Gadzooki

Watch Video on Your Ebook Reader

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ereader video

Is your Kindle or Nook (or any other ebook reader) your constant companion? Have you shelved your “real” books for your ebook reader?

I am a book lover – in any format, really, but the convenience of ebooks make this format my main choice lately. One thing about ebook readers these days – at least those that function mainly as ebook readers – is that they are rather limited in functionality. I am not talking about the iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and other similar tablets. These devices can definitely be used as ebook readers, and they excel at that.

If you get the chance to use ebook readers such as the Kindle and the Nook, though, you will immediately notice just how limited they are. Then again, if all you really want or need is to read books (which is what these things are made for), then there is no issue. On the other hand, if you feel like getting more out of your ebook reader, you’ll be interested in what software developer Mark Longstaff-Tyrrell has created.

He has developed software that will allow you to watch video or animation on your ebook reader. Nook and Kindle owners already know that their devices are not meant for video playback. Knowing that, however, does not mean that one would not want the ability to watch video if at all possible. With Longstaff-Tyrrell’s solution, that ability is within reach of every ebook reader owner.

The premise is simple: to go around the refresh rate limitation of ebook readers. In order to do this, Longstaff-Tyrrell decided to pick out the critical frames in the video. Included in these frames are the ones which have the subtitles. The result? An HTML file or a PDF which you can read as if you were watching the video. There is also an option for an embeddable HTML player if you prefer that format.

Yeah, it is not exactly the same as actually watching the video. In fact, I wouldn’t blame you if the word “lame” is in your head right now. You have stop comparing ebook readers to the iPad, though. For something that totally cannot play videos, this solution is actually a brilliant workaround.

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Entourage Edge dual screen eBook Reader

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Laptop Mag have gotten their hands on an interesting eBook reader called the Entourage Edge. They find it strange though. It’s the same size and form factor as a netbook, but it’s actually two screens: one e-ink screen and the other a normal LCD screen. It’s too big to be an eBook reader, they felt, but they do appreciate the effort to make such an unconventional product.

Upon opening the Edge, the first thing we noticed is the hinge that allows for a complete 180-degree range of motion for both of the dualbook’s displays. Users can fold them back to back and use just one display at a time, lay the device flat on a surface, or place either screen at any angle, including 45 degrees; the hinge is sturdy enough to keep each screen in place. To keep the tablet from sliding (and to protect the screens) both the outside chassis and inside edges have rubber grip strips or edges. We wish there was a latch to keep the two displays together when opened, though.

The problem is that 3-pound Edge feels heavy for a device that’s meant to be held for long periods of time. Though comfortable to hold as a tablet in the crook of our arm, after about 45 minutes we felt serious strain. Holding the Edge more like a book helped, with the screens at a 90-degree angle, but the weight became noticeble before an hour was up. This may not be as big a deal for students who will likely do most of their work and reading while resting the Edge on a desk.

Read the entire review here.