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Creative Hopes to Jump into E-Reader Market with Zii MediaBook

Posted 11/02/09 at 01:10:50 PM  by Paul Lilly

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Pretty soon, it might be easier to list out companies not releasing an e-book reader than ones ones that are. Just as quickly as netbooks took off, digital e-book readers are fast becoming the next must-have portable device, as evidenced by the number of product announcements from a variety of players. The latest comes from Creative, who will look to make a splash with its Zii MediaBook.

According to Creative, the Zii MediaBook will be unlike any other e-reader on the market. The Zii will come with a touchscreen, text-to-speech, an SD memory card slot, and the ability to play video files and roam willy nilly across the Internet. That means you can probably expect WiFi, though whether integrated 3G connectivity comes as part of the deal remains to be seen.

Creative will also implement a strong social networking element to its device by offering users access to Facebook and Twitter while on the go.

The Zii MediaBook will face stiff competition from Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's nook (with a lowercase 'n') right from the outset, and it won't get any easier over time. Asus, MSI, ViewSonic, and several other companies are either working on e-readers of their own or have shown interest in the fast growing digital reader segment.

COMMENTS:4
TAGS: creative, hardware, e-book, e-reader, zii mediabook
COMMENTS
avatarI may be different from

Submitted by thafrogggg on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 10:13pm

I may be different from other traditional book readers, but I don't really think so.  I am an avid reader and I tend to re-read my books every few years, so I have accumulated a small public library in books in the last 30 years.  In a 1,300sqft home, that takes up a ton of space. 

I recently bought a Sony 505 E-reader (on a 75% off sale price) and after trying a few books on it. I have to say that the reading experience is not that much different than reading a "real" book.  I can read in direct sunlight and there is no screen glare as the screen is made to mimic a printed page.  The background looks like that off white that a paperback page looks like and the black text stands out nicely on it. 

As for batteries and such, mine has a built in Lithium Ion battery (it is replaceable when the time comes), and is rated by Sony as being good for over 4,000 page turns.  I have not counted my page turns, but I can say that I only have to charge it about once a month.

Lastly, in regards to my earlier mention about the space my books are taking up; the Sony 505 has SD and Sony Memory stick card slots.   I imagine that if I bought either one at the largest size available and supported by the device, I could store most if not all my books on it in digital format.  To me this is the deciding factor.  Saving space at home, and if I travel.  No need to take up suitcase space with books and being able to have all my books at my fingertips anytime anywhere. 

I guess you can tell from my post that I am very happy with my choice to buy an E-reader, but each person will have to make that choice on their own.

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avatartext-to-speech ???

Submitted by michaelnomad on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 3:54pm

Didn't that cause legal problems with the Kindle?

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avatarMeh...

Submitted by K0BALT on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 1:38pm

I'm not a book reader.... in fact, MaxPC is about as far as it gets for me, but I just don't understand these eBooks. I think it's the dumbest thing ever. Just carry the book with you. I dunno.... I probably shouldn't even comment on it, but it's everywhere and I just don't get it. I understand technology is getting bigger everywhere, but replacing books? i think die hard book readers like my mother-in-law wouldn't like this.... but who knows? I'm not trying to troll this article, but I'd like to hear some opinions of real book readers on if this new fangle thing is for them or not.

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avatarSame here

Submitted by themohawkadmin on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 1:55pm

I'm not a die-hard book reader, but I definitely prefer a physical book to read.  The only reason I could think of to own an e-book reader was if I was in another country and wanted to read something in my native language or something.  Otherwise, I am perfectly fine just going to the library and picking up a real paper book.  No batteries, no screen glare, etc.  So I have to say "no" to the e-books.  

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