iRex Iliad 2 eBook Reader Review

iRex Iliad Version 2

In Short

The Dutch are at it again with this mainly business user aimed quality eBook reader. Released in March 2008, the iRex Iliad 2 is made of quality however expensive for its powerful capabilities.

Screen

The screen is 8.1” electronic greyscale paper (e-paper) display. The resolution it can be pushed to is 768x1024 at 155ppi utilizing 16 shades of grey. E-paper allows you to focus on a sharp constant image instead of straining on a flickering blurry one.

The main strength of the Iliad 2 is it is touchscreen. iRex have integrated the Walcom Penabled sensor board to be used with a stylus. Thus allowing you to jot down notes and annotations which can be converted into text and sent to a text editor, spreadsheet or email. Exceptionally useful for the business power user.

Battery Power

At a constant usage the battery life is able to survive for 15 hours.

Supported Formats

PDF, html, TXT, JPG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PRC (Mobipocket), DJVU, non-natively CHM, PLucker, zTxt, TCR, RTF, OEB, EPUB

Connectivity

  • USB port to PC
  • Bluetooth
  • WiFi

Content Availability

Free MyiRex account gives you access to daily news and RSS. The service is primarily reliant on the Mobipocket reader service.

Extra Features

  • It is 15.3 oz with dimensions of 8.1'' x 6.3'' x .63'' .
  • The standard memory ships at 256MB but can be expanded through SD, Compact Flash, MMC or USB stick.
  • Boot time of 44 seconds
  • Language support is provided for English, German, French, Spanish and Dutch.

Accessories

Iliad Cover

USB cables

Travel hubs

AC power adaptors

Differences between Iliad 1, Iliad 2 and Book Edition

This 2nd Gen has:

Improved battery and better casing

The book edition does not have WLAN capability like the Iliad 2.

Powerful business applications

Touch screen

Stylus hand writing input with digital text translation

Support for 5 languages

Drawbacks

Does not support the cellular network like the Kindle

It takes 5 hours to charge the lithium battery so 15 hours of reading time is less than desired.

A long 44 second boot time.

A 1.3 seconds screen refresh rate a little frustrating.

No support for Sony and Amazon eBook content.

Conclusion

Like the Iliad 1 (Book Edition), the price is too much leaving better value to be found elsewhere.

iRex iLiad Book Edition Key Stats

Display: 8.1″
Pixel Format: 768 x 1024 (16 grayscale, 160DPI)
Viewing Angle: ~180/180
CPU: 400MHz XScale
Memory: 64MB (RAM), 256MB (flash, 128MB available to user)
Touch: Integrated Wacom Penabled sensor board, input via finger or Wacom Slim Pen
External Storage: MMC (up to 1GB), CF (up to 8GB)
External Connection: USB, 10/1000 Ethernet (via Travel hub)
Document Format: PDF, HTML, TXT, Mobipocket
Image Format: JPG, BMP, PNG
Language: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish
Battery: Lithium Ion
Dimension: 8.5 x 6.1 x 0.63″
Weight: 15.3oz
Price: see below...

Discount Iliad Gear Available

iRex iLiad Book Edition iRex iLiad Book Edition
List Price: $599.00
2 Classic The Iliad Old Time Radio Broadcasts on DVD (over 113 Minutes running time) 2 Classic The Iliad Old Time Radio Broadcasts on DVD (over 113 Minutes running time)
List Price: $11.99
Thrilling Narratives of Mutiny, Murder and Piracy Thrilling Narratives of Mutiny, Murder and Piracy
List Price: $3.65
The Story of the White-Rock Cove The Story of the White-Rock Cove
List Price: $3.65
The Pleasures of a Single Life, Or, The Miseries of Matrimony The Pleasures of a Single Life, Or, The Miseries of Matrimony
List Price: $3.65
iRex Digital Reader 1000S iRex Digital Reader 1000S
List Price: $750.00
Used From: $700.00
iRex iLiad Book Edition iRex iLiad Book Edition
List Price: $699.00
Used From: $474.00
iRex iLiad eReader 2nd Edtion ER0141-002-000 iRex iLiad eReader 2nd Edtion ER0141-002-000

FOR Irex iLiad Keychain Portable Speaker Ball FOR Irex iLiad Keychain Portable Speaker Ball Paypal US $12.99 23d 19h 54m
6 Carry Sleeve Case with Pocket Pouch for Irex iLiad 6 Carry Sleeve Case with Pocket Pouch for Irex iLiad Paypal US $7.49 29d 13h 6m
FOR Irex iLiad SECURE CARRY CASE SLEEVE BLUE FOR Irex iLiad SECURE CARRY CASE SLEEVE BLUE Paypal US $7.69 4d 19h 12m
FOR Irex iLiad SECURE CARRY CASE SLEEVE PINK FOR Irex iLiad SECURE CARRY CASE SLEEVE PINK Paypal US $4.99 6d 20h
Reversible Neoprene Sleeve Case COVER for iRex iLiad Reversible Neoprene Sleeve Case COVER for iRex iLiad Paypal US $5.89 21h 13m
FOR Irex iLiad eBook Reader LED Booklight FOR Irex iLiad eBook Reader LED Booklight Paypal US $6.59 29d 21h 38m
FOR Irex iLiad Fish Bone Holder for Earphones FOR Irex iLiad Fish Bone Holder for Earphones Paypal US $4.49 29d 21h 42m
FOR Irex iLiad Premium Earphones Headphones FOR Irex iLiad Premium Earphones Headphones Paypal US $5.16 29d 21h 30m
FOR Irex iLiad 35mm to Dual RCA Cable 3 feet FOR Irex iLiad 35mm to Dual RCA Cable 3 feet Paypal US $4.49 29d 21h 20m
FOR Irex iLiad Premium Earphones Headphones FOR Irex iLiad Premium Earphones Headphones Paypal US $5.16 29d 21h 6m

Not here? Check out the iRex Price Comparison Page