Pandigital Novel: A Color eBook Reader that Runs Android Apps

Does this run Android 1.6 or higher? Will it be able to run the Kindle app that is coming out this summer?

If it would run the Kindle app, I’d buy in a heartbeat!

What about PDF’s, mobi & txt files? I’m not super familiar with what an Android device can do, only as I’ve been reading about them. Will these file types be accessible on this device?

You’ll be able to read PDF files when it ships, as that’s one of the ebook formats it supports—the other being ePub. As for txt and mobi files, they will likely be accessible once the firmware update opens the device up to other Android apps.

You spelled “frimware”. The correct spelling is “firmware”.

:D

Thanks! Found and fixed.

Do they know when and where you can order it?

Also, any plans to make it work with PDB eReader files?  I know that was what B&N bought, but they seem to be converting to ePub.

There’s an Android app that reads PDB eReader files, so I’d guess it will down the line.

It will be sold in the same channels as Pandigital’s picture frames, which include stores like Target, Khol’s and Bed Bath & Beyond. The company hasn’t annouced where it will be selling the Novel at launch.

I’m an avid android (Droid Eris) phone user and I cannot be more excited about this reader/tablet.  It’s easy to predict that after the upgrade, this could give the Ipad a run for popularity.  At half the price?  Yeah, I’m already setting aside the money.  I have been researching tablets and e-readers for the past year, and so far this one has more bang for the buck than any other.  For dollar to dollar comparison, look at the Sony Dash that sells for $199 also.  I imagine it will be obsolete very soon.

I’m new to the whole Android Market and Apps, but when I saw this new product, I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can about it as I’m hesitant to get an iPad.

Can somebody tell me if this Android OS, either before or after its firmware upgrade, would be able to run some type of office software (word processing) with the interactive touch keyboard that could then be exported to MS Word?

Thanks!

Nathan, there is Office 2Go as well as quick office just to name a couple.  Free versions let you view Word, Excell & Power Point files. Paid versions let you create/edit.

Android is on the rise.  I’ve used most every device out there and barring the Iphone which has plenty of debate, you’re not going to find an easier, faster or customizable smartphone out there.  As Google develops the Android footprint with larger device operating systems, you will see a major shift away from Microsoft and Apple OS’s.

I have seen the future and it’s a robot.

Hey, thanks for answering my question.  That was my biggest concern about Apple.  I don’t have an iPhone and I don’t want one.  I like the look and feel of the iPad but not the price and limitations (censorship, no USB, no expandable space), which is why this Novel looks so nice.

Again, I appreciate it.

Not a problem.  Not wanting to go the route of Mac/Apple is what had me going down this road anyway.  Messed around with a friends IPad, which is very cool, but I too am worried about what it CANT do, not what it can.  I will be first in line for the Novel.

I assume then that you could also run Google chrome browser on this device too or is that the browser it comes pre-loaded with?

I have not seen anything on which browser, but my guess would be Chrome or a mobile version of it.

I’ve been wondering and waiting for something like this…. well not exactly waiting. 

I’ve owned a Kindle 2, a Nook, and a Sony Reader Touch. I know I know - nerd alert!  I like the Sony best despite no instant download access.  I frequently found myself shopping on the computer anyway just for a better sort and review experience. I’d only really use any of them to read, not shop or browse the web. So the touch, w/ it’s touch UI, nice note taking ability, landscape mode (wish nook had this), broad file support, and very expandable memory seemed the winning reader for me.

Still I’ve often wondered why someone wasn’t making a “reader sized” tablet w/ wifi , preferably Android.  Something small for walking around the house, grabbing out and about, and smaller than a laptop or ipad in a wifi BK (LOL). Or just for flipping through pics and watching a little video.

Here it is! Cool.

So I have one goofy Q maybe someone can answer for me - how bad is 800x600?  Will this look like a cheesy really cheap photo frame with a poor clarity like a kids leapster?  I don’t expect it to look like my notebook or an iPad (which is too controlled for my comfort - unlike a regular Mac or PC)... but I wouldn’t want it to look like my kids leapsters either.  Which are great gadgets for toddler games and stuff, but reading or watching movies - forget it.

People will love or hate this, but that’s why there is Coke and Pepsi, BK and McDs, Choc an Vanilla… you get the idea.  LOL Live and let live. 

Hi all,

This is a very promising device. Being that it’s $200 with NO 2 year lock in to get that price, it is quite impressive. If you consider all the android devices, and others (iPad/iPhone), this looks to be probably the most capable device for the price so far. Dell has an android table coming out, but it’s a 5” screen, and the price is estimated to be $400 or more. I too have to agree that 7” to 8” screens seem to be the perfect sweet spot for tablets to use.. bit smaller than most netbooks, larger than smart phones. Makes it comfortable enough to read. I also read, can’t remember where now, some company that is working on a dual screen technology that uses something like e-ink and the ipad like touch screens in one. You simply switch modes.. but I can’t remember the link now and when it was coming out. It would offer the best of both worlds.

Anyway, for those wondering about Android OS… in the 6 months since the Motorola Droid came out and it’s aggressive (and effective) campaign for Droid, the Android market has seen a jump from 5,000 apps to over 50,000 apps, and this month sales for Android devices outsold iPhone/iPad, and will now continue to do so (or at least until the iPhone 4 is announced and sold.. but that wont last long either). Android is a very powerful OS… especially if you can get the 2.2 version that was just announced and due to be out on some phones by June with most new devices providing it out of the box by end of summer. The features of 2.2 are outstanding, and if this $200 device can support Android 2.2, you’re in for a real treat!

The browser on Android I believe is a mobile version of Chrome… although it doesn’t quite function like Chrome.. but coming in 2.2 is the JavaScript engine that Chrome uses, so there is a big improvement in web site performance (at least those employing ajax/javascript).

To be sure, Android is no joke. There are a large number of iPhone developers exiting that platform and coming over to Android. With the 2.2 update, Android will surpass iPhone in many ways, although to be fair, Android is still a ways off in catching up with games and serious music apps, which does account for about 40% of the iPhone/iTouch market. That said, there are a lot of great games, very playable on Android right now, and the 2.2 update includes a 3x to 5x improvement in performance with no hardware changes, so existing phone owners (that can eventually get the 2.2 update), will get a free boost of performance! Also with 2.2 is music/video streaming from your PC.. so now you can watch movies or listen to music on this $200 screen anywhere around your house!

I am really interested in this device, although the touch technology on it is putting me off a bit. I was hoping to turn this into the Android equivalent of an iPad.. but if multi-touch isn’t supported (not sure?) and it isn’t nearly as responsive as say my Moto Droid… then I’ll probably be looking at a different tablet. I was hoping to find something like this that can run Android 2.2 (and beyond), with good touch screen, wifi, cameras, etc but most importantly a 7” to 8” screen.  The 800x600 res is a little bit of a downer too.. I would hope with a 7” to 8” screen we’d see 1024x768 or even 1280x1024.. but as long as it’s crisp that is fine.

@George The display is definitely better than the Leapster, though not as crisp as the iPad.

I’ll let you know about the browser once Pandigital gets back to me.

Hi Suzanne,

Is it possible for you to post either some more video or pic of the device itself, its various screens and apps, etc. so we can see something more?

Has Pandigital confirmed hard release date and where this will be available?

It’s the default browser for Android 2.0.

Great posts and info.  Can;t wait to pick one up.  So far, JC Penny.com has it for $249.  Do you know where else we can buy it?

@Rez The Novel hasn’t launched yet. JC Penny is selling it as pre-order. I’m sure you will see elsewhere when it launches.

Is there a hard date for the release of the Black Novel ereader with 2gs of memory. And how much will it cost??

JCPenny says its available on June 23, so I would guess the 2gig model may be out in July.  $249 is much higher than the projected “less than $200” quotes I’ve seen in other review and press releases.

Any reliable info?

I received a Kohl’s advertisement today in the mail.  They had the Pandigital Novel in the ad for $174.99 with a $ 15.00 mail-in rebate.  Advertisement good from June 9 to June 16. 

Kohl’s is also running there 15,20, or 30% discount jf you put the purchase on the Kohl’s charge card. 

Advertisement does not indicate if it is the 1 gig or 2 gig model… But I bet it is the 1 gig.

thanks for the updates guys.  very useful info!

@ Linda It’s the 1GB model.

Kohls?  I just checked their website and I couldn’t find anything Pandigital except photoframes.

Does anybody have a web link or does the print ad say it’s available in stores only?

try copying & pasting this:

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524892664553&FOLDER;<>folder_id=2534374752659824&searchTerm=novel&bmUID=1275657147460

Thanks Andrea.

I tried it but it didn’t work.  I did, however, find it under Home Electric Gadgets because if you search for Novel or Pandigital, you either get nothing or only the digital frames.

It’s listed at $199.99 on the website, but there’s no information about a sale (store only?) or an availability date, so perhaps it’s avaiable now.  I’m going to call my local store here in about a half-hour and see.

If it’s there, I’ll you all know.

Yes, I tested it and while the link was not clickable, it did work as a copy/paste…but sorry it did not work for you. Please…DO let us know if it is at your local Kohls. I’d love to see one up close!!

OK folks, I just got off the phone with Kohls customer service and they have 600 Novels in the warehouse.  Standard ground is .99, xpress air is $39.99.  No deals on the price, straight 199.99.  She did say it would be hit or miss for them to actually be in the store as it is a new item.  They did seem to be aware of the buzz around the Novel, so I’m not certain how long 600 will last.  I don’t have a Kohls near me, so it looks like I’m ordering from the website.

I just got off the phone with one of my local Kohls and the fact that none of the staff knew what an eReader is shocks me to no end, but alas such is the price for living where I do. 

Anyway, one of the other stores here actually told me that they would be receiving them via Fed Ex or UPS as the Novel would not be shipped on standard freight trucks and to check back on Tues/Wed. next week as they will have them in stock. 

There are at least 2 more Kohls here, so I’ll keep trying and post what I can find.

Quick question for 2HOURTECHGUY: If you placed an order with Kohls online, did they give you any indication if you’d be receiving your Novel soon (within estimated shipping/delivery times) or did they tell you it was backordered and unavailable until “x” date like JCPenny?

I’ve looked at most of the major chains listed on the Pandigital site to see if anyone of them has the Novel and apart from Kohls & JCPenny, there are none so far.

I did not place the order, however, she did say there were 600 in stock.  I called around and the closest Kohl’s to me (2 hrs) has 12 at the store now.  I’ve decided to make the drive on Sunday versus waiting 10 days for the .99 ground shipping.

The Pandigital Novel is available at JCPenny for $250 + shipping + tax.

Hey all,

Ok, looking at the link

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524892664553&FOLDER;<>folder_id=2534374752659824&searchTerm=novel&bmUID=1275657147460

(copy/paste, don’t click), I am really curious WHY they do not say anything about Android on there? That to me would be a HUGE seller for it. Even if we can’t add apps just yet… why would they not indicate it is built on Android? I realize a lot of people may not know what Android is, but a lot will as well. It just strikes me odd that it’s not part of the info for this device.

I am curious, there are web/video icons, what version of Android is this.. 2.1? I don’t recall the hardware specs, but curious if a 2.2 update will be made available (or can we install our own manual update of it).

For those that know.. 1GB memory.. isn’t that more than my Moto Droid has right now? That seems pretty good to me given its $199 price?

Hey 2HOURTECHGUY,

Great!  My fingers are crossed for you that you’ll be able to find one this weekend.  I have 3 in my vicinity alone, and none have any instock.  I’m not willing to drive 90 miles though to the several others in the major metro nearby.

Good luck!  Keep us posted on what you find and how it works.

just placed my order.  says it will be delivered between 6/11-6/17.  i’ll try and do the $15 rebate as well.  just my luck, i found a possible online coupon right after i hit place order.  those of you that are waiting, SAVEINJUNE supposedly takes 30% off.  hope it works for you guys since i missed the boat on that one.  lol!

If anyone see’s or hears anything about the black Novel with 2gigs please blog soonest!Hopefully the price will be between 200~250. . .

Just did a little math. 
A 15.6” 1366X768 screen has 100 dots per inch.
A 14.1” 1289X800 screen has 107 dots per inch.
A 7” 800X600 screen has 142 dots per inch.

I don’t think resolution will be a problem

Hey,

I came across this info at Pandigital regarding a firmware update already for the Novel:

http://www.pandigital.net/?pageid=124

I’m not sure what Firmware upgrade this is for the Novel, but I’m curious if anybody else has seen this page or knows further details.

Also, returning to my quest to learn more about Android, I read somewhere that Google only makes Android apps available for phones—does that mean that despite this Android OS on the Novel, buyers won’t be able to download new apps until Google decides otherwise?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pandigital-Novel-/270588341274?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Tablets&hash=item3f00526c1a#ht_500wt_1154

ebayer selling a novel for $150.

@nathan:
i’m not sure what the upgrade is either.  you are correct though, google hasn’t allowed the app store to be functional on anything but phones as of yet.  there is talk that they will lift that or create a special tablet app store soon.

i haven’t received my novel yet, but 1 thing i will be trying is downloading apps to my phone, saving them on the sd card, mounting them on my computer, then loading them onto the novel.  the inclusion of a web browser on the novel may make most apps obsolete, but having quick links to things like movie info and weather may be cool.  also, using a tablet as a supersized level.  lol!

there are many android forums out there, and once the novel is released to the general public, it should get rooted fairly quickly allowing even more usability.

@rez

Hey, thanks for the clarification.  I have to admit, this concerns me because I don’t have an Android phone to do that downloading.  Not that I would use the Novel for serious writing, but the ability to have some form of Word Processor on it that I could either create docs on or open & edit MS Word format docs with is the main reason I stay away from the Nook or Kindle or Sony for that matter.  Hence my biggest attraction towards the iPad. 

You’ll have to let us know how it works when you get yours.

@nathan:

you forget, since android is in fact google, you have google apps in which you can view and create.  as far as editing goes, not sure if there’s an android ms office app out there or not.  but, i’ll definitely let you know hoe it works for me.

Hmmm…I went to two different Kohl’s nearby and one Bed, Bath and Beyond here in Sacramento and no-one really knew when they would have some in stock. The Kohl’s guy at the last one I went to said that they “might have some next week”, which I would hope, considering that they are in the sale ad!

It’s strange - I’ve seen a few of these listed on Craigslist and eBay, but no-one has actually reviewed it yet.

Well, I’ve spoken to Pandigital and they are very nice and helpful.  I’ve spoken to sales and tech specialists and have a few details -

1. Only the white is available currently and they consider them “currently” available through Khols and suggested waiting til a promotion starting on the 9th

2. the white DOES NOT support landscape orientation, but the black will.

3. The black 2gb model will be avail in “late July”

4. The black 2gb model is not merely a different color and with an extra gig.  I had asked “since a 4 GB SD card could usually be purchased for around $10, how much more could a 2GB model be over a 1gb.  The black one is thinner, lighter, has a smaller (or no) lip/raised edge (thus thinner) and is more advanced tech than the white. For example, it will support landscape reading and more.

5. Neither the white nor black will have the physical hardware capable of supporting a cell connection in the future (ie edge or 3g)

6. Neither has a browser that supports flash or java

7. Neither will have access to the android app store or the ability to run apps beyond those loaded originally.  Of course, this could change, but at present, the white is launched and on the market and the black is in it’s final tweaking and testing and neither support android apps nor are they actively planning it.

8. They are working on a 9” model that will have edge access.  This is earlier in deign and they couldn’t project a launch, but could confirm that they were designing i now and planned it out.  It seemed to be a 3rd/4th quarter at best scenario.  I’d think they will shoot for holiday shopping season.

9. The edge model will be closer t iPad size/weight, but may not have that functionality.  Also unclear/undecided whether the edge service will be included free (built int the price of the device) or monthly fee based.

10.  Undecided/under talks on whether edge access model will allow users to access web, email, etc. (like Kindle 2) via cell connection or just the bookstore (like Nook and Sony Daily).

That’s it for now.  For my use, it sounds like it is worth waiting for the black model.  I already have and LOVE a Sony Reader Touch.  I’ve owned and returned a Kindle 2 and Nook. 

The Kindle was nice, but with no expandable storage and me wanting to listen to music, and add PDF dos, that was an issue.

The nook malfunctioned and froze too much (of course that was before the 1.3 update), the page swipe feature wasn’t reliable, and page turn buttons were insanely loud -CLICK CLICK!  In a store demo, that’s one thing, in a quiet room quite another. I also read of many breaking/cracking problems.

The Sony is a little reflective, but really that big a deal at all - not bad.  It had two expansion slots and with a couple adapters can take up to four card types and reads many file formats and even word docs. The book light covers keep it slim and convenient and allows you to read eink at night easily. I like hand writing notes, drawing directions, highlighting, and circling text, looking up words, and even dogearing pages all with simple taps or the included hidden stylus.  Plus, it could read the books I bought from B&N for my Nook as well as those from Borders and Google books, etc.

So I was looking for less a dedicated ereader than a SMALL (like iPad sized) muti-use device for email/web and reading color e-books (kids books w/ wee ones) and pubs.  Ironically, the Novel can’t support handwritting with fingers or stylus so I think I’ll keep my Touch Edition Sony but still look forward to this device and specifically am waiting for the 2GB thinner, lighter, better, bigger (storage) device.

I hope this helps everyone out and contributes.  Don’t sell your dedicated ereader yet (be it your fav - kindle, nook sony or other), but don’t feel bad buying a novel for some multi-use fun and light/different reading interests.  I still can’t wait for it!

Enjoy all! Hope this helps.

@ George

Thanks for the detailed information as this was the type of insight into the product that we seem to have been lacking across the net.  Sadly, this confirms most of my own fears and hesitations, and pushes me closer to the iPad as the device of choice.

No landscape?  No app store?  No java or Flash on the browser?  Even with the prison features of the iPad, at least it can do the things I need in a device that now seem incapable on the Novel. Looks like I’ll be saving my $200 and putting a downpayment on an iPad.