The biggest changes we found using the Rocket eBook Pro include the long list of titles (new and classic) that are now available to purchase online, along with improvements on the Rocket Librarian software that manages your RocketBooks (electronic book files). The Rocket eNewsstand lets you order and download periodicals such as The New York Times and The Industry Standard. The RocketWriter creates eBook files from both webpages and your own documents. It works fairly well, but if you pull articles straight from a website, you may end up with a lot of HTML tags on your page.

If you're a wordy sort, you'll appreciate that you can download the second version of the dictionary, which lists over 75,000 words, a huge improvement over the stock dictionary that comes loaded on the Rocket eBook. (Now if NuvoMedia would just let us browse the dictionary, instead of simply searching for properly spelled words....)

On the downside, NuvoMedia's online publishing system demands that all your RocketBooks be stored either on your eBook or on your PC. While it prevents books from being, well, stolen, it means you need access to your computer to download new books to the Pro. (In contrast the SoftBook includes a built-in modem, and can download books anywhere you can plug in and dial up.) It also means you need to carry the eBook's bulky cradle wherever you go. And, as with the earlier model, because the battery is built in, you can't buy an extra to have on hand. You have to plug it in to recharge, which means carrying a portable battery charger. (The SoftBook has a removable battery.)

Given that NuvoMedia is selling the original Rocket eBook for $199, with a guaranteed full refund if you don't like it within 60 days, we have to say that the Rocket eBook Pro is best suited for folks who need an eBook with all the storage they can get. This would be limited to professionals who rely on reference materials and avid readers. If you already own a Rocket eBook, you can upgrade it with an additional 32MB of memory (32,000 pages!) for $149. If buying the hardware sounds like too much, if you own a Windows PC, you can download eRocket for free and trying reading RocketEditions right on your computer.

On a final note, both NuvoMedia and SoftBook were recently purchased by GemStar. According to press releases, GemStar plans to combine the technologies and start a "massive consumer awareness campaign later this year." You can trust that we'll be keeping an eye on whatever develops.

Summary: NuvoMedia's Rocket eBook Pro is best suited for folks who need a ton of text everywhere they go, whether they're avid readers or professionals who pack lots of reference texts. While it's easy to use, we'd like to be able to download books onto it without having to have its cradle-- and a computer-- nearby.

Pros: Packs thousands of pages of text into an easy-to-use, handheld electronic book that even packs its own light.

Cons: Still a touch on the heavy side; requires a computer and connection to upload/download books; paper books still have a huge lead in the number of titles available.

Company: NuvoMedia
Phone: 650.314.1200
Price: $279
Available: February 2
Category: Portable, electronic book
Platform: Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0; Mac OS 8.5 or higher
Requirements: For Windows users: IBM-compatible 486 or higher PC, 16MB RAM, 10MB available hard disk space, one 9 pin serial port, Internet access, Web browser (Netscape Navigator version 4.0 or higher or Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher); For Mac users: Power Macintosh (Power PC 601 or higher), 16MB RAM recommended, 10MB available hard disk space, one available serial port or USB port, Internet access, Web browser (Netscape Navigator version 4.0 or higher or Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher);