IRex Book Edition
This product is the same as the second edition of the iRex iLiad except that it does not include the WiFi capability. It does include 50 free books preloaded. The Book Edition web page has more details.
iRex iLiad
- Made by: iRex
- Released: 2nd edition Sep 2007
- Predecessor: 1st edition
- Languages Supported: English
- File Types Supported: PDF (non-DRM), HTML/XHTML (Latin-1 only), TXT (ASCII only), XEB (Apabi, pretty much Mandarin only), Mobipocket (including DRM).
Overview
Experience a new way of reading with the iLiad and read your digital books and documents as if they were printed on real paper, with the impressive 8.1-inch display that utilizes breakthrough electronic paper technology, that is stunningly, paper-like.
Thanks to the high contrast, high resolution display of the iLiad you will no longer experience eyestrain when reading - and with a near 180° viewing angle reflecting screens are something of the past.
The iLiad comes in two different models. The standard edition and the Book Edition differing only in that the standard edition includes WiFi capability built-in.
Specifications
- Model:
- iRex ER0100 (iLiad 1st Edition)
- ER0140-002-000 (iLiad 2nd Edition)
- Price: 599€ (incl VAT and shipping to europe)
- Intel XScale-PXA255 rev 6 (v5l) (swp half thumb fastmult edsp) CPU running at 400Mhz/100MHz (with firmware 2.11)
- 64MB DRAM (roughly 48MB available to applications)
- 256MB FLASH (128MB available via USB for content storage)
- Linux Operating System (2.4.19-rmk7-pxa2)
- 8.1" 1024x768 16 grayscale e-paper (E Ink) screen (slightly smaller than A5 size)
- Wacom Penabled touch screen
- MMC slot (MMC and SD up to 1 GB, SD cards must be SD spec. 1.0 compliant)
- CF slot (support for up to 32GB cards and microdrives) Memory cards list
- 802.11 b/g WiFi (specs)
- 10/100 Ethernet (requires travel hub)
- Built in monaural speaker.
- 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
- USB 1.1 with Type A port on unit and Type B port on travel hub.
- Battery (v1): ATL 513475, 1100mAh @ 3.7V, proprietary, not customer replaceable. Charging time 3-4 hours.
- Nine buttons and "page flip bar" on front of unit.
- Sliding power switch on bottom right edge of unit.
- Docking port, currently only used by travel hub, bottom middle edge of unit.
- Wacom stylus and slot to hold it when not in use.
More formats:
Further formats are planned for the future including MP3 and will be made available through the iDS.
Community development has provided additional readers such as FBReader, which supports more book formats, and CBZ.
Pros:
- Resolution: 160dpi, 1024x768, 16 grayscales
- Open source operating system (Linux)
- Content planned by various international newspaper companies with trials currently on-going or planned for the near future.
- E-ink screen is visible indoors and outdoors, including in full sunlight.
- SDK is available for third-party software development and ssh access. It was also mentioned that any additional readers/software people write, and submit to iRex, will be considered for release via the iDS system.
- Thousands free and priced ebooks via Mobipocket.
- Touch screen with stylus for note taking.
Cons:
- Expensive in comparison to other dedicated ebook reading devices.
- Short Battery Life and not as advertised (admitted by iRex never to surpass approx. 10 hours, 15 hours with new, larger battery)
- No suspend mode.
- USB port for data transfer is USB 1.1 only.
- Problematic SD memory card support. Recommended use of MMC (up to 1GB) or CF (up to 32GB) instead.
- Warranty repairs require return to Germany.
Company Info:
iRex, is a "Spin-off" of Philips and the two companies have a long term development relationship. As well as patent and licensing agreements. However Philips Electronics holds no formal share position in iRex. (info taken from the iRex FAQ on their webpage)
iRex is also a member of the eNews initiative along with various large international newspapers/publishers.
History
The first iLiad was released in late 2006 and was replaced with the second edition in September 2007. iRex pioneered the display controller chip and technology and continues to have the only device with a 16 level gray scale.
The second edition made improvements in the frame of the device to stiffen it against torquing that could crack the screen and added a larger battery for longer battery life.
In May of 2009, non-compliance with a variety of FCC regulations halted all sales of the iLiad in North America.
See Also
Related Wiki links
- FAQ: Quick rundown of the many questions asked by MobileRead users
- Owners list: Table of MobileRead users who bought the iLiad device (first must-place when you get your iLiad)
- Software wishlist: What do you want the iLiad software to be able to do? Here is the place to put it down
- Firmware releases: History of official firmware releases including changelogs
- Memory cards list: Compatible and incompatible external memory cards
- USB flashlights: Flashlight solutions
- Review videos: Online videos demonstrating the iLiad
- Inside photos: iLiad inside-out photos
- iLiad Software : Hacks and apps from the MobileRead developer community
- Overview for developers : An overview on how to develop for the iliad
- iLiad Unofficial Toolchain : How to install antartica's toolchain to develop for the iliad
- Where to Buy
Related MobileRead links
Company is bankrupt.
