Features – Hardware and Software

The Viewsonic VEB625 has two main features that discern it from the VEB620. One, it comes with built-in 802.11 b/g WiFi modem, and so has wireless access to stores and book downloads over any WiFi network. There are some minor tradeoffs though. For one, the VEB620 is 1.4 ounces heavier than 9.1-ounce VEB620. Battery life is also impacted. You only get 6,500 page turns per single charge while the Viewsonic 620 gets 8000 refreshes. Device width and length is the same as the 620; however, the 625 is slightly thicker at 0.43 inches.       

The second significant difference is that the Viewsonic 625 offers touchscreen interface with annotation and freehand highlighting. You can use the stylus to add freehand notes, underline text passages, or highlight sections of text. There’s also a virtual keyboard which you can use to add notes or search your library.     

The Viewsonic 625 is also available in black or white.  

The Bottom Line

The Viewsonic VEB625 is also intended for Europe release like its VEB620 brother. Lightweight and multi-linguistic, the device does hold some potential as a traveling companion, but Viewsonic needs to upgrade the device’s features to make it more compelling.

Features – Hardware and Software

Instead of a rounded wheel, the VEB620 now sports a square D-pad. Gone is the gray pattern that contrasts the device’s silver finish. The shortcut buttons are now found below the screen. Weighing 7.7ounces only, the VEB 620 is one of the lightest eReaders around.    

The Viewsonic VEB620 also sports a 6-inch screen with 800 x 600 pixel resolution that is framed by 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.4 – inch chassis. However, there’s a noticeable improvement in clarity and sharpness of text – that’s because Viewsonic doubled the grayscale level from 8 to 16.

There’s a big improvement in built-in memory, too. The device can now hold up to 1500 books (2GB) and add 1000 more via SD card.

The Viewsonic VEB620 supports ePub, FB2, HTML, HTM, PDF, TXT, and RTF and can play MP3 files. Fonts can be resized into Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, or Extra Extra Large. A single charge still gets you 8000 pages or about 20 Harry Potters.

The Bottom Line

The Viewsonic VEB620 is targeted for European release. It is definitely an improvement over the VEB612, though it does need more software tweaks to make it competitive with other no-frills eReaders like the Sony Pocket Edition. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a super light eReader that’s readily accessible in Europe, the Viewsonic VEB620 is the key.

ViewSonic, best known for manufacturing electronic monitors, is placing its bid in the electronic book reading world with its VEB612. Released in the last quarter of 2009 with a price tag of $259, does the ViewSonice VEB612 have the touch and technology to justify its price?

Features – Hardware and Software

The monochromatic ViewSonic VEB612 sports a comfortable display size of 6 inches with 800 x 600 SVGA resolution and zero glare or flickering. 8 levels of grayscale produces sharp and clear texts, while nearly 180 degree viewing angle lets you read content from different angles. Overall body measurement is 4.5” x 7.3” x 0.4”. 

Internal storage of 512 MB lets you store hundreds of books of different formats, namely PDF, ePub, PRC, HTML, and TXT.  You can expand your virtual library up to 4GB via an external storage. 

Users can read up to 8000 pages with a single charge –  more than enough for a Harry Potter Book.

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The Bottom Line

The ViewSonic VEB612 may not have snazzy or groundbreaking features to the table. But those looking for a stylish device with decent capabilities will find the ViewSonic VEB612 a reliable device with a competitive price.   

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