zBooks Anyone?

[David Tucker]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://vasudevg.blogspot.com/2007/12/read-e-books-on-your-zune.html' target='_blank'>http://vasudevg.blogspot.com/2007/12/read-e-books-on-your-zune.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>&quot;Recently with so much talk of Kindle, I was thinking of how to read e-books or other documents such as PDF on my Zune. Then I came across a very handy application eBook to Images from Merlin Software. After you open any ebook in this program, it converts them into portable friendly images.&quot;</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/zt/auto/1198211754.usr307.jpg" border="1" alt="" /></p><p>The <a href="http://vasudevg.blogspot.com/2007/12/read-e-books-on-your-zune.html">meraTechPort</a> blog has come up with an interesting way to read eBooks. With <a href="http://www.merlinsoftware.com/ebook/index.htm">Merlin Software's 'ebook to images',</a> you can convert your PDF into a series of images for reading on the go.&nbsp; If you really want.&nbsp; Personally I think this fits into the W?BIC category but if you really want to read books on your Zune, now you have a way!</p>

[BugDude10]

One of the things I look for anymore in new gadgets is the ability to use it for more than one purpose, particularly when traveling (although I don't get to travel too often). Obviously, the Zune is a music and video player, but if I could browse a book when I need a break from video (but need to do something more than just listening to music), then that would be great.

Also, I think Microsoft should figure out a way to export your Outlook calendar and contacts for viewing (although not necessarily for editing) on the Zune -- for those occasions when you might want to look up an address or number, or check to see if you're available on a future date.

The last big trip I took, my Pocket PC was my main device: I had tunes and video, I had all my travel information, I had games, I had books. I took other toys with me (my iRiver player for more tunes, my PSP for bigger video and better gaming), but when I was waiting in the airport and flying through the skies, my Pocket PC did it all for me. Perhaps the Zune could take a step in that direction?

Just my $0.02.

[vzuner]

Also, I think Microsoft should figure out a way to export your Outlook calendar and contacts for viewing (although not necessarily for editing) on the Zune -- for those occasions when you might want to look up an address or number, or check to see if you're available on a future date..........

Yes, I agree. That will be very useful. They could have added a clock also, may be battery is the constraint.

[Jason Dunn]

Also, I think Microsoft should figure out a way to export your Outlook calendar and contacts for viewing (although not necessarily for editing) on the Zune

Yeah, I'd like to see similar functionality myself - but I doubt we'll see it anytime soon. The Zune team is focused on making the Zune a great media playback device first and foremost, and they still have a lot of work to do there, so I have a strong feeling we won't be seeing any other features added until they feel they've nailed that scenario. At least, that's what they keep telling me when I ask for a clock or something non-music related. :D