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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If you’re looking for a travel companion, rather than just an e-book reader, this may be your ticket. Small enough to fit not only in your carryon or laptop case, but a virtual library and reference guide in your pocket! The smallest and lightest of the eReaders is definitely for those on the go and is poised for takeoff as a travel necessity for the international traveler.

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FEATURES – HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Ectaco is known for electronic translators and dictionaries and other travel reference gadgets, now they’ve rolled their most useful tools, bundled it with an eReader and put it a nice little four by six inch package. With built-in travel guides, language translation, a Fodor’s Travel Guide and CIA World Factbook, you have instant access to information to help get you from point A to point B. It also offers some entertainment along the way, as the Ectaco Jetbook has a built in MP3 player along with eReader capabilities, which can also be used for both audiobooks and music.

When you purchase the Jetbook, Ectaco supplies you with 30 websites which hold nearly 500,000 free access books and audiobooks. Browsing through thousands of files on this little guy is a breeze, and users swear the File Manager is the best available to organize books and audio.

With a 128MB storage capacity, the Jetbook is capable of holding up to 1,000 books, nearly three times the number of its Sony rival. With its SD slot, it supports a 2GB card which offers nearly unlimited possibilities – up to 10,000 books, audio and pictures. Downloads are done through a computer using the USB cable or an SD card.

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