Franklin EBM-911 eBookMan (Translucent Graphite)

Franklin EBM-911 eBookMan (Translucent Graphite) Review

Franklin EBM-911 eBookMan (Translucent Graphite) Feature

• 16 MB handheld multimedia reader and content player with large, backlit display
• Download and read thousands of electronic books or documents, or listen to audio books
• Listen to your favorite music in MP3 format
• Write notes in your own handwriting, and record messages in your own voice
• Keep track of your important contacts, dates, and appointments

Franklin EBM-911 eBookMan (Translucent Graphite) Overview

Franklin eBookMan EBM-911. This eBookman features a large graphic screen, high resolution makes for natural smooth font appearance and it's easy on your eyes. The array of programs comes in the package with your eBookman device, others can be purchased or downloaded form the Internet. Install the inlcuded dictionaries on your eBookman using the standard installation procedures. With this eBookman you can read, listen to music, organize your activities. Address book and organizer computer synchronization is not available. Display: 16-level grayscale display and high-resolution touch screen with enhanced polarizers; Hardware features: USB port. MultiMediaCard (MMC) slot. Headphone jack. Speaker. Microphone. Backlight; Accessories: Stylus. Removable lid. Memory: 16 MB SDRAM. MMC slot for expandable memory; PC system requirements: IBM-compatible 486 PC or higher. 256 color VGA monitor. Mouse or other pointing device. Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. 50 MB free disk space. 32 MB RAM. available serial or standard USB port3. Internet connectivity. Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (or later) OR Netscape Navigator 4.02 (or later); 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.

Franklin EBM-911 eBookMan (Translucent Graphite) Specifications

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 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

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 11, 2011 18:45:13