Another aviation related post: eFlyBook pirep

I realize they are becoming scarce, but here is another post related to
aviation (and not trolls or games) on the eFlyBook:

The eFlyBook is a new technology item that utilizes digital ink (black and
white). It is around 8x12 inches, and less than 0.5 inches thick (20x30cm),
and weighs around 0.5lb (230g by my estimate). There are no hard drives, and
it relies on internal memory, although it has a port for a CF card as well
as SD and USB. It also has wireless connectivity for updates.

Anyway, when purchased from MyAirplane.com it contains all of the approach
plates as well as all of the lo and hi altitude charts for the entire United
States. Updates are available by subscription, and can be downloaded online
or by CD, and fed into the eFlyBook by the abovementioned cards or through
the USB port.

My original unit took a dump on the first use, due to a bad screen, which
apparently is not an uncommon problem. Getting a replacement was difficult,
but finally did occur, after many unanswered calls and emails.

The technology is outstanding- the approach plates are amazingly clear and
readable. Screen rewrites are slow (not enough internal memory, or a
limitation of the technology?) The enroutes on the other hand, are pretty
limited. There is currently no capability of zooming in or out, so it is
nearly impossible to find out where you are unless you happen upon a nearby
VOR or airport. Also, there is still no way to draw a course line on a
chart, although this in apparently planned. Some of the enroute scans are
incomplete.

There are blank forms for clearances, note taking, and flight plans, which
are fillable using the stylus.

On the other hand, it is also possible to download thousands of books for
free (mostly public domain). However, it was a real joy to read some H.G.
Wells and Conan Doyle books again after many years- I developed a new
appreciation for how well written they actually were. Reading these books
did seem to take a lot of page turns.

Some newspapers and other print media are apparently planning on epublishing
as well- imagine plugging in your eFlyBook in the evening, and having the
entire morning paper downloaded and ready to go by the next day! Battery
life is great, a claimed 10 hours per charge.

Overall, a great new technology, which still has some teething problems.
When these are worked out and the reliability is more assured, these or
similar units will make paper charts obsolete. For now I use it for backup
in case of diversions, as well as general reading.