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Light reading: good PDAs for e-books
Bonnie Cha,
Senior Associate Editor
August 15, 2006
While the Sony Reader might be getting all the attention in the e-book world, it's not the only option out there. A PDA with e-book software is a perfectly good substitute--plus, you get the PIM functions of a handheld--and it certainly beats carting around heavy hardcover books. Some PDAs come with e-book software already installed, usually Palm Reader for Palm devices and Microsoft Reader for Pocket PCs, or you can download it for free from the Web; check out CNET's Download.com. And there's no shortage of titles to choose from; costs typically range from $2 for single stories to $30 for a collection. We've rounded up four e-book-worthy handhelds; they all have great screens, so they're easy on the eyes, and they have pretty affordable prices. So on your next trip or commute, tuck your favorite book into your pocket--literally. Happy reading.
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- Sony Reader First Take,
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| Product name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Prices | $579.99 | $599.99 | $399.99 |
| CNET editors' rating |
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| Average user rating | ||||
| Review date | January 17, 2006 | October 11, 2005 | November 16, 2005 | January 19, 2006 |
| The Bottom Line | The reasonably priced Nokia 770 is a neat idea and a slick device, but slow performance and a few missing features keep it from realizing its potential. | The Palm TX offers a winning package of wireless connectivity, productivity tools, and fun for users of all kinds. | The Dell Axim X51 series offers a nice combination of features, but we were disappointed by the subpar battery life. | Light, thin, and ready for just about anything the business world can throw at it, HP's iPaq rx1950 is a strong performer but falls short with lack of Bluetooth and low memory. |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | ||||
| Packaged contents | Stand Carrying case Additional stylus | Protective cover | Info unavailable | Carrying case |
| RAM installed size | 64 MB | 128 MB | 64 MB | 32 MB |
| OS provided | Internet Tablet OS 2006 | Palm OS Garnet 5.4 | Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 | Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition |
| Color support | 16-bit (64K colors) | 16-bit (64K colors) | 16-bit (64K colors) | 16-bit (64K colors) |
| Clock speed | 250 MHz | 312 MHz | 624 MHz | 300 MHz |
| Weight | 8.1 oz | 5.3 oz | 6.2 oz | 4.4 oz |
| Height | 3.1 in | 4.8 in | 4.7 in | 4.5 in |
| Input device type | Stylus Touch-screen | Stylus Touch-screen 5-way navigation button | Stylus Touch-screen 5-way navigation button | Stylus Touch-screen 5-way navigation button |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g | IrDA Bluetooth IEEE 802.11b | IrDA Bluetooth IEEE 802.11b | IrDA IEEE 802.11b |
| Built-in devices | Display | Display Speaker | Display Touchpad Speaker(s) Microphone | Display Speaker |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices |
As Reviewed: $359.99 |
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