Should I buy a PocketPC for ebooks?

[davidspalding]

Mobipocket or uBook would be great for reading decompiled CHM HTML source files. ;) Mobi does any color combo you like, any orientation, highlighting, annotation, changes, custom bookmarking and linking.... Very neat problem with few drawbacks imHo.

[davidspalding]

Mobipocket or uBook would be great for reading decompiled CHM HTML source files. ;) Mobi does any color combo you like, any orientation, highlighting, annotation, changes, custom bookmarking and linking.... Very neat problem with few drawbacks imHo.

[Talyn]

Originally Posted by keelinlee

And the Reader has the portrait/landscape function.

The latest version does not, unless I've managed to lose it somewhere...

[Jolard]

Pocket PC definitely (although what did you expect on a PPC website! :wink: )

Seriously though, reading e-books is the main thing I use my Pocket Pc for. It is wonderful. I love having my books with me all the time. I can grab a few minutes reading whenever, and it is instant startup when I turn it on again.

I thought that it might be difficult reading for a long time on the screen, but I have had no problems. I also love being able to read late at night in bed with the lights off so as not to disturb the spouse.

As for readers, I agree that pdf isn't the best, I like Mobipocket the best, and I especially like the landscape mode for reading. You can switch it to landscape and full screen mode, and the text takes up pretty much all available space. Add in the ability to change font sizes easily (I often start increasing the font size at 2 a.m. when I am getting tired ) and it is a great tool for reading.

Microsoft Reader is pretty good too, and I am currently reading a book in that format, although I like Mobipocket better. Have read in PDF, (just finished Bill Bryson's A short history of nearly everything, and it wasn't too bad).

Basically I would recommend the pocket pc over a laptop anyday. Quick access (no long bootup) portability (my IPAQ 1940 is in my pocket all the time) weight (it gets old holding a laptop for a long time, not to mention the heat if you have it in your lap, and the noise of the fans and drive etc).

There is no contest for reading.

[pootp]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I think I've pretty much decided to go with PocketPC.

As for reading CHM on a PocketPC, there a software called Teamone Reader (http://www.teamonesoft.com/en/index_1.htm) that can do it. It reads almost every format as well. Anyone know if this works ok on PocketPC 2003?

Thanks again for your help.

[Mona13]

I love e-books. Haven't bought a paperbook since I got my first PPC.

I use Palm Reader Pro though and haven't even activated MS Reader on my current PPC. Even the "free" books aren't worth the activation hassle.

Mona

[hpf]

Originally Posted by Talyn

The latest version does not, unless I've managed to lose it somewhere...

The portrait/landscape version has been introduced in Mobipocket Reader 4.5.
The 4.6 main feature was Unicode support.
For 4.7, it was wireless eNews and mobile website.

What will be 4.8 :?:

[seidler]

Originally Posted by hpf

The portrait/landscape version has been introduced in Mobipocket Reader 4.5.
The 4.6 main feature was Unicode support.
For 4.7, it was wireless eNews and mobile website.

What will be 4.8 :?:

Hopefully something simple. Like button assignment. Or autoscroll in fullscreen mode. Or add documents to the library that are not in the standard path. Something of these. I hope

Stefan

[davidspalding]

Originally Posted by pootp

Thanks everyone for the comments. I think I've pretty much decided to go with PocketPC.

As for reading CHM on a PocketPC, there a software called Teamone Reader (http://www.teamonesoft.com/en/index_1.htm) that can do it. It reads almost every format as well. Anyone know if this works ok on PocketPC 2003?

Thanks again for your help.

not sure if mentioned, but for dedicated eBook reading, look to PPCs with a jog dial, which can be used for easy one-handed paging.

if not, the "d-pad" is as important. with Mobipocket, i can change resolution (e.g., flip upside down) and use the d-pad on m Casio with my thumb without having to pinch the whole PDA by the corner. ;)

[Talyn]

Originally Posted by hpf

The portrait/landscape version has been introduced in Mobipocket Reader 4.5.
The 4.6 main feature was Unicode support.
For 4.7, it was wireless eNews and mobile website.

I remember the older versions having it, but on the 4.7 I have installed, it's not there any longer. Maybe it's a premium version-only feature now?

As for jog dials and d-pads - I also prefer being able to tap the screen to turn pages. I've only noticed MobiPocket and PalmReader have this feature, though Mobi's is a little flakey -- have to tap right and left instead of top and bottom.

[KH]

If I stopped using my IPAQ 2210 for
- all my note taking
- contacts and calendar
- games and music
- pictures and videos of my kids and their horses
- my corporate phone directory
- my Wine Enthusiast Reference program
- my Language translation programs
- my Thesaurus, Dictionary, and Encyclopedia references

I WOULD STILL GET MY MONEY'S WORTH AS MY BOOK READER OF CHOICE - I have dropped my physical book purchases by 98% over the last three years, even though my total book $$has increased.

(ps, I have no intention of dropping the other functions!)