When the black model launches initially, it may be joined by the re-released white model at the same time, potentially with its software issues fully resolved..
Sure, Pandigital’s Novel may be delayed until next month because of some firmware issues — and we haven’t heard the most positive things about the 7-inch LCD based e-reader / tablet — but we had to check it out for ourselves. At $149, the all-plastic reader isn’t going to win any build quality awards (it’s also rather heavy for what it is), but the Android 2.1-powered gadget does have a pretty attractive user interface. In use, however, the resistive screen had to be pressed quite firmly to make selections and the software was noticeably sluggish.
Pandigital on Thursday explained a halt to sales of its Novel touchscreen e-reader. The company says the device will go back on sale in about a month, and the time will be used to review the firmware that’s preloaded onto the device, which was the reason for the delay. A spokesperson for the company also confirmed that a a black model will also be released that may have other features.
Fresh news out of Pandigital today, finally responding to the is-it-a-recall controversy of recent weeks, and who are now saying that the Novel touchscreen ereader won’t be back in stores for around a month. The Digital Reader has been told by the company that they’ve using this opportunity to re-examine the firmware and make sure it’s really ready for public consumption this time around.
In going through the fix,” the unnamed spokesperson claims, “we’re taking extra time to make sure it’s absolutely final before we send it out.” She also comments on the black hardware which was spotted crossing the FCC, and confirms that it is indeed another version of the Novel. Apparently the initial plan had been to release the white first and then follow up with the black; however this new firmware delay has changed that somewhat.
The Pandigital Novel eReader wasn’t exactly a huge success when it was launched, since there were major firmware issues affecting it upon its release, but things do look as though they are being improved with a new firmware update for the device being released. This new firmware is touted to fix the previous problems that plagued the device, and it ought to translate to the Novel eReader making its way back to store shelves as well. Hopefully that most of the major flaws are fixed in this firmware update, as we’re sure users can be pretty forgiving at times if the company shows that it is sincere in making things work.
The new firmware is supposedly going to resolve all of the issues known so far, though customers or reviewers have not yet had the opportunity to say whether or not this actually happens. Of course, the matter of the weight will likely persist, but Pandigital likely hopes that the wide functionality and versatility will outweigh this issue. Those that already own the device may visit the official website, download the package and follow the update instructions there listed. No word yet on when Kohl is set to resume shipments.
Surprisingly, the device did play a standard definition video smoothly and it has an accelerometer — which is more than the Archos 7 Home Tablet can brag. Barnes & Noble’s Android app will be preloaded, and it also has a skinned Android browser of some sort. We’ve got a short hands-on video after the break, but you’ve got the picture here: the Novel isn’t what we’d call novel, you just get what you pay for.
Of course, the return policy that allows any buyers of the Novel is still in effect, which means that one may still decide to return it and get a full refund even after installing the update, should expectations not be met. Pandigital’s future plans in regards to the product are still unknown and, thus, it is hard to say whether a more lightweight model will ever make its appearance.
Resources :ubergizmo.com,slashgear.com,engadget.com
You guys don't have any idea what you are talking about. Instead of just repeating what all the other tech sites say, why don't you actually type the words “Pandigital Novel Review” into Google search and see what's listed after the 1st page of BS that keeps getting reported.
One idiot couldn't figure out how to use the thing and everyone continues to believe all the BS about the Novel that isn't true.
I've had one since it came out, I should know.
This reader gives more than expected for the price. For those that whine, how about reading the manual first, morons. I loved it since i got it.
How do I play music on it
any ideas on how i import my i tunes on it?
you will have to load them onto a sd card and play them off of that
You do not have to load them on an SD card. You simply plug your pandigital into your computer and upload music from your windows media player. Very simple.
I downloaded my music from itunes to a sd card and installed it on the novel with apps installer
I can’t play videos on youtube and stuff. How can i make it work? Should I use some kind of adobe player?
I got the black one for christmas & I’m wanting to add some games to it & some apps how can I do that
need to play you tube!!!
Did you figure out how to do this (easily!)? Thanks.
okay, enough of this craziness. I’ll contact pandigital.
okay, enough of this craziness. I’ll contact pandigital.
me to July. I picked it for Christmas on QVC and I have all kinds of stuff on it. I downloading Kindle free books, you tube that works, and other things. I have the 9″. great little machine for the price
me to July. I picked it for Christmas on QVC and I have all kinds of stuff on it. I downloading Kindle free books, you tube that works, and other things. I have the 9″. great little machine for the price
I love mine just can’t yet figure out how to get flashplayer lol
did u figure out how to get games to play on it yet? i got them to download, but from there i don’t know how to actually get them to play…in the download history it says download complete, but i can’t click on it or find the link anywhere else…
they don’t have a flash player in them..You need this for games and all.. Like the other person says, you have to download the thing you want on to your computer first then download it on the novel.
What file do you open to download the music to?
i got mine working just fine you have to change your computer to safe mode and then follow the steps to download the android software and then everything will look great they have hundreds of games and you would love it
So if i downoad the tech journal i will be able to download free games plus games you have to but?
Were do you download the techjournal