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Q&A for Readius: Product and User Interface
The first pocket eReader
Q&A for Readius: Product and User InterfaceI am Edzer Huitema, CTO of Polymer Vision. As outlined by Karl earlier, we will answer questions raised by you about Readius. I started today with those that have to do with Readius and its user interface. You can find them in the new FAQ section.
Comments
I love this product
I intend to follow the release of the Readius very closely. It seems to be the best match for what I've been looking for.
My only question is this. The main thing I've been trying to find in this sort of product is a mobile dictionary. One where I could take the cd's that were included with my dictionaries and download them onto a portable device and then access them through the device interface. Will this possible with the Readius?
Thank you,
Trinity
I love this product
Hi Trinity,
Normally these kind of programs are made to run on PC or MAC operating systems. Mobile devices like Readius have different operating systems and different user interface that do not support applications that are meant to run on a computer. Only if the application is being ported to fit the mobile device then it can be used.
Simple is better.
Please remove some of the features you have planned for the Readius. Such as mobile phone functionality and bluetooth connectivity. Well, you can keep the bluetooth connectivity (for file transfers and perhaps even external keyboard compatibility) and have two (2) versions of Readius: one WITH mobile phone functionality and one without.
This should significantly reduce Readius' production cost and, of course, the price (the cheaper the product, the higher the demand). Please give it some thought.
Personally, I think the idea of a rollable e-Ink display is amazing. BUT I DON'T NEED ANOTHER PHONE. Mine came with a 2.0 mp camera and I was thinking of upgrading to one with a GPS. And I don't think Readius can top some of the major mobile phone giants out there...
Bottom line is that if it comes with a mobile phone, I will search for similar, "non-rollable" products. I've heard good things about Sony's 505... but I'm still waiting on Readius. Please don't disappoint me.
Andrew.
Simple is better
Hi Andrew,
This is Thomas van der Zijden answering your question. I agree with you that Readius first of all is meant to be an eReader. To make Readius the ideal information companion for frequently traveling people we made the product pocket sized and light weight and we added GSM technology (HSDPA) for world wide connectivity. With the GSM technology for instant download of data inside, adding voice functionality was a small additional step but voice functionality should only be seen as a secondary function of Readius. It also means that taking voice functionality out will not reduce the cost drastically.
So my advise to you would be to stick to whatever mobile phone you carry with you and put Readius (with a data SIM) in one of those other pockets to enjoy the unique qualities of Readius which you will not find in any other ereader today in the market.
Regards, Thomas
Simple is better
I see. In that case, I hope it can function even without an actual SIM...
About the product itself... What can I say. Personally, I would've swapped the GSM-included design for a design with a rollable solar panel that rolls the opposite way of the display, or some kind of an ejectable tray with compact solar panels on both sides. That would've been nice. Since e-Ink actually NEEDS light for legibility (ie. no backlight)... I'm just saying. Solar powered would've been nice. I don't think it needs much energy to flip a page, does it ?
Well, whatever the future holds in store for Readius, I sincerely hope there will be a lighter version of the product at some point in time. Thank you for reading this.
Andrew.
SIM card
Andrew, indeed Readius does work without a SIM.
Thomas