More detail on the Pandigital Novel

In a recent hardware examination, more information has surfaced regarding the Pandigital Novel e-reader. An internal look at the device, revealed by removing the rear casing, shows a specific hardware configuration: dual speakers are positioned at the base, the power connection is located on the right side, and an internal microSD slot is situated on the left. While the unit currently contains a 1GB card, it appears this can be upgraded, complementing the external slot which is compatible with SDHC cards.

Initial testing with the original factory firmware has been problematic. Although a recent software update from Pandigital’s website successfully addressed issues with touchscreen sensitivity, other technical difficulties remain. Specifically, the device continues to suffer from sluggish performance and non-functional Wi-Fi. There are also concerns regarding the physical durability of the unit, as the front faceplate has begun to separate at one of the corners.

A further point of contention involves the device’s display orientation. Despite Pandigital’s marketing materials indicating the presence of a landscape mode, users have found it difficult to activate this feature. While some early adopters suspect the lack of an accelerometer or software glitches are to blame, others have reported success using landscape orientation within the web browser and e-reading applications.

User feedback suggests a wide variance in experience. Some owners of newer production units report that features like Wi-Fi, video playback, and screen rotation function correctly, particularly after installing more recent firmware versions. However, early testers warn that the initial release of the device was plagued by software instability and potential build quality defects. For those interested in internal modifications, the back cover is secured by adhesive and plastic clips, requiring delicate prying with small tools to access the internal memory and battery.