Tech From an E-booker’s Viewpoint

If this was reported elsewhere, I missed it.  Ebook Technologies (ETI) has their own prototype e-ink device.  It looks a lot like Bookeen’s Cybook 2 and the Starebook  that I read about on Mobileread.  So, when will this be available?  I have no idea.  I am guessing that this may be the next generation device coming from Ebookwise.  It makes sense.  While I like the EBW 1150, Smart Media Cards are hard to come by and when you do find one, it’s just too expensive.  The cards are also limited in capacity, only up to 128mb.  I also wonder what formats it will offer.  Hopefully more than just the closed format on the current readers coming from ETI.  I remember that Fictionwise, which Ebookwise falls under has a reader software called Fictionwise reader.  It can display unencrypted Microsoft Reader files (lit), HTML, plain text, as well as it’s own format.  Currently this reader only works on Windows and Pocket PC.  So here’s hoping that this will be ported over to their new reader. This device could offer an alternative to those reluctant to buy their reader outside the U.S. , or simply want more local support.  If anyone can give more information about this device, please share.

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, Palm has updated their Desktop for Windows to include support for Vista users.  According to the directions it is not recommended for other Windows users such as XP.  Also, it does not support all Palm devices and is English only.  So check and make sure your device is listed.  It’s Beta, but a friend of mine has installed it (she owns a Palm TX) and it works for her so far.  Now she can get rid of her ailing XP machine.