Manage updates with the Download AppPandigital Novel (white)
Manufacturer: Pandigital Part number: PRD07T10WWH7
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The feature set of the affordable Pandigital Novel looks good on paper, but this color e-book reader and multimedia device is hobbled by its extremely slow performance and unresponsive touch screen.
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CNET editors' review
Pandigital Novel (white) price range: $149.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 08/17/2010
The good: E-book reader with color touch screen; built-in Wi-Fi; access to Barnes & Noble eBook store; SD expansion slot for additional memory; Web browser and e-mail capabilities; displays images and some video formats; support for audio and MP3 playback.
The bad: Resistive touch-screen is problematic; extremely sluggish performance; interface could be more intuitive; overall user experience could be better.
The bottom line: The feature set of the affordable Pandigital Novel looks good on paper, but this color e-book reader and multimedia device is hobbled by its extremely slow performance and unresponsive touch screen.
User reviews
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Just what I wanted/needed/expected.
by uncletilmer on September 8, 2010
Pros: Competent book reader.
B&N account management and book downloading could not be simpler.
E-mail client is very good
Battery life is very good - better than expected.
Decent video and music player.
OK web browser.
Good e-mail client.Cons: Periodic freezes
Slow boot
Can be slow to adjust from portrait to landscape
Needs a file browser to access downloaded materialSummary: I got this reader for only about $120 after a coupon and rebate from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I did not need an iPad or anything close to it. I ...
Summary: I got this reader for only about $120 after a coupon and rebate from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I did not need an iPad or anything close to it. I wanted an e-reader. What I got was a competent reader with some extra features that are actually pretty nice. Overall, I'm happy.
Just noticed that I accidentally mentioned the e-mail client twice in the "Pros" section. Guess I really like that feature, huh?
I really like the B&N account management tool. Downloading purchased books could not be any simpler. Works great every time. I also like the e-mail client. I can e-mail PDF files to my Gmail account and plunk them directly into my bookshelf from within the e-mail itself. Nifty. You could do this with a USB cable, but e-mail over Wi-Fi is really handy.
The biggest complaint I have about the Novel is the instability of the OS. It's Android-based so you would think it would be OK, but every now and then the device locks up, requiring a reboot using a paper clip in the little hole on the top edge of the device. It does not happen a lot, but when it does, you need a paper clip or you are dead in the water. There's no way to do the battery pull trick you can do with a cell phone to reboot it. Again - it doesn't happen a lot, but it can happen. I'm not sure what triggers it, but once every 3 weeks or so I have it happen. I use the device practically every day so that's not frequent enough to make me want to toss the reader.
The other complaint I have is that there really needs to be a better device browser that allows you to manipulate downloaded files. If you download a file from a web site using the web browser, it goes into the "downloads" folder. That folder cannot be accessed unless you connect the device to your computer. That's kind of a pain. (If there's another way to do this, I haven't found it.)
I hear a lot of complaints about this device regarding speed. Yes, it is slow - but in the end it is a book reader. How fast do you need to turn those pages anyway? I don't have too many issues with performance once the device is booted up. It does take too long to boot - roughly a full minute. And - it can be slow to realize that you have reoriented it from portrait to landscape (and vice versa). It also can be slow to render web pages. But - you didn't buy an iPad did you? You spent about 1/4 of the money and got an e-reader. Don't expect it to perform like a $500 iPad.
Another complaint the Novel draws is the performance of the touch screen. I really have no issues with it. The directions tell you to use your fingernail or a stylus for the best results. I use the flat back edge of my first fingernail and find that it works great. It tooks some getting used to, but now it's second nature.
The bottom line is that I really like this little e-reader. It's a bit quirky sometimes and no one knows what you are talking about when you say you have one, but it suits me just fine.
Updated on Sep 8, 20104 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very Good Value E-Reader!
by TopBizCoach on November 26, 2010
Pros: 1. Good Display
2. Great Value-Solid E-color e-reader for about $140!!
3. e-Reader functionality works well
4. Easy to download books from Barnes and Noble
5. e-browser and other functionality works well
6. Nice sized/clarity screenCons: 1. Sold boot time: Seem like 1/5 to 2 minutes! Way too long!!
2. Tiny on/off switch
3. Bit heavy
4. Bit thickSummary: I just picked one of this up around Thanksgiving 2010 and compared it directly to the Color Nook and iPad for the primary purpose I will be using it for-reading ...
Summary: I just picked one of this up around Thanksgiving 2010 and compared it directly to the Color Nook and iPad for the primary purpose I will be using it for-reading books. I performs very similarly to the Color Nook, but is $100 less, so therefore has better value for the money in my opinion. The iPad offers the best funtionality and flexibility of the group, but it is limited by the lack of flash, usb port, etc. and is very heavy and cumbersome. Therfore for about 1/4th of the price I am quite happy with the Pandigital Novel. It has a clear, crisp screen, I can download books easily and turn pages as well as the Nook. Does anyone know how I can configue this so I can download and read Kindle books as well???
It's certainly not perfect, but I got it to access WI-Fi the first try out of the box and was reading a new book I downloaded seconds later. Not sure why others are panning the technology. If you want a nice color e-reader at great value, I'd recommend it.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This ebook (black Version only) rocks!
by kenleaderofmen on November 11, 2010
Pros: I love the photo gallery/slideshow program. Web browser and email is excellent. I now leave the laptop at home . As an E reader in FULL COLOR... the Pandigital Novel is in a class of it's own. With the SD disk storage, I'm good to go anywhere!
Cons: No issues here....
Summary: I am reading two books about Mickey Mantle and Sandy Koufax presently. The text is resizeable and reverseable. Wherever I go the Ereader is easy to see and picks up ...
Summary: I am reading two books about Mickey Mantle and Sandy Koufax presently. The text is resizeable and reverseable. Wherever I go the Ereader is easy to see and picks up right where I left off. I'm a happy camper!
I'm giving three of these to my sons for Christmas
Updated on Nov 11, 20102 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Meets my expectations and needs... I recommend it
by lfisher320 on August 25, 2010
Pros: The price is hard to beat. I purchased mine in June from a local Bed Bath & Beyond for $116 after discount coupon and rebate. Without question the Novel is no iPad. HOWEVER, I didn't expect an iPad experience. With some practice it works fine.
Cons: Needs more apps to become available. Some "features" simply don't make sense, e.g., sorting books by author results in a sort by FIRST NAME... excuse me?!
Summary: I have a Nook and I've also used my son's iPad for several hours. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages in regard to MY needs. For ...
Summary: I have a Nook and I've also used my son's iPad for several hours. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages in regard to MY needs. For example, I find the iPad too heavy for periods of extended reading and the browser on my Nook to be very awkward. I'm not claiming that everything about the Novel suits me and they still need to work on some fundamentals, including leaving the display on while plugged in to power and displaying your slides unattended. Overall though I find myself using the Novel more and the Nook less.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A little sluggish with native SW but full color, video!
by bbdec1 on July 19, 2010
Pros: Video, browser, wifi, ANDROID!!!! can be hacked to use as an Android tablet.
Cons: a little sluggish with original SW but others say hacked model using Aldiko or Kindle SW is faster.
Summary: Bed, Bath and Beyond price is $169 minus $20 rebate for full color, replaceable battery (and internal memory) and hackable to become a true tablet--Well worth the money.
Summary: Bed, Bath and Beyond price is $169 minus $20 rebate for full color, replaceable battery (and internal memory) and hackable to become a true tablet--Well worth the money.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Dont waste your money!!!
by willied79 on December 26, 2010
Pros: The color screen and all the listed apps. The price of course.
Cons: The touch screen is way to slow. You cant even scroll down to set the time zone. not to mention surf the web or email.
Summary: This device is just not usable for the price listed. Pay the extra 30 to 50 dollars and buy a Nook.
Summary: This device is just not usable for the price listed. Pay the extra 30 to 50 dollars and buy a Nook.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Completely useless product not worth 1/2 star
by CWilmet on December 21, 2010
Pros: Nothing good about this at all
Cons: I have had this for almost a month and unable to use wi fi. Contacted customer service they said I had the wrong password and to contact my internet co (which I did before I called & I had everything right) WRONG
Summary: I called customer service about this problem and the rep talked to me (after being on hold for 45 minutes) said it wasn't their product but my router and ...
Summary: I called customer service about this problem and the rep talked to me (after being on hold for 45 minutes) said it wasn't their product but my router and to call the router company. When we disconnected rather rudely & abruptly I noticed that it was exactly 7:00 pm eastern time and this is the time they close. They blew me off and this was after trying to get help for over 3 weeks online through customer service. If it didn't cost so much, I would take it outside and throw it under the first big truck I saw so it was run over.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Too slow to be practical. Frequent lock ups.
by mike4488 on November 21, 2010
Pros: Nice features, good looks.
Cons: Features work poorly. It is too sluggish and it locks up. Imagine reading a gripping tale and you can't turn the page. Interface is frustrating. Entering data is problematic. Data you spend ten minutes entering on the keyboard is usually rejected.
Summary: As Carnoy says in his review, it all looks good on paper and what it can do would be very cool to have on an ereader - only it's ...
Summary: As Carnoy says in his review, it all looks good on paper and what it can do would be very cool to have on an ereader - only it's too sluggish, frustratingly so. I am returning the one I got for a gift and waiting until technology improves. Not ready for prime time.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I am on my second eReader - both have locked up on me
by lzdub on November 19, 2010
Pros: I have not been able to use the product beyond charging it so I have no Pros.
Cons: I'm very disappointed-the reviews I have read talk about hacking and droid and i don't have enough computer knowledge to know what that means. I just want to turn the device on, download books and read. Clearly that is not possible with this device.
Summary: Don't buy it...
Summary: Don't buy it...
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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update works great
by soulbird995 on July 26, 2010
Pros: runs web well for social, reads well.
Cons: need to update right away. with out hacking you cant add apps yet. no web video yet. needs a stand alone app for notes.
Summary: its not a super computer but for a reader with that little bit extra its great.. once the apps are a go i think for the average person you can ...
Summary: its not a super computer but for a reader with that little bit extra its great.. once the apps are a go i think for the average person you can easily save $300 buck. getting it and not the ipad.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Pandigital
- Part number: PRD07T10WWH7
- Description: Read. Surf. Play. The Pandigital Novel Color Multimedia eReader will change the way you curl up with a good book. With instant access to the Barnes & Noble online bookstore, the Pandigital Novel Color Multimedia eReader lets you read and carry hundreds of books, magazines, and newspapers with you wherever you go.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type eBook reader
- Operating System Android
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 5.5 in x 0.5 in x 7.5 in
- Weight 1.2 lbs
- Color White
- Slot provided type [Dec 3, 2010 from CDS: Slot Provided] SD Memory Card,
MultiMediaCard Display
- Type 7 in Color TFT active matrix
- Display Resolution 600 x 800
- Touchscreen Yes
- Display type 7 in TFT active matrix
- Max resolution 600 x 800
Memory
- Flash Memory 1 GB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card,
MultiMediaCard,
SDHC Memory Card - Flash memory installed 1 GB
Communications
- Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g/n
Operating System / Software
- OS provided Android
- OS Required Apple MacOS X,
Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats EPUB ,
PDF - Supported Still Image Formats PNG,
JPEG,
BMP,
GIF - Features Touch screen ,
Wi-Fi ,
Expandable memory Location
- GPS Navigation None
Multimedia
- Supported Digital Video Formats MPEG-4
- Supported Digital Audio Formats AAC ,
WAV ,
MP3
Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Power
- Battery installed (max) Lithium ion
- Power supply device Power adapter
Expansion and Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card,
1 x MultiMediaCard - Interfaces 1 x USB 2.0,
1 x Headphones Battery
- Technology / Form Factor Lithium ion
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter
- Compliant Standards WEEE,
FCC,
RoHS,
UL Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5.5 in
- Depth 0.5 in
- Height 7.5 in
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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Manufacturer: Pandigital
Specs: Android,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g,
7 in Color TFT active matrix,
5.5 in x 0.5 in x 7.5 in,
1.2 lbs
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Pandigital products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Pandigital
- Address:
6300 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA 94568 - Phone: 1-800-715-5354
- Email: info@pandigital.net
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