Pepper Pad 3 gets even better

Pepper Computer has officially released version 3.1 of its Pepper Pad software. The 100MB update is available for a one-click direct download on the original Pepper Pad and Pepper Pad 3, and my god, it's fantastic!

I read some of the pre-release notes so I knew what was in store for me when I updated, but nothing beats actually taking advantage of all the improvements. My favorite enhancement is the bevy of new keyboard shortcuts, which include the ability to get to the home screen, switch between tabs and applications, and correctly use the "Ctrl+L" function in Firefox. Some of my mild gripes about the device have been completely eliminated because of this update, and I can't commend Pepper enough for not only listening to their customers but also giving them what they want.

Looks like the final part of my Pepper Pad 3 review, which will cover the disappointing aspects of the handheld, will be very short.

Comments

[Mike Cane]

PLEASE go into some detail about this upgrade. One of my gripes was that I could not download a photo from YMail -- or was it upload one? Something like that. If you have YMail, please test that bit.

I look forward to the next report!

Perhaps, despite being traumatized by the Nokia 770, I should consider the Pepper again...?

[Jenn]

Hi Mike,

Here are the release notes directly from Pepper.

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Enhancements and upgrades to Pepper 3.1 include:

* Import and export options for the eBook Library
* A Gmail template and support for SSL and TLS in the Mail Application
* Photo access via Windows Media Player 11 using UPnP and the ability to reset Flickr accounts in the Photo Library
* Ability to add custom devices to custom activities in the Remote Control application on the Pepper Pad and Pepper Pad 3
* System software upgrades to Firefox, Mplayer and Helix
* New keyboard shortcuts and the ability to copy a screenshot to the Photo Library

Over 150 bugs were fixed to provide an even better user experience. You will find fewer restarts, improved audio, a more accurate battery icon and assorted improvements in the Journal, Music Library, Photo Library, Video Library and Web Browser.

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A separate update (1.1MB) was released today that improves Wi-Fi range and performance. Steve has more technical info about the mplayer package here: http://www.carrypad.com/journal/2006/12/pepper-desktop-v31-released.html

I don't know about the email client (which I think supports only Yahoo Mail Plus), but regular YMail accessed through the Web has no problems uploading/downloading photos. I just tried it and it works fine.

I would definitely recommend trying out the device again :) I don't have any experience with the 770, although it was while I was researching it that I first heard about the Pepper Pad.

I've seen the 770 compared to the Sony mylo (which I like) quite a bit, so I was interested in it at one point. I actually need to write something new about the browsing experience on the mylo because it's a lot better than I used to think it was.

[Mecos!]

OQO Smokes it