As an experiment I loaded an eBook reader onto my phone at the weekend . Why? Because I wanted t see if the backlit really is a problem with eye strain and because I think eInk technology is flawed.
Ok, so I used mobipocket on my N97. It officially does not support touch screen devices (and not likely too
but I was able to read a book I have, successfully and easily. by dimming the back light as much as possible is was fine for a couple of hours (could have gone on longer).
I then found ZXReader, a Russian developed reader which only supports FB2 format but is very configurable. It allows different backbrough colours and independent screen dimming. This was great and really worked.
Why is eInk flawed? Well, not everyone will want a dedicated eBook reader. Convergence is key and the ability to play music (already happening ) and video will be necessary for continued sales as well as the ability to use the internet.
I have a Sony PRS 600. It is stated that it can do 7500 page turns on a single charge (yeah right!). Lets suppose it could refresh the screen in 1/25th of a second rather than the 1 second it currently takes. That would mean the ability to play on 5 mins of video! They are also not in colour yet (though Fuji do have some in Japan = expensive!).
What I need is a phone with a big, pull out screen of some sort! Maybe something like an N97, but instead of a keyboard they is a second screen (which could be a virtual keypad). I fit was hinged to lie flat that would work. Time will tell what happens.
Whatever it is, to me it is clear that the tablet PC would easily support eBook reading for long durations.
Ok, so I used mobipocket on my N97. It officially does not support touch screen devices (and not likely too
but I was able to read a book I have, successfully and easily. by dimming the back light as much as possible is was fine for a couple of hours (could have gone on longer).I then found ZXReader, a Russian developed reader which only supports FB2 format but is very configurable. It allows different backbrough colours and independent screen dimming. This was great and really worked.
Why is eInk flawed? Well, not everyone will want a dedicated eBook reader. Convergence is key and the ability to play music (already happening ) and video will be necessary for continued sales as well as the ability to use the internet.
I have a Sony PRS 600. It is stated that it can do 7500 page turns on a single charge (yeah right!). Lets suppose it could refresh the screen in 1/25th of a second rather than the 1 second it currently takes. That would mean the ability to play on 5 mins of video! They are also not in colour yet (though Fuji do have some in Japan = expensive!).
What I need is a phone with a big, pull out screen of some sort! Maybe something like an N97, but instead of a keyboard they is a second screen (which could be a virtual keypad). I fit was hinged to lie flat that would work. Time will tell what happens.
Whatever it is, to me it is clear that the tablet PC would easily support eBook reading for long durations.
Glad you're enjoying yours too.