PocketBook CAD Reader Unveiled with 13.3-Inch E-Ink Screen for CAD Drawings
PocketBook has been particularly busy in recent months with new tablets and eBook readers in the entry-level segment, but it seems they are far from done expanding their offerings. As E Ink Holdings explains in a press release, PocketBook will present a new device on December 5 at the Autodesk University 2013 Conference in Las Vegas. However, it is not a new eBook reader in the traditional sense, but an eReader specifically developed for displaying CAD drawings: The PocketBook CAD Reader.
Tablet Alternative for the Construction Industry
To ensure it works well, the screen measures 13.3 inches diagonally, just like the Sony DPT-S1. However, the devices don’t have much else in common, as the screen technology in the PocketBook CAD eReader is different. It’s called E-Ink Fina and uses a glass substrate instead of the plastic back layer known in Mobius technology. This means that the PocketBook device’s screen is not as durable and should be handled with more care. Nevertheless, PocketBook also states that the screen sits on a hard surface to prevent cracks (such as from twisting). The case is also said to be quite robust and prevent moisture entry into the interior of the device.
PocketBook CAD Reader with a 13.3-inch screen diagonal
The display resolution is 1600×1200 pixels, with a maximum contrast ratio of at least 10:1 – the same as the E-Ink Pearl technology.
As interesting as the screen technology are the other specifications. The touchscreen uses both Wacom and conventional capacitive touch technology. This means the PocketBook CAD Reader can be operated with both a finger and a compatible stylus.
The processor is a 1 GHz dual-core chip, supported by 2GB of RAM. The computing power is crucial for competent display of CAD files but certainly doesn’t hurt in other operations either. The operating system is Android 4.0.4.
Apparently, the PocketBook CAD Reader also allows access to the regular Android interface
The internal storage will be 16GB. WLAN is included, as well as a 3G module for wireless internet access via mobile networks (with a SIM card).
“Our goal was to develop a device that can be used in the construction industry. We have developed a mobile, large-format device with a robust and moisture-resistant casing that can store all the CAD drawings a team needs, making technical drawings virtually available anywhere and anytime,” said Dmitriy Shemet, Head of Development at PocketBook. “We chose the 13.3-inch E-Ink Fina screen because it has exactly the properties we were looking for in the development of the PocketBook CAD Reader. The PocketBook CAD Reader delivers a new experience for architects and construction workers, allowing them to work directly on-site.”
The greatest virtues of E-Ink technology are naturally present in E-Ink Fina as well: readability in direct sunlight and a long battery life, which the 8,000 mAh battery should ensure.
Where is PocketBook Heading?
The PocketBook CAD Reader might not only interest the construction industry but could also be of significant relevance to the educational sector. After all, DIN A4 PDF documents can easily be read on the 13.3-inch screen.
PocketBook is positioning itself beyond the fiercely competitive entertainment market, which only makes sense given the intensifying competition. At the same time, one might wonder where PocketBook is going in the future.
For the first time, PocketBook is using Android as an operating system in one of its eReaders. This might suggest that PocketBook will also adopt Google’s operating system for smaller eBook readers in the future. This would certainly be welcome from a user perspective, as it would allow the installation of apps (provided PocketBook does not change its openness strategy) and could improve the sometimes unintuitive user interface of current PocketBook devices. The PocketBook app for Android is quite straightforward and intuitive in terms of usability.
Does the PocketBook Touch Lux 2 use Android as an operating system?
At the latest, when the successor to the PocketBook Touch Lux is introduced in the next 4-6 months, this question will be answered. Until then, one might already be able to see the operation of the PocketBook CAD Reader, although the exact release date is not set, nor is the price. Considering the extensive hardware features, we estimate a price of at least 500 euros. As soon as we know more, we’ll share the information with you immediately.
PocketBook CAD Reader Comes with E-Ink Mobius Instead of Fina
Update 08/21/2014: At the end of 2013, the PocketBook CAD Reader was introduced, placing special emphasis on use in the construction industry. Thus, it is not a classic eBook reader, but a working device especially designed for displaying CAD drawings. The 13.3-inch screen diagonal leaves no doubt that this is a unique device.
The CAD Reader was initially introduced with an E-Ink Fina display, supposed to be very durable thanks to an especially hard base. This is certainly beneficial for trouble-free outdoor use, although the Fina technology nonetheless rests on a glass substrate and can break under sufficient force. To prevent this, PocketBook has switched the screen technology.
According to the company, the CAD Reader will now be released with Mobius technology. A plastic substrate is used as the display base, meaning the panel is flexible and cannot break. In other words: Fina was good – Mobius is better.
Since the PocketBook CAD Reader is obviously still a “work-in-progress,” there is still no price. However, if one remembers that Sony’s DPT-S1 has a suggested retail price of 1,100 US dollars, the PocketBook counterpart will surely not be a bargain. The launch is reportedly aimed for January 2015, although sales are not expected to occur through retail (which may vary by country and region).
However, at IFA 2014 in Berlin, interested parties can view the device in person and make their own assessment.
PocketBook CAD Reader Flex Introduced
Update: 12/02/2014: Exactly a year ago, PocketBook introduced the CAD Reader. It is a tablet with a massive 13.3-inch screen – featuring an E-Ink display. However, the device remained in development even after its introduction, so a market launch has not yet occurred. Instead, it was already announced in August that the device would undergo a fundamental overhaul.
Initially, the previously planned Fina display was to be replaced by a Mobius screen. Both E-Ink technologies are relatively new, with Mobius being significantly more resilient to shocks thanks to a plastic substrate. In other words: the display cannot break, unlike conventional glass-based E-Ink screens. The display technology is already used in the Sony DPT-S1 – in the same size. Sony co-developed the technology.
Now PocketBook has unveiled the CAD Reader Flex. The additional naming makes it clear that the change to another screen technology has indeed been made. The case design has also been heavily modified. One of the official product images (renderings) even shows the device with a slight curve (see the following image). However, this is not its default shape; as usual, the PocketBook CAD Reader Flex is flat – and only 6.5 mm thick.
The Mobius Display is flexible and shatterproof
Focus on Outdoor Usage
Other technical specifications have slightly changed. The screen still resolves at 1600×1200 pixels, but now lacks a touchscreen. Operation is through front-mounted buttons. There is also no front light (which was already absent in the regular model).
The eReader-tablet hybrid is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, accompanied by 512 MB of RAM. The Android operating system initially planned for the CAD Reader will not be used here. As before, the PocketBook CAD Reader Flex remains dust- and splash-proof. Furthermore, the rubberized surface is intended to be particularly robust and provide a good grip. The focus remains on commercial use on construction sites (for displaying plans, technical drawings, etc.).
Data can be exchanged with the device via WLAN and Bluetooth. When that will be possible, however, remains unknown – as does the price.
