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Ectaco Jetbook Lite
Ectaco Jetbook Lite Overview
The Jetbook Lite, the second device to come from the Ectaco e-reader series, is not necessarily lighter in weight than the first generation Jetbook, but it certainly is to the pocket. Aimed to be the most affordable of e-readers, the Ectaco Jetbook Lite enters the market with a price tag of less than $150. But with its improved screen display, universal power source, and translation functionality, can the Ectaco Jetbook Lite challenge the current heavyweights of the e-reading world?
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Features – Hardware and Software
At first glance, the Ectaco Jetbook Lite doesn’t look any different from the first Jetbook with its physical looks and features such multilingual interface options, the World CIA Factbook, and the company’s award-winning language translation software.
Ectaco, however, has decided to do some overhaul, fitting the new device with novel features that separates the Jetbook Lite not only from its original e-reader, but also from other e-readers on the market. Gone is the original Jetbook’s internal Li-On battery. Instead, the Jetbook Lite comes with a battery chamber for 4 AA batteries (rechargeable batteries can also be used). This switch has allowed Ectaco to give the new e-reader a much lower price tag, as well as increase its energy efficiency. Instead of mere 20 hours, users can now enjoy 23 continuous reading hours on a single charge.
The Ectaco Jetbook Lite also trades e-ink screen with LCD screen. Manufactured by Toshiba, the 5-inch TFT LCD screen provides the same benefits as e-ink paper displays. Its VGA reflective monochrome technology enables the device to be read under a variety of lighting conditions without a need for back or front light, which causes eyestrain in typical LCD screens. On the one hand, use of TFT screen enables the Ectaco Jetbook Lite to switch pages much faster than e-readers that utilize e-ink technologyg. Gone are the flashes between pages, too.
Another breakthrough is support for DRM content: users can now shop and pull content from Barnes and Nobles.
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The Bottom Line
Because it is still missing a wireless capability, users looking forward to download the latest books directly from their device have to look somewhere else. But those who want to study a new language, learn something about different places in the world, or read foreign language books in addition to having pleasurable e-reading experience, the Ectaco Jetbook Lite steps into new technological roads that other e-readers have not yet ventured into.
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Ectaco Jetbook Lite Pros & Cons
Pros
With the switch to AA batteries, one would think Ectaco is sacrificing portability for price. Yet at 9 ounces, it is still light enough to be carried around in one's hand or in one's pocket. Where the battery chamber is, users will notice a bulge. While not exactly an eye candy, the bulge has ergonomic use, adding a comfortable hand-hold for the left hand. It doubles up as a handy stand when doing something else, such as writing down quotes from the e-reader.
T9 text input method makes typing of words faster; the system refers to pre-installed dictionaries to auto-complete the words if preferred. Upon purchase, users are all set to enjoy the world of e-reading; the device is pre-loaded with a number of classics, such as by Shakespeare and James Joyce.
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Cons
The Jetbook Lite's built-in flash memory, at 100 MB, is meager, although storage capacity can be expanded via an external storage. Font type options are also limited; users can choose between two font types only.
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What's In The Ectaco Jetbook Lite Box
• Ectaco Jetbook Lite e-reading device
• Dual USB Cable
• 4 X AA Batteries
• User Manual
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Ectaco Jetbook Lite Features
Main Features
• 5-inch TFT LCD screen display
• Landscape/ Portrait orientation
• Powered by 4 x AA batteries
• T9 text input
Key Features
• Supports multiple languages
• Supports multiple formats
• Bookmark and auto page turn
• DRM support
• Adjustable font type and size
Bonus Features
• CIA World Factbook
• Bi-directional dictionaries
• Plays music and displays pictures
The JBL is more restricted in formats than you say. It will support B&N DRMd .pdb files, but not BRMd .epub. Unfortunately B&N seems to be switching over to .epub and on ordering an ebook from them one cannot tell in advance what flavor of format it is. I guess this is OK if you like crapshsoots – but I’ve already been burned on a B&N purchase of a .epub book. No refunds if you guess wrong. Or buy from ereader.com or from fictionwise.com. They sell the JBL and their books do work with it.