Cybook Opus (CYBPE10W)

There is a new kid on the block - Bookeen Cybook Opus (CYBPE10W).

It's the lighter and smaller (4" x 3" - 101mm x 76mm vs Gen3's 4.8" x 3.6" - 122mm x 91mm) brother of well-known Cybook Gen3.

The screen is smaller, but the pixel size is the same, which means there is higher DPI (200 vs 166 dpi).

It still does grok HTML, TXT and PDF, but don't support Palm-based text formats (PRC and PalmDoc), whose fell into oblivion with marginalization of Palm platform. Bad luck for Palm users with tons of eBooks in old format.

Opus also dropped the support of audio playback, which isn't the must-have feature for hardcore readers.

The SD card slot is replaced by microSD card slot. The Opus have more memory and 2x faster CPU, 2x mode RAM and much bigger internat datastore for eBooks (1GB vs 64MB).

It's also cheaper model and cost only €250 (€30 less than smallest Cybook Gen3).

[Overview | Tech Specs | YouTube video | DailyMotion video | Shop]

Actual prices

Cybook seems to be sold-out again, there is

Due to continuing heavy customer demand, Cybook is sold out. Because orders are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis, please order now to reserve your place in line. We will e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Please note that accessories orders will be shipped ASAP. In all cases your credit card will be automatically charged upon order.

message at the official eshop.

Anyway - the local dealers claim to have several pieces in stock. The another good information is that the price fell to approximately €300 for the basic version and €400 for the de luxe version. All prices are including 19% VAT.

Poll results

Well, we have poll results here. Only four people voted, but half of them is actively looking for new eBook reader. The good message to Bookeen is they are considering Cybook.

Cybook Gen3 PDF - tech documents

I think every engineer, field technician or computer admin sometimes have to read technical documents. When I have to choose between printed book or electronic book, I probably choose printed one. Especially when there is some graph or schema in the book. But what if there is 10 or 20 books? Then I probably choose eBook version and laptop computer (when there is a power outlet there) or good eBook reader.

Since the Cybook Gen3 can display PDF documents with both text and graphics, it's hot candidate for technicians too.

Standard or DeLuxe?

According to the search statistics, the vast majority (80%) of internet searchers are looking for the cheaper Cybook Gen3 Standard version (cybgen310bs priced 350€) in favour of DeLuxe (cybgen310bd priced 450€).

As I mentioned in previous post, there is a lot of people finding just cheap and technologically advanced eBook reader, not luxury peace. Maybe it's message to Bookeen stuff too.

Bookeen gets 'overhelming demand'

According to sign at Bookeen shop there is 'overhelming demand' and 'all orders from now on will ship between December 5 and December 13, 2007'.
This is bad news for all who miss to order Cybook Gen3 in first few days after release. But it seems that Bookeen wants to ship at the start of December 2007 to allow people to get their x-mas presents at the time.

Cybook Gen3 Power Management

Cybook Gen3 has outstanding power management. The device is equipped with 1000mAh battery and solid state eInk display, but the technology isn't all. The clever power management is important too.

During eBook reading session (without mp3 listening) the Cybook Gen3 works in two modes - normal mode and sleep mode.

Normal mode uses full power of it's 200MHz processor to quickly display next page. Then you have to read new page, so Cybook could switch to sleep mode when processor need virtually next to nothing power (battery could power sleeping Cybook for about a week). When you click 'next page', Cybook wakes up from sleep, switch to normal (speedy) power mode, display another new page and goes to sleep again.

Using this technique the Cybook is able to save lot of energy and allow it's extraordinary 8000 page flips per on fully charged battery.

There is another power mode - the off mode. When you finish reading, you simply turn Cybook off. When in off mode, the device battery can support memory for about a year.