November 17, 2009 at 18:21PocketBook 360. Book on the go
Today, e-books based on e-ink displays are making another round of development. Manufacturers vying to announce the imminent entry into the market of color , touch, dual-display etc. devices. However, for most non-geeks, all this is just unnecessary things. The consumer wants to just read. Many. With convenience. And right now.
Fortunately, there are more or less decent readers on sale, not burdened with the vicious achievements of the national economy, increasing the amount on the price tag. One of the last - PocketBook 360, which appeared on sale in September 2009. The little thing is interesting, ambiguous in terms of positioning, but definitely worthy of attention.
This is a concept. Promo photo. Review and several "live" photos Pocketbook 360 under habrakatom.
PocketBook has already managed to make good products. In particular, the previous “hit” deserves praise - literally the popular PocketBook 301 reader . The 6-inch display, high update speed and convenient control at a not too high cost made it a good competitor to readers from eminent manufacturers such as, for example, Sony. Actually, in the wake of the relative success of the 301st, PocketBook continues to release new, no less interesting models. There are a lot of plans, but today there is only one new product - PocketBook 360.
This is a 5-inch reader, retaining all the functional advantages of the previous model (in addition to the ability to play sound). However, by reducing the form factor, the novelty entered into competition not only with similar models of readers, but also with other portable devices. Such as smartphones and communicators, budget netbooks and tablet PCs. Given the possibilities, among which reading books is only one of many, to compete with them, the PocketBook 360 mobile reader should have a couple of trump cards in its sleeve.
This is what Pocketbook 301 and Pocketbook 360 look like. The difference is more than noticeable.
Design and ergonomics
Dimensions PocketBook 360 are 124x145x10 mm without a cover (124x145x12 mm with a cover) with a weight of 146 and 178 grams (with and without a cover, respectively). The reader is compact, looks solid and gives the impression of integrity. Not only it looks: high-quality assembly left no chance for any play, no squeaks, or noticeable gaps between the panels.
The style for which the overall design is responsible, as well as elements such as smooth lines and rounded edges of the case, the 360th is also not without. The material used is pleasant to the touch and not easily soiled plastic. There is only one drawback in terms of design: the presence of a cover designed to ensure the security of the display. It performs its functions, is attached literally with a bang, and practically does not interfere. But she is simply not needed. The option with a leather case is much more acceptable, more functional and more aesthetic. And you can generally score for protection, since it’s hard to come up with anything better than bags . ;)
The case, however, is: soft and with a magnetic clasp-buckle of a special "design" that facilitates the process of removing the device. But it is suitable only for transportation, as it is made in the style of a "purse", and not a book. If PocketBook releases a normal case for this model instead of a cover, then the buyer will be only happy. In general, this is the only drawback in terms of design and appearance.
The Pocketbook 360 is only for carrying.
For the convenience of using the device in the PocketBook 360, there is a four-position joystick with a selection button inscribed in the center and two large page turning keys. It’s better to forget about the latter, since when designing them, more attention was paid to appearance and not to convenience: a tight move, they are pressed with effort and a loud click. The idea is that it doesn’t work, but the buttons are fully duplicated by the most convenient joystick, with which you can control all the functions of the reader, from menu navigation to page turning.
The upper edge of the device is a microSD card slot and a button that works in two modes (hold - on / off, brief press - lock control buttons). Bottom end - miniUSB connector for communication with a PC. There is no headphone jack. The reason is the already mentioned lack of audio playback in the reader.
It is especially worth noting that the design of the reader allows you to hold it with both two and one hand. The main thing is that this is true for any position of the device in space. PocketBook 360 is equipped with a gyroscope, which automatically rotates the image on the display in accordance with the position of the device. Hence, by the way, and the number 360 in the title.
Pocketbook 360 is available in two colors - black for boys and white for girls.
Display and filling
The display in the PocketBook 360 is the second-generation E-Ink Vizplex. Resolution 600x800 pixels, size - 5 inches. Advantages - good contrast and whiteness, high refresh rate. Disadvantages - the diagonal size is small for a "home" device. After 10-, 8- and even 6-inch displays, a five-inch looks a bit small. However, for the mobile form factor, this is what you need. And to read on such a kid, given that he, while reducing the size, retained the technical specifications of the 6-inch screen used in the PocketBook 301, is just a pleasure. Much better than with cheap toilet paper, which prints the tabloid novels of the endless Marinins and Dontsovs. And in size PocketBook 360 just matches the format of these small, so to speak, little books.
For the work of the reader, the Samsung S3C2440 AL-40 processor with a frequency of 400 MHz is responsible. The user has 64 MB of RAM and 512 MB of internal memory. The processor power and memory are more than enough for the functioning of the software shell and the execution of all the necessary applications. And the built-in half-gigabyte of memory provides the right amount to store a good collection of books. If this is not enough, then microSD cards, the slot for which is provided in the PocketBook 360, are not expensive and are available in any IT store. By the way, the reader, when connected to a PC, behaves like a real flash drive, is quickly recognized, writes quickly and, in the meanwhile, charges the battery. Which, by the way, is characterized by a capacity of 1000 mAh and allows you to refresh the display 7000 times.
Software and nuances of work
Pocketbook 360 uses the time-tested PocketBook OS operating system. It represents almost the same set of software that was used in the previous model. “Edits” are only cosmetic: there is no audio player, the interface is improved, functions for working with the gyro sensor are added, etc. on the little things. The main characteristic of the OS is the speed of work. The device turns on in about 10 seconds, updates the display in a split second, quickly opens books and doesn’t think for a very long time when processing large files.
A simple and intuitive menu with a large number of functions is an unambiguous advantage
The main menu is a regular list: “Books”, “News”, “Favorites”, “Photos”, “Dictionary”, “Applications”, “Notes”, “Calendar” and “Settings”. The names are "talking", so let's go selectively. The file manager is responsible for choosing books with the necessary minimum of amenities, such as displaying files in the form of a list, an expanded list or a “cover”, viewing folders with attachments at n levels, etc.
PocketBook 360 is omnivorous. Of the text formats, it works correctly with FB2, TXT, PDF, DJVU, RTF, HTML, PRC, CHM, EPUB, DOC, and of the graphic formats (this already applies to the "Photo" section) - JPEG, BMP, GIF. In the "News" section, you can read RSS feeds, after having copied them to the reader using a special program installed on your PC. "Dictionary" allows you to clarify on the fly the meaning of a word. The “applications” are full of toys, including naval combat, chess, etc. and useful programs. As for the “Settings”, here you can find a sufficient number of options for changing the font, choosing the interface language, setting the gyro sensor, etc.
We should also pay attention to the speed of the device and once again go through the user interface. PocketBook 360 quickly turns on, opens files with high speed, and almost instantly updates the screen. When testing downloading an RTF file with a volume of about 3 MB, the device spent an average (total of five attempts) 14 seconds. As a result, the full cycle from turning on to the beginning of reading takes no more than a quarter of a minute. High-volume PDF files are inconvenient, but within reason. The reader’s interface is logical and simple, due to the execution of the joystick and convenient functions (for example, operations with a pop-up context menu or simple manipulation of fonts) it allows you to control the book without getting used to it.
Total
So, the PocketBook 360 trump asset has an excellent design, ergonomics, speed and ease of use, for which a proven and functional OS and a completely modern hardware filling are responsible. Only the price slightly exceeds $ 300. It is for this reason that it will be difficult for a mobile reader with a small display to find its place in the market. Otherwise, reading this book is a pleasure.
Specifications Pocketbook 360
Advantages:
Excellent design, ergonomics
Clear and contrast display
Control of all functions of the reader with a joystick
Gyro sensor and automatic image rotation
Long life without recharging
Minuses:
Waste cover
Inconvenient “main” page turning buttons.
The device is provided for testing by the representative of the manufacturer in Belarus PocketBook.by
Fortunately, there are more or less decent readers on sale, not burdened with the vicious achievements of the national economy, increasing the amount on the price tag. One of the last - PocketBook 360, which appeared on sale in September 2009. The little thing is interesting, ambiguous in terms of positioning, but definitely worthy of attention.
This is a concept. Promo photo. Review and several "live" photos Pocketbook 360 under habrakatom.
PocketBook has already managed to make good products. In particular, the previous “hit” deserves praise - literally the popular PocketBook 301 reader . The 6-inch display, high update speed and convenient control at a not too high cost made it a good competitor to readers from eminent manufacturers such as, for example, Sony. Actually, in the wake of the relative success of the 301st, PocketBook continues to release new, no less interesting models. There are a lot of plans, but today there is only one new product - PocketBook 360.
This is a 5-inch reader, retaining all the functional advantages of the previous model (in addition to the ability to play sound). However, by reducing the form factor, the novelty entered into competition not only with similar models of readers, but also with other portable devices. Such as smartphones and communicators, budget netbooks and tablet PCs. Given the possibilities, among which reading books is only one of many, to compete with them, the PocketBook 360 mobile reader should have a couple of trump cards in its sleeve.
This is what Pocketbook 301 and Pocketbook 360 look like. The difference is more than noticeable.
Design and ergonomics
Dimensions PocketBook 360 are 124x145x10 mm without a cover (124x145x12 mm with a cover) with a weight of 146 and 178 grams (with and without a cover, respectively). The reader is compact, looks solid and gives the impression of integrity. Not only it looks: high-quality assembly left no chance for any play, no squeaks, or noticeable gaps between the panels.
The style for which the overall design is responsible, as well as elements such as smooth lines and rounded edges of the case, the 360th is also not without. The material used is pleasant to the touch and not easily soiled plastic. There is only one drawback in terms of design: the presence of a cover designed to ensure the security of the display. It performs its functions, is attached literally with a bang, and practically does not interfere. But she is simply not needed. The option with a leather case is much more acceptable, more functional and more aesthetic. And you can generally score for protection, since it’s hard to come up with anything better than bags . ;)
The case, however, is: soft and with a magnetic clasp-buckle of a special "design" that facilitates the process of removing the device. But it is suitable only for transportation, as it is made in the style of a "purse", and not a book. If PocketBook releases a normal case for this model instead of a cover, then the buyer will be only happy. In general, this is the only drawback in terms of design and appearance.
The Pocketbook 360 is only for carrying.
For the convenience of using the device in the PocketBook 360, there is a four-position joystick with a selection button inscribed in the center and two large page turning keys. It’s better to forget about the latter, since when designing them, more attention was paid to appearance and not to convenience: a tight move, they are pressed with effort and a loud click. The idea is that it doesn’t work, but the buttons are fully duplicated by the most convenient joystick, with which you can control all the functions of the reader, from menu navigation to page turning.
The upper edge of the device is a microSD card slot and a button that works in two modes (hold - on / off, brief press - lock control buttons). Bottom end - miniUSB connector for communication with a PC. There is no headphone jack. The reason is the already mentioned lack of audio playback in the reader.
It is especially worth noting that the design of the reader allows you to hold it with both two and one hand. The main thing is that this is true for any position of the device in space. PocketBook 360 is equipped with a gyroscope, which automatically rotates the image on the display in accordance with the position of the device. Hence, by the way, and the number 360 in the title.
Pocketbook 360 is available in two colors - black for boys and white for girls.
Display and filling
The display in the PocketBook 360 is the second-generation E-Ink Vizplex. Resolution 600x800 pixels, size - 5 inches. Advantages - good contrast and whiteness, high refresh rate. Disadvantages - the diagonal size is small for a "home" device. After 10-, 8- and even 6-inch displays, a five-inch looks a bit small. However, for the mobile form factor, this is what you need. And to read on such a kid, given that he, while reducing the size, retained the technical specifications of the 6-inch screen used in the PocketBook 301, is just a pleasure. Much better than with cheap toilet paper, which prints the tabloid novels of the endless Marinins and Dontsovs. And in size PocketBook 360 just matches the format of these small, so to speak, little books.
For the work of the reader, the Samsung S3C2440 AL-40 processor with a frequency of 400 MHz is responsible. The user has 64 MB of RAM and 512 MB of internal memory. The processor power and memory are more than enough for the functioning of the software shell and the execution of all the necessary applications. And the built-in half-gigabyte of memory provides the right amount to store a good collection of books. If this is not enough, then microSD cards, the slot for which is provided in the PocketBook 360, are not expensive and are available in any IT store. By the way, the reader, when connected to a PC, behaves like a real flash drive, is quickly recognized, writes quickly and, in the meanwhile, charges the battery. Which, by the way, is characterized by a capacity of 1000 mAh and allows you to refresh the display 7000 times.
Software and nuances of work
Pocketbook 360 uses the time-tested PocketBook OS operating system. It represents almost the same set of software that was used in the previous model. “Edits” are only cosmetic: there is no audio player, the interface is improved, functions for working with the gyro sensor are added, etc. on the little things. The main characteristic of the OS is the speed of work. The device turns on in about 10 seconds, updates the display in a split second, quickly opens books and doesn’t think for a very long time when processing large files.
A simple and intuitive menu with a large number of functions is an unambiguous advantage
The main menu is a regular list: “Books”, “News”, “Favorites”, “Photos”, “Dictionary”, “Applications”, “Notes”, “Calendar” and “Settings”. The names are "talking", so let's go selectively. The file manager is responsible for choosing books with the necessary minimum of amenities, such as displaying files in the form of a list, an expanded list or a “cover”, viewing folders with attachments at n levels, etc.
PocketBook 360 is omnivorous. Of the text formats, it works correctly with FB2, TXT, PDF, DJVU, RTF, HTML, PRC, CHM, EPUB, DOC, and of the graphic formats (this already applies to the "Photo" section) - JPEG, BMP, GIF. In the "News" section, you can read RSS feeds, after having copied them to the reader using a special program installed on your PC. "Dictionary" allows you to clarify on the fly the meaning of a word. The “applications” are full of toys, including naval combat, chess, etc. and useful programs. As for the “Settings”, here you can find a sufficient number of options for changing the font, choosing the interface language, setting the gyro sensor, etc.
We should also pay attention to the speed of the device and once again go through the user interface. PocketBook 360 quickly turns on, opens files with high speed, and almost instantly updates the screen. When testing downloading an RTF file with a volume of about 3 MB, the device spent an average (total of five attempts) 14 seconds. As a result, the full cycle from turning on to the beginning of reading takes no more than a quarter of a minute. High-volume PDF files are inconvenient, but within reason. The reader’s interface is logical and simple, due to the execution of the joystick and convenient functions (for example, operations with a pop-up context menu or simple manipulation of fonts) it allows you to control the book without getting used to it.
Total
So, the PocketBook 360 trump asset has an excellent design, ergonomics, speed and ease of use, for which a proven and functional OS and a completely modern hardware filling are responsible. Only the price slightly exceeds $ 300. It is for this reason that it will be difficult for a mobile reader with a small display to find its place in the market. Otherwise, reading this book is a pleasure.
Specifications Pocketbook 360
Advantages:
Excellent design, ergonomics
Clear and contrast display
Control of all functions of the reader with a joystick
Gyro sensor and automatic image rotation
Long life without recharging
Minuses:
Waste cover
Inconvenient “main” page turning buttons.
The device is provided for testing by the representative of the manufacturer in Belarus PocketBook.by