Detailed Evaluation of the Pocketbook 360 Plus: A New E-reader in Town
Unfiltered Review: Pocketbook 360 Plus - The Fresh Yet Basic e-Reader
Jump into the world of digital literature with the Pocketbook 360 Plus, the latest generation e-reader from a renowned player in the ebook market. Let's dive deep into this device and give you an unapologetic, no-holds-barred review.
The Nitty-Gritty
Sporting a 5-inch Vizplex e-ink display and boasting an impressive resolution of 800x600 pixels, the Pocketbook 360 Plus leaves no page uncovered. Powered by a 533 MHz Samsung Processor, paired with 128 MB of RAM, this bad boy keeps your library handy. The storage capacity may seem modest at 2 GB, but hey, it's expandable up to awhopping 32 GB via the MicroSD!
One of its most advertised features is the integrated WIFI, allowing for firmware updates straight to your device, something its competition (Jetbook Mini) can only dream of. However, a potential drawback of the WIFI access is its inability to recognize common characters found in secure WIFI networks, so make sure yours stays open when you want to connect.
Need to sync up with your computer or transfer media? Fret not, the Pocketbook 360 Plus comes equipped with a Mini USB port for your convenience. Unlike some high-end models, it lacks a DC port and relies on the USB port to charge up.
Navigate through the device using the three main buttons built into the chassis. The central button serves as your ENTER button, with a clickable D-PAD addressing your navigational needs. The top and bottom buttons take care of forward and back movements when engrossed in your ebooks.
Software Symphony
The Pocketbook 360 Plus oozes elegance, thanks to its custom Linux interface. Explore its main settings menu, a symphony of options such as Books, Pictures, News, Notes, Dictionary, Settings, Applications, and Calender. The News Application functions as a simple RSS feed application, welcoming you to add feeds from various internet sources. The Dictionary, though basic, helps with word lookups, even automatically looking up words in books you're reading.
You'll find various applications on the device such as a web browser, calculator, and games. Strangely, the Doom Demo – the big hype of the device – seems to have vanished into thin air, nowhere to be found.
Browsing the web on the device is one of its main attractions, but remember, patience is a virtue. The software-driven keyboard can be a bit tricky, requiring you to exercise patience, especially when typing search terms. The device also struggles with JavaScript and CSS, causing websites to lose their formatting and present a chaotic mess of text and graphics. Then again, it's important to keep in mind that this is an e-reader, not a dedicated web device.
Reading Pleasure Galore
When it comes to reading ebooks, the Pocketbook 360 Plus delivers. Text is crisp, easily magnified if the default font is too small, and malleable with options to change fonts in the settings menu as per your preference. The device supports a plethora of ebook formats, including B2, FB2, TXT, PDF, RTF, HTML, PRC, CHM, DJVU, DOC, EPUB, and TCR, setting it apart in the industry for its wide format compatibility.
No audio player or headphone jack graces this device, so forget about listening to music or audiobooks.
Our Take on the 360 Plus
Pocketbook has a knack for innovation and delivering products that find success. It shares similarities with Ectaco as companies that cater to a high degree of localization for alternative languages to English. Unlike most e-readers, Pocketbook's devices are more accessible in various languages.
The Pocketbook 360 Plus is a solid, lightweight device that's easy to carry on the go. The stick-on screen protector adds a touch of artistic relevance, but more importantly, provides protection for those on-the-go moments.
Don't expect a high-end device here; think of it as a basic entry-level e-reader. It's equipped with essential features for 2011, including WIFI, web-browser, and games.
We adore Pocketbook for its perfect fit for folks who download eBooks and enjoy tweaking their Calibre settings. It’s a versatile device that reads a multitude of eBook formats, currently leading the industry in its variety.
All in all, if you're seeking a budget e-reader, the Pocketbook 360 Plus is a solid choice, priced competitively with the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook WIFI. If you wish to support an independent company, this e-reader comes highly recommended.
And here's some exciting news: at the time of writing, you can grab the Pocketbook 360 Plus from its official website for just $149. Snatch yours today!
Rating - 7/10
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Michael Kozlowski
michael@ourplatformMichael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at ourplatform, having written about audiobooks and e-readers for a whopping 15 years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, and the New York Times have featured his articles. He resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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This e-reader, the Pocketbook 360 Plus, allows for firmware updates through integrated WIFI, setting it apart from its competitors. With its capacity to support various e-reader gadgets like the Pocketbook 360 Plus, technology has made it possible to enjoy digital literature on the go.
