Review iRex Digital Reader 1000 Series
Model numbers: 1000, 1000S, 1000SW

iRex introduces the new Digital Reader 1000 series of e-readers, including the Digital Reader 1000, 1000S and 1000SW. Each reader is essentially the same, with the 1000 being the most basic, having no tablet capabilities or wireless internet connection, versus the other models which feature a Wacom ® Penabled touch screen (1000S / 1000SW) and wireless connectivity (1000SW).

Each model of the iRex Digital Reader 1000 Series features a 10′ diagonal screen, which utilizes “eInk” technology and has amazingly paper-like display. Featuring no backlight, but clear “print like” text on a white (actually grayscale) screen background makes using the readers quite similar to reading the word on a traditional written page. Otherwise each model of the iRex Digital Reader is noted for a sleek and lightweight design. Although it is larger than most eBook readers, the iRex Series is the thinnest reader on the market and it packs the most in the way of available features. The conveniently placed page turning buttons make navigation a breeze and all three models have a SD card slot and mini-USB port.

iRex partnered with Wacom to bring Tablet PC like features in the 1000S and 1000SW models. This can be a very handy feature when working on presentations on the road or reading a proposal and needing the ability to make notes. iRex Digital Reader 1000S and 1000SW support handwritten notes, but are expensive by another $100 over the 1000 model. The iRex Digital Reader 1000SW packs not only Wacom digitizer but also WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The wireless Internet connection allows user to download the latest magazines, books or newspaper subscriptions to their iRex device and the reader does not have the Flash display problems of other digital readers. iRex can display PDF files, HTML web pages and even Microsoft Office documents like PowerPoint presentations or Word .doc files without requiring any conversion. Users of the 1000S or 1000SW model can use the stylus pen to write or sketch on the screen and that gets saved with the document in the iRex's memory. The reader can then be connected to a PC via USB and users can convert all the handwritten text into digital format. The larger size display screen was actually made for PDF and Word document viewing and the display is significantly more responsive. When you turn a page the refreshed e-ink appears on the screen twice as fast as other eBook readers. Unlike other Readers available on the market today, the iRex 1000 series is geared more toward professionals and companies dealing with lots of PDF files and other digital documents. The reader can still read the popular eBooks as well, but it wasn't the company's focus. However, the iRex 1000 series may be priced for the professionals as well, ranging from $649 to $849. If you can afford it, it is the leading technology in readers, but if you just want to read your eBooks, there are other models that will be of more use to you and cost you less.