PocketBook eReaders

Based in the Ukraine, PocketBook is a brand of ebook reader founded in 2007. They develop the software and in some cases the design of the ereaders they sell, which are manufactured by Netronix, a Taiwanese company that is the OEM of several brands of ebook readers.

Recently, the two companies merged to form PocketBook Global, with offices located in the United States, Germany, Russia, and several more countries. With this new partnership, and being the third largest ebook reader manufacturer in the world, they plan on releasing several new ereaders by the end of 2010.

There are at present 3 models available. Two 6-inch readers, one with a touchscreen and Wi-Fi, and a 5-inch model that has received much praise since its release. A few different larger models are expected in the coming months.

PocketBook 302

Released in early 2010, the PB 302 model is the newest to the line, and is a pricey $339 but doesn't sell from any major websites except eBay.

It features a touchscreen that works with fingers and a stylus. It has a 6-inch E Ink display, comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and has a web browser for connecting to the web and downloading ebooks.

It supports a variety of formats: Adobe EPUB and PDF, FB2, FB2.zip, TXT, RTF, HTML, PRC, CHM, DJVU, DOC, TCR, MP3, JPG, BMP, PNG, TIFF.

You can install apps and it comes with several: RSS reader, notes, calendar, dictionary, games, etc.

The unit comes in two different colors, black and white, and the standard package comes with a leather cover and USB cable.

PocketBook 360

The 360 is a versatile, compact 5-inch ebook reader with a unique design that incorporates a hard shell cover to keep the screen protected, and snaps on the back while reading.

It works with FBReader, which allows for all kinds of customization, such as font type, line height, margins, etc.

Even the actions of the buttons are all user configurable, and there's a built in accelerometer that automatically changes the orientation as well as turn pages by tilting left or right.

The PB 360 comes in black and ivory and sells for around $239 from Amazon.com and eBay.

PocketBook 301 Plus

PocketBook 301

The 301 is an example of the most rebranded ebook reader on the market, the Netronix EB-600, which has been out since 2007. The current model is a newer version of that device.

It features PB firmware, of course, which gives it the edge over its rebranded siblings, and a recent update grants access to Adobe DRM'd EPUB and PDF.

Some features include: 6-inch screen, SD memory card slot, 512 MB, supports audio and image files.

Additional apps include: RSS news reader, calendar, notes, sudoku, games, and more.

PocketBook 301 review and video review »

PocketBook 901

At CES 2010, PocketBook unveiled plans to release some larger models later this year. Below is a video of two prototypes of the 901 models that feature 9.7" E Ink screens.

One is expected to be a basic model; the other will have a Wacom touchscreen and Wi-Fi.

These are reported to use plastic screens instead of glass, which improves durability and makes them lighter.

The 901 models are designed for textbooks, school books, and PDFs.