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View Full Version : Speed Reader Plus Review at Pocket PC Addict


Tycho Morgan
02-20-2002, 03:54 AM
<a href="http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=4">http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=4</a><br /><br />I read at a reasonable speed. Nothing to get excited about, but it seems to work for me. Speed reading has always interested me, but I've never done anything more than osmosis absorption methods that work well for really short things, but for anything more than half a page really start to fall apart. As a result, it was rather neat, when I got an email today concerning Pocket PC Addict's Review of a new Speed Reading program for Pocket PC devices.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.mobiledynamo.com/Demo.gif" /> <br /> <br />"For someone like me, who spends sometimes 6 hours per day reading, cutting back on that time, gives me time for more important things, like my job! So to find an application for my handheld that solves that little problem is a wish come true. Speed Reader Plus is an excellent program that is produced by a great team."

Jkalka
02-20-2002, 04:15 AM
OK..I am very interested in this, but all of my books are in .lit format. I don't think that this will read those books. I assume that I would need to have the books first in some kind of text format, and then import them into this tool. This is a bit annoying, or maybe I am missing something.

TIA

kagayaki1
02-20-2002, 04:30 AM
I would probably benefit from this (sooooo much to read, not enough time to do it all). Great combination of portability with a practical learning environment.

ccoletti
02-20-2002, 04:40 AM
I'm trying it out. Cool but no good for .LIT reading. Any text you can select and copy on your PC can be read.

You can go to a web article, do a Ctrl+A to select it all, a Ctrl+C to copy it to your clipboard, and the desktop software(Clipboard to Library Utility) picks up what you now have in your Clipboard. You name your 'document' and it then copies it to your PocketPC through Active Sync.

You can copy .LIT text one page at a time . But that's no good. :cry:

However, it's still fun to use. I don't know if I'll buy it though. Still, there are plenty of books online (public domain) in .txt and .html formats. And you can select and copy other text file types.

Oh well :) ,
ccoletti

Dave Conger
02-20-2002, 04:48 AM
I would probably benefit from this (sooooo much to read, not enough time to do it all). Great combination of portability with a practical learning environment.


I downloaded this and tried it a little while back (I think it was last time it appeared on Thoughts). It seemed to be a good deal, though I couldn't get the content I needed in straight text. Don't you wish the made our textbooks with digital copies of the book as well?

(Yeah, I could go next door and tell you this...)

Rirath
02-20-2002, 06:02 AM
It's a great program with a good concept and result. I'm not sure how useful it'd be for recreational reading though. I mean, when you have to really watch every word and you can't slow down to really savor the lastest plot twist or the ending, it might make the book less enjoyable. It vaguely reminds me of watching a VCR tape on fast forward. You could watch a whole movie that way, quickly, but you'd lose the best parts.

For everyday reading of news articles, txt files, and even long websites it would really be handy. Kinda strikes me as a fun tech toy for people who like to do things with newer and better methods. (Which applies to me and most everyone else who surf this website.)

bblock
02-20-2002, 07:33 AM
I must have missed something. Does this teach you how to speed-read, or do it for you with text files?

philfp
02-20-2002, 09:37 AM
I must have missed something. Does this teach you how to speed-read, or do it for you with text files?


Sort of the latter... The big problem with reading speed comes down to the fact that you have to move your eyes over the document. This takes text files (although not .lit format yet) and flashes up one word at a time on the screen always in the same place (i.e. the document moves to where you're looking rather than you moving your eyes to find the place).

Read the review mentioned above at http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=4 as it gives a very good set of pros and cons.

Kilmerr
02-20-2002, 10:15 AM
Speed reading is hardly a solid science. And even if some value, it says nothing about increasing comprehension. Eye tricks and skimming tactics...

http://skepdic.com/speedreading.html

"Those desiring to increase the speed of their reading would do better to enroll in a community college course devoted to building study skills, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It would cost them less, and they would not end up wasting their time trying to read 10 lines at a time, backward and forward. They would also avoid the frustration that will be inevitable when they find that while they can skim through material at a greater rate than they can read it, the utility of such a skill is limited (good for most of what's likely to be in the daily newspaper, for example, but not for studying physics or reading a good novel). Skimming makes both comprehension and taking pleasure in words or ideas next to impossible."

Rirath
02-20-2002, 12:01 PM
"Those desiring to increase the speed of their reading would do better to enroll in a community college course devoted to building study skills, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. ... They would also avoid the frustration that will be inevitable when they find that while they can skim through material at a greater rate than they can read it, the utility of such a skill is limited

I wholeheartedly disagree, and I wonder if you've even used this program. I'm quite sure the person that wrote that clip hasn't. I went to that website and it has nothing at all to do with Speed Reader Plus.

I naturally read at between 250-300 wpm with a high comprehension rate. With SPR, I read at a rate of at least 500wpm. I find that my comprehension rate does drop when using SRP, but I often enjoy the read -more- when I know I can get through it in 1/2 or 1/3 of the time. Let me put it this way: I love reading reviews of the latest games, but often times I'll just skip them simply because I don't feel like spending 5 minutes reading 3 pages of information. Besides that, anyone who reads game reviews will know that you spend a lot of time rereading information that's already be written in other reviews. With Speed Reader Plus, I can read that same review in half the time and so, I enjoy reading it more. SRP's Library Utility for the PC is wonderful, it could not be simplier or quicker to use.

Personally I recommend SPR only for information that doesn't require a high comprehension rate, but maybe with time and practice that'll change as well.

Jim Pierce
02-20-2002, 02:46 PM
Making adjustments to improve comprehension:
Reading comprehension can be increased by fine tuning the reading speed for punctuation marks and long words, from the Options > Reader Settings... window. If comprehension is still a problem then just decrease the speed a little. You should still be reading at speeds well above average.


Reading complicated texts:
Although you may need to slow down the reader when reading text that requires greater comprehension, there is a huge advantage to re-reading the text at a higher speed. After you read the complicated text at a lower speed try re-reading it at a higher speed. You should be surprised with the results. This is a great way to "Flash Review" important documents that you have already read, before you go to important meetings or take school tests. Many of our customers are doctors. I would say that they definitely read some of the most complicated texts on earth.

Savoring a literary moment:
To savor the moment, just tap pause. The text window will highlight the current word. You can then read normally around the text of interest. Press "Read" again to resume reading faster.

MS Reader (.lit) files:
Although SRP cannot import MS Reader text, we are looking into a legal method of acquiring the text from .lit files. However, there are millions of free e-books in other popular formats that can be read by SRP. Our Website (www.mobiledynamo.com) contains links to free e-Book sites and very brief (20 seconds) “How To” tutorials on importing e-Book text.

Enjoy!

spg
02-20-2002, 02:59 PM
I've always been a speed reader of sorts, my mom often wondered if I actually read the book! This is a great tool, just wish it had support for .lit files then it would really be great! Keep up the good work guys! (guys = the developers)

JohnnyFlash
02-20-2002, 05:19 PM
:x I am so jealous of this application! It really does look to be brilliant.

:?: Is there a regular desktop version? If so, I'd certainly consider getting it because from what I've seen, it works for me!

Venturello
02-21-2002, 02:01 AM
Programmers are getting LAZY.

1. Doesnt the developer realize the 7.7Mb download for a pocket app will turn out a large group of his potential consumers who, on a modem, will take longer than half an hour to download this file? Even me at DSL speeds thought about it...

2. If I had the time, I would bet you anything I could develop a similar program in 200 kilobytes, AT MOST (no graphics, simple icons). This program takes laaarge amounts of your precious, handheld memory away! (More than a meg, dont just look at the app folder) Lazy developer, does program in Visual Basic, using control packages which has to be installed separated from the program, and in the system directories, to add to the insult....

Drives me mad. Done in Visual C++ this SIMPLE app (nice idea I give them that). Thus, lazy developers like this makes PocketPC programs large and cumbersome which gives the PocketPC world a bad name, and makes 32Mb seem so less than Palm's 8Mbs....

I could also guarantee very fast speed advantages in a program done in Visual C++, mostly if no MFC is involved.

The Other Bill Gates
02-21-2002, 02:50 AM
I read their web information. Maybe you didn't.

The download includes the Microsoft Windows Installer files to ensure the installation is smooth. Besides I needed to get the latest Windows Installer files anyway. It will ensure all future installs go smooth for me.

It's also includes a desktop PC application unlike most PPC software downloads. You must have a slow modem if it took you half an hour to download. I like this app so well I would have waited an hour. It only took me 15 minutes to download.


"This program takes laaarge amounts of your precious, handheld memory away!"

NOT!
The application file is only 136K that's less than you said you could do it in C++.

The controls files that are installed are shared files that are most likely already on your PocketPC. The install just ensures that you have all the files you need. Bottom line is, if you already have the controls which you most likely do, then it is only taking the 130K plus the graphics, which take it to around 200k


Its obvious just looking at the screen shots and using the software that this software was not written by lazy or brain dead programmers.

I bought it and consider it a good purchase especially since i can read faster and save time.

Sounds like your just jealous.

Rirath
02-21-2002, 01:25 PM
Can anyone point me to a forum specifically for Speed Reader Plus? I don't remember seeing one on the website last time I checked. I wouldn't mind talking with other users of the program and picking up some tips & tricks. That "flash review" comment was a great idea, you can bet I'll be loading up on my entire collection of notes just minutes before my next exam. The ultimate way to skim your notes. :)

PocketPC Addict
02-21-2002, 03:17 PM
Can anyone point me to a forum specifically for Speed Reader Plus? I don't remember seeing one on the website last time I checked. I wouldn't mind talking with other users of the program and picking up some tips & tricks. That "flash review" comment was a great idea, you can bet I'll be loading up on my entire collection of notes just minutes before my next exam. The ultimate way to skim your notes. :)


I could set up a forum on my site if the interest was there and if the developer doesn't do one on their own site. I love reading myself and it might be a good place to disscuss like you say "tips and tricks."

We could also do some book recommendations, etc. Maybe we can bust our heads together and figure out how to get our .lit books into a rtf text format or something!

Just let me know.

Brad
the "addict"

Jim Pierce
02-21-2002, 03:25 PM
Brad,

Go with it!

The forum sounds like a good idea for your site.

Also, I currently have a .lit file solution :) I just can’t disclose it until we check on the legal issues if any.

So yes, SRP can currently read .lit files under the new beta.

Venturello
02-21-2002, 03:32 PM
The Other Bill Gates (lol) I found out what you said after my comment. I still stand behind my point but not in the strongness I did first. Even so, the large download will hurt the developer´s potential costumers and this is a problem with many pocketpc apps. I hate the controls philosophy and any programs that installs files outside its directory without my consent. I find this causes problems.

Seen also many good games which take megs of pocketpc space, only because they use uncompressed audio. A simple compression, using hardware in the pocketpc (and very little cpu time) would cut this size to a fraction...

Thanks for explanation!!

Jim Pierce
02-21-2002, 04:19 PM
I hate the controls philosophy and any programs that installs files outside its directory without my consent.

I was reading the conversation between you and "the other bill gates". Nothing is installed outside of its directory. The Microsoft files belong in the windows directory and that is where they are reinstalled just incase they are missing.

No problems have been reported with this app recently. Currently it is bug free :)

PocketPC Addict
02-21-2002, 05:51 PM
Brad,

Go with it!

The forum sounds like a good idea for your site.

Also, I currently have a .lit file solution :) I just can’t disclose it until we check on the legal issues if any.

So yes, SRP can currently read .lit files under the new beta.


Okay GREAT! ...We've got a forum up and running for SRP. It can be found here (http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewforum&forum=17&1)

As far as the MS Reader .lit solution, all I can say is good luck with that. I know it would be a very valuable addition to your software.

Brad
the "Addict"

Jim Pierce
02-22-2002, 07:07 AM
Speed Reader Plus Link

http://www.mobiledynamo.com/prod01.htm