Openmoko brings improved keypad / scrolling and math equations to WikiReader

It sort of blows our mind that OpenMoko has managed to sell more than a smattering of its $99 WikiReaders (you know, considering just how limited in scope this thing is), but evidently there's a huge demand out there for improvements. The company has just rolled out its Spring 2010 update, which adds math equations, fluid scrolling, and enhanced navigation. Reportedly, the latter comes in the form of an improved touchscreen keypad, which is said to make "finding Wikipedia entries easier and faster and makes enjoying one of the largest reference archives known to mankind even better." We won't bother pointing out the gross exaggerations in that there comment, but at any rate, existing users can download the update today free of charge. Don't all hurry over at once and crash the servers, okay?

[yulebellow Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:19PM]

Still better than the TwitterPeek :-)

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:36PM]

Ah, Oktoberfest.

- - - slings tuba over shoulder, tosses back a few - - -

[werty1432k Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:37PM]

@yulebellow I want one! I like how they use no internet connection just update your memory card in it when your at your computer.

[aigarius Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:27PM]

It is one phenomenally cool and well targeted device. Each tourist should have one of those with both Wikipedia and Wikitravel pre-loaded.

[toast Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:55PM]

@(Unverified)
Wikipedia preloaded? Are you kidding?

[OniExpress Posted Feb 9th 2010 5:45PM]

@toast
Uh, yeah, that's kinda the point of the thing. 8gb of memory storage can go a damn long way in the land of text-only, and Wiki "only" has 3,189,052 entires as of right now.
I've picked up a few of these for friends who don't have smart phone access but are the kind of folks that find having this level of information on-hand terribly useful.
Almost wrote "DON'T PANIC" on the back of the last one.

[Nitesh Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:34PM]

I actually like the idea, but this seems like more of a 30 dollar item to me.

[Heywatchitbuddy Posted Feb 9th 2010 8:05PM]

@Nitesh

Exactly, if this was 30-50 dollars I would definitely spring for one, but at it's current price it's competing with other better random tech stuff I want (like a chumby for example).

[Nitesh Posted Feb 9th 2010 8:06PM]

@Heywatchitbuddy Good point, at 100 dollars for either this or the Chumby One, theres no way this would win. Unless I was going on a year long safari or something.

[Numer0bis Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:36PM]

hmm I think the wikipedia app is available on all smart-phone platforms. If you have a smartphone than this is rather pointless, don't you think so ?

[notfred Posted Feb 9th 2010 4:45PM]

Why not just buy a Kindle and just forget to buy books? Sure, it costs a bit more, but you get a better screen and a keyboard.

That'll even work in Canada.

[Nitesh Posted Feb 9th 2010 8:08PM]

@notfred Actually, Amazon started including Canada with the Kindle now. Yay!

[xlaxplaya Posted Feb 9th 2010 5:04PM]

Geez, it sounds like somebody has a thorn in their side about the Wikireader. It's a great little device! Information on the fly! Why do you think that KGB texting service is so popular right now? People like to know things. The only reason I haven't bought one myself is because I have a Blackberry and I use Wikipock (it only costs ten bucks, plus five for updates).

[Dinochicken Posted Feb 9th 2010 5:10PM]

I own a Wikireader, great device and great company. They replaced my initial broken unit within a week, and refunded my shipping costs. They just need to setup a torrent for updates. The update file is 4.7 GB, that's a 45 minute download for me, but users with slower connections will be inconvenienced.

[jakemaheu Posted Feb 9th 2010 5:20PM]

What is Engadget's problem with the WikiReader? It may become outdated quickly, but it's still a useful tool for those who don't have constant internet access. If you're at school, or on vacation, or just in BFE, this could be quite useful. Doesn't Wikipedia only put out full dumps once every month, anyway?

For $99, I'd buy one if I had the cash. It doesn't seem like such a terrible device to me. I'd be interested to know why there's such a negative attitude towards it.

[mikend Posted Feb 9th 2010 5:44PM]

I love playing with my Neo Freerunner. I've been thinking about getting a WikiReader and this update might just get me to buy.

[calrouge Posted Feb 9th 2010 6:10PM]

I think a few tweaks and a lowering of the price - this product would be a killer if targeted to the right market.

[Alexandertron Posted Feb 9th 2010 6:14PM]

I like the wiki reader. and it has always had applications. engadget just never reported on them.

this is a awesome idea. and i hope that open moko makes a app for the same functions on the N900. i recently ordered.

N900 for the win ^_^

[TikiTeko Posted Feb 9th 2010 6:21PM]

I still can't get over the fact that Open Moko brings the image of a splatted bugger. I know it is a pet peeve...

[AdamWill Posted Feb 9th 2010 7:12PM]

What are the 'gross exaggerations', then, Engadget? The statement claims that Wikipedia is 'one of the largest reference archives known to mankind', which I don't think anyone would dispute. Note, it does not make any claims about the *quality* of material Wikipedia contains, only the quantity.

The only other claims made are comparative - "easier and faster", "even better". Unless you're claiming this update somehow makes the device worse than it was before, I don't see how you could argue those are exaggerations either.

So, yeah, care to back that up a bit?

[magallanes Posted Feb 9th 2010 7:34PM]

Sorry! This site is experiencing technical difficulties.

Try waiting a few minutes and reloading.

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[Wolfticket Posted Feb 9th 2010 8:53PM]

I don't mean to moan, but engadget, please try to take some time to read the specs of the wikireader and try to work out why it has a place.
Brief synopsis:
Huge battery life on 2 easily available anywhere AAAs
No cell phone signal/roaming charges/contract required.
Clear sunlight readable glass touch screen display
$99 with no subscription
And, most importantly for gadgety types, it IS the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy IRL.

Crapgadget? Really??

[Matt B Posted Feb 10th 2010 2:27AM]

Not sure this device makes sense in USA, where most people can afford a proper computer, but in (say) Africa, where there's no reliable power grid or Internet access in many places, this device is like having a school system in your pocket. If the price came down to like $30, it'd be easy to start a charity that did nothing but raise money to give these devices away.