eBook Reader Reviews

One of the main complaints about the first few generations of electronic book readers is their cost--who wants to pay several hundred dollars for the equivalent of a few $3 paperbacks? Enter Franklin's new line of eBookMan devices, available in three different models. We got an early peek at the top level eBookMan, which features 16 MB of memory, a sharp 200 x 240 16-level gray scale display, and excellent versatility. In addition to being an e-book reader, the eBookMan also plays audio files (both audiobooks and MP3s), records voice messages, and functions as a respectable PDA. A flip-up cover and hard rubber outer coating afford protection for the device. With a USB-connected cradle, transfers between desktop and the eBookMan proceed quickly. While the eBookMan offers a date book, address book, memo application (using natural handwriting recognition), and voice memo recorder, its main angle is still as a book reader. The large screen and powerful backlight makes reading literature in the Franklin Reader format clear, though the backlight did seem to drain the batteries rather quickly in our demo unit. Ironically, the eBookMan's versatility also draws attention to its limitations. While the unit will play MP3 files, it can only store four to six songs at once with its 16 MB of memory. However, if you pick up an optional MultiMediaCard with up to 64 MB of memory, it is possible to adapt the eBookMan into a more respectable MP3 player. While you'll need to spend a little extra to money to get your eBookMan to reach its full potential, the unit's low original cost and variety of applications make it an excellent gateway into the world of electronic literature. --J. Curtis Pros: Very versatile--PDA, e-books, audiobooks, and MP3s in one device USB connection Large display Cons: Not currently compatible with Microsoft Reader Short battery life Gray scale only

The Franklin EBM-900 eBookman is an 8 MB multimedia and content player in a pocketable format. With the eBookman, you can download and read or listen to thousands of your favorite books. For reading comfort, the eBookman has a large display that shows 87 percent more information than other handheld devices. If you need to check a definition while reading a book, the eBookman comes with an easily accessible Merriam-Webster dictionary. You can also listen to music by downloading your favorite songs in MP3 format. The built-in microphone allows you to record messages that you can play back anytime, or write quick notes using either the built-in stylus or the pop-up keyboard. The eBookman has a calendar, address book, to-do list, and scheduler so you can remain organized by carrying all of your important personal data with you wherever you go. The eBookman features state-of-the-art compression, highly sophisticated search, and easy-to-use hypertext. The Franklin EBM-900 eBookman comes with a one-year warranty.

Today special offer: Buy Franklin eBookman EBM-900 and get eBookMan USB Cradle ($40 value) as a Free gift eBookMan USB Cradle allows you to connect your eBookman to your desktop computer at home, at the office, or anywhere. The Franklin EBM-900 eBookman is an 8 MB multimedia and content player in a pocketable format. With the eBookman, you can download and read or listen to thousands of your favorite books. For reading comfort, the eBookman has a large display that shows 87 percent more information than other handheld devices. If you need to check a definition while reading a book, the eBookman comes with an easily accessible Merriam-Webster dictionary. You can also listen to music by downloading your favorite songs in MP3 format. The built-in microphone allows you to record messages that you can play back anytime, or write quick notes using either the built-in stylus or the pop-up keyboard. The eBookman has a calendar, address book, to-do list, and scheduler. The eBookman features state-of-the-art compression, highly sophisticated search, and easy-to-use hypertext. Display: 16-level grayscale display and high-resolution touch screen with enhanced polarizers; no back light. Hardware features: USB port. MultiMediaCard (MMC) slot. Headphone jack. Speaker. Microphone; Stylus. Removable lid ; Memory: 8 MB SDRAM. MMC slot for expandable memory. Desktop software: eBookMan Desktop Manager with Outlook synchronization powered by Intellisync for eBookMan; Core applications: Franklin Viewer. Franklin Reader. Audiobook Player. Music Player. Date Book. Address Book. Voice Memo. Memo Book. Calculator. ToDo Book EBM-900 comes with the USB cable, setup CD, manual and 2 AAA batteries. The Franklin EBM-900 eBookman comes with a one-year warranty. Please also check improved models: eBookman EBM-901 (with backlight screen) and eBookman EBM-911 (with backlight screen and 16Mb memory).