Ebooks and ebook readers: iRex Technologies iLiad Reader Book Edition

Which? took a first look at the iLiad Reader Book Edition when it was launched in July 2008.

iRex Technologies’ £449 iLiad Book Edition displays crisp text as dark grey on a very light grey background. The 8.1-inch matte screen means you can view it in bright sunlight in comfort without eyestrain. 

It’s as close to ink on paper as any other ebook we’ve tested, though it isn’t backlit so you can’t use it in the dark in the same way as you can a laptop.

The iLiad is slightly larger than an airport paperback but much thinner, at 155x216x16mm. Weighing just 420g, iRex claims its battery life is good for 15 hours of continuous reading.

The iLiad Reader is fairly intuitive to use. You can leaf through pages using a pivoting sidebar, and use the included stylus to zoom into text, add annotations, and scribble notes and diagrams.

The iLiad includes 50 classic ebooks loaded on the device, such as Wuthering Heights and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and you can buy new books through an online store, but book choice is limited to around 44,000 titles – a paltry amount compared to Amazon, which has more than 22 million books available.

The iLiad Reader is hampered by a fiddly set-up, complex instruction manuals and the need to download additional software. The iLiad Reader Book Edition offers the same functionality as the iLiad 2nd Edition ebook reader, but without Wi-Fi connectivity. You can buy the iLiad Reader Book Edition online from the Libresco website.

Pros: Recreates the feel of a book surprisingly well

Cons: Ebook choice is limited and it’s too complex

Sign up to the Which? technology email

Keep your finger on the pulse of digital technology by signing up to the weekly email from the Which? Technology team. 

Every Tuesday we'll send you the latest news and reviews of MP3 players, mobile phones, cameras, high-definition TVs and other gadgets. 

Packed with the latest product launches, First Look reviews, expert advice and some incredible deals - can you afford not to be the first to find out?

You can also follow WhichTech on Twitter for all the latest technology updates.