Model:
Franklin eBookMan ( eBM-901 )
Release Date:
1999
Original Price:
$179.95
Processor:
proprietary 32-bit RISC 24 MHz
Memory:
8 MB RAM / 16 MB ROM ( 5 MB dedicated to the OS )
This was my first foray into the handheld computer arena and it was
almost my last. I saw this at a pawn shop for like $30 or so. I don't
remember exactly but it couldn't have been much - did I mention I'm
cheap? :) Anyway, I get it home, unpack it (it was still in the box)
and the freaking thing didn't work. The touch screen, which looked
fine, was defective. I did like it though, so after I took it back, I
went online and found one on eBay for close to the same price. I used
that one for several years - even to the point of purchasing a parts
unit so I could replace the screen that I somehow broke.
It was, and still is, a very useful computer (as Thomas the Train
would say). There are numerous applications and games available,
although no where near the numbers written for the Palm/PocketPC
crowd. I even helped with the graphics on the Monopoly game written
by WhitWareInc and I compiled Nave's Topical Bible for the eBM. And
although this device is 10 years old, it still has a cult following
with a newsgroup and a mailing list if you need help.
The 901 (the model that I have) has 8mb of RAM and an Indiglo-style
backlight whereas the 900 has 8mb RAM with no backlight and the 911
has 16mb RAM and a backlight. Regardless of the model you have, you
can always add more memory with an MMC memory card. Just don't try to
use an SD card - it is slightly larger than the MMC cards and it will
damage the card slot.
Applications are included that allow the eBM to function as an MP3
player, an audio book reader, an ebook reader (which is of course
it's main function - eBookMan, duh!), a calculator, a voice recorder,
a date book, a calendar, a world clock, an alarm scheduler and a
notepad. It really was, in my opinion, ahead of it's time.
Another advantage of the eBM over modern PDAs is that instead of an
expensive specialized battery pack, the eBM uses two standard AAA
batteries. You could use rechargeable cells I guess, but with the
excellent run time on alkaline batteries, I don't think that's really
necessary.
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Click here to download the User's Guide (3.51 mb)