1) Which product did you use? ___41__ Rocket eBook __16___ SoftBook 2) If you used a Rocket eBook, did you find the dictionary useful?         __15___ Yes     __2___ No     _21____ Didn't use 3) Did you have any difficulties using the reader? ___7__ Yes ___46__ No         If yes, please explain. A little difficult making the transition from the instruction book to the screen.  I did better once I accessed the onscreen instructions and read through them.  Did not utilize the underlining or bookmarking features - no need at this time  (Rocket) Greatest Generation on ebook reader but not in bookshelf of titles (Rocket) Had some difficulty navigating at first, but didn't read directions- would prefer an abbreviated "Quick Start" sheet (SoftBook) Had trouble using the writing pad (Rocket) I did not take the time to learn the symbols (Rocket) But I had to check the directions (Rocket) Any difficulties were just because it's something new.  A little patience and a review of the instructions book got me back on the right track (SoftBook) Instructions are not adequate for using note-taking and other options (Rocket) Finding on/off button.  Also, getting it to turn off (Rocket) 4) What did you like about reading with this technology? It was especially useful to read while eating.  Not having to prop pages open or hold a book.  Also convenient for in-bed reading for much the same reason.  Also having the text backlit helped in both cases.  (Rocket) Backlighting, ease of holding and turning pages with clicker in spine. (Rocket) The print was bigger so there were less words to be looking at which made it easier to read, especially in the car.  The backlight was also helpful for reading in the dark. (Rocket) 1) The ability to orient the page and the way I held the reader.  2) actually didn't have to "hold" the reader- could put it on my lap and just advance the page 3) backlighting meant could read in bed without a light- wonderful! 4) size of print choice was useful. (Rocket) I could carry around more than one book at a time. (Rocket) Easy to read- large print (SoftBook) Backlight, accessibility to variety of content, easy to use-  glad library is offering this technology (SoftBook) I loved the lighted print (Rocket) Backlighting, ability to change type size, found dictionary useful when my high school daughter used it (Rocket) I didn't need a night light (Rocket) Backlighting for reading in bed while spouse slept, convenience of several titles in one for travel (Rocket) Innovativeness (Rocket) Not needing to be near a lamp, not having to always hold the book open, having many books altogether (Rocket) Not much (Rocket) It's just cool! So many potential uses! (Rocket) The reading seemed to go by quicker.  I also liked the fact that the reader holds several books @ once.  It would be great to not have to carry 4 or 5 books @ school all semester-- just carry the Rocket book (Rocket) The backlighting made it easy to read in the car at night (on a trip) (SoftBook) Backlit- I could read in darkened car or on a porch without any lights on.  Doesn't attach bugs to lights either.  SoftBook could be bent back.  Easier to turn pages than regular book.  Never lost my page.  (SoftBook) Not needing a reading lamp.  The screen brightness made it easy reading. (SoftBook) Loved the Rocket eBook- I read very quickly and it was great for that.  I didn't like the SoftBook(too ungainly) The backlighting was a great feature!  You could read anywhere in any lighting condition. (Rocket) Novelty (Rocket) Great for reading in bed!  Backlit, so no fiddling with a light next to the bed.  (SoftBook) Backlit- easy to read with any lighting (SoftBook) Several books in one easy to carry format (Rocket) Had two book to read using the Rocket Book.  Bookmarks were helpful (Rocket) Will be great for textbooks- much easier to carry one ebook than handling 5-6 big textbooks (Rocket) Screen is very easy to read (large print) with or without adequate light (Rocket) Backlit, trying new technology (SoftBook) It is different.  It can be used at night with low room lighting.  I liked bookmarks, drawing and highlighting (SoftBook) Searchability and bookmarks and having dictionary handy (Rocket) Nice to read at night (Rocket) Backlighting.  Large fonts (Rocket) Good in car, at night.  Underline feature good for teaching.  Change font and contrast.  Large quantity of books in small format.  (Rocket) Dictionary, compactness, various settings and the capability of setting several bookmarks (Rocket) New (Rocket) Could read in the dark without additional lighting, eg. on my porch, in bed.  Also, it's size is nice. (Rocket) Ease of carrying several books (Rocket) Especially that I have no problem with cigarette smoke from previous readers (allergies) (Rocket) Reading in the dark and using the search (SoftBook) Like size and cover lift on/off of SoftBook The dictionary is awesome.  It made me want to read. It's super easy.  It works great.  My grandmother could even us it. (Rocket) Its convenience and portability (Rocket) Easy to navigate through the "book"; presentation width (across the screen) made it easy to scan the material; bookmarks; backlighting options; dictionary; more than one title loaded; different presentation options (horizontal, vertical). (Rocket) The ease of more than one book.  The backlighting. (SoftBook) Backlighting and bookmarks (Rocket) Convenient, read in the dark, easy to use (Rocket) Easy to carry. Can carry more than one back and can read in any light (Rocket) Portability and can read at night with no extra light source. (Rocket) Convenient to hold, read and night with low light. Turns on where you left off. Fin. Dictionary. Several books on reader. Lots of books in a small place. (Rocket) I liked the light-- it was easy to read. The size fit in my purse. The dictionary was available within the ebook. (Rocket) Ease of use, portability, backlighting (Rocket) 5) Did you read a complete book? __41___ Yes __14___ No         If no, why not? Did not have a chance to finish (SoftBook) Not enough time (Rocket) Took out just to evaluate its capabilities (SoftBook) I was reading other books for work (Rocket) Selections aren't my genre of interest (SoftBook) I was more interested in the technology than the content (Rocket) Not worth reading with this "heavy book with a backlight" (Rocket) Didn't like choices (SoftBook) I wasn't really interest in the selections available and my objective was to find out what reading electronic text was like.  I was able to do that without finishing a book (Rocket) Didn't like the books (Rocket) Didn't like reading on screen (Rocket) Didn't find it too comfortable to read (SoftBook) No interest in any of the titles loaded (Rocket) 6) What types of material would you be most likely to read or consult on an ebook?     Check all that apply.             _46__ leisure reading     _15__ textbooks     __10_ how-to books             _25__ reference             _10_ other, please specify __________________ travel books- I could take more than one guidebook with me anything without pictures- missed seeing the pictures on The Greatest Generation popular nonfiction magazine articles (business) periodicals Non-fiction biography nonfiction current nonfiction, business, finance magazines newspapers 7) Given the option, in what format would you want to read your next book?         __25___ ebook         ___23__paper or hardback book    __7___ no preference         Why? eBook Could put several books on the reader (Rocket) Portable, can read in bed, can take one loaded with books on vacation and save space in my backpack (Rocket) So convenient and comfortable (Rocket) Backlight, variety (Rocket) Easy to read; easier to hold when reading; don't lose your place easily (SoftBook) The convenience and options of the ebook are wonderful- I really enjoyed being able to look-up a word right away- also- was able to read at night because of the booklight feature (Rocket) Great for quick readers- easily handled. (Rocket) No need for bookmarks.  Neat backlighting (Rocket) Fun (Rocket) Large font, backlighting (Rocket) Easier (visually) to read (Rocket) General convenience; I read many books a week and could download others over the Web (Rocket) General convenience and versatility (SoftBook) Because it made me want to read and because it's easier to read with all the features (Rocket) I like the large print and backlighting (Rocket) Assuming I could pick the title, I would like to experience reading a complete mystery novel in the ebook format (Rocket) More books in a smaller space (Rocket) Easy to carry. Can carry more than one book and can read in any light (Rocket) Depends-- if traveling I'd take paper-- smaller & lighter. At home ebook is convenient to read, hold and fun. (Rocket) Ease of use (Rocket) Convenience. Addition of color would be helpful when there are images (Rocket) Paper or Hardback Book Don't need an adapter (SoftBook) Probably because I'm just used to paperbacks instead of ebooks, but when reading a textbook, I would rather read with an ebook because since it is harder material, the large print and dictionary would come in use (Rocket) As much as I enjoyed using the Rocket eBook, I am such a voracious reader that I would find the ebook too limiting at the current level of access.  Perhaps in the future when there is much freer access to books to load- this would be more tempting.  For example- if I find an author I like, I will tend to sample several titles, esp. if in series.  (Rocket) It's less expensive (Rocket) However, an ebook would be great for travel or vacation because several novels, etc. in a compact ebook (Rocket) Books are beautiful things with black symbols on a white page- makes reading effortless (Rocket) I like the feel of a book (SoftBook) Probably just habit, but I'm pretty sure I could get used to the new format.  It was hard to get used to no margins. (Rocket) Can't readily survey book or flip back to things (Rocket) If I drop it, it won't break.  Intellectually I know the ebook probably won't break, but at $400 I get nervous about replacing it; also the ebook seemed bulkier (SoftBook) The ebook it too heavy to carry around.  Could not easily transport to a beach/pool (SoftBook) If the ebook can be made lighter I would consider it.  I enjoy hardcover books because they are sturdy and I can get use out of all the bookshelves I have (Rocket) I like to be able to check out the beginning and end of a book to get the scope of what I'm tackling.  EBook comes one little bit at a time.  The overview is lost.  Hard to know what page you're on and to skip forward and back more than one page at a time.  (Rocket) Traditional (SoftBook) Paper is lighter and truly more portable.  While the ebook was easier on the eyes than I expected, paper is still more comfortable.  Selection is also much better. Easier to find where you left off (Rocket) Better.  Feels like a book (SoftBook) More comfortable, quicker, habit (Rocket) Better feel (Rocket) Paperback is lighter in weight (Rocket) No Preference Either ok- both have their positive points - I like both ebook readers and regular books (Rocket) ebook only if I could select content- several shorter references on a subject; paper or hardback book for leisure because more selection, easier access, more accustomed to print (SoftBook) Undecided- I liked ebook but if I drop it, it's broken (unlike a paperback) (Rocket) Will choose both with equal enthusiasm (SoftBook) I like them both equally (SoftBook) 8) How do you think this product could be improved? Pictures (Rocket) Make more books available.  Lower the price of ebooks and the books you download just a little.  One addition for people without good grip- put rubber grip on handling side or little stand to prop up on table in back (Rocket) Hold a longer charge (SoftBook) I don't believe it needs much improving except that it will take people a little while to get used to the electronic concept (Rocket) I am strictly a "read for pleasure" person at this time in my life but can envision alternative uses for this technology: a) the ebook form would be very useful if several research texts could be loaded for use in education settings.  Having a single source in such a convenient size would be a major asset.  b)  For the visually impaired- this would require some major changed in the font size.  I found the small print to be entirely too small for comfort with everyone I showed it too agreeing (across age and state of eyesight lines).  The large print was not large enough for me to go without my glasses unless held too far away for comfort give the weight of the book.  Also would need to make the contrast more dramatic with a simpler font style for the visual impaired.  c)  The small overall size was a plus but the total weight became tiresome unless the hand and arm could be supported.  d)  The on/off control could be a concern for arthritics, elderly with decreased sensation/sight/tactile mobility.  e) I liked the page turning buttons but for whatever reason, I automatically tried using the top button to advance the page and had to remind myself it was the bottom button.  I have the same problem with some of the computer keyboard controls, so this may be a personal "wiring" problem.  f)  Found it confusing not to have page numbers readily seen.  Also could not "flip" back or forward as you would in a regular book.  Found it difficult to find a specific story in the sci-fi anthology I was reading.  g)  The opening in the back which is apparently where the book rests in its cradle annoyed me to no end.  Kept worrying that something would get in there and damage this rather expensive machine entrusted to me.  Needs a plastic travel cap or something.  h)  Might want to design a carrier that will store the charger too.  Having it out and loose is asking for trouble.  (Rocket) 1) A little larger print.  2)  Include color or black & white photos.  3) Show page number on bottom like SoftBooks do (Rocket) If I could make selection (SoftBook) Making it cheaper and lighter (Rocket) Ability to choose/download my own selections (Rocket) Give the reader an idea of where you are in the book (Rocket) Thinner and lighter (Rocket) I wonder how well the screen will hold up- scratches, etc.  It would be unpleasant to read once it's scratched up (Rocket) A longer battery life.  Nervous about killing the battery if I ran it down too far. (SoftBook) Lighter and with longer battery (SoftBook) Better selections; able to choose selections (SoftBook) Margins?  A little power source that never had to be recharged?  Should strap on the case?  Cool colors?  Can it show illustrations? (Rocket) Dictionary needs to be expanded-- there were several words that I couldn't look up.  Maybe a cradle to hold it. (Rocket) Smaller, lighter, more contrast similar to a black print on white page format (SoftBook) Make it smaller/lighter (SoftBook) More difficult to read in certain conditions like sunny days (Rocket) It's too heavy, make it lighter.  The power button turned on while in the case.  Set up an ebook exchange (Rocket) The Rocket Book felt heavy in my hands after reading it for prolonged periods of time. (Rocket) Translate into other languages (Rocket) Better bookmarking.  Changeable font sizes.  Choose books to load.  Longer time out at home.   (Rocket) Cannot think of any improvements at this time-- this was the first time I used it (Rocket) The SoftBook is a little heavy (SoftBook) Better low-light control of brightness and contrast.  Better battery life under bright contrast conditions.  (SoftBook) Rocket is too small and it is too inconvenient to adjust screen readability with backlight level only.  Need contrast control. (Rocket) A bit heavy (Rocket) Maybe more selection of different titles and color screen (Rocket) It would be nice to have some indication of how many pages have been read or left to read.  The sidebar is nice but doesn't give one a real sense of how large the book is. (Rocket) Graffiti pad- similar to Palm Pilot for entering additional words to "find" within the text; the keyboard approach slowed me down (Rocket) Made it smaller; add a dictionary to the SoftBook Increase memory (Rocket) More books (Rocket) Smaller, lighter but same size screen. Able to download/loan book over Internet to a personal reader. Expiration date for the download. (Rocket) Maybe a brace on the back of the ebook to prop it up so you don't have to be constantly holding it. (Rocket) Larger, color screen (Rocket) Color (Rocket) Other comments- I brought the Rocket Book to work (I work with a bunch of techies) and I spent 20 minutes letting everyone pass it around and play with it, everyone was totally impressed.  They were especially impressed when I told them I had gotten the book from the Gates Library- now everyone wants one of their own- or to be able to check it out themselves from their local library.  I feel that buying this Rocket Book technology would be a wise investment and a popular circulation item at the library.  (Rocket) The group to whom I showed the Rocket generally were interested but not enthusiastic except for its usefulness to the visually handicapped.  One person's husband is already using one as a visual aid.  (Rocket) Optional- Gender : __13__ male _30__ female Age: _3__ under 18     _2__18-25     _5_26-35     _12__36-45     _17_46-55     _5__56-65     _3__66+