Archive for March, 2009

I really enjoy my using my Jetbook.  Now I will have more to enjoy.  Ectaco is adding support for Epub and Mobipocket.  While it will not be supporting Mobi DRM, this is still great news.  I think a drawback for some folks it that the Jetbook only supported txt and pdf files.  Their last update added support for fb2.  Maybe if the Jetbook gains a bigger user base it will support DRM titles.  Personally, I would rather see ereader support.  I like that I can read their books on more than just four devices.

I got this news from Mobileread.  I tried to find the original source over at Ectaco, but I couldn’t.  I would think that when the upgrade is available you’d find it here.

Also, someone wrote a comment here asking how to get their titles onto the reader.  All you have to do is plug in your reader to your PC with the included USB cable.  It will recognize your reader as a storage drive.  Just drag and drop your books in the books folder.  For more details you can download the manual here.

So if you are thinking about buying a Jetbook you can get one from Neweggfor 199.00 plus free shipping.  The only color listed is graphite. Don’t forget that the Jetbook is not an e-ink reader.

This has been a rough week.  The kids went back to school from their Spring Break, I had an assignment due for the Web Design class I am taking, and nothing seemed to go right.  I had planned to post my review on the Peek earlier this week.  Instead, I decided to upgrade the firmware to the new Pronto version 1.09 so that I could review the new features etc.  Great plan, but I messed up.   I ended up bricking my device and had to send it in today to get it fixed.  

What is great is the technical support that the Peek folks have.  They are so nice and they actually answer emails.   I did have to send it back at my own expense, but I feel that is fair.  From what I have read on their discussion board the turnaround is really quick.  I got an email from Gabe at GetPeek and somehow my misfortune has made me Peekster of the month.  I feel special.  I never have won a thing in my life, but today I did.  It has brought some peace to my hectic week. 

My advice right now is that although you may not want to send in your Peek to have them upgrade it, you may want to at least consider it for right now.  Upgrading is not for the faint of heart, but I do believe that the folks at Peek are working on that.  Believe it or not I actually miss my gadget and can’t wait to get it back so I can continue being a Crash Test Pilot.    I found this site between trying to get my Lost spoiler fix: Peek has an application page.  There aren’t a lot, but I am sure that will change.  What interested me was the RSS feed capabilities.  That was one of the main things that I used on my Nokia N800.  I no longer use my Nokia for RSS feeds since I am not privy to hot spots.  Not so with the always on Peek network.  I look forward to having that feature.

About two weeks ago I was strolling through Target and noticed that the Peek email device had dropped to $49.99. I can’t say that I need to have constant email service, but it would be nice. So I decided to take a chance and buy it. This is how I rationalized my purchase:

·         I am getting rid of my iPhone and the whole too-expensive-for-what-I-am-getting parasitical cell phone bill.

·         The Peek requires no contract and the $20 a month is a lot better than what I am paying for my cell phone now.

·         Since there is no contract, I can quit and return anytime that I want. In these rough economic times, this can really save me some money and still feel connected.

·         Peek is adding text messaging features

·         I can have Daily Lit sent to my Peek and actually really read a book via email. I tried doing on my Nokia N800 and it didn’t work out well for me.

·         It was on sale and I could resist. It’s been awhile since I bought a gadget on a whim.

To make sure I can stop service whenever I want, I got a pre-paid debit card. It works great and is even listed as a suggestion on the Peek support site. I also went to their Peek Boutique page and bought an upgrade cable. Set up was almost instantaneous. The unit I bought had v1.04 and their newest firmware is 1.08. Upgrading to the newest firmware was much more tedious. Much of that was my fault. So now I am up and running and have been trying out my new toy.  So far I don’t really see too many differences in the two versions other than more keypad shortcuts.

Tomorrow, I plan to post my review of the unit in light of the newest Peek being available. For right now I do want to point out something that I read on their discussion board today. Even if you buy or already own the first gen Peek you will be able to upgrade to the same features as the Peek Pronto for free. I believe the only differences are that the new gen device will have a softer keypad, push email, and being able to receive email from three more different accounts.

If you are interested in one, check out your local Target. I hear that in some places it is as low as $35.00

Artisteer Logo

I’ve noticed lately that it is getting harder and harder to find a variety of software in stores.  I wonder if this is just where I live or is it everywhere.  I can remember rows of software and computer books in Best Buy just a few years ago.  Not so.  Other than Microsoft offerings, there are bargain software applications that include mostly games.   So when I started looking for something to help me make my own WordPress theme, I turned to the Internet.  I found some online generators, but I wasn’t happy with the results.  Then I found Artisteer.    Here’s a quick description from their website:

Artisteer is a web design automation product that instantly creates fantastic looking, unique website templates and blog themes.  Design awesome WordPress^TM Blogs and professional Joomla! ^TM and Drupal^TM Websites in Minutes.

So far the program lives up to its description.  It does have its limitations.   I wish I could import a template and then convert it into a Wordpress theme.  Maybe it is possible.  Still there is enough variety within the program to create your own unique design.
It is a bit expensive.  So is getting someone to create a design for you.  The Home/Academic Edition is $49.95 and the Standard Edition is $129.95.   Both editions offer free upgrades for a year.   I bought the Standard Edition a few months ago when it was on a “Special Sale” of $99.95.  I think that you could get your money’s worth out of though by creating templates for others such as friends, associates, and family.  Artisteer is really easy to use and I could see kids getting a kick out of it.   There is a trial version available for you to check out and see if it’s for you.  Money is tight all around so try before you buy.

Yes, it has been a really long time since I last posted.  I had to let the blog go for awhile because there was so much going on in my life.   Now that things are back on track I look forward to blogging on a regular basis.  There are a lot of exciting developments and happenings in the e-book work these days.  I feel optimistic about the future of e-books for the first time since I don’t know when.

Hopefully I haven’t lost all of you that dropped by occasionally to read my blog.   As you may have noticed, I finally have my own design.  That was something that really bothered me.   I didn’t like having a cookie cutter template.    Believe it or not, I did it myself.  Thanks to a great new application.  I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.