Oct 29

Cybook: Standard or deluxe package?

Tag: DevicesEllen Hage @ 2:20 pm

CybookBy now you’ve probably have read from several sources that Bookeen has met their October release date.  Prices for the Cybook range from $350 to $450 depending on package configuration.  The device standard package is the cheapest, but it does not include a cover.  The items in the standard package are slim pickings. Other than the Cybook you get an USB cable, a quick start guide.  The deluxe package includes earphones (9.95), leather cover (39.95), extra battery (44.95), USB charger (23.95), and a 2gb SD card (24.95).  If bought separately you’d spend about $50 more if I added correctly. So what should you choose?  I would immediately say standard since most of the items in the deluxe package can be found elsewhere for a lot less; however the extra battery and cover gives cause to reconsider.  I don’t like the color of the cover (chocolate brown) and it’s disappointing that some sort of cover is not included, even a cheap one.  There is hope though; M-edge’s site says that they will be offering a cover for the Cybook soon.  Do you really need an extra battery? Maybe not now, but considering international shipping rates, it may be a good idea.  Shipping is quite reasonable.  It’s $33.32 whether you get the standard or deluxe package.  From what I can tell the ship rate is for all merchandise <1000g.  So if you decide later to get the battery, then you will be paying $33.32 again.  Remember too that you can buy accessories a la carte or in essence design your own package. Personally, I have decided to wait until M-edge has their Cybook cases available for sale before I get a Cybook.  I really don’t think I could risk using the device without some sort of protection. I could use some sort of alternative pouch or case, but I’m not in a rush for a new reader.  When I do order one, I think I will go ahead and get the battery too.  As a last note the reader will start to ship on November 2nd

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6 Responses to “Cybook: Standard or deluxe package?”

  1. Andrew M. Kasper
    1

    Ellen:

    I’m having the same internal debate.

    Earphones for $9.95 are a rip-off. You can get the same earphones at the dollar store, assuming you even want to use your Cybook to listen to music.

    It seems to me that since the Cybook is USB 2.0+, you should be able to charge it just by docking it with your PC. The charger is probably non-critical.

    You can get a 2GB SD memory card for $17.98 (shipping included).

    As for the cover: I don’t think it’s aesthetic enough to be worth it. I’d rather just make my own. If you’re really concerned about the battery shipping rates — a reasonable concern, I should say — then just save money and buy an extra battery when you buy your Cybook.

    Looks like we agree completely.

    Reply to this comment.
  2. Ellen Hage
    2
    Author Comment

    Yes Andrew we do agree. I was begining to wonder if we ever would :). Basically, I think that people ought to really think this one out before clicking the buy button. The usb charger I already have and I paid less than 10 bucks. Also every earphones I have gotten as part of a package were inferior. Also I have have to ask why audio is even a feature. IMO an e-book is for reading. As far as the 2 gb card, remember that the holidays are upon us and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the card going for a lot less.

    Ellen

    Reply to this comment.
  3. Krystian Galaj
    3

    My Cybook Deluxe arrived today morning. I followed instructions on a one-page quickstart guide to charge the battery, and then turn it on and start reading User’s Guide inside. When the battery charged, I turned it on, and found about 40 books, book demos, and photos, but no User’s Guide.
    So be warned. I’m now browsing through the web in hopes someone has put in somewhere online in pdf format.

    Reply to this comment.
  4. Ellen Hage
    4
    Author Comment

    My Cybook Deluxe arrived today morning. I followed instructions on a one-page quickstart guide to charge the battery, and then turn it on and start reading User’s Guide inside. When the battery charged, I turned it on, and found about 40 books, book demos, and photos, but no User’sGuide.
    So be warned. I’m now browsing through the web in hopes someone has put in somewhere online in pdf format.

    I noticed on the Bookeen site they have a FAQ page. I didn’t see anything though that was specifically about PDF files. You should check out the Mobileread.com forum section on the Cybook. I think that it will be a great help. Probably better than a user manual.

    Ellen

    Reply to this comment.
  5. Ellen Hage
    5
    Author Comment

    My Cybook Deluxe arrived today morning. I followed instructions on a one-page quickstart guide to charge the battery, and then turn it on and start reading User’s Guide inside. When the battery charged, I turned it on, and found about 40 books, book demos, and photos, but no User’s Guide.
    So be warned. I’m now browsing through the web in hopes someone has put in somewhere online in pdf format.

    Hi, you can get the User guide here: http://www.bookeen.blogspot.com/ Just scroll down a post or two.

    Ellen

    Reply to this comment.

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