Comments on: iRex DR800 SG rides Verizon, Best Buy

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:02:40 +0000

I plan on reading a lot of ebook pdf’s so I was planning to buy the Kindle DX for its big screen. That is until I saw all the negative reviews on Amazon about the screens easily breaking and Amazon’s poor customer service (charging $250 for a replacement). It also seems a bit too big to be practical, must be held with 2 hands, is heavy and hard to carry around (never mind the fragility). The DR 800 SG seems like the perfect size for viewing large documents comfortably and with good portability. Add to that the ability to get books from just about anywhere makes it a no-brainer for me IREX should fix the name tho.

By: Gretche

Gretche — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:41:42 +0000

From what I read on engaget reagarding the 800SG they are either impressed or unsure. I never got the impression of disappointment that Brad seems to have inferred. I have never heard of Irex before about 2 weeks ago, but I an very very seriously considering their reader for my first ereader. You can’t even compare the nook to the 800SG they are on totally different levels and I believe aimed at different users. I really like the nook as well and think it has lots of great features, but to compare the two is like apples to pears (close, but no the same). The Sony Daily Edition is also very intriguing, but approaches the same problem with a different solution (touchscreen) At this point in the technology you can’t have it all (touchscreen and no glare without a non “touch” screen)

By: switch11

switch11 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:22:59 +0000

Carl, there is no additional expense for PDFs for the kindle dx.
For the kindle you can convert yoruself or via amazon for free or if you want it delivered wirelessly for 15 cents per MB.

Screen malfunction is covered under the warranty.
Broken screens are not.

By: CARL

CARL — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:19:59 +0000

Have you read any of the negative reviews posted on Amazon regarding new Kindle DX screen malfunction or broken a few days after purchase?
Amazon refuses to stand by their product, refund, replace or repair at Amazon’s expense. Also I understand that the Kindle does handle PDF files in a limited way and at an additional expense.

By: The Kindle Chronicles - TKC 62 Brad Stone

The Kindle Chronicles - TKC 62 Brad Stone — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:07:47 +0000

[...] eBooks. Engadget gets its hands on an iRex DR800SG and is not impressed. Other smart commentary here and here. Meanwhile, Amazon announces the winner of its Your Amazon Ad Contest. Click here to watch [...]

By: Andrys

Andrys — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:36:02 +0000

I just saw that PC World got interesting quotes from someone at iRex re the stylus and notes taking:

“He added that while the device is ready for electronic ink based note taking, the application that enables the function wasn’t quite ready but would be added later as a free update.”

By: Andrys

Andrys — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:11:39 +0000

> “free Internet Access”

I need to say that this is not equivalent to the Kindle’s free internet access, since the Kindle’s (as I wrote last night), is direct-access to the entire net, albeit slow except on mobile-optimized sites, while both iRex and Sony are offering only unlimited access direct to their stores and nowhere else.

For iRex the stores include B&N and Newspapers–Direct,

For me, the most impressive feature -over- the Kindle is that the periodicals (1,100+) will be in the kind of layout people expect or hope for, rather than the DOS Text version the Kindle sells.

The stylus probably won’t even be enabled to write notes to books because that feature costs an extra $100 on top of the $989 10″ model that iRex sells (DR1000s).

Very iffy size too.

I’m with you 100% on name recognition and am shuddering when thinking of customer support due to what has not been seen as sterling support in the past.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:49:24 +0000

The thing about name recognition is that (for me), it’s not about electronics. If I wanted to buy a television then Sony immediately comes to mind as they’ve been in that business for years. However, I’m more interested in how I will continue to get books, and whether the manufacturer understands readers.

Sony’s design for their readers puts the second concern in doubt, and iRex scares me on both accounts. I ultimately bought a Kindle because I trust Amazon to understand readers, and to continue to support the product for many, many years.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:25:17 +0000

Valid points on name recognition, but if the irex offers a better reading experience than the sony that could tip the scales. It will have a larger display than the Daily Reader and if they use the same display as the iLiad it will look better than the Daily Reader in a side by side comparison provided they’re using a non-resistive touch screen technology. The big wild card that won’t be readily apparent in the store is battery life. Definitely not the strong point of the iRex products and a great strong point for Sony.