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The idea of creating e-book readers with two displays is rather reasonable. It gives ability to combine the simplicity of touchscreen controls and reading on the second, matted display, avoiding glaring caused by glossy sensor screen cover. Spring Design company has released HighScreen Alex two screen e-book reader that features 6 in E-Ink and 3.5 in touch LCD screens. This compact device seems at least unusual and interesting, so let’s consider it in details.

Design

At the first glance the size of HighScreen Alex seems non-standard as for e-book reader. It is longer than any other 6 in reader models, but it is still compact enough for compact carrying in the purse or holding in a hand. The construction of the device can be called qualitative, but it is not polished to perfection. There are some extra lines, rude fitment between different body elements that should be fixed. The signs on hardware buttons are rather big, it slightly lumbers the overall look. However it looks quite neatly. Instead of cover HighScreen Alex features soft textile case with big Alex logo.

The body looks little bulky due to rather big distance between two screens and free areas on the both sides from them. If to reduce this unnecessary (from the practical point of view) body space, the device in general would look much more elegant. The variant with sliding bottom screen would also be reasonable.

The back side of the body is not plain, it is relief having different holes, knobs, etc. Its design looks raw and lacks elegance. The memory stick is also fitted to the device from the back side. The memory stick is put into and out with one flick, it is very easy to damage stick contacts or fastening. This is another shortcoming of HighScreen Alex construction.

There are few control buttons on the device. The main control features are provided by the touchscreen. There are only buttons for next/previous page, Back button and Power. There are also not many slots and connectors in the device, all of them are easily accessible, have no protective covers. The slots are located in the top and bottom edges, while memory stick slot is located on the back. The stick itself serves as a plug for the slot. If using no memory stick, the slot will be open for dust and other rubbish.

In general the design is laconic and plain. Do not expect some extra style and fashionable look. It seems that manufacturer has concentrated on functionality more than on design. And such approach is fully justified for the category of customers of non-image segment.

Displays

HighScreen Alex features two screens: 6″ E-Ink (800×600 px) and 3.5″ LCD (320×240 px). The first one is intended for reading, while the second serves as device control panel.

The quality of E-Ink fully satisfies requirements for contrast and brightness. It is typical for a model with 6:1 contrast and without sensor layer. LCD screen is less in size, features 16-bit colour palette, has good viewing angle in middle brightness mode.

The speed of reaction for both screens is impressive. The device was under development for a few years, and the result quality is above average.

The impressions from using both screens depends on how long time you will spend learning their functionality. Both of them are quite good for the functions they perform. For instance, E-Ink screen provides excellent text quality for reading, while LCD is well suitable for viewing video clips or emailing. The text image can be easily moved from one screen to another, providing great flexibility for different conditions. E-Ink display is good for reading at daytime, but when it is dark, text becomes unreadable. At this time you can use LCD screen for reading due to the built-in lighting.

Software And Functionality

The device can be called a hybrid. It combines functionality of e-book reader and Android based Internet tablet. Both these sides are very similar from the technical point of view. Internet user also can be called a reader who just reads content from another source. But the process is the same. HighScreen Alex can be easily used not only for reading texts, but also viewing videos and listening to the music.

Being based on Android OS, the device gives ability to choose the software according to user needs, that may complicate working with it for inexperienced users. Special for them the manufacturer prepared basic software package that includes applications for all major needs. After the first use you will feel the desire to upgrade the device with additional programs, adjusting it for yourself. You can get all required tools from App Store that minimizes the risk of using unchecked software.

The important quality of HighScreen Alex is its ability to manage without connection to PC. With the help of web browser you can purchase books and upload it to the reader. The same features are typical for many other readers, but in Android it is maximally simplified. Moreover, here you can read not only books, but also articles and other text sources with the help of such programs like Instapaper. Android allows installing programs for reading special sources such as Wikipedia or the Bible instead of plain reading from files saved in device memory.

There are two main programs for reading books in HighScreen Alex. One is library and second is reader. The library is a program-cataloguer, where all stored books are listed in structured form, and the second one is enabled only for reading specific book. The reader features handy settings for formatting texts, its appearance is fully adjustable.

Using App Store user can upload any other programs for content viewing, such as PDF Reader or other, it depends only from specific user needs.

General Impressions

HighScreen Alex is definitely a good solution for the fans of Android OS who need an e-book reader. The device facilities are practically unlimited due to the openness of its operating system. User can easily extend the functionality according to his personal needs by adding new programs.