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Good PDF Reader Device With Internet Browsing?

Posted by timothy on from the all-things-to-one-guy dept.

ranjix writes "I need a handheld device which would allow me to read ebooks and/or browse the internet while actively and intensely laying in the hammock (and Yes, I do have a hammock in my mom's basement). I'll try to sum up the basic requirements: (good) PDF reader (and ebooks of whatever sort), WiFi connectivity and Internet browser, screen minimum 4.5", readable in sunlight, etc, fairly responsive, at least 4-5 hours battery. Obviously I looked at the usual suspects: Kindle/Amazon tries to grab one into the proprietary formats and their own network (while other ebook readers don't really browse the internet), laptops/netbooks are pretty hard to hold, and the UMPC arena seems a hodge-podge of 'to be released' (Viliv S5? Aigo whatever?) with 'seriously expensive' (Sony, OQO) or plain 'we recommend you don't buy' (Samsung Q1Ex). Is there anything else I could use in the given circumstances?"

9 of 167 comments (clear)

  1. A 9 inch netbook by grege1 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    An 8.9" netbook is very close in external dimensions to a 7" inch model. All have WiFi. Get a solid state device like the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 running Ubuntu or get an ASUS EeePC 701 for the absolute cheapest. Use any PDF reader and screen rotation, hold netbook sideways. With a big USB Thumb drive (or SD card) and headphones it can also be used as a movie player, or a music player and you can surf the net. This is the sort of use netbooks are good for, better than trying to make them mini notebooks.

  2. Re:iRex iLiad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    the price of the iliad is a complete joke. $700? May as well buy a tablet pc at that price.

  3. Haven't we already had one CrunchPad story today? by ActusReus · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I haven't heard that the CrunchPad prototypes support PDF... but if not, I imagine it's sure to be the first new feature added.

  4. Re:iRex iLiad by rm999 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "It runs Linux, and isn't locked-down DRM-addled crap like the Kindle or those shoddy Sony efforts."

    You don't understand the Kindle at all. First, it runs Linux. You are probably repeating complaints that the software isn't open source, but Linux is not a synonym for open source. Second, its DRM does not prevent you from viewing non-DRM material. The Kindle has a very capable PDF converter, and the resulting files have no DRM in them. The Kindle is a superset of a theoretically identical device without any DRM. I have a Kindle and have never used its DRM.

    The Kindle is an impressive piece of hardware, but I agree its software licensing leaves something to be desired.

  5. But what about for Simple PDF reading?? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I don't care about internet browsing, that's what my computer is for. Nor do I care about music playback, that's what my MP3 player is for. I just want a simple device that can read PDF files so that I don't have to read them on an eye-straining monitor.

    Criteria:
    - Screen without backlight, large and high DPI preferably. e-Ink is fine. I want ot read under a lamp.
    - Long battery life. Enough for me to read for 30+ hours.
    - Touch screen would be nice.
    - Low price, but not too picky

    Can anyone suggest any devices that are out on the market now or will be in the near future. Cookies for all non-troll responses!!

  6. As a hammock owner Id like to say... by xSauronx · · Score: 3, Insightful

    that the only thing you should have in your hand is a beer or a mixed drink.

    --
    By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth. -- George Carlin
    1. Re:As a hammock owner Id like to say... by dontmakemethink · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Agreed. Throw that sentiment in with the fact that a war's going on, the economy is circling the bowl, we're destroying the planet with our excesses, but a laptop is too cumbersome for your precious hammock, so stop the press.

      I sympathize with your plight, but please go to a store where they're paid to be insensitive. Pardon my optimism, but this marvel of intercommunication has more potential than an enhanced shopping channel.

      --

      War as we knew it was obsolete
      Nothing could beat complete denial
      - Emily Haines
  7. Re:Your are not the only one looking... by mdwh2 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    But nobody's whining. As always, it's people whining about any possible criticism against Apple - even before it actually happens.

    Personally I think it's nice for a Slashdot article to, for once, acknowledge the existence of the vast range of popular and mainstream handheld devices, rather than pretending the Iphone is the only device in existence.

  8. Re:iRex iLiad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    > That's stupid

    That's going to get fixed in one or other upcoming software release. Have you mentioned it on the support forum instead of just bitching about it on Slashdot?