I really like the cases offered at Fabrix Cases, but I just can’t see paying $40 for about $4 in materials and limited design choices. Earlier this year, I had mentioned that I would try to make my own case. I looked at lots of different patterns from McCalls, Simplicity, and Kwik Sew; however each one would have to be modified for size. Also I wanted a bag based on Fabrix’s design. At that point I decided to just make my own pattern. The red case pictured here represents my first attempt. For the outside I used a 17″ x 17″ napkin I bought at Target. It was in a pack of two for $2. For the lining I used 1/2 yd of novelty fabric from Walmart. The fabric was $2 a yd. I didn’t draw out a pattern, but guestimated the needed size using a ruler and the Eee Pc’s dimensions. I like the fit, but it just seems a bit bulky since I used ½ inch foam padding. I originally wanted ¼ inch in thickness, but I don’t know if that would have given me the amount of protection I want. I placed the Velcro a bit too high and later I just added another strip. My second bag pictured below was made based on my first attempt and I added an extra inch in width. Another change I made was to round the corners on both the flap and the sleeve. This time I did make a paper pattern. This bag lies flatter, but the fit is a bit loose (but not too much). I do think that it is a great size for my various e-book devices although I’ll never know (my daughter has taken possession). So now I am creating a third pattern, this time I am subtracting some of the ease previously added. Hopefully, the third time is the charm. It’s been a lot of fun and the best part is that I know no one will have the same case. The case is quick and easy to make and I doubt if it cost me more than $5. If anyone is interested, I will post directions, pattern, and materials.
OS2008 has been available now for a while. I initially tried to update mine just before Christmas, but I had trouble being able to download and install the update. I figured that the servers were busy with everyone else trying to do the same thing. This week I read over at Internet Tablet Talk that there were server problems as well. All should be fine now. This week I have been busy installing the new operating system. This is the same OS that comes installed on the N810. So far, I like the update. My only observation so far is that my N800 seems to move a little slower. I also miss my Valentine’s theme that came packaged with OS2007. I wish there was a way that I could have kept that theme. All the other themes seem so masculine. I downloaded and installed Gutenbrowse. This utility works in conjunction with FBreader. You also have to have Python Runtime 2.5 installed. Gutenbrowse allows the user to search, find, download, and read e-books from Project Gutenberg. All I can say is that this is one fantastic little program. All I had to do is input either the author or title and seconds later I got the results. I then clicked the one I wanted, it downloaded and asked me if I wanted to read it. I clicked yes and Voila! FBreader opens and I am reading. This has certainly made obtaining books from Gutenberg not just faster and more convenient, but actually fun.
This could be a lifesaver for students. I hope that someone out there will port this over to the Eee PC. The application also works on OS2007. I did not see a version for OS2006. I may have to hack my husband’s N770 so that he can take advantage of the application’s features.
And now that I mentioned the Eee PC, I wanted to give a heads up for those looking for a case for their small wonder. Some users have reported that the Case Logic Hard Drive case makes a great carrier for their Eee and its accessories. Overstock has it on sale for $21.99.
In a perfect world I would have been able to purchase every piece of technology that caught my eye. Sadly, the world is not perfect and like most people I have a limited tech budget. In light of that I really tried to make the most of what I had to spend and it didn’t always work out. The bad results were that I ended up either with something that I really didn’t want or something I had to send back (and pay the restocking fee). My resolution this year is to research my purchases with more scrutiny and then wait an extra few weeks to make sure that I really want my new toy. Will it work? Only time will tell. There are more than a few things I bought in 2007 and the following are my top worse and best choices:
Worse:
Tablet Kiosk UMPC: I thought that I could rotate the screen, but could not. This was important since I really wanted to be able to read in portrait mode. Since this was before I had Lasik, I had a hard time reading the screen. I tried to adjust it, but I immediately got frustrated. I hastily sent it back and ended up paying a 15% restocking fee. I really should have read more reviews and watched the online videos. I still think that the Tablet Kiosk is a nice UMPC, but it just wasn’t for me.
iLiad: I hate listing this as a worse buy. I knew it was too expensive, but I am not complaining about that. I only placed it here because I really didn’t get much more bang in my reading experience. It’s a great machine, but its advanced features are more than what I currently need. I did have fun installing the hacks (I think that’s the correct phrase) and add on applications I read about on Mobileread. The e-book reader did boost my Linux confidence.
Best:
Nokia N800: Since I live in an area that has limited hot spots, the N800 coupled with my Razr has allowed me to browse the Internet and check my email anywhere I go. As a bonus I can read my books at night. The big plus is that I can easily read the screen.
DT375 Web Tablet: Yes it is old tech, but as an e-book reader it is just great. In addition to a color screen and backlight, I now have a device with MS reader, Palm reader, uBook, and Mobipocket reader.
Eee PC: It’s just a great little notebook.
Try as I might I could not finish a good completion of my Kindle review. I am just not interested in the reader. It took me forever to find a book to buy and download. Since Amazon has the one click buy and download, I quickly learned that you got to be very careful when browsing. If you are not paying attention there is the possibility that you will buy something by mistake. I feel as though I have to adjust myself to the reader rather than the reader adjusting to me. For example, I rarely get to read during the day. Most of my leisure reading takes place at night so in order to use the Kindle I have to use a light. To be fair I knew that and that’s the reason why I don’t get much use out of my Sony reader either. Another adjustment is the case. It makes the reader bulky to me. At home I remove it, but I wanted to try using the reader in a different environment. I toted it with me to a coffee café and used the case to keep it from any damage. It was just too uncomfortable for me. M-edge plans to offer a cover for the Kindle. It should be out within a couple of weeks. Maybe that will change my mind about using the device. They do have the second generation Sony reader cases available for pre-order. Also, the on/off and Wifi buttons are on the back. I find it annoying to take off the cover to perform what I see as frequent tasks. I forgot to do so and the battery ran out in a day or so. I guess the Wifi shortens battery life considerably.
The only thing that has surprised me is that people recognize the Kindle. I get questions about the reader everywhere. Most people seem to react positively to the reader, but shy away because of the price. When I have had my other readers with me, most people thought I was playing some sort of video game, or using a PDA. So I am happy that word is spreading about e-books. I just wish that another e-book device would come out that will make me as excited as I was about my Cybook.
On the catch up, I have been running around like crazy. It happens to me every Christmas. I keep telling myself that I will do better, (buy early, buy less, and stress less) but I never do. I have been using my Eee PC more and more. I really like the laptop. My only change would be for it to have a swivel screen. If you are looking at getting a different type of case for yours, take a look at Fabrix Cases. The cases are about $40 plus another $10 for shipping. That’s a bit too pricey for me. Usually I use a portable DVD player case or insert padding into a book/Bible cover. I have yet to find one in a color and style that suits me. I am thinking about making my own cases. We’ll see.
I sincerely hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday season and a great new year ahead.
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