Despite almost EVERY review I've read about this reader being bad, I went against my better judgement, and picked one up anyway. This is one time that my instincts were wrong!
The speed is comparable to any unit available, whether kindle, nook or kobo. All the monochrome dedicated e-readers are going to be slower than the best android tablet, smartphone or i-device. However, with a touch screen, epaper-type display, generous internal storage expandable with a micro SD card....there's much to like about this unit.
In 54 degree weather, I began the setup. Once you have time, date, etc. taken care of, it's a simple matter to add a memory card, hook up to the computer and copy epub content over. The book list refresh for over 512 ebooks for this reader was a mere 3 minutes, compared to my Kobo's 3 HOURS. This will open and load epubs that the Kobo won't even recognize are on your device. For some reason, guess the Kobo doesn't like Rene' Descartes Discourse on the Method.
For owners of Crossway epub study bibles such as the MacArthur or ESV Study, take heart. This will give you access to the single/double dagger links to study notes, whereas non-touch screen readers offer no way to do this! I find it both odd and unusual that Kobo's own store sells books which aren't compatible with all its readers! The links are still extremely hard to trigger until you get the feel of doing it on the touchscreen, but such is the case with those epubs and all other readers I've tried them on. In other words, it's a publisher, not a reader issue.
Overall, while readers that have the eink screen, as opposed to the SiPix epaper one that this one does have the edge on sharpness and visibility, the difference between those displays and the one the Pandigital aren't that vast, and can be adapted to with relative ease. Having a dictionary that works with ANY book in your library, as opposed to the Kobo (where you only get dictionary support with books you buy from them) is a huge plus for the Pandigital. The on-demand sub-menu to access the dictionary, table of contents, font sizing, etc. is also helpful. The features are there at a button and screen press if you need them, out of sight and the way when you don't. As far as wide compatibility with files, touch screen capability, and add-on applications that, while limited in their use, are good for what they are meant for-quick and dirty web and email access, the Pandigital 6" Novel might just be your diamond in the rough of e-readers. Having found mine as a refurbished unit for $59.99 (I recommend you do a google search for refurbs for the best price) you can't argue with the feature set, build quality, versatility and readability coupled with a reasonable price. I'm sure other reviewers on the net have had their bad experiences with this particular reader, but my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Enough so, that I chucked my Kobo, and now the Pandigital is my primary reader!
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