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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?"

5 of 167 comments (clear)

  1. iRex iLiad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    It does everything you want. Nothing with an e-ink screen is going to browse the internet "properly", but nothing without really fits the bill either.

    Get an iLiad, and keep updating the browser as new versions become available. It runs Linux, and isn't locked-down DRM-addled crap like the Kindle or those shoddy Sony efforts.

    1. Re:iRex iLiad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      I too have an iLiad and would recommend AGAINST getting one. The hardware for the iLiad is great, the software from iRex is horrible. Just for example, the hardware has (stereo) sound capabilities. That's good. The software doesn't. That's stupid.

  2. iPhone. by icebike · · Score: 5, Informative

    Ok, someone has to say it. iPhone/iPod Touch.

    Choice of several readers. Choice of formats,
    and at least 3 different on line stores if you want to buy something to read.

    May not be cost effective for the single purpose of PDF reader, but throw in everything else it does and it makes sense.

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    Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
  3. Re:Solution: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fascinating. I want to mod the first part of your post informative, the second offtopic, and the third flamebait.

  4. Touch Book from Always Innovating by RicRoc · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I have pre-ordered a Touch Book from Always Innovating for just this kind of thing.

    http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/touchbook/

    Runs Linux on:
    Texas Instruments OMAP3530 with Micron 256MB (RAM) + 256MB (NAND) Memory
    8.9 inches 1024x600 A+ ressure sensitive touch screen
    Main storage: 8GB SD card (replaceable!)
    USB: internal and external

    Should be shipping this month!

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    Who?