Perhaps its manufacturer didn’t intend for those differences to emerge, yet here they are. Let’s take a closer look at this big e-reader with even bigger ambitions.

Design and Ergonomics

It is pretty much evident that one shouldn’t expect small weight and high portability from the device with 9,7-inch screen. However, to the manufacturer’s credit, PocketBook Pro 902 doesn’t feel all that cumbersome. It weighs slightly over a pound, but its thin frame and minimalistic design make a strong case that maximum effort has been taken not to increase this load any further. Similarly to its “junior” model, 602, there are very few buttons for navigation, sound control and zoom. Lack of a touch screen is still an issue, but we’ll cover it in more depth later.
The device’s frame is made mainly of plastic, with metal elements placed where it counts. I wouldn’t say that PocketBook Pro 902 is impervious to damage and soiling, but it is easy to clean and not particularly prone to getting scratched. It seems that the manufacturer heeded the users’ complaints as to the severe glare effects of display on previous models and took care of the problem – this particular e-reader’s screen is remarkably matte and unlikely to ambush-blind me on a bright sunny day.

PocketBook Pro 902 is a pleasure to hold – although, due to its weight, two hands and some pivot are in order. All in all, I’d like to say that people at PocketBook Ltd. did their best to make this gargantuan e-reader as comfy as possible.

Hardware

Nowadays Vizplex screens are no longer seen as adequate in terms of contrast, as compared to the newest Pearl standard – and PocketBook Pro 902 is equipped with the former, not the more developed latter. There is hardly any drama to be made of this fact, since the quality is still more than adequate.

A more troubling issue, however, is that this particular e-reader doesn’t offer anything above the usual standard in terms of speed – in fact, its performance is sometimes slower than what most of us are used to see in modern devices of this kind. Maybe this happens due to poor software optimization (to be discussed later), or maybe it is an internal hardware problem, I have no idea. But it does get annoying – especially when the automatic page orientation seems to take a vacation until prompted by pressing a button or slightly turning the e-reader to the sides.

Another detail that can put a user off is the absence of a touch screen or any kind of a keyboard. Taking notes and web-surfing are supposed to be handled with a five-position button. Having tested it for both, I can say with confidence – oh boy is this tedious! That thing is supposed to be used for navigation, not for manually selecting and pasting symbols.

Now let’s turn to the positive again. The battery of PocketBook Pro 902 is able to endure two weeks of intensive reading, which, according to Pocketbook Ltd’s estimates, amounts to approximately 7,000 pages turned. This is exactly what one would expect of an e-reader with such a massive screen, and it is a standard for the market.

Built-in memory accounts for 2 Gb overall space, of which slightly over 1 Gb is usable. Of course, PocketBook Pro 902 has a capacity to hold memory cards with up to 32 Gb for whatever information one may need. In terms of connectivity, this device makes use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so, in theory, downloading new content or surfing the Web shouldn’t pose a problem.

Software

PocketBook Pro 902 is equipped with a Linux operating system, lots of widgets like a calendar and a clock (which make for a cute customizable interface) and a variety of applications. The latter include a web-browser and a Lingvo dictionary. While I have nothing but good things to say about the dictionary, the browser doesn’t really deserve any praises.

Firstly, many people have complained that there is no independent application to launch it, and the only way to do so would be to visit the Bookland.Net site (a bookstore run by PocketBook Ltd.). Actually, I’ve found the browser on my device – it’s in the “Games” section, along with the calculator. How did they end up there? I wish I knew.

Secondly, it lags mercilessly, turning the Internet experience into a session in a torture chamber. It’s bad enough when one has a five-position button for a keyboard – but when the glitches of the browser seem pre-meditated and scattered abundantly through the software code, it is so much worse.

Terrible web-browser aside, PocketBook 902 boasts a great speech synthesis system – it is actually pleasant to listen to; in addition, new language modules are available for download on the manufacturer’s official site. There are close to 24 language modules with male and female voices alike.

Another advantage of the e-readers software is the opportunity for customization. Every button has two modes – short-pressed and long-pressed. It is possible to define different functions for each mode and thus make all that clicking business more convenient. Besides, as I’ve mentioned, additional software can be downloaded and installed into the device.

My last point in defense of software capacities would be the surprising 16 formats that PocketBook Pro 902 supports. It is equipped with a FB2 reader, as well as one for PDF files (it is possible to install Adobe Reader there or PdfViewer). The big screen is well-suited for reading PDFs with extensive graphic data (charts, images etc.), and in most cases one can not only manipulate the scale of the page, but also the font size and other formatting elements. Yet with FB2 this device really goes an extra mile, capable of changing the formatting “on the go” to improve the layout of any e-book.
Reading Experience

My travails with PocketBook Pro 902 weren’t all that hopeless – it is a great device, albeit burdened with several mildly annoying disadvantages. I was really impressed with superb handling of even the relatively unusual e-book formats, great work with PDF and FB2 files, as well as wide opportunities for customization.

What, in my opinion, should have been improved on is the web-surfing experience (dear e-book manufacturer, nobody would praise your web apps by default – they actually have to perform decently!) and the occasional glitches. Automatic page orientation lag was particularly annoying – I don’t remember this being an issue with previous models.

Bottom Line

PocketBook Pro 902 presents us with a load of innovative features and bold experiments at customizability, but ends up burying them under poor realization of some functions. If one aims at a combination of great e-reading experience and powerful connectivity (for occasional e-mail check and reading the news feed), this is probably not a good purchase. However, as a standalone e-reader it is a reliable device with a variety of quite useful features. A touch screen would have helped immensely – but for it one should consider buying the more advanced PocketBook Pro 903.

Design and Ergonomics

Just like with earlier models, the manufacturer sticks to sleek appearances with a bare minimum of things to push, adjust, slide, tackle, click or take out. One might think that, with so many features and pieces of software crammed into a single device, more buttons should be in order. However, PocketBook Pro 602 utilizes a very clever solution to this problem, which I’ll explain later on.

The weight of this e-reader barely exceeds 8 ounces, due to its efficient metal-and-plastic frame; durability is not traded for feather-light weight, so one could say that PocketBook Pro 602 can take a beating. The screen is made of glass, but is surprisingly less prone to glare as compared to PocketBook 302, for example. In addition, the materials of the device are more or less insensitive to smudging and such like mistreatment by careless users. It still doesn’t mean that the e-reader can be bathed in a coffee-pot though.

Although the device is not as thin as, say, Kindle, holding it in one’s hands and carrying it around would be easy even for a toddler. So, in terms of ergonomics and subsequent “mechanical” comfort, PocketBook Pro 602 does a superb job.

Hardware

Pocketbook Pro 602 features a no-longer-state-of-the-art Vizplex screen, which performs quite well, but can’t match in terms of contrast and sharpness with Pearl technology. The difference is noticeable, yet far from critical – it is nevertheless pleasant to read.

The device is considerably slower than its rivals – true, the loading time is remarkably fast, but it takes more time to refresh the screen after the page is “turned”. Users are now accustomed to more productive e-readers, so this lack of speed, even though insignificant, is detectable – much like the slightly bleaker Vizplex screen.

Built-in memory amounts to 2 GB, of which slightly over 1 GB is actually usable. PocketBook Pro 602 supports external memory drives with up to 32 GB storage capacity. Most libraries in the world could fit in this much space.

The battery can last for up to a month of reading, equivalent to clicking through 14,000 pages. This is quite enough for a vacation or a ruthless reading spree in the middle of the season. Being hooked up on wi-fi, playing music or using text-to-speech, predictably, is going to drain the juice faster, but PocketBook Pro 602 is still able to last for over a week of such a marathon.

Software and Features

Advanced text-to-speech modules, highly customizable controls, a variety of software, wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as the support of an amazing 16 e-book formats were the key points of the device’s marketing campaign. Did the e-reader live up to such high expectations? Well, it did – to most of them.

Speech synthesis is actually reminiscent of a human reader; 24 language modules in male and female voices are available for download on the website of PocketBook Ltd. Interface depends heavily on widgets, which makes it both customizable (clock, calendar or dictionary, anyone?) and at the same time cluttered with various stuff. Of course, one can always toy with the settings and sweep the desktop clean of all distractions.

Controls can be tuned to fit anyone’s needs. Every button has two modes – one, when it is briefly pressed, and the other, when it is held down. Various functions can be assigned to either of them, and this can be done to all buttons. This is one of those rare occurrences with e-readers when customizability is really useful rather than just confusing.

PocketBook Pro 602 can work with the majority of e-book formats, but is especially handy when it comes to FB2 files. As to the most popular format – PDF, its features are not groundbreaking, but pretty effective. The device supports Adobe Reader along with its standard application (PdfViewer), which allows using text-to-speech, page scaling and multi-page views.

Another distinctive feature of this device is the ability to “re-flow” the text, making small changes in the scale and formatting to allow a more enjoyable reading experience. However, it should be taken into account that, even with all those software functions, a 6-inch display is by no means suitable for quite a “rigid” format that is PDF. Anyone engaging in reading specialized documents with tables, graphs and charts, comic books etc., should consider investing in an e-reader with a 9,7-inch screen.

With FB2 e-books, PocketBook Pro 602 shows off its best side – rich formatting options and on-the-go adjustments can turn even a poorly put-together file into a decent-looking material. Considering that FB2 is also quite a popular format, going this extra mile is quite expedient of PocketBook Ltd.

Speaking of obvious flaws and under-achievements, I’d like to note the truly horrible web-browsing experience. First of all, the browser application for some reason is situated in the “Games” section (while some other users reported not finding it at all; they had to access the Internet via built-in Bookland store system of e-book distribution); then there is the absence of sensory keyboard – or any keyboard at all. All the symbols have to be selected and pasted by using the five-position button, which is tedious to say the least. To crown it all, there are browser glitches that could put even the most patient user off connecting to the Web from this device ever again.

Another minor lag I have experienced is the poor interaction of G-sensor (responsible for automatic page orientation) and the software. Sometimes it doesn’t switch between portrait and landscape modes, urging to prompt it with pushing a button or two – or simply waving around with the e-reader.

Reading Experience

As far as reading is concerned, PocketBook Pro 602 is a great device. It’s got all it takes to ensure enjoyable experience – support of multiple formats, customizable controls, great opportunities for adjusting and manipulating PDF and FB2 files. In this respect, I have nothing but good things to say.

However, once challenged beyond this area, it tends to “limp” at web-browsing and use of applications. Experience with web-surfing and notes reminds constantly of the absence of touch screen, while occasional glitches ruin the e-reader’s credibility as a competitive device in terms of state-of-the-art connectivity and innovative technologies.

The Bottom Line

PocketBook Ltd. seem to have tried painfully to jam their new e-reader with as many functions as possible – at the expense of overall impression that PocketBook Pro 602 makes. “Wasted potential” is what comes to mind when admiring near-perfect performance with various e-book formats and customizability of controls, then being stalled with less-than-stellar web browser and glitches in applications.

PocketBook Pro 602 would have made a great “electronic reader only” sort of device, had it not intended to seize the ground of new technologies with its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features that are severely undermined with mediocre software.

We can only hope that a new model, PocketBook Pro 603, would prove a more balanced solution in terms of new technology and e-reading features.

Features – Hardware and Software

From a hardware perspective, the Pocketbook IQ offers the same structure as the Pandigital Novel and the Cruz Reader. It sports a 7-inch TFT LCD display with resistive touchscreen, microSD and microSHDC card slots (can support up to 32GB), headphone jack, speakers, and 2GB Flash storage (can store up to 5000 eBooks). What differentiate the IQ from similar Android tablets are the 3 navigations buttons found below the screen. Also, the casing of IQ is aluminum-based rather than plastic-based.

The IQ accesses websites and the built-in Bookland eBookstore via WiFi. There’s Bluetooth, too, for wireless transfer of documents and photos to other devices. Battery lasts 5-8 hours depending on how you use the IQ.

While the IQ performs many functions, including browsing the web, running slideshows, playing videos, and displaying Google Maps, there’s one thing it can’t do – access the Google Android Market. The Pocketbook IQ makes it up by installing SlideMe, another Android App market that offers 3^rd-party apps. SlideMe’s offering is limited compared to the Google App Market, however.

The IQ eReader supports FB2, TXT, PDF, RTF, DJVU, HTML, CHM, PRC, EPUB, DOC, and TCR files, and it can display BMP, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF images.

The Bottom Line

Those who want a decent multipurpose eReader that lets you read eBooks and ePeriodicals in full color, watch videos, or do other things, the Pocketbook IQ comes with a super low price of $140.

When the 301 was released last year, it was apparent that, while it read texts just fine, it was quickly becoming outdated. For instance, it has only 8 grayscales while the Kindle, Nook, and Sony boast of 16 grayscales. 

Now, Netronix is re-fitting/ updating the Pocketbook 301 in the form of a new entry called Pocketbook 601 Revo. The upcoming device offers enhanced design and new pieces on the inside. Can the 601 Revo bring about the revolution that its name suggests?

Features – Hardware and Software

First off the list of things Netronix improved on is the speed of the device. Netronix achieves this by switching platforms. The new processor called Freescale proves to be superior than the Samsung 400MHz processor used in Pocketbook 301. A demonstration of the Pocketbook 901 at the Computex Trade Show shows an impressive page turn rate of less than a second. There are also no flashes between page turns.

Grayscale might also have been enhanced, as comic graphics look as sharp as texts.

Netronix is also adding in WiFi to enable users to download books wirelessly.

On the other hand, the Pocketbook 901 Revo retains several features of the 301 eReader. It offers the pleasingly simplistic, minimalist design the Pocketbook 301 is known for. The 601 Revo is also mostly space. There are only 4 buttons on the left side and two on the right side, a 4-directional pad that acts like a joystick, and a power button on top. There’s also a microSD card, a USB port, and a headphone port.

What Netronix has added is a circular design on the back cover of the 901. This is to enhance traction and prevent slippage. The device comes in a hip lime green/ light blue color.  

The Bottom Line

The Pocketbook 601 is still a reading-focused eReader, but beneath the simple design is an impressively solid and very fast device. If you’re tired of eReaders with poor page turn speed, the Pocketbook 601 has been announced to hit retail stores this year.

Most eReaders prefer to stick to the 6-inch design as price of large screen eReaders tend to put them beyond reach of mass consumers. Netronix hopes to change all of that with their fifth addition to the Pocketbook eReader line. Called the Pocketbook 901, the 9.7-inch reader will come with an estimated price tag of $350, hip design, and student-friendly features like dictionary, calculator, side notes, and hyperlinks.

Netronix has had its hits (the Pocketbook 360) and misses (the Pocketbook 301). Does the Pocketbook 901 has what it takes to replicate the success of the 360 and win the hearts of the education market?

Features – Hardware and Software

Instead of glass, the screen display wafer of the Pocketbook 901 is made of plastic. Thus, despite its big size (24.02 x 18.07 x 1.1 cm), the device is still lightweight. At 350 grams, the 901 eReader is 150 grams lighter than the Amazon Kindle DX. This makes also the 901 the ideal traveling companion for students; the device adds minimal weight to the everyday things that students carry to school.

The plastic screen is also flexible and shock-resistant. Students can put in their backpack without worrying about cracking, scratching, or bending the screen.  

On the right side of the screen are colored buttons, adding cool factor to an otherwise bland, stark white chassis. The buttons are for navigating the menu, turning pages, and increasing and decreasing font size. One button serves as enter key.

Unlike the Kindle DX, the Pocketbook 901 has no keyboard or touchscreen. A 4-directional pad and buttons the right side of the screen are used to navigate your library or in-book. The 901 offers a number of reading mode options: portrait /landscape and full page continuous display / two-column display.

The Pocketbook eReader supports 16 shades of gray and display resolution of 825 x 1200 pixels. This would make texts as sharp as paper prints. Netronix has also announced that the device will support impressive array of file formats including BMP, FB2, PNG, EPUB and DJVU.  Battery life is 8 to 10 thousand pages on a single charge. No word on storage capacity yet, but there’s an SD card slot for expanding built-in storage.

The Bottom Line

Light and durable, the Pocketbook 360 is the ideal reading companion for students (or anyone) who want a no-frills and affordable large-screened eReader. The device is rumored to be released this year.  

Falling for Appearances

Minimalistic design and sleek looks of the device definitely attract attention; sized 7.5” x 5.1”, PocketBook 302 is slightly larger than an average Stephen King’s pulp edition, and as thin as a pencil. There is no problem with ergonomics whatsoever – the e-reader doesn’t slip out of one’s hands after several hours of reading and weighs mere 10 ounces (280 g). Basic navigation buttons are intuitively arranged, and thus user-friendly; even a person who is very remotely familiar with high-tech devices could learn how to handle PocketBook 302 by simply trying it out.
EInk display soothes one’s eyes and works perfectly in different lighting conditions; there is no backlight, but as the “filed testing” has proved, PocketBook 302 doesn’t need excessive illumination. To the contrary – when confronted with a powerful lighting source, the screen tends to glare mercilessly. This is a common problem of all electronic reading devices, easily solved by repositioning it (or by somewhat adjusting the emitter of light). The good news is that is order to enjoy crispy and clear quality of text, one doesn’t need to look for especially bright spot. PocketBook 302 boasts the common 800×600 pixels screen resolution, ideal for 6’’ display. Even though its grayscale format was never intended for pictures, it supports the most popular formats of images.
Touch screen eliminates the need for physical keyboard; virtual pad provides is quite sufficient, enabling to enter data by applying the stylus or even one’s fingers. It would be expedient to spend some seconds calibrating the screen’s sensitivity, though, as it seems slow-reacting at first sight. Another catchy feature is automatic display orientation, fitting the pages to screen right after it is rotated.
Those concerned with matters of cleaning the device shouldn’t worry: protective film takes care of possible prints, dust and scratches – whatever the conditions, the device’s display remains intact. Matt finish of the e-readers body ensures it doesn’t become too smudgy; additionally, PocketBook 302 comes supplied by leather-bound cover, making it easier to take care of any dirt or excessive touching.

Connectivity and Communication

PocketBook 302 has five plugs to use – one for microSD memory card, two for USB connections, one for headphones and another one for charging the device. The last two look pretty much alike, only the plug for charging is situated on the side of the device.
Should the built-in 1 GB memory seem insufficient, there is an opportunity to expand the available space with a memory card – up to 32 GB. The very idea of how much e-books can fit in the device is formidably tempting.
The e-reader supports Bluetooth and wireless communication, opening a whole world of opportunities – from surfing the Web with the help of a mini-browser to downloading the hottest news and subscribing to one’s favorite media via RSS. Supporting the twelve most popular e-book formats, PocketBook 302 will never make its owner lurk in vain hope of finding some specific file extension. Being integrated into the Web with the help of wireless feature, it becomes a self-sufficient online library for news, media and all kinds of e-books.

Long-Lasting Reading and Extra Features

At the beginning, “several hours of reading” were mentioned – and this is no exaggeration, but rather a heavy under-estimation. The e-reader’s powerful battery and energy-saving work can last as long as 16 000 pages, which is quite impressive.
Audio player, organizer, calendar and various games are unnecessary yet pleasant additional features that make one’s experience with the device more complementary. On the other hand, Notes, Dictionary, RSS-feed and a mini-browser are most useful applications and will prove invaluable for travelers and business people alike, as well as for ordinary users.

Personal Impressions
As it was mentioned, I found the device quite comfortable to handle and easy to use. Intuitive navigation, ergonomic design, EInk display and lots of features – all this contributes to enjoyable experience of usage. Touch screen tends to glare at times and reflect the surroundings, which is annoying, but can easily be cured by re-positioning the e-reader. There is also an issue with calibrating the display sensors, but it can be solved in no time. All in all, my impressions are rather favorable, because in the light of its many advantages, there are no substantial downsides to PocketBook 302. Those, which exist, however, pose no epic problem.

Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, PocketBook 302 is a qualitative product that will hopefully prove a worthy rival to more famous brands. As the more advanced devices are beginning to enter the market, it is still an attractive and affordable option form nay users out there who could use something functional, ergonomic and long-lasting.

With Pocketbook 360 putting a complete spin on the way we access content, reading is now also going the green way. The 360 measures 5 inches only, but this compact and attractive-looking device does not only save forests, it makes convenient reading, too, that it makes you wish you have turned away from your traditional reading habits sooner. 


Features – Hardware and Software

The Pocketbook 360 is the second in the line of ereaders developed by the joint Taiwaneese-Ukrainian company called Pocketbook Global. As you would expect from a company dedicated to perfecting the ereading experience, the new Pocketbook 360 is lighter and more compact than the earlier 301.  Reading experience is even more pleasurable with its high resolution e-ink screen display. With 16 grayscales, you can’t almost tell its difference from real paper – the 360, after all, is designed to approximate traditional reading experience. And while other e-readers like the Sony 505 suffer from flash effect, the 360 offers smooth, flash-less turning of pages.

What separates the 360 from other ereading devices on the market is its G-sensor or accelerometer, a technology that allows the screen to auto-tilt the screen display based on the device’s orientation. 

Integrated FBReader lets users choose and download any format they prefer including PDF and ePUB.

No long wait with the 360; with little books stored in its internal memory, the device starts in under 21 seconds. Fast processor makes page turning is a breeze, while power-frugal screen display lets users read for weeks as one full charge powers 8000 pages.

The Bottom line 

The Pocketbook 360, with the convenience and savings it offers to its readers while being light on earth, makes the paperless world an attractive alternative to the paper world. Surely it doesn’t hurt that the $239.99 ereader is a fashionable-looking device, too!