The reader comes with a couple of classic books already installed but I wanted to try out downloading. So, next I bought a book from eBookwise.

How easy is it?

This is the acid test, how easy will it be to download a book I just purchased at eBookwise? Literally, I plugged in the USB cord. I tapped the Online Bookshelf part of my screen. There is a little pause as the 1150 connects to my personal account bookshelf (all the books I have/will have bought) at eBookwise. It completes the connection quickly and there is the book I just bought. tap it and it downloads to my 1150 ebook reader. Bingo, done. The whole downloading part took about 2 minutes.

That is one of the most important aspects of the eBookwise 1150 - it is easy to use. It is easier to download books to the 1150 that it is to download mp3 files to a portable player. It is easier to download books to this ebook reader than it is to transfer pictures to and from your digital camera. It is several order of magnitudes easier than uploading files to a Palm PDA.

Hardware: I have been using the 1150 now for 3 days. The design and ergonomics are excellent. The edges and the parts of the reader that fit in your hand are rubberized for a sure grip. the controls are intuitive and well placed. The device feels well made and fits comfortably in the hand.

Software: I had no problem figuring out how to use the 1150. The software interface is very elegant and intuitive. I know it is far easier to operate than my PDA. The menus are also easier than those on my digital camera. The 1150 is intended to be easy to learn how to use so most people will figure it out.

More... Pros and Cons

Detail of power, USB and phone ports. Cover is a rubber flap. Thumb not included.

Back of the 1150, showing the rubber flap which covers the SmartMedia flash memory card. Rubber flap is much more durable than a hard plastic cover would be. Nice feature. Note also the darker colored rubberized surface where the user grips the 1150 ebook reader with their hand.