Video: Bookeen Cybook Opus ebook reader gets handled and adored

The guys and gals at MobileRead have scored hands-on time with the Cybook Opus and early impressions are good. They were smitten with the ergonomics of the device and its "gorgeous" 5-inch e-ink display, but oddly neglected to point out any weaknesses. Equipped with an accelerometer, 1GB of storage, microSD expansion slot, and a user-replaceable battery, the Opus is able to read PDF and ePUB files -- with or without DRM -- and organize them into folders. There are rumors of a €250 ($349) asking price, but the exact details of when and where it will be available remain unknown. Click through for a video of the reader doing its thing or hit the read links for more extensive coverage.

[Via Slashgear]

Read - MobileRead exclusive : sneak preview of the Bookeen Opus
Read - Cybook Opus: Discovering the reader, video

[jared @ Jul 7th 2009 12:38PM]

This looks much better (comfortable) than the Kindle.

[Ryan @ Jul 7th 2009 12:58PM]

(Sandals) - (Socks) = +1

[OneLove @ Jul 7th 2009 1:19PM]

Does it have that new book smell?

[LevY @ Jul 7th 2009 1:36PM]

I'm still using one of old'n'good black'n'white Palm device to read. The size and ability to use it on the go in metro, buses, etc. while holding it by one hand is a KEY feature.

What we have at the moment? No e-paper device with the similar size. So this one is definetly a step forward in the right direction.

[pete @ Jul 7th 2009 3:23PM]

I have to say - I have a Kindle and absolutely adore it. I had no idea it has a built-in web browser (and with always-on Sprint 3G access, I can surf the web -- albeit a limited version of the web -- any time); and mp3 support. I would like it to have native PDF support, but the PDF conversion is free, easy, and fast.

My only real issue with it is the lack of folder support. Other than, it's really a dream for anyone who likes to read during a commute. It's definitely a little pricey, but having received it as a gift I was spared that first expense.

This looks like an interesting competitor, but Amazon did a very smart thing by having a designated Kindle store. As that grows, the Kindle's market share will grow, and hopefully they'll continue upgrading the device all the way to a small touch-screen one.

[L @ Jul 7th 2009 12:40PM]

Why would anyone in Europe buy this plasticky 5" thing over a similarly priced (or even cheaper) Sony PRS-505 with a much sleeker design, better materials and bigger 6" screen?

[Harkonian @ Jul 7th 2009 1:00PM]

I agree. It's unclear to me what the impetus is for manufacturers to release smaller eInk screens. Who wants to read on something that small?

I own a Sony Reader PRS-505 and love it. If Sony would just change the screen's form-factor to match that of a paperback book, it would be the perfect device for me. Once the prices for eInk technology come down, I'd also love to see a Reader with a hardback book form factor. In fact, I'm not sure why all manufacturers don't design for 3 form-factors: paperback, hardback, and a larger format for magazines, newspapers and such.

[Spencer @ Jul 7th 2009 1:42PM]

I have the 6" Cybook Gen3, and I must say, I wouldn't mind it being just a little bit smaller - it fits ok into some jacket pockets, but not others - more pocket-ability would be a definite plus. This model has the same resolution as mine, which, given its smaller screen, means a higher PPI - 200 as opposed to 166, I believe. (Mine has the same screen as the Sony Reader, Kindle 1, &c.). I think that higher PPI would be a definite plus, frankly, as it means crisper text and images, particularly at the smaller font sizes.

[Lars @ Jul 7th 2009 5:16PM]

That's what I was thinking... this thing looks like a cheap toy. And it's supposed to be more expensive?! I disagree with the adoration.

[John Bailey @ Jul 8th 2009 12:23AM]

Well.. Assuming the software is similar, if not the same as the Cybook Gen 3.. One major practical advantage that the Bookeen software has is far more font sizes. Sony only has a few, my Gen 3 has 12. And you would be surprised how often I change font size.

Secondly, for those who are into such things, DRM e-books on the Cybook models will be commonly available formats. Not the closed Sony one.

Others may want the smaller form factor, so they get a more pocket friendly size.

Others may prefer the more rounded shape.

I could have got the Sony for exactly the same price as the Gen 3 I ended up buying. But the Sony didn't appeal to me after doing a little research.

[Look_Around_You @ Jul 7th 2009 12:46PM]

Still too expensive.

100.00 is the magic price for black and white text and pictures.

[seanlindo06 @ Jul 7th 2009 12:49PM]

I agree, but at that price point you have to start paying attention to the refresh rate, which is sure to suffer.

[joe23521 @ Jul 7th 2009 1:21PM]

Completely agreed. You would have to be insane to spend $350 on such a device.

[HalfJoey @ Jul 7th 2009 1:29PM]

I was coming here to say the same thing. $100 for this device is my magic number too. As long as the test the size as of books text and the refresh rate it good then I really dont care if I can see only have the page of a normal book at once.

[BoxOfSnoo @ Jul 7th 2009 1:54PM]

@seanlindo06 There is no refresh rate on e-ink devices. Or, rather, the refresh happens only on page turns, not many times per second. So basically, it's terrible no matter how much you pay :)

I'm willing to pay more than $100 as long as it has wifi, SD card, and LOTS of formats. As it gets toward $200 I always think I can get another device that does much more.

[Mr. Smiley @ Jul 7th 2009 2:36PM]

I agree, the prices for these readers are ridiculous. I would use a reader such as these to save my layouts in PDF format and reference install sizes of my vehicle lettering on site instead of having a bunch of print-outs that tend of fly off in a gust.

[Carld @ Jul 7th 2009 2:36PM]

Since E-Ink screens themselves cost more than $100, you've got a long wait for that price point.

[sam @ Jul 7th 2009 7:43PM]

@joe: no, you really wouldn't have to be insane. For many people, $350 isn't a lot of money, and the ability to get rid of shelves (well, in theory) and clutter would more than make up for the financial cost.

It's more expensive than just getting regular books, sure, but say you read two books a week on average (that's about what I read, if we exclude Japanese comics etc), and the device lasts a couple years, that's only a surcharge of like $2/book. Not insignificant, but hardly a big deal.

My problem with e-book readers is nothing to do with price or features (don't need cheaper, don't need colour, don't need 3G) but that there still isn't universal format support for all book releases from all major publishers, including backlist, with easy online stores that work for all readers and in such a way that all the books I buy will work on all future readers from any manufacturer. That's pointless - it has to at least compete on range with 'ordinary' books, even when it won't be cheaper on price.

[MikeZ @ Jul 7th 2009 12:52PM]

Would be interesting to see a side-by-side comparison of this one and its Sony counterpart.
But I´ll probably wait until they have at least 32 shades of grey to allow for the serous use of illustrations (maps, technical diagrams and the like).

[eBouquin @ Jul 7th 2009 1:25PM]

The comparison of the Sony and the new Cybook is good. I will do it as soon as I get the new Bookeen reader ! Stay tuned !

[eBouquin @ Jul 7th 2009 1:26PM]

The comparison of the Sony and the new Cybook is a good idea. I will do it as soon as I get the new Bookeen reader ! Stay tuned !

[rotarydialz @ Jul 7th 2009 1:40PM]

Terrible promotional video. They should have shown some of the features. I like the smaller form factor. Ipod or zune hd books will be tough competition for this device.

I'm waiting for the nano version. All I need is one or two lines of text scrolling along for my perusal.

[Scott Ertmer @ Jul 7th 2009 1:53PM]

still too expensive

[Joshua @ Jul 7th 2009 3:11PM]

You can get a choice of netbooks for under $300 on tiger direct. Why would anyone pay $350 for something like this?

[mrjoevu @ Jul 7th 2009 4:38PM]

netbooks can't be read outside in the park in the sun
netbooks charges don't last for a week of reading
netbooks don't fit in your coat pocket
netbooks don't have dedicated software managing a reading experience (advanced bookmarking, dictionary, translation)
netbooks causes eye strain
netbooks don't display the text as clearly

you also don't look like a giant nerd with your netbook open on the subway and pose as an easy victim for theft.

[sam @ Jul 7th 2009 7:45PM]

@mr: I totally agree with your points and the suggestion that a standard computer/netbook is any kind of equivalent is utterly asinine...

...except that if you think using an ebook reader on public transport doesn't make you look like 'a giant nerd', well, um, not sure about that. :)

[Pip @ Jul 7th 2009 3:11PM]

I think the people wanting it to be $100 are nuts, let alone $350.

They need to get these down to $50 at the very least.

[Patrick @ Jul 7th 2009 3:13PM]

Well, why don't they make it free?!
Most people will spend the amount of the e-book reader with all the books they're buying..........

[Patrick @ Jul 7th 2009 3:11PM]

Honestly, I do not see the point in e-book readers. Not to be all fanboyish here, but if I need to read on the go, I would usually use my iPod Touch. For example, I have the "Classics" app which has a beautiful UI and is far better than any e-book reader on the market, minus the screen size. Also, many other devices like phones and mp3 players which support e-book have additional features which e-book readers do not.

Just my opinion.

[FitFan @ Jul 7th 2009 4:24PM]

I can't imagine opting for a 3.5" backlit display over a 5" e-ink display for reading books. My eyes aren't up for that kind of abuse any more, and I read quickly enough that the constant scrolling on the smaller screen would be a problem.

[sim @ Jul 7th 2009 4:32PM]

...And this is the argument. E-ink display is beautiful tech but E-book readers are just dumb from cost verse feature standpoint, especially when we are comfortable with smartphones and laptops. IF you are missing the point completely.
How can you not see the point of a single purpose devices that lets you access, practically, all books? You saying that is like looking at a sudanese, child refugee and pointing out that you don't see the point in drinking fortified powdered milk because a mcdonald's happy meal also comes with a toy.

[digitalcole @ Jul 7th 2009 4:54PM]

I like the size but, price still needs to come waaay down. I think the people calling for a $100 price point are on the money (so to speak).

[JusticeCourtland @ Jul 8th 2009 11:03AM]

$349? Insanity. The product will most assuredly die a fast death in the market, at that price point.

[CaliHusky @ Jul 7th 2009 6:41PM]

I really like the size of this over the Kindle, which we still can't get in the UK.

The reason I like this is that personally, I want a book READER (e.g. no keyboard). If amazon offered a screen only with a few buttons, i'm sure quite a few people would be all over it.

[stromm @ Jul 7th 2009 10:03PM]

FAIL! No light. Why people spend this much money on "ebook readers" when they could spend less on an open format PDA (palm, windows mobile or linux) and get so much more is beyond me.

What manufactures and I guess consumers fail to understand is that these devices don't need to have large screens. The only reason behind a large screen is so that you can read more text without having to go to the next page. Larger page means less pages resulting in thinner books. With an electronic reader, the device isn't going to get thicker with "larger" books. Also with electronic devices, they can SCROLL (oh, wait, eInk can't scroll) so one doesn't need to worry about flipping pages.

Lastly, these eInk readers are not going to be supported for what, maybe five years before the companies move to something else? Ok, ten years at best. So, when your device is dead and everything you've bought was in a proprietary format, what then? You've wasted all that money and have nothing to show for it.

Get a PDA, use text, palmdoc, lit or html format and you'll never have to worry about being able to read those books ten years from now. Get a PDA, it's backlit so you can read anytime day or night. It's pocket size so you can easily carry it. It's 3" screen is PLENTY large enough because it uses the same font sizes as that expensive reader that guy on the bus wasted his money on. Oh, and it does tons more like games, movies, music, PIM, COLOR!!!, etc.

[Webber @ Jul 7th 2009 10:15PM]

Because an e-ink screen doesn't destroy your eyes. But I do agree the price point is a bit high, I'll wait a while for the tech to get cheaper.

[Webber @ Jul 7th 2009 10:19PM]

Also, have you tried a backlit e-ink screen? Those are unreadable!

[Tagbert @ Jul 8th 2009 12:34AM]

Most ereaders can read your text, palmdoc, lit or html docs either directly or with a conversion. They are not as tied down and some people assume.

[h0ory0o @ Jul 8th 2009 3:10AM]

i was about to buy a kindle, but now i think i'll wait for this baby to come out.

[Guillaume @ Jul 8th 2009 3:19AM]

no backlight = no good for my main usage (reading at night, without waking the wife)

[cybook_owner @ Jul 28th 2009 6:15PM]

This new device supports ePub format, but not the Mobipocket one that the Cybook gen3 supports.
To read mobipocket ebooks, the opus should be reflashed with a firmware compatible with mobipocket, but then ePub ebooks can't be read anymore.
Crazy choice isn't it ?