The wait is over! Finally, an eBook reader that is color, and the color is eInk. Many avid readers have been patiently waiting for this announcement and Ectaco Jetbook is the first to bring the announcement to the market. The Ectaco Jetbook color is here and has been priced at $500. Many testers have checked out its screen, and the reviews are mixed. Here are what some are saying:

The Ectaco Jetbook Color is a 9.7 inch e-ink Triton Display with a resolution of 1600×1200 Pixels. Although computers, laptops and tables draw their color from millions of hues the Ectaco Jetbook color only has approximately 4,000 hues with which to draw from. The reviews were mixed on the color rendering. What I found was reviewers who preferred iPad’s give this product bad reviews while those that understand what a true eBook reader is gave this product good reviews. The color does mimic real paper, which is not as vivid as photo paper. Those who have the Kindle, Kobo or Nook find that eye strain is not found during long sessions because of the eInk technology. The color cannot be compared with back lit devices such as the Apple iPad. So the controversy continues. The reader will receive a different reading experience depending upon what they are reading.

Now some specs for the Ectaco Jetbook Color include : Freescale i.MX508 800MHz with ARM Cortex A8 CPU processor and is a little underpowered for the devices intentions. Patience is required while navigating the simple tasks like menus, page turns, or launching programs. There is a solid 4 GB of internal memory, expandable via a Micro SD card up to 32 GB.

Battery life with this device is pretty standard, lasting around 10,000 page turns. WIFI browser is now available allowing you to buy books, but there is no internet browser to actually surf the internet. Ectaco has stated that they will allow this functionality in a future firmware update.

One key aspect of the Jetbook Color is the Stylus Pen. The design has allowed a slot for it to fit into at the top of the unit. Stereo speakers can be attached at the bottom of the unit with music and vocal dictation possible with the built in microphone.

Billed as an educational eBook reader, the Jetbook Color has attained certification in both Russia and the USA to give deals to educational institutions. Built on a custom Linux interface you will find different modules available for install such as their 50 different dictionaries.

Ectaco decision to make a full color eInk eBook reader was due to four main categories aimed at students with specific programs for K12 schools. Classroom, homework, Oxford reading support, language, games, science math are genres that have six to twelve different applications. There is even a SAT preparation course and an interactive periodic tablet of elements.

The Jetbook Color eBook reader recognizes a wide array of formats. This extensive array will allow people to load their own books purchased elsewhere. Formats recognized are: ePub, Mobi, PRC, PDB, RTF, TXT, HTML, PDF, FB2 formats and is fully compatible with Adobe Digital Editions.

My Thoughts

The Jetbook Color eBook reader is exciting and a huge step forward for eInk. I have one of their first eBook readers and the hardware/software speed is still an issue for me. Now with color and graphics the slowness is highlighted. Ectaco needs to invest in a more powerful engine so speed is not a hindrance.

I love the added benefits Ectaco brings to the eBook reader. They have tools students and travelers can rely on.

I recommend this item to anyone. For the professional that wants their technical documentation easily rendered and used without the worry of upgrading the device every few months. For students because on top of all the preloaded educational tools they can add all their additional books easily. For everyone who wants to protect their eyes!

Shortly, this product will be available for purchase via our Bellaonline eBook/PDA Android mobile APP. . .where we have close to 1,200 downloads already!