EFlybook Pirep

EFlybook arrived yesterday, so here are a few observations:

Small grey tablet sized- see their website for actual dimensions.
PRO: Light weight- I plan to velcro to a knee board.

CON: somewhat flimsy IRex plastic shell
don't lose the stylus, expensive to replace
cheesy Arinc logo ( clear plastic label tape, stuck on crooked)

Content:

PRO: ALL of the US approach charts, SIDS, DPS, and low altitudes, along
with all AFD's, FAR/AIM! (ever depart on a long XC hoping to find the right
charts at some podunk gas stop?)
No more heavy or cumbersome NOS or Jepp charts. No more filing of revisions.
Books (over 10,000) downloadable for free!

Display:

PRO: Unbelievably clear and visible. Easy to read, sharp, and crisp

CON: Slow rewrites.(takes around a second per page)

Softwa

PRO: The myairplane latest database came loaded on the machine.

CON: Ability to write notes required several downloads from Irex and
Myairplane websites.

OVERALL: this is a new technology, not a tablet PC. As such it does not rely
on a hard drive or have the associated potential altitude related problems
or fragility. It is easily readable in incandescent light, and gets better
in outdoor light (no washout like an LCD). Requires external lighting at
night (not self illuminating). Extremely long battery life (up to three
days)

The display is outstanding, very clear and sharp. (page writes could be
faster) The level of detail is excellent and highly readable. (would be nice
to have a zoom/pan ability)

Text from books is outstanding as well. Would be nice to have all of the
appropriate software installed in the machine prior to purchase, rather than
requiring a search of the net and finding the right stuff to get. (the
notepad did not write without looking for the new software update as well as
some add ins).

Overall, these guys at Myairplane.com are a group of three dedicated
individuals who have really made a tremendous impact on the IFR flying
community. No more trying to find, buy, or subscribe to AFD's, NOS, or JEPP
charts. No more packing a bag full of charts that you only might use
periodically. No more filing of revisions. The unit will pay for itself
within a year for the average cross country flyer.

Technical support via Dennis Megarry at Myairplane has been great.

I'd give the unit an A- or B+ as an overall grade. The software could be a
little more refined and user friendly, but the overall appearance and
performance are outstanding and well worth the cost. It is the wave of the
future, and I recommend it highly.