e-Reader apps for Android 2.2 tablet - Aldiko wins so far

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.flyersoft.moonreaderSo far my uPad zt180 7" tablet running Froyo Android (2.2) has been a whole lot of fun. The resistive touchscreen is not particularly responsive and the battery life is disappointing (2-3 hours with wi-fi turned on). I've tried out most all of the default apps and tweaked the interface a bit (Better Keyboard 8 made typing much easier)

I'm now concentrating on making the tablet the best e-reader possible. There are three aspects of reading on the tablet that I am working on: reading the book, getting books from my desktop, and getting books from the internet. For now I am focusing on ePub ignoring DRM and purchasing e-books.

So far I have installed and tested the free versions of Aldiko and Moon+ Reader. While Moon+ has tons of fun features like themes, textured "paper" backgrounds, and autoscrolling, I prefer Aldiko right now because it fully supports the CSS stylesheet. The pages are rendered with all of the intended formatting.

So far both apps have failed to connect to the Calibre OPDS server. Aldiko calls up the browser and shows the list of books, but when I click on a link to download I get a download unsuccessful message. Moon+ accepts the IP address to the Caliber server, I enter the username and password, but then nothing happens.

I will continue to tinker with the Calibre server/e-reader connection but I will also look at setting up a FTP server on the tablet so I can x-fer books and other files back and forth without having to use a USB cable or popping out the SD card.

Tablet on the way - waiting for the Customs lottery

The tablet I ordered from brandsdragon.com is finallt in Canada and waiting for customs clearance and any additional charges. I have no idea what additional charges I will have to pay. Its one of the biggest problems with ordering overseas. I've ordered dozens of little items from the east w/o attracting the attention of Customs but this time I may get hit with a significant charge.

2011-03-23 00:05:00 GUANGZHOU Released from Customs
00:35:00 GUANGZHOU Despatch from Sorting Center
2011-03-26 03:04:00 CANADA VANCOUVER Arrival at Sorting Center
2011-03-26 03:04:00 CANADA VANCOUVER Handed over to Customs

Viewsonic gTablet On Sale Right Now on Woot.com – Act Fast - eBookNewser

Viewsonic gTablet On Sale Right Now on Woot.com – Act Fast - eBookNewser:

"It’s running Android v2.2 on a 10.1″ (1024x600) capacitive touchscreen, and it has a Nvidia Tegra 2 CPU, 512MB RAM, 16GB Flash storage, a microSD card slot, Wifi, Bluetooth, and a 1.3MP camera on the front."

Its a bit better than the one I ordered from China (3 weeks ago) but according to the specs I think I still got a bargain. Way down the road I'll want a tablet with 2 cameras, built-in bluetooth, and a bunch of other features, but not a 10" and not for $279.

Upad ZT-180 Google Android 2.2 7 inch ZT-180 Dual core 1GHZ Tablet PC - I bought one!

Upad ZT-180 Google Android 2.2 7 inch ZT-180 Dual core 1GHZ Tablet PC
I ordered this March 3rd, but because of a Paypal snafu it has not been shipped yet, though payment has finally been registered and the shipment is being processed.

Its a bit of a risk getting a generic Android tablet from overseas, and apparently the Japan situation could affect shipment. For $105 (with a 6% discount on top of that) I'll be getting a 1GHz hires tablet with Android 2.2 so hopefully I won't have to fiddle around with new user-community-created firmware.

I'll update the blog as new information comes in. Needless to say I will not be looking at tablets a whole lot in the next few weeks. I already have buyer's remorse and I haven't even got my hands on it yet.

Here are the detailed specs:

CPU: ZT-180 Dual core 1GHZ
OS: Android 2.2
RAM: 256MB
Storage: 2GB
Support TF card extend 32GB max
Display: 7 inch TFT resisitive touch screen 1024*600
Webcam: 1.3 mega pixel camera
3G: external 3G function
GPS: No
Bluetooth: external bluetooth function
Networking: wifi 802.11b/g
Battery: 3000mAh
Work time: 4-5 hours
Sperkers: Yes
MIC: Yes
Input: 100-240V 50-60mA 0.12A
Output: 9V 2A
Audio format: Mp3, WAV, AAC...
Video format: MKV(H.264 HP), AVI, RM/RMVB, FLV, WMV9, MP4...
Picture format: JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG...
Office software: Word, Excel, PPT
G-sensor: Yes
Interface: HDMI*1, Headphone jack*1, Mini USB*1, USB*1, DC jack*1, TF card slot*1
Material of back cover: Plastic
Other application: Alarm Clock, Browser, Calculator, Calendar, Calibrate, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Dev Tools, Email, ES Task Manager, Facebook, Gallery, Gmail, Google Search, maps, Market, Messager, Music, Navigation, OfficeSuite, OI File Manager, Phone, Places, Settings, Sound Recorder, Spare Parts, Talk, Twittwe, YouTube
Weight: 0.395kgPackage weight: 1.1kg
Size: 20*12.7*1.4cm
Package size: 29*5.5*16.3cm

One more reason to root the NOOKcolor: Bluetooth - freedom

One more reason to root the NOOKcolor: Bluetooth:

"they have enabled a new function on the device – Bluetooth support. With the use of the latest version of Cyanogen Mod, a custom ROM, they have managed to get Bluetooth enabled on the tablet. While Bluetooth does work, at the moment it only has a functional range or 13″"

All tablets should have bluetooth. Its cheap and takes up little space. Of course it doesn't take a genius to figure out why its typically not included: unrestricted point-to-point communications is not controlled by the manufacturer or the phone company/service provider.

All the Details on Apple's iPad 2: Specs, Pricing, Release Date - wheres teh competition?

All the Details on Apple's iPad 2: Specs, Pricing, Release Date:

"The iPad 2 with WiFi will be available on March 11 in the U.S. for a $499 for the 16 GB model, $599 for the 32 GB model, and $699 for the 64 GB model. 3G will cost more: $629, $729, and $829 respectively."

Goddamit, wheres the competition out there? Incrementally better than the original with some flashy additions (no pun intended). The bargain Android tablet I'm looking to buy at Zellers has no camera, the microphone doesn't work with all Android apps, and it truns into a brick if you try to fine-tune the OS/app-suite.
I'm depressed.

Publishers of digital content face uphill battle - The Globe and Mail

Publishers of digital content face uphill battle - The Globe and Mail:

"What about using Google, instead of Apple? Publishers I have talked to believe the tablet is likely to be the dominant device for reading digital content, and Apple has a very big early lead. That installed base of tablets, the iTunes store and the more than 100 million credit cards already signed in makes it a market that will be too big for many to ignore … even as they complain about the economics."

Just as we saw Android take the phone market by storm, we are likely to see a drastic change in the tablet market. Let Apple develop the market for the tablet. Chinese tablets will then come along and take over.

NoteSlate /// intuitively simple monochrome paper alike tablet device

NoteSlate /// intuitively simple monochrome paper alike tablet device:

NoteSlate BASIC - launched model"

"NoteSlate is low cost tablet device with true one colour display, real paper look design, long life battery (180h !), together with very handy usage and very simple and helpful interface for pen and paper. This easy, compact and portable gadget is used anywhere you want to make any notes, drafts, sketches, any ideas for future reference. Paper for everyone! Write a note and check it later, save it, or delete it. Maybe send it after. Just one colour is enough to express the basics. Keep your life simple. You will love it. For $99."

DIY: $10 Android wind-up charger - tablets too?

DIY: $10 Android wind-up charger:

"Are you always cursing because your Android-powered device is always running out of juice? Well, if you don’t mind getting your hands slightly dirty, the Ben Heck Show has come up with a simple guide to teach you how to create a kinetic wind-up charger for Android phones."

Need something like this for the low end Android tablets that only work for 1-2 hours.

Samsung Drops Price Of Galaxy Tablet - eBookNewser

Samsung Drops Price Of Galaxy Tablet - eBookNewser:

"Samsung has lowered the price of its Galaxy S tablet and is available through Sprint for $299, down from $600."

MSI tablet features a built-in projector

MSI tablet features a built-in projector:

"Tablet devices are pretty common nowadays, but how often do you see a tablet with a built-in projector? We’re talking about a concept tablet from MSI that offers such capabilities. The projector can be rotated, allowing it to project an image on the wall or flipped around to project downwards onto the table, possibly a method to enable some form of projected keyboard, though there wasn’t any software in place to do that just yet."

Cruz Reader Review T301 Kindle eReader Android Tablet

Cruz Reader Review T301 Kindle eReader Android Tablet:

"This Cruz Reader review is based on the 2nd generation Cruz Reader, model number T301. The first gen model has a resistive touchscreen and comes pre-installed with the Borders ereading app while this T301 model has a capacitive touchscreen, comes with the Kindle ereading app, and includes other upgrades over the previous model."

Augen demos new family of caffeine-inspired tablets, teases dual-booting Android and Ubuntu slate -- Engadget

Augen demos new family of caffeine-inspired tablets, teases dual-booting Android and Ubuntu slate -- Engadget:

"Gentouch Latte - Just like the original, the next version of the Gentouch 78 has a 7-inch resistive display, 800MHz TCC 8902 processor, 2GB of storage, and no Android Market access. So, what has Augen improved exactly? Well, the tablet will run Android 2.2, has an accelerometer, and as you can see from the picture above, the buttons have been moved from the back of the device to the front. We don't need to tell you that the resistive screen makes this thing a real pain to use, but obviously, at $150 Augen is still aiming at the low-end here."

The Augen low-end tablet needs a lower price. Give it a month or two I guess.

Nook Color Wins Last Gadget Standing “People’s Choice Award” at CES

Nook Color Wins Last Gadget Standing “People’s Choice Award” at CES

Yesterday the Nook Color managed to win the People’s Choice Award at the Last Gadget Standing competition at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

It was up against some strong competition. The top ten finalists included a dual-screen laptop from Acer, a new chip from Intel, a video camera that shots 3D, the popular Nexus S Smartphone, a portable scanner, and some other cool gadgets.

Cut the price on the Nook Color in half and I'd get one in an instant. This reader will do more to open doors for Android tablets than any other product.

Aluratek Libre Air eBook Reader -- Ubergizmo

Aluratek Libre Air eBook Reader -- Ubergizmo:

"Since there isn’t any backlight, you will find that reading on the Libre Air is similar to that of a book, so your eyes won’t strain that easily. This also helps with the battery life, and paves the way for a third-party accessory for those who love reading in the dark – a clip-on light of sorts."

An LCD screen with no backlighting? Pass. Overpriced at $129. Someone out there needs to get the $50 market locked up.

Hands on Review of the Pocketbook IQ 701 e-Reader and Tablet PC | Good E-Reader Blog - Electronic Reader and Tablet PC News

Hands on Review of the Pocketbook IQ 701 e-Reader and Tablet PC | Good E-Reader Blog - Electronic Reader and Tablet PC News:

"The Pocketbook IQ is the best entry level tablet investment bar none. You can pick one up for a paltry price of $139 US and has way more functionality right out of the box then most other budget tablet computers.

We find the fact it has tons of content right out of the box to be a tremendously endearing factor. It also allows you to visit many other alternative markets to get applications that you find yourself enjoying the adventure of finding new applications and installing all of your favorites."

A good reference review if you're looking at all of the other cheap tablets out there. A key fact for me is the battery life of 7-12 hours. Most cheap tablets have a 2-4 hour battery life.

Video: Herotab M10 finishes the year as Best iPad Clone for 2010

Video: Herotab M10 finishes the year as Best iPad Clone for 2010:

"... priced at USD 299.99 (as usual at merimobiles.com) its simply amazing how similar the product is to the original iPad. No doubt you could fool your friends with this one but surprise them as well with its Android implementation."

The Cruz Reader from Velocity Micro - Borders - Books, Music and Movies

The Cruz Reader from Velocity Micro - Borders - Books, Music and Movies
Only $110US with free shipping. $3.99 Shipping if you are a Canuck. Very tempted by this: if Borders accepted Paypal this may have been a done thing.
I especially like the 800x600 7" screen over the usual 800x480 on most of the other bargain 7" tablets/readers.
Check out Velocity Micro Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet: Hands On from PCMag.com.

DealExtreme: $89.10 C008 7.0" Touch Screen E-Book Reader Music/Video Media Player w/ Voice Recorder/TF - Black (4GB)

DealExtreme: $89.10 C008 7.0" Touch Screen E-Book Reader Music/Video Media Player w/ Voice Recorder/TF - Black (4GB)

Somebody buy this and tell me how it works. The problem with buying direct with China is the dearth of detailed info (what software is it running?), and the expense involved if there are hardware problems.
I like the feature set and the price, though. I'm gonna keep an eye on it.

Notion Ink Adam Review - Posed to be next big success after Samsung Galaxy Tab

Notion Ink Adam Review - The Android Powered Tablet:

"Notion Ink opted to offer two different screen technology options for the Adam, an LCD display like those used on televisions and laptops and a more advanced variety that uses Pixel Qi technology.

Pixel Qi is a variation of LCD technology that is extremely energy efficient because it can use ambient light as a source to illuminate the pixels on the screen, without causing the screen to fade in bright light, so it is easily readable outdoors. The backlight can be turned on and off, depending on the lighting conditions. (Here's a really good article about Pixel Qi if you want to learn more.)"

* 10.1" LCD WSVGA (1024 x 600) Display
* Optional Pixel Qi display with transmissive, transflective, and reflective modes
* NVIDIA Tegra 250 Dual Core Cortex A-9 Processor
* Android Operating system (2.2) with upgrades to 2.3 and 3.0
* Wireless: WLAN - 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, optional 3G
* 1GB DDR2 RAM, 1 GB SLC, 8+ GB Flash, Memory expandable up to 128GB
* Micro SD card slot
* Sensors: accelerometer (3-axis), ambient light sensor, GPS, digital compass
* Ports: 2 USB 2.0, mini USB, HDMI
* 3 cell 24.6Whr battery
* 3.2 MP auto focus camera with 185° swivel
* Built-in speakers, microphone, headphone jack (3.5mm)
* Dimensions: 269 x 191 x 14mm
* Weight: aprox. 1.6 pounds

The Notion Ink Adam has a decent hardware profile and some interesting innovations. I think that if they compete with Samsung on price they could be the next major tablet manufacturer to hit the one-million mark. It has the screen size to compete directly with the iPad as well. A strong suite of Android 2.3 and 3.0 software will be crucial.