Ectaco Jet Book
Capable of storing thousand of books in it’s library. Palm size it is easily portable and can even save pictures and videos. They give competing brands a run for their money in visual appeal and quality.
Ectaco JetBook
Posted in: Ectaco Jetbook
About the Author
Long-time cutting edge consumer, first to offer mp3s for sale by the track in 1999
I received mine last week ($2oo @ newegg.com) and I am thrilled with it. A backlight would be nice and I feel their accessories are a bit pricey ($50 for a leather case? $20 for a silicone sleeve?). I will try to scavenge a case that will hold the book and the accessories that came with it (I like to keep all that stuff in one place or I will lose it).
The one thing I would like to see offered with the Jetbook is some simple word processing software and a virtual keyboard (or an attachment for an external keyboard). I would like to be able to put notes on/with the books as I read. Something like the comment tools in Acrobat Pro. A way to highlite text would be very nice as well.
I have wished for a digital book since I was a child back in the 1960’s and saw people reading the books onscreen in Star Trek.
I had been a die-hard paper book guy, but finally decided to give Kindle a try after reading the User’s Manual online. I must say, it is one well-designed device. The screen is very easy on the eyes and Amazon has done a great job putting the technology in the background so that you get that much-loved “lost in the book” feeling when you read. I don’t know how they did it, but I absolutely do not miss the paperback. In fact, it’s more immersive than a paperback since you’re not having to constantly fight the book’s desire to spring closed. I can read for hours (when I have time) without eye strain. And changing the text font size is a huge plus for avoiding eye strain or adjusting to your reading environment on the fly. I can also share books with family members that have a Kindle, an iPhone, or an iPod Touch (up to units are allowed on the account). My favorite features:
> Wireless downloading of books (GREAT feature. No need to wait to grab something to read while on the plane or just out and about!)
> Syncs last page read with my iPhone and vice versa, so I can read off my iPhone if that is what’s handy, and then pick up again on my Kindle later
> Electronic library and notes backup on Amazon.com
> Coworkers can email me .doc and .pdf files directly to my Kindle while I’m on the road
> The awesome screen – just can’t say enough about the quality of the reading experience
> The ability to bookmark, highlight, and take notes
> Built-in dictionary and Wikipedia access
> Access to my entire eBook library, all the time
> Mobi has many full collections available for under $5.00 (e.g., Mark Twain, Sherlock Holmes, etc.) – And they ALL fit on the Kindle!
There are a few cons:
> PDF documents do not convert terribly well, and you cannot create a live table of contents for PDFs and DOC files sent to your Kindle
> Many books I would love to have on the Kindle are not available, but a few surprise books have been, so I guess it balances out
> Cannot create Word or PDF documents with Table of Contents that the Kindle recognizes and makes active.
> Family will need their own Kindle or Apple device to access your library. This is a downfall of any eBook setup, but it’s the way of the future. Get ready to convert your stuffy home library space into a movie or game room!
> Would love a book checkout option so that I’m not having to actually buy everything I read. Maybe libraries will get there with Amazon, much like they let you check out audio books online. A subscription-based system (like Netflix for books) would also be a great idea.
When my kids get older, I will be getting Kindles for them too. They can read wherever they are. What a great way to develop the love for reading!
Kindle is a great device, and like it or not, it’s the way of the future.