Tech From an E-booker’s Viewpoint

Aug 13

Non-dedicated devices week: Oldies can be goodies

Tag: DT375, Devices, Review — Ellen Hage @ 10:54 am

DT375 One of my e-book obsessions is to find the cheapest ultimate reader. As a result of my search I have accumulated lot of gadgets. This week I’d like to review some of them. Some are still available for sale from time to time on EBay. First up is the DT375. I first read about it on Teleread and it seemed like a good device. My only hesitance was that it is a Win CE device. However, after visiting Andy’s site, I decided to go ahead. I bought it from Andy when he had one for sale on EBay.

Advantages:

The device is quite light when comparing it to my Cybook. At first, I thought that the extra battery attached would be cumbersome, but it actually makes it easier to hold the tablet. The greatest advantage is that all four of my major reading software applications are available. Currently, I have MS Reader, Palm’s reader, µBook, and Mobipocket. I found the learning curve to be non-existent since I am already familiar with Win CE. I can also surf the Internet using the same Ambicom wireless card that I use for my Cybook. Drivers are available at Ambicom’s site. Surfing is slow, but I knew that going into it. I also like the screen size at 8.4″. It’s bright and settings can be adjusted. Resolution is nice at 800 x 600. This is the same as the defaut setting on my UMPC.

Potential Disadvantages:

My biggest problem with the DT375 is the power button. If I don’t push just right it will reset the tablet. Once this happens I have to reinstall my programs. I now have everything installed on the CF card. So now when it resets I still have to reinstall the shortcuts to the menu and some other personal preferences. This can be quite frustrating and I have to admit I no longer use it as much as I use to. The obvious disadvantage in my opinion is that it is Win CE 4.2. and if you want to add more applications, they are hard to find, if they exist. Fortunately, Andy’s website has a nice selection to get you started. I have written him and he responds quickly and with easy to understand information. About a week after I received my tablet I thought that I had bricked it, but as usual he came to my rescue. Currently he has posted a backup program which should help reset woes. I will give it a try and report back. Tomorrow I will continue my review of the DT375 along with some pictures and ways to maximize your use.

8 Responses to “Non-dedicated devices week: Oldies can be goodies”

Mikou
Posted: Aug 13th, 2007 at 8:00 pm

Thanks for all your articles. It’s always great to get another perspective on e-books.

Maybe you’ll address this in your next post, but I wanted to ask: Can the DT375 be used with Sony Connect software and with the website? I’m a Mac user (iBook G4 & Mac mini). I had an old Windows laptop in case I really needed it, but it’s on its last legs. I wanted a way to access Sony Connect and, if possible, to install the software for the Ebookwise 1150. DT375 would be a convenient and reasonably priced option if that software works on it.

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Ellen Hage
Posted: Aug 13th, 2007 at 9:04 pm

Mikou,

Unfortunately the connect software has to be stored on your computer in order to buy books. Since the DT375 is Win CE, you can’t install the software. When using your browser the only thing you can do is browse. I hope that in the very near future Sony will allow customers to buy direct from the Site.

Ellen

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Mikou
Posted: Aug 14th, 2007 at 5:17 am

Thanks for the information, Ellen. It’s long past time I wrote to Sony about this b/c the restriction doesn’t make much sense. I buy a lot of ebooks from other vendors, but using Sony Connect will soon only be possible for me on borrowed computers since I don’t want to buy another Windows-based PC and the one I have isn’t worth repairing.

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Heath Brown
Posted: Aug 14th, 2007 at 10:59 am

I have a DT375 as well. I love the thing. Never had the problem with it resetting on me like that, Ellen. Perhaps the unit you purchased has a touchy power button? I did, however, purchase one that did not have a working internal battery. So all I have is the external one that came with it. Seems to last a good 5-6 hours even with net surfing though. As said in other places, for a user brand new to eBook devices, you might consider an eBookwise-1150 to start with. It doesn’t have near as many features as the DT375, but its easy to use and good for reading books.

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Ellen Hage
Posted: Aug 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm

Author Comment

I have a DT375 as well. I love the thing. Never had the problem with it resetting on me like that, Ellen. Perhaps the unit you purchased has a touchy power button? I did, however, purchase one that did not have a working internal battery. So all I have is the external one that came with it. Seems to last a good 5-6 hours even with net surfing though. As said in other places, for a user brand new to eBook devices, you might consider an eBookwise-1150 to start with. It doesn’t have near as many features as the DT375, but its easy to use and good for reading books.

I am glad you like your tablet. It is a great little device and even viewing web pages look good. When it comes to the power button, I think I am just heavy handed sometimes, but I am getttng better. I agree about the 1150, but it is my experience that after a while people want their e-book devices to do more and more, eventhough they knew it was only capable of doing one thing.

Ellen

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Robinson
Posted: Jan 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm

Hello, can you provide me the DT-375 user guide PDF? Thanks a lot. Robinson

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Ellen Hage
Posted: Jan 6th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

Author Comment

Robinson,

I can’t find my user guide, but I am sure if you go over to Andy’s site http://www.dt375.com and email him, he can send it to you. The user guide wasn’t much help for me. I found that Andy’s site answers all of my questions and problems.

HTH

Ellen

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