Franklin EBM-901 eBookman (Metallic Black)

Product Description
Amazon.com Review
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 midlevel eBookMan, which features 8 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 two or three songs at once with its 8 MB of memory (the top-of-the-line model, the EBM-911, comes with 16 MB). 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

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Product Description:
eBookMan series of new PDAs is a brand new device, so called "electronic book" that allows you not only to read thousands of titles available for the Microsoft Reader and Franklin's own library but to listen to audio books as well. 16-level grayscale display with 200 x 240 dpi resolution. In fact, it is a common digital assistant that will help you manage and store address-book, date-book, to-do list giving you a possibility of text entry via touchscreen. You can easily synchronize important data to Microsoft Outlook using Intellisync connection. MP3-capable music player enables you to use both a built-in headphone jack, or a speaker. Voice recording via microphone is also available.The eBookMan comes with 8 or 16 MB RAM, which can be expanded even further, with an option of screen backlighting, and with a number of book titles. A cradle with USB cable, stylus, and Quick Reference Guide are included. The device runs on two AAA batteries.

Franklin EBM-901 eBookman (Metallic Black)

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