Ebook reader with touch screen and Wi-Fi lets you download books from multiple stores
February 1, 2010
Even Apple fans have to admit that the company rarely can get the first version of a new product exactly right. The iPad tablet proves the point - it is missing some key features that many ebook reader devices, like the new Bebook Neo, already have. Maybe it is because the Neo is already BeBook's third generation ebook reader product.
The BeBook Neo ebook reader device comes with 6-inch touch screen and wireless Internet access.
The grey-scale document display is complemented with Wacom's touch-sensitive panel. The touch panel makes it possible to tap screen for menus and for turning the page. The BeBook Neo has a unique feature among ereaders - you can sketch and annotate directly on the screen with a stylus. The remarks and drawings can be stored in the device.
Ereaders from billion-dollar brands, like Amazon or Apple, tend to have one thing in common; it is possible to purchase new ebooks only from the vendor's online store. Typically, ebooks downloaded from these stores are copy-protected so that they can't be viewed on another device at all.
The BeBook Neo features Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you access the Internet via wireless hotspots at home, in the office, or at a cafe. Not only can you view Wikipedia and Google, but also download ebooks from independent online book stores across the world.
The BeBook Neo is not tied to a single store or single ebook format. The device can display common documents formats, such PDF, Epub, and HTML. It can also open copy-protected Adobe Digital Editions ebooks - a widely used commercial file format.
The list price for the BeBook Neo is 299 euros. Other ereaders with touch screen and Wi-Fi are, for instance, the Irex, Camangi Webstation, Entourage Edge, and the Sony Touch Edition.
BeBook Neo key features and specifications:
- 6-inch grey-scale ebook display.
- Touch screen functionality built on Wacom touch-panel technology. It is possible to sketch, annotate and mark-up text using the touch screen.
- Wireless Wi-Fi connection to the Internet. Makes it possible to download ebooks from independent online book stores around the world and access Google and Wikipedia.
- The device can open ebooks saved in EPUB, PDF, TXT, HTML, RTF, MOBI, CHM, PDB formats. Locked, copy-protected Adobe Digital Editions ebooks are compatible as well.
- Display of JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF images.
- 512MB of internal storage for up to 1000 ebooks.
- SD memory card slot for removable storage up to 16GB per card.
- 3.5mm audio jack for headphones.
- USB 2.0 port.
- Rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Battery life about 7000 page turns per charge.
- Dimensions: 196 x 121 x 10.6 mm. Weight 298 grams.
