One of the main complaints about the first few generations of electronicbook readers is their cost--who wants to pay several hundred dollars for theequivalent of a few $3 paperbacks? Enter Franklin's new line of eBookMandevices, available in three different models. We got an early peek at themidlevel eBookMan, which features 8 MB of memory, a sharp 200 x 240 16-levelgray scale display, and excellent versatility.

In addition to being an e-book reader, the eBookMan also plays audio files (bothaudiobooks and MP3s), records voice messages, and functions as a respectablePDA. A flip-up cover and hard rubber outer coating afford protection for thedevice. With a USB-connected cradle, transfers between desktop and the eBookManproceed quickly.

While the eBookMan offers a date book, address book, memo application (usingnatural handwriting recognition), and voice memo recorder, its main angle isstill as a book reader. The large screen and powerful backlight makes readingliterature in the Franklin Reader format clear, though the backlight did seem todrain the batteries rather quickly in our demo unit.

Ironically, the eBookMan's versatility also draws attention to its limitations.While the unit will play MP3 files, it can only store two or three songs at oncewith its 8 MB of memory (the top-of-the-line model, the EBM-911, comes with 16MB). However, if you pick up an optional MultiMediaCard with up to 64 MB ofmemory, it is possible to adapt the eBookMan into a more respectable MP3 player.

While you'll need to spend a little extra to money to get your eBookMan to reachits full potential, the unit's low original cost and variety of applicationsmake it an excellent gateway into the world of electronic literature.--J.Curtis

Pros:

• Very versatile--PDA, e-books, audiobooks, and MP3s in one device
• USB connection
• Large display

• Not currently compatible with Microsoft Reader
• Short battery life
• Gray scale only