Portable eBook Readers

The iLiad Reader from iRex Technologies in the Netherlands is the most expensive portable ebook reader in the market but it has a useful stylus for freehand note taking and also Wi-Fi connectivity.

The iLiad reader from iRex was introduced in July 2006 and is currently in its second edition, the iLiad 2nd edition. The company also has a larger ebook reader with a 10.2 inch display called the iRex Digital Reader 1000S and a cheaper version without Wi-Fi and with a 8.1 inch display called the iLiad Book Edition.

iLiad eBook Reader Features

The iLiad Reader is not as portable as some of the 5 or 6 inch ebook readers on the market as it has an 8.1 inch diagonal display and weighs 15.3 ounces. It is also the most expensive ebook reader on the market with a current price of close to $700.

The iLiad ebook reader uses an e-ink display with Vizplex Imaging Film manufactured by E Ink Corporation. The display is the nearest thing to reading from paper and ink that you will find; some have said that it is better than all of the competition. You can scale and zoom the display to see small text and you can read in landscape or portrait orientation.

Reading and Writing on the iLiad Reader

One feature that sets the iLiad Reader apart from the competition is the ability to write in freehand. Many people like to take notes when reading and so scribble notes in the margin, or even doodles and drawings. Now it is also possible to do this on a portable ebook reader.

The iRex reader has an integrated Wacom Penabled technology so you can use the stylus to underline text, make notes, or write comments in documents. You can also do crossword or Sudoku puzzles or doodles and drawings. You also use the stylus to navigate through the menus and your documents.

The reader comes with templates for graph paper, lined paper, and musical paper or you can upload any jpg or png that you like to use as a templete. Another handy feature is the ability to vary the width of the ink. The original template is always saved without annotations and a separate file is saved with your notes but it is difficult to save the version with your notes to your PC – you can download software from iLiad which has limitations or you can buy handwriting recognition software.

Unique Features of the iLiad eBook Reader

Although the iLiad reader has all the normal features shared by many other readers, there a few nice features that set the iLiad apart. You have many more options for getting content into the device: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, SD card, Compact Flash card, MMC memory cards, or a CF card.

While most ebook readers use buttons for page turning which require a bit too much force, the iLiad reader uses a convenient “flipbar.” The flipbar is located on the left side of the screen and can turn pages backwards or forwards. It requires hardly any force to operate, which is an important feature as page turning is the most used button / flipbar and will make for a better reading experience.

When you create a free MyiRex account, you will be able to download and share your documents with friends and colleagues. Also, each account gives you free access to the latest software releases which will make your iLiad run more smoothly, keep it bug-free, and add new features and functionalities to your iLiad.

You can sync your iLiad seamlessly with your computer with the iLiad Companion Software. The iLiad Companion software brings your iLiad and computer together using the built-in wireless capability. You can automatically synchronize your books, newspapers, RSS feeds and documents with your iLiad.

Technical Specifications

Display - 8.1-inch diagonal E-Paper Display, 768 x 1024 pixels resolution, 160 dpi, 16 levels of grey-scale, Touch sensor input, Integrated Wacom Penabled sensor board and Wacom Slim Pen Stylus

Processor and Memory – Intel 400MHz XScale processor, 64 MB RAM
Storage and Expansion – 256MB internal flash, Expandable with up to 4 Gigabyte with USB, MMC or CF cards

Power and Battery – Built-in rechargeable Lithium Ion battery with 12 hour charge, 3 hour charging time

Audio – Built-in stereo speakers, stereo headphone mini-jack

Communication - Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11B/G wireless networking, Optional external 10/100MB Ethernet networking via Travel hub

Size and Weight – 217mm (8.5 inch) x 155mm (6.1 inch) x 16mm (0.63 inch), 435 grams (15.3 ounce)

Supported Formats – PDF / HTML / TXT / JPG / BMP/ PNG / PRC (Mobipocket)

Summary

So, is the iRex iLiad 2nd Edition ebook reader for you? If you just want a portable ebook reader to read the latest bestselling novel then I don’t think you will be able to justify the price. But if you want to use it to read and take notes on technical papers, music sheets, business memos, or use a lot of PDF documents with the ability to make annotations and comments and pass them on to a colleague, then the iLiad ebook reader might be for you.

The Good Features of the iLiad Reader

• Wi-Fi capability, USB, and ethernet connectivity
• An excellent screen and the ability to make free-hand notes, doodles, annotations
• Sync RSS feeds to the iLiad
• The many methods to add content through USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, SD card, Compact Flash card, MMC memory cards, and CF card
• Runs a Linux operating system that allows third-party applications to be created and run on the iLiad

The Bad Features of the iLiad Reader

• The high price
• Some people complain of mediocre support
• Limited ebook content as the iLiad supports only Mobipocket files – 50,000 books compared to the hundreds of thousands available from Sony or Amazon

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