The problem is that pdf is not reformat able by nature. Yes, there is reflow mode in Acrobat Reader, but at first Acrobat Reader is not available for most e-book readers (especially for e-ink devices),
and second even with reflow function reading of complex content (technical books, magazines etc.) is not comfortable. Bad formatted pdf’s and wide white spaces make the situation even worse.

The only way how this problem can be solved (at least based on my experience) to cut original pages into smaller pages with removing white spaces.
This is exactly what program do. But comparing with similar software PDFCropper is much more flexible, that allows to prepare books with much better quality in a very short time.

Currently PDFCropper can produce text and image pdf’s. Later additional output formats (lrf, lrs, wolf etc.) will be added.

PDFCropper web-site currently is under construction. But it is already available for downloading:

PDFCropper v1.0 RC2 – http://rapidshare.com/files/79718571/Setup.exe.html

Trial version of PDFCropper is fully functional, but output pages are shuffled and include watermark (which by the way displays registration code that you need for obtaining license).

There are no yet tutorial or help available. But I prepared “How To” demo-video:

http://rapidshare.com/files/79717770/PDFCropper_-_How_To.swf.html

Also, anyone interesting in software, can send me example pdf, and I will send back resulted pdf prepared via application.

You can ask any questions about using or installing software (and details about purchasing the license) via e-mail:
vstefanyuk@gmail.com

P.S. Application is implemented by using Java. You have to have installed Java environment version 1.5 or higher.
Also Ghostscript has to be installed. In case if it is not, application will propose you to download.

The screen is very nice on the Reader. The lack of a backlight is not a problem for me b/c, as I understand things, it is incompatible with e-ink technology, and I’d much prefer that to any backlight. (There is an external light, but I’m not sure when and where it will be available for purchase. See photo here: http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/sony-reader-accessories-dock-night-light-and-magnetic-suede-cases-203188.php)

Battery life: The last thing I wanted was another device that required attention to its battery on a daily or every-couple-of-days basis, like my tablet and Treo. I love that I can use the Reader for a long time without worries about power or, more importantly, ignore the Reader for a long time, and still fire it up with power remaining.

My one negative (and it’s a big one): PDF support is poor. Lots of papers I have to read are in PDF format. I think Sony as exaggerated the Reader’s ability to support PDF documents. I’m hoping they are working on some kind of conversion technology that will make PDFs easier to read on the Reader.

For me, the biggest problem is lock-in to a particular proprietary standard. I don’t buy iTunes and don’t use an iPod because of that. And while my wife reads every book exactly once and then passes it on to a friend or family member, I tend to read books that have more long-term value (trying to be PC here and not get in trouble with my wife) which I wouldn’t want to lose once my Sony reader dies and can’t be replaced (because Sony obviously doesn’t have the best history for long-term support of products).

Bluetooth capabilities for audio and keyboard (e.g., to enable searching) would be awesome features, too.

If they dropped the price, made it backlit and at least resonably hackable, I’d buy one.

Heck, I might buy one anyway, just because I’m a geek and I can’t resist stuff like this. ;-)

I agree with Kevin on the device(s) out now being too expensive, but I would expect this to fall soon. But backlight might seem convenient, but its actually worse than reflected light for your eyes when reading, so I also find it strange that there is no overhead light you could flip over so its possible to read it in a dark bedroom – a place where your wife will probably be happier about a tiny light than a glaring UMPC screen with a wooshing fan next to her ear. :)

In short terms, e-ink and ebook readers has come to stay. Its a good technology and within few years I am quite sure you will have one of these in your bookshelf instead of that pile of rainforest turned into sheets for decorating your home…

From what I’ve seen, it’s selling very well. I hope Sony will be very aggressive in dropping the price!

There is simply no comparison between a UMPC screen and that of the Sony Reader.

The reduction in eye strain alone is worth it to me.

The major knock on the device is Sony’s bundled software. I have to help my wife purchase and then transfer ebooks each and every time…