PDF tablet reader

[ugm6hr]

There are a few threads about "tablet" PCs here - and just as with netbooks - everyone has an opinion. Likewise, ebook readers have fans and haters. I don't really care for either - but need a solution for a specific problem...

I read a lot of PDF journal articles. I often need to scan through looking for specific data from a 5-page document, which I then won't need to look at again for a few days or weeks.

Hence, I don't like to print them, because this means finding the article in piles of paper.

I know the Kindle will display PDFs - but is it any good? There are few very cheap (£80-£90) Android-based tablets which would presumably do the same.

I would prefer longer battery life over colour (which I don't need). Resolution is next most important (journals often use 10pt text on A4 pages). Weight is important - and I want a 5-7 inch screen.

Anyone have a suggestion?

[prshah]

There are few very cheap (£80-£90) Android-based tablets which would presumably do the same.

I would prefer longer battery life <..> Resolution is next most important

Anyone have a suggestion?

Absolutely don't consider the cheaper resistive screen type tablets: Battery life is next to nil (Maybe 3 hours at half brightness, wifi off) and horrible, horrible processor that will make attempting to read PDFs a chore.

Maybe a nice 1+ GHZ / 16GB / 7" Capacitive screen tablet with a Samsung or Freescale processor (I recommend to avoid RockChip based tablets); with Android 2.2; however, I don't believe they'd be as cheap as 80 odd pounds; maybe closer to a 100+ pounds mark.

[earthpigg]

i'd get one of those hypercheap chinese android devices that pop up around the cafe from time to time.

[Johnsie]

The most important thing when buying a tablet is the screen, the software available and the processor. Like others have said, stay away from anything resistive (unless you want to use it as a cheap android server). I had one with a resistive screen and it went back to the shop.

If this is capacitive then it might be worth looking at:
http://www.archos.com/products/ereaders/archos_70_ereader/index.html?country=us&lang=en

I have the normal Archos 70 (non-ereader version) and it's pretty good (for a tablet).

[Dry Lips]

I'm considering getting an e-reader myself, so I've done a little research.
If you're going to use it exclusively for reading, go for electronic ink, not
one of those iPads or android tablets. A dedicated e-reader is supposed
to be much more kind to your eyes compared to backlit screens.

Personally I won't get a Kindle because it supports few formats and ties
you to Amazon, so the choice for me stands between Sony, Bebook and
Cybook. The new Sony e-readers use the latest e-pearl electronic ink
technology, and have good resolution. (Although I'm not quite sure that
I'll go for Sony myself.) When it comes to PDF, the short answer is:
it depends. See:
http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/PDF#eBook_Readers

Anyone out there having tried reading PDFs on e-readers such as Kindle?
We want your advice!

[Johnsie]

You can get androids with electronic ink. I think the Nook has that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble_Nook

Apparently they are quite hackable.

[themarker0]

Imo just get the kindle.

[Dry Lips]

You can get androids with electronic ink. I think the Nook has that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble_Nook

Apparently they are quite hackable.

The nook has a little lcd screen beneath the e-ink screen for navigation.
This has an impact on battery life. (On the other hand, the nook color is a
traditional tablet like the iPad.)

http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-readers/barnes-noble-nook-wi/4505-3508_7-34122435.html#reviewPage1

[ugm6hr]

Thanks all for advice...

When it comes to PDF, the short answer is:
it depends. See:
http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/PDF#eBook_Readers
Anyone out there having tried reading PDFs on e-readers such as Kindle?
We want your advice!
This is the crux of my question re: e-ink devices.
Also - I have no aversion to resistive screens. My phone has one (Nokia 5800), and using a stylus is no issue for this purpose. I do not need to surf the web, email etc - I have enough tools for that ("smart" phone, netbook, laptop, desktop).
I don't need a colour screen - so e-ink is a good option for battery life benefits.

[leg]

I have recently acquired a Dell Streak & I think it is a brilliant device. I have also recently used a Kindle so have a bit of experience with both. The Kindle is a good device and very useful & easy to read from. I was looking forward to using it but basically after having used one would not buy one of my own.

I have been bought a Dell Streak by my workplace with the intention that I develop some apps for it. This device is absolutely amazing as far as I am concerned. I have installed the Kindle app for android onto it & I have also installed Adobe pdf reader. No problem reading on the 5" screen but, I believe, a 7" version is available. I also read my e-mail, browse the net & use it as my phone. Very light fits in my trouser pocket, just, and the battery easily lasts a day which is good as I am using it a lot.

Some of the newer phones screens are not much smaller at 4.3" so you could go down that road also. Another choice is to step up to the 10.1 tablets which look very attractive & I hope to try out one of those soon. Basically I am very impressed with the android platform to the extent that I don't use my laptop as much any more as I can do a lot of the basics with my streak. I am typing this on it yes.

Short version get something Android based.

[Dry Lips]

I asked about e-ink devices and PDF at another forum that I visit.
The bottom line is that e-readers suck when it comes to PDF, but
if you install a tool such as Calibre (which is in the repos) you could
easily convert PDFs to formats better suited for e-readers.

http://www.spiralinear.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=182&start=10

---
Edit:
At least some e-readers seem to handle PDFs well. See the link above.

[yyxt11a]

I have a "All NEW NOOK". When it comes to read PDF, it is horrible. Even I used Calibre to convert the PDF to EPUB, it still doesn't help. So, if your main purpose is to read PDF articles, avoid any e-reader. It's a shame, coz I like the E-ink very much.

[Me Mechant]

I'm using my kindle as a pdf reader on the go (i'm using a lot of big and complex pdf). The convert fonction from the kindle is not that great i'm using k2pdfopt (http://www.willus.com/archive/). With that program i can convert multi colum text easily and it look great on the kindle.

[ssam]

there was recently a big discussion on /. about this

http://ask.slashdot.org/story/11/08/18/2154203/Ask-Slashdot-Ebook-Reader-for-Scientific-Papers