Comprehensive Evaluation of the Pocketbook 360 Plus: A Close Look at Its Features and Performance
Revised Article:
The brand spankin' new Pocketbook 360 Plus is the latest contender in the e-reader realm, packed with features and a slew of supported ebook formats. Here's our lowdown on this bad boy.
Hardware
The Pocketbook 360 Plus boasts a 5-inch Vizplex eInk display with a resolution of 800x600 pixels. Under the hood, you'll find a 533 MHz Samsung Processor, 128 MB of RAM, and a storage capacity of 2 GB (expandable up to 32 GB via MicroSD). One nifty feature is its ability to access the web via integrated Wi-Fi, with updates being pushed directly to your device. Although this feature is a major advantage over competitors like the Jetbook Mini, it's worth noting that it struggles to recognize common Wi-Fi characters, making it required to use open networks. You'll find a Mini USB port for syncing and charging (since there's no DC port), with navigation handled primarily by three built-in buttons.
Software
Featuring a custom Linux interface, the Pocketbook 360 Plus sports a clean, uncluttered design. The main menu consists of several options like Books, Pictures, News, Notes, Dictionary, Settings, Applications, and Calendar. The News Application acts as a simple RSS feed, while the Dictionary offers lookup functionality with on-the-fly integration for books. Various applications include a web browser, calculator, and games, though the much-hyped Doom Demo remains mysteriously absent.
Browsing the web is less than ideal due to the software-driven keyboard. Inputting a single character shifts the keyboard's position to the center, making precise typing a bit of a challenge. Furthermore, the device isn't great at handling JavaScript or CSS, leading to formatting issues on most webpages. But hey, it's an e-reader, not an internet browser, so let's cut it some slack.
Reading eBooks is where the Pocketbook 360 Plus truly shines. The text is crisp and easily adjustable; the device supports a wide array of formats, including B2, FB2, TXT, PDF, RTF, HTML, PRC, CHM, DJVU, DOC, EPUB, and TCR. There's no audio player or headphone jack, so no music or audiobooks, but that's not exactly out of the ordinary.
Our Take
Known for their ebook format diversity and localization capabilities, Pocketbook continues to innovate with the 360 Plus. It's an accessible device in multiple languages, feting Wi-Fi, a web browser, and games—just what you need in 2011. While it might not be a high-end device, it checks all the right boxes for a solid entry-level e-reader.
Caters well to users who manage their eBooks via Calibre and read a variety of formats. Priced similarly to the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook WIFI, it's a great choice for those who'd like to support an independent company. Be sure to grab yours today for $149 from the Pocketbook website!
Rating: 7/10
Michael Kozlowski, the editor-in-chief at our platform, has been writing about audiobooks and e-readers for the past 15 years. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, his articles have been featured in various popular publications such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, and the New York Times.
There's no clear consensus in search results about common issues with internet access on the Pocketbook 360 Plus. However, potential problems can include Wi-Fi connectivity issues, limited web browsing capabilities, slow data transfer, and compatibility issues with certain networks and routers. It's always a good idea to check the device's settings, ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection, and consult the user manual or manufacturer support for tailored troubleshooting advice.
- The Pocketbook 360 Plus receives firmware updates directly through integrated Wi-Fi, but users may encounter issues with Wi-Fi connectivity while using this feature.
- Owners of the Pocketbook 360 Plus e-reader might find it challenging to browse the web due to the device's limited capabilities and software-driven keyboard.
