Archive for the ‘Software’ Category

Several applications and tips have been added to the DT375 site since I last visited.  Yesterday I mentioned EzBackup.  I was able to install without a problem, however when I tried to create a backup, options were limited.  When I chose full backup it attempted to backup my storage card files along with everything else.  So I cancelled the backup and had to select files individually.  This took quite a while not to mention tedious.  If anyone knows how to do this better, please let me know.  I tried to test my backup by recreating my reset issue when pressing the power button, but I couldn’t.  So I forced a reset and went from there.  The backup didn’t go well the first time.  The second time was a charm.  One thing, to keep from reinstalling the backup software, install it to your storage card.I also installed GAPI for Handheld PCs along with the multimedia applications.  I viewed an Mpeg4 video I downloaded from archive.org.  Viewing was really pixelated and I could hardly hear it.  I tried using Sound Widget, but I got a pop-up saying it could not find the exe file.  I don’t understand since it installed without any problems. The problem with the video could be the video quality of file I downloaded.  I’ll try again later with one of own files when I get the chance.  I also could not use my regular earphones which is a drag.

I must say that my tablet is behaving quite well.  I wonder if it is because of GAPI.  I got excited when I saw screen orientation options in the settings, but it doesn’t work for the DT375.  Instead I got a pop-up screen suggesting Virtual Display.  I already own this application, but have been reluctant to use it since the time I thought I had bricked my device. I have been using it today without fear now that I know I can restore everything from backup.  Since this has taken so long, I’ll continue with my software and desktop enhancement tips tomorrow.

 It seems that converting text to be readable on your e-reading device is just about a fact of life.  Personally, I hate having to do it since it takes away from precious reading time.  Sometimes it just doesn’t seem worth it when I see hardcover books in Walgreens for only five bucks.  I think the hardest part of converting is learning how to use software to get the best results in the least amount of steps.  That’s why I hold on to my copy of Rocket Writer.  Some of you may remember this program that came with the original Rocket E-book.  It was dropped when later models were introduced.  It is still a useful program and it works on Windows XP.  The main attraction is that it can import files and render them in unencrypted .rb format.  Then I can just read the book using µBook. µBook is available for several versions of Windows CE and now for the Palm OS.  I really like µBook for reading.  There really is no learning curve for using Rocket writer and if you are already familiar with it, you can convert and go in almost no time at all.  The software will convert HTML, HTM, and Txt files.  You can enter the Author’s name, Category, and of course the title.  Essentially, you’ll end up with a book catalog.  The software allows you to search for your loaded books, view by Author and my favorite, by category.  The best part is that if you already have it, it is free.  In fact many user groups have it posted in their file sections or you can ask in the forum and someone will almost always send it to you.  Or better yet, you can get it from here.  Another thing I like about the software is that it can also import URLs.  If you want it will attempt to follow all links.  My basic use of this feature is to gather up directions for free craft projects.  I used to try to book mark these sites, but sites come and go and sometimes there is no permanent link to a particular project.  Once I have the URL downloaded and converted I can either put it on my e-book device or I look at it on my Rocket reader for Windows.  This is also a free program that you can read unencrypted Rocket editions on your PC.  I am sure there are other ways that people use this program.  So before you uninstall or get rid of your old software, think again.

I believe that all tech should work right of the box.  When it doesn’t it can be so frustrating to get it to work that I feel like throwing it out of the nearest closed window.  Other than unboxing the best part of getting a new “toy” is turning it on and using it.  Notice I didn’t say spending long hours talking to tech support.  At that point, even if the problem has been solved my perception of my new device has diminished.  That said, I have come up with some pointers on choosing your first e-book reader.  Certainly, this is a guide, so at the end story pick one that you like.   

1.  Dedicated or non-dedicated:  A dedicated reader can be used only for reading.    An example is the Ebookwise 1150. So if you want to listen to music you’ll have to lug around your mp3 player.  If you want your calendar, contacts, to-do list, you have to have your PDA with you.  So if you are a minimalist you may want to consider getting a non-dedicated device that has more built in functions.  The functions include those listed about and most like email, web browsing, games, and other software. Examples of non-dedicated devices include the Sony ereader (only because it allows you to listen to audio files) and the Palm TX (which is a PDA). 

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