Dane-Elec has also cleverly includes both the Mac and PC reader software for its file format on the flash drive.
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There is search capability in the PC BBeB reader software, but we were told Sony's research indicated on-board search wasn't a high priority for users (or at least the focus groups they asked, in any case).
It's not a straightforward process, and you'll need a card reader or a PC that's equipped to handle a Sony Memory Stick (as opposed to a normal USB drive).
They will be releasing software for reading BBeB format on your computer so you can read books you've purchased on your PC as well as on the Reader, but apparently you can only "share" your copy of the book with up to six other devices.
One exception to the diminishing returns of e-reader launches will no doubt be Apple's long-awaited tablet PC--if that multi-purpose slate can even be called a reader--which is expected to be revealed later this month.
Users will have to download the books to a PC first and then transfer them to the Reader.
You can also add your own by dragging and dropping them through a maze of folders when the e-reader is hooked up to your PC.
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The Pocket doesn't have WiFi or 3G, so yes, getting books onto the device requires you to get out the USB cord, download Sony's Reader Library software for Mac or PC, and transfer books over through its iTunes-like interface.
Otherwise, the specs aren't too far off its predecessor, including the same 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB options, a microSD card slot for further expansion, a built-in microphone and FM radio, an RSS reader (which must be synced up with your PC).
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The microSD card reader allows easy transfer of content to and from the tablet PC.
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Glassbook Reader: This free reader lets you read electronic books on your notebook or desktop PC.
During the design of the original Kindle, for example, Mr Bezos insisted that the e-reader had to work without needing to be plugged into a PC.
Apple 's ( AAPL - news - people ) long-awaited tablet PC--if that multi-purpose slate can even be called a reader--which is expected to be revealed later this month.
Customers can read their Kindle books on the largest number of devices and platforms, including any Kindle as well as on iPhone, iPad, Android devices, Mac, PC, BlackBerry, Windows Phone or in their web browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
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Ever since the release of the first Kindle ebook reader, Amazon has made slow but determined progress into the post-PC arena.
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Hewlett-Packard's new Jornada 720 uses the Handheld PC 2000 software bundle and is the first of the new devices to include a card reader.
AOC's award winning 2230Fm HD3 Display offers the same gaming experience as the 2230Fh, but adds a 4-in-1 memory card reader and built-in multi-media player for playing movies with NO PC REQUIRED.
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Favorite passages can also be annotated on Reader and saved back to Evernote for viewing later on any smartphone, tablet or PC.
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Reader Wi-Fi can be used while the battery charges via USB on a connected PC, so there's no need to interrupt your favourite book.
The tablet PC market in China is estimated to be about 12 million units a year currently and the e-reader sales are poised to touch 17 million by 2014.
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Customers can check out a Kindle book from their local library and start reading on any generation Kindle device or free Kindle app for Android, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac, BlackBerry or Windows Phone, as well as in their web browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
PC, funds or travel tickets can be downloaded to the chip without the need for a special smart-card reader.
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