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Bookeen Cybook Gen3 Review

Author	Sandra Vogel
Published	9th Nov 2008
Manufacturer	Bookeen
Price	£187.23 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed	£220.00 (Inc VAT)
Latest Price	Click here

Features
Usability
Value
Overall

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I like my eBooks, and generally spend more time than I probably should with a notebook computer propped up on my knees reading from the screen, or using my smartphone of the day for a bit of e-reading. I'm also a big fan of paper books - I read a lot more words printed on good old treeware than I do on screen.

The upshot though, is that I am always on the look out for a good e-reader, and that means not only something that works well in itself, but that meets my need for ‘comfort computing'. It has to be something easy to hold, easy to use, and that I am prepared to carry around.

Recently I took a look at another eBook reader called the iLiad. I found it to be a relatively expensive option, a bit large for carrying around in a bag, and potentially technically demanding for some users, though I did like it in many ways.

The latest incarnation of the Cybook from Bookeen deals with the size and technical difficulty issues and is less expensive too.

The technical points are addressed in no small part by leaving things out. This is an eBook reader pure and simple (well, almost). It doesn't have a digitizer stylus like the iLiad, and so you can't make your own notes. That's fine by me, as all I want to do with it is read. Nor does it have Wi-Fi for fancy downloading of data.

Size-wise the Cybook Gen3 is ideal. It measures 188mm tall and 118mm wide and is 8.5mm thick and weighs 174g. It is too big for a pocket, but beautifully sized for the hand.

I got the Deluxe version which costs -450 (as opposed to the standard version which is -350). One of the extras you get for the additional Euros is a leather wallet. This is well made and stores the Cybook Gen3 nicely as well as having a couple of pouches for paper or what have you, and a pen holder.

But for my money the wallet adds too much bulk to what is, without it, a beautifully portable device. Give me a screen protector in preference any day.

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Singularity said on 11th November 2008

@Ed: Don't have an axe to grind at all; everything above is based on what I have read this site and others. Not sure why you would precive stating facts as an issue, but it cl... more

Darfuria said on 11th November 2008

I just like the one button-ness of this one. Plus it looks a little smaller than the Sony Reader.

Hugo said on 11th November 2008

Having played with both, I'd pick the Sony Reader every time. Just my t'penny worth.

I am *so* avoiding the rest of this discussion! =)

Coolstart said on 3rd January 2009

Very strange this ebook earns 10/10 for usability?? I did a detailed case study about the cybook. All the marks where related to usability and there are for non-advanced users huge drawbacks. Our target group was 50 years old and they all read more than 30 books/year. Non of the test persons did understand the navigation and the most of them had difficulties to understand the little buttons on the left. Especially the big navigation button on the front is confusing because the little black button inside the silver square button covers 2 different action : Selection and Menu.

The device must be very simple, but the few option it has (compared with mobile phones, mp3 players, digicams) are difficult to reach or sorted unlogic.

But the benefits are huge to. The screen is crystal clear and the design is very slim. But for epileptic people the "reset" flash to change polarization from the e-inkt can be a problem. Even normal people closed there eyes for a moment when changing a page.

Our cybook had some strange errors, the delete button on the right did not seem to work and when you disconnect the USB connector the cybook freezes up.

And other big problem was the lak of overview, when you have lots of mp3's, books and pictures you will search for ever to find your file. Ok, it is not a mp3 player, but this is no reason to throw all different files on one big stack. At least in our version there was no search function or any kind of separation between the books are file. The only thing you can do it arrange all files from A to Z.

The dictionary function is a good feature, but in our cybook it was not working. (maybe you have to install it first?)

None of our participants could find the MP3 function, simply because there where to many books on the device, before you get your mp3 you need to scroll aaaal the way down.

I have to tell somebody told me there is a firmware update, maybe it is solved?

And none of them could change the standard English (even more advanced users) language because the selection buttons behave against your nature.

I don't say this is a bad product, but the user interface is not perfect! NO 10/10 :-)i can't believe.... Still I will recommend this cybook to everybody because the screen is just perfect! But older people need even for this easy looking cybook there
Grandchildren to get operate all the functions.

+ super screen, high res.
+ Look and feel (housing)
+ Slim design
+ battery life
+ external MMC slot

- operates slow
- reset flash when changing page can be irritation for some people
- no touch screen
- no "feel good" navigation.

0 They need some help from apple engineers ;-)

Very strange this ebook earns 10/10 for usability?? I did a detailed case study about the cybook. All the marks where related to usability and there are for non-advanced users huge... more

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