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ProDigit


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Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
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Hi all,
I've spent quite some time chatting with customer service (Greg, and others) concerning the Jetbook color.
The second FW upgrade (April) was not really what most would have expected.

Here's my resume of the device so far:

What the device is VERY good at:
- Reading Epub Files

What the device is good at:
- Reading PDF files
- Reading LIT/mobi files
- TXT, RTF,
- Listening to music or audio books

What the device is ok/less good at:
- displaying pictures
- HTML (reads HTML, but no internal hyperlinks supported, nor external pictures.


Fileformat needs improvements:
- PDF could support margin removal and better internal hyperlinking.
- LIT/MOBI/RTF also suffer from non working hyperlinks, and the progress bar on the bottom is too small to read.
- Html: Better fonts, inline pictures, support for pictures outside of the HTML document, better functionality of hyperlinks

(software) Improvements I requested on the device:
- CBR/CBZ support (please guys, you're targeting a large Japanese subculture by making this work! It's only a small reading software, and since you're the first out there, a lot of manga/comic book readers will want to buy this device too!)
- PDF margin removal (next to the most important thing on the list! Pdf border removal makes this device even so more sweet for most business applications).
- TTS improvement on reading full pages or books (remove long pauses between sentences; TTS works ok on selected text, even multiple sentences, but takes too long on non-selected text: eg: full page or book read).
- Graphical calculator with at least 2 variables (Graph for one variable already implemented
- Games like Sudoku (already implemented), minesweeper, cardgames (like patience and poker), Mahjong, and other non-time based, non 3D or vector graphics based games, chess, dams, monopoly, a simple pawn game based on dies doing random numbers, Yahtzee, Starquest-like game, text based games, etc...
- Basic paint program, basic notepad, Table of Mendeleev (implemented), currency convertor, weight/size/surface/acceleration/temperature convertor
- Support for .HLP/CHM files, DOC, ODT, docx, DJVU
- OGG/WMV/aac audio support
- PDF landscape reading for 2 pages
- Image browser (there's just a file browser, but if images are unpacked in a directory, the slideshow function does not really work).
- Basic web browser (We are waiting for Oh-Per-A)!
- An internal dictionary (words + meaning); already implemented
- Calendar / Agenda
- A Basic File browser with commands to 'open'/'copy'/'move' and 'delete' a file (implemented in the menu)
- Long press buttons: 'back' going to main menu or 'home' screen, canceling or breaking current activity (like a soft reset button, or a CTRL+ALT+DEL on windows), 'Menu' going to options instead of recording audio, 'ok' record audio, Left/right: 10 pages back/ahead; Up/Dn: 5 pages back/ahead.
- Within image viewer: by default center zoom,and stretch/shrink image to fit screen. Give option to stretch/shrink without keeping aspect ratio (good for scanned documents with text).
- Improve the GUI (menu structure) in books (use icons instead of large text menu's).
- Improve menu structure to get faster where the user wants to be.
- Loading the library takes too long when there are files on the SD card.
- When using the scribble pen, to scribble on the page, a full page refresh is necessary when skipping to a new page. As the pen uses a brownish red, not black, as a base color, so it has ghosting.
- Use black as base color for the scribble.
- Increase memory for scribble, device ceases to operate after writing 2 sentences on the screen.
- Change tapping behavior with the stylus: Center tap the screen=refresh page, tap on top= menu bar(displays TTS, pen style (drawing/selecting/erasing), dictionary..), tap bottom = in book menu(chapter, bookmarks, history), tap left and right= previous and next page.
- Graphical driver update to display colors more vibrantly
- OS sometimes tend to get stuck (and the blue led remains on). This causes battery depletion.
- Connection issues with connecting the device to a PC, sometimes the device is not recognized,and a hard reset is necessary.
- PDF zoom in on the center, not on the top left. Enable panning with stylus.
- Display images or PDF documents in the center, not on the left side. If they are made for widescreen resolutions (16/9 or 16/10) the image has a wide margin on the right. It will look nicer when the right margin would be symmetric with the left margin

Bugs within the device:
- TTS sometimes reads in another language. (solved by selecting book language before TTS reading).
- JPegs of exactly 1600x1200 pixels sometimes don't display at all (white screen with ghosting) I've had this issue as well with other pictures of other resolutions, with certain zoom settings.

Hardware changes requested:
- Lower price to $300, $250 preferably. (see next point)
- Using flexible e-ink screen could lower price significantly,as it also allows for a lighter, more flexible body/frame. (Perhaps get rid of the school software for those that not need it)
- Placing the speakers on the left and right side of the device, somewhere on the top, instead of on the bottom of the device.(resting the device on a flat soft surface (like a carpet, piece of cloth or on your belly when laying in the couch, muffles the sound)
- Placing the buttons somewhere 1/4 away from the top on the left and right, instead of on the bottom. Holding the device from the bottom is not easy. One will want to hold the device, and have the buttons nearby the fingers.
- Improving the design of the sleeve, so the JBC can stand straight instead of hang in an angle in the sleeve when using it as a stand.
- Improve the sleeve so nothing will pushes the buttons or the glass substrate screen (the stand is pressing on the screen)
- Improving device ergonomics (place batteries under hand, so the device can balance out like the Jetbook Mini.
- Shiny white frame replacing with matte black (already implemented).
- Sell stickers to color the Jetbook Color (to make the white border less bright)
- Improve the pixels on the screen. Colors Red and Blue need to be lighter. Green needs to be more visible (as it looks like grey) See, the RGBW filters can be optimized for less color absorption (making the reds and blue's less deep, and more bright, and gives an overall whiter background).
- Keyboard support from external HUB connected to the USB port
I personally would recommend this device only as a PDF reader, or comic book reader.
It's price is too high to buy it for schools or kids, even at $300.
Unfortunately the device does not support the comic book formats CBR and CBZ, that's why it's missing out on perhaps it's greatest potential!

Therefor it's only good for reading PDF files and epub files.
With no margin removal, pdf documents are displayed at 50% of their original size.
For the Jetbook Color to have the right size, it will have to increase it's screen to 14", 1600x1200 pixels.
At it's current size, 1023x768 is good enough of a resolution to read PDF files.
PDF text is quite small, but readable. But not too far from the eyes.

Epub displays very well, and fast! It's probably the best epub reader I've ever had!

This message was edited 10 times. Last update was at 05/27/2012 04:16:08

Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
Offline

ProDigit wrote:Hi all,
I've spent quite some time chatting with customer service (Greg, and others) concerning the Jetbook color.
The second FW upgrade (April) was not really what most would have expected.

Here's my resume of the device so far:

What the device is VERY good at:
- Reading Epub Files

What the device is good at:
- Reading PDF files
- Reading LIT/mobi files
- TXT, RTF,
- Listening to music or audio books

What the device is ok/less good at:
- displaying pictures
- HTML (reads HTML, but no internal hyperlinks supported, nor external pictures.


Fileformat needs improvements:
- PDF could support margin removal and better internal hyperlinking.
- LIT/MOBI/RTF also suffer from non working hyperlinks, and the progress bar on the bottom is too small to read.


(software) Improvements I requested on the device:
- CBR/CBZ support
- PDF margin removal
- TTS improvement on reading full pages or books (remove long pauses between sentences; TTS works ok on selected text, even multiple sentences).
- Graphical calculator with at least 2 variables (Graph for one variable already implemented
- Games like Sudoku (already implemented), minesweeper, cardgames (like patience and poker), Mahjong, and other non-time based, non 3D or vector graphics based games, chess, dams, monopoly, a simple pawn game based on dies doing random numbers, Yahtzee, Starquest-like game, text based games, etc...
- Basic paint program, basic notepad, Table of Mendeleev (implemented), currency convertor, weight/size/surface/acceleration/temperature convertor
- Support for .HLP/CHM files, DOC, ODT, docx, DJVU
- OGG/WMV/aac audio support
- PDF landscape reading for 2 pages
- Image browser (there's just a file browser, but if images are unpacked in a directory, the slideshow function does not really work).
- Basic web browser (We are waiting for Oh-Per-A)!
- An internal dictionary (words + meaning); already implemented
- Calendar / Agenda
- A Basic File browser with commands to 'open'/'copy'/'move' and 'delete' a file (implemented in the menu)
- Long press buttons: 'back' going to main menu or 'home' screen, 'Menu' going to options instead of recording audio, 'ok' record audio, Left/right: 10 pages back/ahead; Up/Dn: 5 pages back/ahead.
- Within image viewer: by default center zoom,and stretch/shrink image to fit screen. Give option to stretch/shrink without keeping aspect ratio (good for scanned documents with text).
- Improve the GUI (menu structure) in books (use icons instead of large text menu's).
- Improve menu structure to get faster where the user wants to be.
- Loading the library takes too long when there are files on the SD card.
- When using the scribble pen, to scribble on the page, a full page refresh is necessary when skipping to a new page. As the pen uses a brownish red, not black, as a base color, so it has ghosting.
- Use black as base color for the scribble.
- Increase memory for scribble, device ceases to operate after writing 2 sentences on the screen.
- Change tapping behavior with the stylus: Center tap the screen=refresh page, tap on top= menu bar(displays TTS, pen style (drawing/selecting/erasing), dictionary..), tap bottom = in book menu(chapter, bookmarks, history), tap left and right= previous and next page.
- Graphical driver update to display colors more vibrantly
- OS sometimes tend to get stuck (and the blue led remains on). This causes battery depletion.
- PDF zoom in on the center, not on the top left. Enable panning with stylus.

Bugs within the device:
- TTS sometimes reads in another language.
- JPegs of exactly 1600x1200 pixels sometimes don't display at all (white screen with ghosting)

Hardware changes requested:
- Lower price to $300, $250 preferably.
- Using flexible e-ink screen could lower price significantly,as it also allows for a lighter, more flexible body/frame.
- Placing the speakers on the left and right side of the device, somewhere on the top, instead of on the bottom of the device.
- Placing the buttons somewhere 1/4 away from the top on the left and right, instead of on the bottom.
- Improving the design of the sleeve, so the JBC can stand straight instead of hang in an angle in the sleeve when using it as a stand.
- Improve the sleeve so nothing will pushes the buttons or the glass substrate screen (the stand is pressing on the screen)
- Improving device ergonomics (place batteries under hand, so the device can balance out like the Jetbook Light.
- Shiny white frame replacing with matte black (already implemented).
- Sell stickers to color the Jetbook Color (to make the white border less bright)
- Improve the pixels on the screen. Colors Red and Blue need to be lighter. Green needs to be more visible (as it looks like grey) See, the RGBW filters can be optimized for less color absorption (making the reds and blue's less deep, and more bright, and gives an overall whiter background).
- Keyboard support from external HUB connected to the USB port
I personally would recommend this device only as a PDF reader, or comic book reader.
It's price is too high to buy it for schools or kids, even at $300.
Unfortunately the device does not support the comic book formats CBR and CBZ, that's why it's missing out on perhaps it's greatest potential!

Therefor it's only good for reading PDF files and epub files.
With no margin removal, pdf documents are displayed at 50% of their original size.
For the Jetbook Color to have the right size, it will have to increase it's screen to 14", 1600x1200 pixels.
At it's current size, 1023x768 is good enough of a resolution to read PDF files.
PDF text is quite small, but readable. But not too far from the eyes.

Epub displays very well, and fast! It's probably the best epub reader I've ever had!



Hey,

Thanks for the feedback, this is wonderful info! I actually just took some time to consolidate it and i sent the information over to the people who work in development.

I wanted to make a few comments myself.

-I believe with the newest version the DJVU format is supported.
-For TTS reading in another language. You should select 'book language' first. Then do the 'speak' feature.
-As far as price goes, while i cannot disclose too much i can tell you the screen costs us a ton. We don't have much wiggle room for price changes.

I know the JBL came a very long way after its initial release (in terms of firmware updates). I hope we will see the same for the JBC!

Jerry C,
Ectaco Inc
www.ectaco.com


Please make sure you review each threads unique RULES before posting.
ProDigit


[Avatar]
Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
Offline

Thanks for replying Jerry,
Selecting book language seems to have fixed the problem.

In case you haven't noticed, I've done some minor upates,and put extra marks on CBR/CBZ file support, and PDF border removal, as I think these are the 2 things that will make this device even more popular amongst third party users; even more than a web browser (as the device mainly shines as an offline device, and wifi takes too much battery)!
Nevertheless having a browser to browse forums, wiki pages, and perhaps basic mobile websites also is awesome!

I would also like like to expand the thread with following suggestions:

Optimizing code:
- Try to organize menu's to display as few popups, and as few sub-menu's as possible.
when entering into 'stylus mode' one needs to see somewhere that one is within stylus mode.
Now I click on stylus mode,and I get another menu saying the stylus types available, but it is not clear enough that I am in the stylus menu.
Even though it's only natural to be in the stylus sub-menu when you see the sub-menu choices (drawing, text selection mode,...); for improved user friendliness, it's always important to still visibly see the previous menus (like a directory tree, still see the parent folders in the tree, suggestions below could fix this menu issue).

Get rid with as many words in the menu within a book, by placing them as icons in the menu bar (on top), just like you did with the battery information, clock, or stylus; for PDF's that would mean:
- Have TTS language in an icon in the menu bar (able to read by clicking icon, change language by double clicking it or something)
- Have stylus mode in an icon in the menu bar (able to directly change the stylus mode by clicking on icon in the menu bar)
- Have the option to let the menu bar float on top of the document (in PDF), so that the whole pdf does not get rescaled when fullscreen view is off.
- Have fullscreen view icon in the menu bar

For images:
- Have stretch to fit screen, and zoom to fit screen icons in the menu bar (zoom to fit screen zooms page to fit screen. Stretch to fit zooms image to fit screen without maintaining the picture's aspect ratio).
- have drawing/panning mode icon in the menu bar (allow switching between reading and writing on scribble files)

General:
- Use the 'ok' as general 'enter', confirm, or left mouse click; the back button as general backspace, cancel, or refute,or right mouse button. (in most cases it works like this, but not in all).

Bug april Updates:
- I've already reported this, but in the april update a lot of things got messed up, perhaps because I did not have enough time to test the march update, that I have not seen certain errors in the march update that just migrated. Either that, or the April update came with a whole set of new bugs:
The TTS reads every other sentence in SOME pdf documents ,meaning it reads the 1st, 3rd, 5th,... and skips the 2nd, 4th, 6th...
It does also freeze after the first sentence in an epub. I've noted it's connected to the same issue as below:
- I've noticed that for some awkward reason the Jetbook sometimes gets into this state where it does not open PDF files which it used to open before, displaying tens if get into a loop of hundreds or indefinite error messages "unable to open the file; ok". Only option is to 'ok' the message, or to cancel it, either way it does not stop giving these popups and the reader needs to be reset. I've also noticed the same on epubs, where it would only open the title screen,or could not open the book at all.
Remarkably most files it did not open, where files I opened in the march update. So I wondered if there are some 'traces' left by the march update that make these books incompatible with the April update**

- When the stylus is in drawing mode within a PDF file, and an epub file is opened, the stylus remains in drawing mode, eventhough drawing is not supported on epub files.
When selecting 'text selection mode' whatever scribble that has been drawn or written disappears.

** I looked on the SD card, and internal memory and removed everything but the scribble files (meaning I removed the thumbnail and .jb files), reloaded the library, and it fixed the issues of a non-working book. It even opened the Epub files like normally.
It however, did not fix the TTS issue reading every other line on some pdf's.
For this reason, not knowing if the error resided within the .JB files, or in the thumbnails, i think it's important to have a feat to clear and rebuild all those thumbnails and jb files!

This message was edited 10 times. Last update was at 05/21/2012 14:46:04

Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
Offline

ProDigit wrote:Thanks for replying Jerry,
Selecting book language seems to have fixed the problem.

In case you haven't noticed, I've done some minor upates,and put extra marks on CBR/CBZ file support, and PDF border removal, as I think these are the 2 things that will make this device even more popular amongst third party users; even more than a web browser (as the device mainly shines as an offline device, and wifi takes too much battery)!
Nevertheless having a browser to browse forums, wiki pages, and perhaps basic mobile websites also is awesome!

I would also like like to expand the thread with following suggestions:

Optimizing code:
- Try to organize menu's to display as few popups, and as few sub-menu's as possible.
when entering into 'stylus mode' one needs to see somewhere that one is within stylus mode.
Now I click on stylus mode,and I get another menu saying the stylus types available, but it is not clear enough that I am in the stylus menu.
Even though it's only natural to be in the stylus sub-menu when you see the sub-menu choices (drawing, text selection mode,...); for improved user friendliness, it's always important to still visibly see the previous menus (like a directory tree, still see the parent folders in the tree, suggestions below could fix this menu issue).

Get rid with as many words in the menu within a book, by placing them as icons in the menu bar (on top), just like you did with the battery information, clock, or stylus; for PDF's that would mean:
- Have TTS language in an icon in the menu bar (able to read by clicking icon, change language by double clicking it or something)
- Have stylus mode in an icon in the menu bar (able to directly change the stylus mode by clicking on icon in the menu bar)
- Have the option to let the menu bar float on top of the document (in PDF), so that the whole pdf does not get rescaled when fullscreen view is off.
- Have fullscreen view icon in the menu bar

For images:
- Have stretch to fit screen, and zoom to fit screen icons in the menu bar (zoom to fit screen zooms page to fit screen. Stretch to fit zooms image to fit screen without maintaining the picture's aspect ratio).
- have drawing/panning mode icon in the menu bar (allow switching between reading and writing on scribble files)

General:
- Use the 'ok' as general 'enter', confirm, or left mouse click; the back button as general backspace, cancel, or refute,or right mouse button. (in most cases it works like this, but not in all).

Bug april Updates:
- I've already reported this, but in the april update a lot of things got messed up, perhaps because I did not have enough time to test the march update, that I have not seen certain errors in the march update that just migrated. Either that, or the April update came with a whole set of new bugs:
The TTS reads every other sentence in SOME pdf documents ,meaning it reads the 1st, 3rd, 5th,... and skips the 2nd, 4th, 6th...
It does also freeze after the first sentence in an epub. I've noted it's connected to the same issue as below:
- I've noticed that for some awkward reason the Jetbook sometimes gets into this state where it does not open PDF files which it used to open before, displaying tens if get into a loop of hundreds or indefinite error messages "unable to open the file; ok". Only option is to 'ok' the message, or to cancel it, either way it does not stop giving these popups and the reader needs to be reset. I've also noticed the same on epubs, where it would only open the title screen,or could not open the book at all.
Remarkably most files it did not open, where files I opened in the march update. So I wondered if there are some 'traces' left by the march update that make these books incompatible with the April update**

- When the stylus is in drawing mode within a PDF file, and an epub file is opened, the stylus remains in drawing mode, eventhough drawing is not supported on epub files.
When selecting 'text selection mode' whatever scribble that has been drawn or written disappears.

** I looked on the SD card, and internal memory and removed everything but the scribble files (meaning I removed the thumbnail and .jb files), reloaded the library, and it fixed the issues of a non-working book. It even opened the Epub files like normally.
It however, did not fix the TTS issue reading every other line on some pdf's.
For this reason, not knowing if the error resided within the .JB files, or in the thumbnails, i think it's important to have a feat to clear and rebuild all those thumbnails and jb files!



Hi,

I definitely agree with the optimizing of menus, i feel like getting to certain 'functions' can be made easier. I have suggested this alongside a few others so we will wait and see whats to come.

Also i just reviewed your list of bugs, i can tell you that allot of them are known on our side and should be fixed. I can tell you you pointed out a few i haven't seen before so i will make sure to report them directly to the development team.

Thanks again for your input, it really means allot to us and is part of the reason why we are able to make sure a great product!!

Jerry C,
Ectaco Inc
www.ectaco.com


Please make sure you review each threads unique RULES before posting.
ProDigit


[Avatar]
Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
Offline

I realize that such a long list may make it seem to some like the Jetbook Color is not ready.
I find in many ways it is ready, and perhaps 80-90% of the points mentioned above are all minor details, striving for perfection.
The menu structure as is, works. It can be improved to look nicer, but as it is, it works.

I want people to know I enjoy my Jetbook Color very much, and at the moment has been my primary reading device for the past 3 months, and hopefully for a while to come too!

I also thank you for taking things in a professional way Jerry,

I've been on forums of devices where pointing at one or two obvious malfunctions, I got scolded (not just simply unappreciated, but literally scolded at) and just gave up helping them because of their poor customer service.
As a result of their poor customer service, many people left that company, both from within, and those on the forum, and the device never lifted off ground, and probably in a few months be falling into oblivion before they ever sell their first device!

I'm glad to receive different CS here!

Thanks for putting effort into the community, it's important work too!
m0rdant



Joined: 05/04/2012 00:23:48
Messages: 24
Offline

I'd like to have an option not to display page numbers when reading epub (blurs some of the txt) - and would also like to see the centered page for pdf or comic files (and native support for cbz / cbr files). Also, a non-education focused menu option would be nice.

As far as speed goes the latest update seems to have done a good job. My page turns seem the same speed as on my sony. The device works well.

It is wonderful that the Jetbook comes with a case, but not so wonderful that the case is so heavy, that it can not support the reader without a tilt, and that it causes buttons to be pushed. A sleep mode based off a quick swipe of the power button would be great.

I'd really like to see a replacement for the back of the unit that has a stand built in (like some of the Archos tablets). I've taken the cover off my Jetbook Color and am using a pouch meant for a 10.1" netbook - which fits great and feels more protective than the included case. I miss the stand though and a built in stand would solve this.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 05/27/2012 14:48:26

ProDigit


[Avatar]
Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
Offline

Jerry,

I think I may have identified a bug,

When the Jetbook's blue light is off, and I plug in the USB cable, it starts the charging process, but the computer does not read the SD card nor internal memory.

I haven't had too much time identifying this bug, so don't take my word for it if this is the definite reason, but I think when the CPU is dormant, the USB to computer connection does not get activated.

For the mean time, easily avoided by pressing a button before plugging in the USB cable.

I've also come across an issue again where the JBC does not load certain epub files.

As well as the April update brought the annoying message of scanning the library for new files.
Those popups are always there since the April update, every time I access the library.
Pressing 'yes' or 'no' results in the same, about 3 seconds lost due to scanning the library.
I think scanning the library should go automatically, when the reader is passive, and when not much cpu is requested, (eg: not when scribbling, TTS reading, or loading a book).
It should also only request to scan the library when the SD card has been ejected, or the device has been connected to the computer,the 2 most likely scenarios when books would have been added.




On a side note, I just opened a large street map in GIF format, the resolution was 6144x5632, that's a ~35MegaPixel picture (although it's only a 256 color map,not a 16/32bit JPEG).
It loaded the GIF file in 3 seconds, zoom in or out also takes 3 seconds each, works quite ok, but the device battery depletes quite quick that way!
I'll probably cut the map into 9 pieces, having ~4Mpix maps instead

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 05/28/2012 14:47:44

Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
Offline

m0rdant wrote:I'd like to have an option not to display page numbers when reading epub (blurs some of the txt) - and would also like to see the centered page for pdf or comic files (and native support for cbz / cbr files). Also, a non-education focused menu option would be nice.

As far as speed goes the latest update seems to have done a good job. My page turns seem the same speed as on my sony. The device works well.

It is wonderful that the Jetbook comes with a case, but not so wonderful that the case is so heavy, that it can not support the reader without a tilt, and that it causes buttons to be pushed. A sleep mode based off a quick swipe of the power button would be great.

I'd really like to see a replacement for the back of the unit that has a stand built in (like some of the Archos tablets). I've taken the cover off my Jetbook Color and am using a pouch meant for a 10.1" netbook - which fits great and feels more protective than the included case. I miss the stand though and a built in stand would solve this.



Hey,

Thanks for the message, i have actually seen that too. The last few words would be blurred dues to the page number.

As far as a looking feature, it has been mentioned quite a few times and is one of the features i really pushed for the next update. Hopefully the development team took it into consideration.

Jerry C,
Ectaco Inc
www.ectaco.com


Please make sure you review each threads unique RULES before posting.
Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
Offline

ProDigit wrote:Jerry,

I think I may have identified a bug,

When the Jetbook's blue light is off, and I plug in the USB cable, it starts the charging process, but the computer does not read the SD card nor internal memory.

I haven't had too much time identifying this bug, so don't take my word for it if this is the definite reason, but I think when the CPU is dormant, the USB to computer connection does not get activated.

For the mean time, easily avoided by pressing a button before plugging in the USB cable.

I've also come across an issue again where the JBC does not load certain epub files.

As well as the April update brought the annoying message of scanning the library for new files.
Those popups are always there since the April update, every time I access the library.
Pressing 'yes' or 'no' results in the same, about 3 seconds lost due to scanning the library.
I think scanning the library should go automatically, when the reader is passive, and when not much cpu is requested, (eg: not when scribbling, TTS reading, or loading a book).
It should also only request to scan the library when the SD card has been ejected, or the device has been connected to the computer,the 2 most likely scenarios when books would have been added.




On a side note, I just opened a large street map in GIF format, the resolution was 6144x5632, that's a ~35MegaPixel picture (although it's only a 256 color map,not a 16/32bit JPEG).
It loaded the GIF file in 3 seconds, zoom in or out also takes 3 seconds each, works quite ok, but the device battery depletes quite quick that way!
I'll probably cut the map into 9 pieces, having ~4Mpix maps instead



Hey,

Thanks for the message! I have a Toshiba laptop running windows XP and don't seem to have the same problem. Whenever i plug it into the laptop the device is recognized. I wonder if it has something to do with windows version or type of PC.

I'm not sure about the ePub file. I'm sure it could have something to do with there the file came from (or if it was converted or not). If you would like to share the file i can take a look on my unit.

When you say scanning the library for new files, is that only when you insert or remove your micro SD card?

Interesting about the maps, i never though of that as a use for JBC!
ProDigit


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Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
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Concerning the page numbers on the right,that has to do with Adobe ADE. I've read in other forums of other devices also using ADE, they explained it's adobe, that doesn't want to fix the issue.

I'm not expecting a fix on that, since there are devices having this issue since 2008.


PC-device connection:
I personally have XP Media Center Edition.
The issue is sporadic. Like said, one time you can plug in the device, another time it doesn't function.
I don't know if it's a windows issue per se,as the JBC has the issue quite often (unlike my other devices).



Concerning the epub, it's one of the files I've opened before I deleted the thumbnails and .jb files.
I tried opening the library, and at that time the epubs where shown as a paper page icon, with a white 'e' in; the icon of an epub file.
I had to reset the device, because it froze.
As soon as I opened the directory again, all the icons where replaced with an icon of the first page of the book (cover picture).
Perhaps the jbc was just re-creating the jb files and thumbnails.
Now, a day or two later, I tried again, and it opens the book immediately.

anyway, some weird activity.



Concerning scanning the library, I get that popup every time I want to open the library.
Sometimes 2 popups when I try opening the recent files (because then it asks to scan recent files as well as library files).
My fw is version 1302 spanish 1257
PLATFORM REVISION 49.37.509




I'm currently trying to determine the best resolution for maps.
It opens large maps, but it's not beneficial to zoom in and wait for 3 seconds before the map becomes visible, only to wait another 3 seconds for another zoom,and another 3 for a pan.

Concerning the resolution,
At 35Mpix, the map just looks like snow on a TV, and too many zoom ins are necessary to know where you are on the map.
at 1600x1200 (native resolution) the maps are too small, and contain too little info, also the street names are displayed too small, and a zoom in is necessary.
At 800x600 there's way too little info on the screen although the street names are perfectly visible.
The higher the resolution, the worse the street names display (due to the scaling effect),and the more zoom in's are necessary to be able to read street names.

At 3200x2400pix, there's too much information on the screen.

I'm still fine tuning, but so far the best maps I have are 1800x2400 pix, or 1,5x zoom from the native resolution.
I'm still looking anywhere between 1,2 and 1,8x should give a good resolution for maps.

I want to balance the amount of information per map, with the readability of street names.

Zoom in and pans require cpu processing power. Best is we can have a GIF loaded, zoom once, and have it display that piece of map for as long as useful, to save battery.

Here's a sample to test on your JBC(see att):
Here's an example from Google maps (though maps are proprietary, there are other mapping programs out there to do a free job, but I prefer google maps).
[Thumb - test 1,5x.gif]
 Filename test 1,5x.gif [Disk] Download
 Description Google map S-Florida (example)
 Filesize 775 Kbytes
 Downloaded:  1 time(s)

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 05/29/2012 03:13:07

Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
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ProDigit wrote:Concerning the page numbers on the right,that has to do with Adobe ADE. I've read in other forums of other devices also using ADE, they explained it's adobe, that doesn't want to fix the issue.

I'm not expecting a fix on that, since there are devices having this issue since 2008.


PC-device connection:
I personally have XP Media Center Edition.
The issue is sporadic. Like said, one time you can plug in the device, another time it doesn't function.
I don't know if it's a windows issue per se,as the JBC has the issue quite often (unlike my other devices).



Concerning the epub, it's one of the files I've opened before I deleted the thumbnails and .jb files.
I tried opening the library, and at that time the epubs where shown as a paper page icon, with a white 'e' in; the icon of an epub file.
I had to reset the device, because it froze.
As soon as I opened the directory again, all the icons where replaced with an icon of the first page of the book (cover picture).
Perhaps the jbc was just re-creating the jb files and thumbnails.
Now, a day or two later, I tried again, and it opens the book immediately.

anyway, some weird activity.



Concerning scanning the library, I get that popup every time I want to open the library.
Sometimes 2 popups when I try opening the recent files (because then it asks to scan recent files as well as library files).
My fw is version 1302 spanish 1257
PLATFORM REVISION 49.37.509




I'm currently trying to determine the best resolution for maps.
It opens large maps, but it's not beneficial to zoom in and wait for 3 seconds before the map becomes visible, only to wait another 3 seconds for another zoom,and another 3 for a pan.

Concerning the resolution,
At 35Mpix, the map just looks like snow on a TV, and too many zoom ins are necessary to know where you are on the map.
at 1600x1200 (native resolution) the maps are too small, and contain too little info, also the street names are displayed too small, and a zoom in is necessary.
At 800x600 there's way too little info on the screen although the street names are perfectly visible.
The higher the resolution, the worse the street names display (due to the scaling effect),and the more zoom in's are necessary to be able to read street names.

At 3200x2400pix, there's too much information on the screen.

I'm still fine tuning, but so far the best maps I have are 1800x2400 pix, or 1,5x zoom from the native resolution.
I'm still looking anywhere between 1,2 and 1,8x should give a good resolution for maps.

I want to balance the amount of information per map, with the readability of street names.

Zoom in and pans require cpu processing power. Best is we can have a GIF loaded, zoom once, and have it display that piece of map for as long as useful, to save battery.

Here's a sample to test on your JBC(see att):
Here's an example from Google maps (though maps are proprietary, there are other mapping programs out there to do a free job, but I prefer google maps).



Hey,

Ok hopefully adobe takes care of the page issue at some point soon.

Let me write an email to the design team and see if they can replicate the issue with the PC connection. I know they have a variety of computers to try it on. If they can replicate it then it can be addressed.

That's a good note about the ePub file. I will remember it for sure in case someone has similar experiences.

As far as the library goes. When you are on the main screen and you click on 'my library' you get a message. And then when you click on a book file you get another message. Is that correct?

I'm, going to download the map onto my device now to see how it looks, maybe their is some way to take it further like a map mode or something of the sort.
ProDigit


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Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
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Hi Jerry,

The message only appears from the main screen when entering the library,
And when inside the library, connected to the computer, and the computer connection disconnects, and the device finds that the lib has to be rescanned.

The second message is only when (either inside the library, or from the main screen), I enter into the recent readings list.


I know it's a fw specific issue, as I did not have this popup in the march update.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 05/29/2012 21:31:36

Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
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ProDigit wrote:Hi Jerry,

The message only appears from the main screen when entering the library,
And when inside the library, connected to the computer, and the computer connection disconnects, and the device finds that the lib has to be rescanned.

The second message is only when (either inside the library, or from the main screen), I enter into the recent readings list.


I know it's a fw specific issue, as I did not have this popup in the march update.


Hey,

Great, thanks! I just reported it this morning.

Also, for my curiosity: i think i remember you saying you have books on an SD card. Do you get the same message if you try and operate the device with the SD card out of it? Do you have a very large amount of eBooks on the sd card or on the harddrive of the unit?
ProDigit


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Joined: 05/21/2012 00:46:56
Messages: 26
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I have a few thousand ebooks on my card, divided in multiple directories and sub directories.
I don't have anything stored on the internal memory, as I try to keep that available for OS upgrades and the likes (perhaps I have this habit from the day I ran out of disk space on an android tablet, and was unable to do a firmware upgrade due to space constraints
Jerry



Joined: 06/28/2010 05:09:51
Messages: 908
Offline

ProDigit wrote:I have a few thousand ebooks on my card, divided in multiple directories and sub directories.
I don't have anything stored on the internal memory, as I try to keep that available for OS upgrades and the likes (perhaps I have this habit from the day I ran out of disk space on an android tablet, and was unable to do a firmware upgrade due to space constraints


Hi,

Thanks for the message, it may be due to the large amount of books on the Micro SD card. Mind me asking how much space the books take up?


 
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