I am incredibly thrilled with my netbook right now – I’m sure if anyone took a look at me, all they’d see would be streams of bookish glee floating all around me.
The other day, I decided to see if I could easily set my netbook’s screen to portrait orientation. It had occurred to me that I might actually be able to see an entire page of an ebook on the screen, making it easily readable, if I could set the screen to portrait mode.
After surfing around for a bit, I discovered that my Asus netbook accomplishes this quite easily. I press CTRL + ALT + the right arrow key, and voila! the screen changes to portrait mode. Getting it back to normal is as easy as pressing CTRL + ALT + Up key.
Armed with Adobe Digital Editions (for PDFs) and Sony’s eBook Library Software (for ePub format), I now can easily read ebooks!
So, of course, the first thing I did was surf around for some free ones, just to give things a whirl. The Sony eBook Store has a bargain section, and Terry Brook’s wonderful Magic Kingdom for Sale – Sold is on offer right now, so I created an account and downloaded the book. I switched to full-screen view and then set my screen to portrait mode – and it’s wonderful!
I took pictures, but it was challenging because the screen kept catching my flash, and if I don’t use the flash, you can’t see the keyboard portion of the netbook.
The Keyboard is On the Right
The Page is Nice and Clear
It’s not quite the same as having a Kindle or an eBook Reader – while my Asus netbook is small (the screen is just under 10 inches and it weighs just over 3 pounds), it’s still larger and heavier than a Kindle. On the other hand, holding it in portrait orientation sort of feels like holding a book, so it does feel very familiar. The battery is capable of lasting up to 9 hours in power-saving mode, which is more than long enough for a reading session.
I’m going to be asking for a Sony eReader for my birthday, I think. But in the meantime, my netbook plays its role of eBook reader well enough. Turning the pages is as easy as keeping my cursor in the right spot and then giving a little tap on the trackpad.
The bonus is that I’ll be able to load anything I buy from the Sony eBook Store onto my Sony eReader (when I get it)! I see lots of happy shopping ahead of me. And there just might be times when I want a backlit page, and for those times, my netbook is perfect!
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That looks very cool. I haven’t had a chance to use my Kindle as much lately since I’m running behind on reviewing books I’ve received but I love it when I do get a chance to use it. Does the Netbook use the eInk technology as well?
Debbie’s last blog post..The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
Unfortunately, it doesn’t – it’s just a basic computer screen. Small, though! So I’m still putting an eReader on my wish list (the Kindle isn’t available in Canada yet).
Oh, I am so envious! My birthday is next month… hoping the birthday munckins are listening. lol.
http://thebookresort.blogspot.com/2009/06/im-enchanting.html
Diane’s last blog post..I’m Enchanting…
I really want a netbook, but just can’t justify spending the money on one since I have a laptop already.
Kathy’s last blog post..Review: Neil Armstrong is My Uncle
Stop it!!!!! I’m going to cave so soon. I need to wait a month so I can save some money.
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Christmas is coming up and I am planning to purchase my Kindle at that time. I also heard that Barnes and Nobles has a new reader coming out that I might want to take a look at.
.-= Getting My Digital Book Reader´s last blog ..PSP e-book Reader =-.
This is definitely a good approach and allows you to read books and have your computer accessible right there. I have gotten use to the Kindle for reading but we’ll have to give this another thought!
.-= Jim´s last blog ..Top Rated Netbook =-.
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