook, I'm just pointing out that for the current crop of ebook readers, it has the widest format support, without conversion. The Cybook supports TXT, HTML, Mobipocket, PalmDoc and PDF. These are all read natively on the Cybook without conversion.

The Kindle supports TXT and AZW. All other formats are converted.

I’m not trying to sell you a Cybook, I’m just pointing out that for the current crop of ebook readers, it has the widest format support, without conversion.

]]> By: HeavyG http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744709 HeavyG Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:25:50 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744709 Joseph Gray says: <i>"The ability to read multiple formats is the main reason to buy the Cybook..."</i> It appears to me that the Kindle can read the same formats as the Cybook either natively or via conversion. The Cybook also relies on conversion (via the MobiPocket Desk Reader software which is actually owned by Amazon) to utilize some formats. Given that, I don't really see where the Cybook has a clear advantage over the Kindle when it comes to using various formats. As far as the epub format - if the epub format does gain any significant marketplace penetration my guess is that via future firmware upgrades (which are delivered automatically via the Kindle's wireless connection) the Kindle would eventually support epub files. Joseph Gray says:

“The ability to read multiple formats is the main reason to buy the Cybook…”

It appears to me that the Kindle can read the same formats as the Cybook either natively or via conversion.

The Cybook also relies on conversion (via the MobiPocket Desk Reader software which is actually owned by Amazon) to utilize some formats. Given that, I don’t really see where the Cybook has a clear advantage over the Kindle when it comes to using various formats.

As far as the epub format - if the epub format does gain any significant marketplace penetration my guess is that via future firmware upgrades (which are delivered automatically via the Kindle’s wireless connection) the Kindle would eventually support epub files.

]]> By: Joseph Gray http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744683 Joseph Gray Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:20:54 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744683 The ability to read multiple formats is the main reason to buy the Cybook, over the others. Bookeen has promised to add epub support also. I can't afford to buy another ereader right now, but if I could, it would be a Cybook. Maybe when I can afford to buy, something better/cheaper will be available :-) The ability to read multiple formats is the main reason to buy the Cybook, over the others. Bookeen has promised to add epub support also. I can’t afford to buy another ereader right now, but if I could, it would be a Cybook. Maybe when I can afford to buy, something better/cheaper will be available :-)

]]> By: Fred Kiesche http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744679 Fred Kiesche Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:15:56 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744679 "Now, if we could just get the Kindle to support ePub…" Or TomeRaider, or eReader or... The new eInk gizmos look great, but is it just me, or are they least capable (less open?) than the PalmOS PDA's I've been using to read eBooks for the past several years? I think I'm going to be unable to read something like 10 to 20% of my collection once I switch to the Cybook (or a Sony or a Kindle or a ???) “Now, if we could just get the Kindle to support ePub…”

Or TomeRaider, or eReader or…

The new eInk gizmos look great, but is it just me, or are they least capable (less open?) than the PalmOS PDA’s I’ve been using to read eBooks for the past several years? I think I’m going to be unable to read something like 10 to 20% of my collection once I switch to the Cybook (or a Sony or a Kindle or a ???)

]]> By: Jim Lester http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744575 Jim Lester Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:40:08 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744575 Ahh but Fred, that just means the book is "crippled" not the device. As HeavyG was pointing out you could choose to have a Kindle (or Sony, or...) Reader and just not choose to buy books for it from Amazon. Just like you could go and buy an iPod, and never purchase anything from the iTunes store. The device would only be "crippled" if the only thing you could consume with it was DRM protected content. Now, if we could just get the Kindle to support ePub... Ahh but Fred, that just means the book is “crippled” not the device. As HeavyG was pointing out you could choose to have a Kindle (or Sony, or…) Reader and just not choose to buy books for it from Amazon. Just like you could go and buy an iPod, and never purchase anything from the iTunes store. The device would only be “crippled” if the only thing you could consume with it was DRM protected content.

Now, if we could just get the Kindle to support ePub…

]]> By: Fred Kiesche http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744534 Fred Kiesche Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:03:41 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744534 If you buy a Kindle book can you read it on a non-Kindle? If not, sure sounds like crippling to me. If you buy a Kindle book can you read it on a non-Kindle? If not, sure sounds like crippling to me.

]]> By: HeavyG http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744506 HeavyG Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:49:38 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744506 Fred says: <i>"Why buy a DRM-crippled Kindle?"</i> Kindles aren't DRM-crippled. They are DRM enabled - they support a DRM format. However, they also easily support any open file format you can use on the Cybook either directly or via file conversion which you can do yourself or via Amazon (either for free or $0.10 a doc). Fred says:

“Why buy a DRM-crippled Kindle?”

Kindles aren’t DRM-crippled.

They are DRM enabled - they support a DRM format.

However, they also easily support any open file format you can use on the Cybook either directly or via file conversion which you can do yourself or via Amazon (either for free or $0.10 a doc).

]]> By: Fred Kiesche http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744407 Fred Kiesche Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:13:28 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744407 I'm another pending NAEB customer (waiting for that counter to hit 100 again!). Come on folks, place your order! Why buy a DRM-crippled Kindle? Get one of these puppies! I’m another pending NAEB customer (waiting for that counter to hit 100 again!). Come on folks, place your order! Why buy a DRM-crippled Kindle? Get one of these puppies!

]]> By: Robert Nagle http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744393 Robert Nagle Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:54:58 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744393 Kindle has been sold out for months. There is demand, but MSM has not bothered to provide coverage of alternatives to Kindle. It is a pity. I have 400 books (with 20 pages of 20 books). They need to have shortcut buttons to skip 1 page (of 20 books) at a time. Also, they need to have a go to start/go to end. That said, these navigation/catalog issues don't detract from the reading experience. Kindle has been sold out for months. There is demand, but MSM has not bothered to provide coverage of alternatives to Kindle. It is a pity.

I have 400 books (with 20 pages of 20 books). They need to have shortcut buttons to skip 1 page (of 20 books) at a time. Also, they need to have a go to start/go to end.

That said, these navigation/catalog issues don’t detract from the reading experience.

]]> By: bwaldron http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744380 bwaldron Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:33:06 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744380 Nice review. Note, though, that it is indeed possible to sync to the SD card using Mobipocket Reader -- just set the sync location in the device properties dialog. Nice review.

Note, though, that it is indeed possible to sync to the SD card using Mobipocket Reader — just set the sync location in the device properties dialog.

]]> By: Cerebus http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744344 Cerebus Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:48:12 +0000 http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/03/26/the-cybook-gen3-e-reader-close-up-a-review-with-buying-tips-and-other-advice/#comment-744344 All of which is great, execpt for one thing--as a buyer's club, NAEB had to negotiate delivery in batches of 100 from Bookeen. So they have to collect 100 orders before Bookeen ships. The first batch shipped, which I missed. The second batch has been collecting orders for more than a *month* and is still at 33. Frankly, I'm tired of waiting. Soon my pending CC charge should expire. When it does, I don't plan to renew it and will buy direct instead. This isn't anything against NAEB, it's just pure practical matter of ordering a low-demand item through a buyer's club. I wish I could support them but I'm not going to wait forever for a damn gadget. :) All of which is great, execpt for one thing–as a buyer’s club, NAEB had to negotiate delivery in batches of 100 from Bookeen. So they have to collect 100 orders before Bookeen ships.

The first batch shipped, which I missed. The second batch has been collecting orders for more than a *month* and is still at 33.

Frankly, I’m tired of waiting. Soon my pending CC charge should expire. When it does, I don’t plan to renew it and will buy direct instead.

This isn’t anything against NAEB, it’s just pure practical matter of ordering a low-demand item through a buyer’s club. I wish I could support them but I’m not going to wait forever for a damn gadget. :)

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