Features – Hardware and Software

The Elonex 600EB reader is actually one of the many variants of the Netronix EB-600. The device shares the same hardware with the NUUT, Soribook, Pocketbook 301, eClickto, eSlick, and Astak Mentor Lite.

The device sports a black rubberized case that frames a 6-inch monochromatic eInk screen. That’s the same size as the Kindle’s and Sony Touch’s screen, but the 600EB ereader is smaller and narrower than both – thanks to its minimalist design. It comes with a 187 mm x 177 mm frame and a girth of 9 mm (that makes it about 1mm thicker than the Sony Touch).  There’s neither physical nor virtual keyboard; only a power button and a 4-directional keypad for library or in-book navigation. An SD slot for expanding your 512MB library storage can support up to 4GB worth of files.  

Elonex has an agreement with Borders UK, allowing device owners to access around 45,000 ebooks in the store. You can also shop from any online store that supports the ePub format. The device supports three of the most popular ebook formats: TXT, PDF, and HTML.  

As for its battery life, the device can deliver up to 8000 pages on a single charge.

The Bottom Line

The Elonex EB600 may be short on features like 3G and library book lending, but this no-frill device will suit anyone looking for an intuitive and easy-to-use device.

Elonex’s entry reader, the eBook, did not make a splash last year. This was not a bit surprising. One of the rebranded versions of the Korean Netronix EB600, the device scrimped on features.  The Elonex eBook was sold exclusively in Waterstone’s (UK), but did not stay in the shelves long.

Its predecessor, the 511EB, has more staying power. It still sells in the UK and is said to have a devote following in Europe and Australia. Now, Elonex hopes to break into the American market with a cheap color eReader called the Elonex 710EB. Will third try’s a charm for the company?

Features – Hardware and Software

With its 7-inch screen, the upcoming Elonex 710EB sports roughly the same size as the Sony Reader Daily Edition, though the 710EB looks narrower and longer. To be able to render color, Elonex foregoes the traditional eInk screen for TFT LCD screen. Typical of LCD screens, the 710B eReader is backlit, making it excellent for night reading like the iPad. Its screen resolution, however, is less than the Apple tablet’s, just 800 x 480, which may make images and text less sharp and vivid than the Apple tablet’s.  

Specs and features of the Elonex 710EB are not fully known this time. What’s known is that the device can support ePub, RTF, TXT, and PDF formats. Unlike its predecessors, the 710EB is not content with just being a dedicated eReader and so packs some tablet capabilities. In addition to displaying books, the device can play MP3 music and audio books, display photos, and play videos, as well as surf the Web and send/receive emails over a WiFi network. The Elonex 710EB runs on ARM processor and, based on the company’s video demonstration, seems to use Google Android OS as well. Elonex says the device has about 8 hours of battery life.

The Bottom Line

If you have been waiting for a color eReader, the Elonex 710EB reader will be available for pre-order on July 31, 2010. With its short battery life and glaring screen, the device may not be the top choice of serious readers. On the other hand, casual readers may find the combination of color support, video playback, web browsing capability, and low price ($184) simply irresistible.