Q: Do I need any other software in order to use this software?
- No, this is a standalone software that is built from the ground up. That is why it runs so smooth and lightning fast! However, a good knowledge of using Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) would be helpful.
Q: Is usage really as simple as stated in the product page?
- Yes! The only other note is that you don't need to keep moving the software from folder to folder for every use (which will quite possibly make you lose track of its latest location as well). What you can do is to have a copy of the software sitting somewhere, like on the desktop or in the main MyDocuments folder. Once you organized your pictures into different folders, all you need to do is to copy and paste it to the images folder and double click on it. You don't even need to delete it after use since it only takes up 0.2MB of space.
Q: Does this software work on other ebook models besides REB1200/GEB2150?
- The software has only been tested and intended for use with these 2 color models. However, if you have the new eBook Technologies ETI-1, you may want to download the trial version and see if it works well. (Please let us know if it does.)
Q: What kind of images can I use this program on?
- The software supports all images stored in the jpeg format.
Thus, you can use it for photos, art work, comics, or even text pages that are stored as jpeg.
If your images are in another format, you can easily batch convert ALL of them with the fast and FREE IrfanView software.
Q: What is the output format of the photo album ebooks?
- The software will let you choose between .imp and .RES.
You can use the .imp output only for firmware 3.3 and later.
You can use the .RES output for any firmware that supports user contents.
Q: How can I check which firmware I have in my ebook?
- Take a look at my REB1200/GEB2150 firmware info page.
Q: How and should I upgrade my firmware in my ebook?
- Take a look at my REB1200/GEB2150 firmware info page for more details.
Q: I have firmware 3.3, so which output format should I use?
- You can use either .imp or .RES.
If you use .imp, you MUST place it at the root of the CF card.
If you use .RES, you MUST place it inside the "softbks" folder of the CF card.
However, if you are not using REBLibrarian or GEBLibrarian, using .RES instead of .imp is recommended even if you have firmware 3.3 for the following reasons:
1) It takes time for the ebook device to "process" (converting from .imp to .RES format), and this takes quite some time for large photoAlbums. So why wait the extra time unless you have to?
2) The limitation of the ebook device is to only process the first 15 .imps it sees. Thus, if you have more than 15 .imps to load into the ebook, you will not only have to wait for each of them to process, but also have to load each batch of 15 .imps separately.
3) Finally, after the ebook converts the .imp into .RES, the only way you can remove them from the CF card is through the ebook device. You can not delete them from your CF card without the ebook (such as using the PC to delete them).
Q: How do I name the title of each photo album ebook?
- You don't need to! The titles are name automatically to the folder name in which the jpeg images are located. So if really want to name the titles of the photoAlbums, name the folders the way you want it to be named.
Q: Do I have to keep pressing the left page button to go back to the index prints?
- No, the page tab in the bottom of the screen will work just as any normal ebook titles, so you can use it to scroll to any page or back to the index prints to hyperlink to the picture you want to view.
Q: What is the maximum number of images per PhotoAlbum?
- 1200, but you can have unlimited number of albums stored in the CF card (well, it is limited by your CF card capacity). One word of advice is that it is always better to organize your pictures into separate folders so you can create a few smaller photo albums for easier navigation instead of having one large photo album with a few hundred images that is harder to navigate.
Q: Can you list all the pros and cons of the 3"x5" and 5"x7" viewing options?
- 3"x5" allows you to view the images faster, and you do not need to keep rotating your ebook back and forth to view horizontal and vertical pictures. 3"x5" also allows you to store around 20-30% more images in your CF card since it requires less space per image. Of course, the main benefit of 5"x7" is the ability to make full use of the available viewing space!
Q: Why does my ebook sometimes load the images fast and sometimes slow?
- The reason is that the ebook processor processes a few images ahead of time. Thus, if you are viewing one image for at least a few seconds, the next few pages are already loaded into its memory cache for faster viewing. If however, you turn the pages faster than it caches the next image, the loading will be slower.
Q: Why do my pictures look so dark or pale?
- You can adjust the contrast and brightness on the ebook, it makes a BIG difference! If that still doesn't fix the problem, then you will need to fix the images before you run the software. IrfanView is a very good and FREE software that can help you do that.
Q: What is the difference between the two options when selecting 5"x7" viewing?
- The two options are:
1. Normal Images? - Output on the ebook will utilize either the maximum width or maximum height while maintaining aspect ratio.
2. Textual Images? (images contain small text fonts or writings) - Output on the ebook will try to use the ENTIRE screen (if originals are big enough) to view text better but will NOT maintain aspect ratio.
You should select 1 unless your images contain small text fonts like scans from comics or textbooks, then you would want to select 2. The reason is that you usually would like your images to appear with their original aspect ratio, which is the height-to-width ratio. In option 1, the software will maximize either the height or width, but retains aspect ratio. If the aspect ratio is not retained, the image will look distorted. However, for textual images, the 2nd option usually produces better looking text information.
Q: If this software is so good, why don't you offer money back guarantee?
- Since the software doesn't deal with anything online, there is no way to safeguard misuses of refunds. However, since the trial version gives the full feature set and has unlimited usage (only limits the maximum number of converted pictures per album); you have the full power to evaluate how well the software fits your needs.
Q: What if there are bugs in the software that are not found in the trial version?
- The software has been tested many times and also by many testers, so it is very stable. If however, that there are still bugs exist, we will work with you to resolve the bug (NOT extra features) if you can provide me with screen shots or error messages. If it is not resolved within 30 days, we will gladly refund you.
Q: Do you plan to add any new features?
- Not at the moment. we have worked on this project for over a year and have worked with many testers to get the most useful features without sacrificing simplicity. We really value simplicity over power, especially in a consumer oriented software. If there is a high demand for a new feature and it does not dilute its simplicity, then we may consider adding it.
Q: Do you plan to at least make it graphical user interface?
- I am deciding on this one. If I do make it graphical interfaced, it may be priced differently; but it will be free of charge to everyone who ordered already.
Q: Does it work with REBlibrarian/GEBlibrarian?
- Yes, it does. You can also simply do transfers via a CompactFlash reader instead.
Q: I saw that you have donated 100% of the proceeds to the Tsunami Relief Funds, what happened to the promotion?
- Well, I got to make a living too, so that was on for only 2 weeks. Thanks for everyone who contributed to the Fund!