Ebook readers

[clockwork]

Ok guys, I need some advice. I'm soon to find myself in a situation where I won't be able to stitch for a while and will be away from the forum for an indefinite amount of time as well. For the past year or so I've been contemplating getting myself an ebook reader and it looks like now is the time to do it. The problem is I'm not sure which one i should get. I think I'm edging towards the new Kindle 3 that's coming out at the end of the month. It's pushing the time-frame I've got a little, but it looks super nifty and useful. So that's my current choice but I'm very open to suggestions. Does anyone on the forum own any sort of ebook reader and what do they think of it? Pros vs Cons?

[cassle]

First, I would like to suggest you to see the Mobile Read forum, I think it's the best place for anyone who get interested to know which reader will suit them perfectly.

But, if you ask about my opinion, honestly I'm not one of the Kindle fans. Even though they introduced the global wireless system, they said that they don't support my country even tough I could see that their coverage could reach my place. And speaking of Amazon, too bad I don't like their gift voucher at all. It's so hard for someone like me to buy their ebooks. In fact, I have purchased the $10 gift voucher and when I want to shop it for some ebooks for my phone, they said that I must have a valid credit card even though I have that voucher. So.. I spent $10 and got nothing at all.

On the other hand, if you want to use it for text books or something like that, Kindle is not friendly for students because it's a little bit slow. I must admit that it's even faster than my PRS-505, but yet still slow for students. I love Sony so much because I never get any problem with it. It's very easy to find their gift voucher at Best Buy and you could shop it without having any credit card with you.

But still, it really depends on what are your main purposes with the reader. If you want those enhanced ebooks, maybe you should consider iPad because lots of producers and developers of enhanced ebooks got interested in it. Hope this helps.

[Capricious]

As someone who has used the Sony PRS-700, iPad as well as the Amazon Kindle, the Amazon Kindle wins hands down. Better interface as well as cost efficient. Sony PRS-700 is impossible to read unless you are in a very well lit environment. The iPad is just difficult to handle, not very well designed. The Kindle doesn't suffer from any of these design flaws. Hope this helped!

[maggs]

My son has the sony 600 pro, difficult to see in bright sunlight. He would suggest that you get the new kindle wifi.

[clockwork]

First, I would like to suggest you to see the Mobile Read forum, I think it's the best place for anyone who get interested to know which reader will suit them perfectly.

But, if you ask about my opinion, honestly I'm not one of the Kindle fans. Even though they introduced the global wireless system, they said that they don't support my country even tough I could see that their coverage could reach my place. And speaking of Amazon, too bad I don't like their gift voucher at all. It's so hard for someone like me to buy their ebooks. In fact, I have purchased the $10 gift voucher and when I want to shop it for some ebooks for my phone, they said that I must have a valid credit card even though I have that voucher. So.. I spent $10 and got nothing at all.

On the other hand, if you want to use it for text books or something like that, Kindle is not friendly for students because it's a little bit slow. I must admit that it's even faster than my PRS-505, but yet still slow for students. I love Sony so much because I never get any problem with it. It's very easy to find their gift voucher at Best Buy and you could shop it without having any credit card with you.

But still, it really depends on what are your main purposes with the reader. If you want those enhanced ebooks, maybe you should consider iPad because lots of producers and developers of enhanced ebooks got interested in it. Hope this helps.

Thank you for the forum recommendation! I had been looking up lots of reviews but hadn't even thought of looking up a forum. I don't really plan on using the Kindle store that much. I'm mostly going to be reading .txt files that are already on my computer. I'm in the United States so the Kindle store shouldn't be an issue but I really don't plan on using it, at least not away from my computer. I have a few hundred files to put on there before I buy anything so I doubt I'll find myself out of 3G range and just needing a certain book. I agree that I don't like their gift cards, but I do have a credit card I can attach to my account.

I do take a lot of notes on my books, but I'm not a student. I've heard that typing on the Kindle is a little slow, especially before you get used to it, but if I'm not on a schedule, I think I can manage. I think I can anyway. It's going in the cons column.

I know I'm not looking for an iPad. I've looked at those things and they're horrid. Maybe someday if they are improved greatly (no usb? really Jobs?) but not as an e-book reader. I do a lot of reading and I'm pretty sure a lcd screen will have me wanting to pluck my eyeballs from my head. I'm sure I want a purpose-built device, not something advertised to do everything, especially since I've seen it doesn't do those things that well. As for the Sony Readers, how do they do in bright sunlight in your opinion? Say, if you're sitting in a car during the day? I've heard the touch screen they shoehorned into it changes how it reacts to light but I can't find one in a store near me to check. Is the PRS-505 one of the ones with the touch-screen? I thought the idea was nice but I've heard people say terrible things about them for ebook readers, both on the newer Sony Readers and the Nook.

As someone who has used the Sony PRS-700, iPad as well as the Amazon Kindle, the Amazon Kindle wins hands down. Better interface as well as cost efficient. Sony PRS-700 is impossible to read unless you are in a very well lit environment. The iPad is just difficult to handle, not very well designed. The Kindle doesn't suffer from any of these design flaws. Hope this helped!

My son has the sony 600 pro, difficult to see in bright sunlight. He would suggest that you get the new kindle wifi.

So, the sunlight thing changes by model? Maybe that was the jump from no touch to touchscreen? And yes, the Kindle will be very affordable. The new one is only $189.00 with wireless and free 3G access to their store AND Wikipedia (big one in the pros column). It's also a lot smaller than their last one but with the same size screen. I think I'm still going to go with that one. Anyone know anything about the Nook?

[Birchall66]

Hi
I have an I-pad with a kindle book reader on it,I have no problems reading books on it.The great thing about the ipad is that when i'm travelling, I also have Internet access and an iPod etc.

[BecomingMe]

I'm kinda leaning towards the nook...it has and SD drive so you are not stuck with just the main units storage capacity...plus I tended to like the interface...BTW, if you are in the US...you can get a feel for both...the Kindle is now in Target stores (I'm not sure if they actually run...the one I saw didn't but you get to feel it, see it) and then you can got to Barnes & Noble and try the Nook (I did...and they are the real version loaded with books, so you can see the speed, etc)...

I'm leaning towards an e-reader mostly because of my Rheumatoid Arthritis, and I can't really hold anything that heavy...and if you've ever seen the size of a Robert Jordan book, not to mention the later editions of Harry Potter (which haven't been released yet in e-book format)...well, just can't do it anymore...

Good luck!

[clockwork]

I'm kinda leaning towards the nook...it has and SD drive so you are not stuck with just the main units storage capacity...plus I tended to like the interface...BTW, if you are in the US...you can get a feel for both...the Kindle is now in Target stores (I'm not sure if they actually run...the one I saw didn't but you get to feel it, see it) and then you can got to Barnes & Noble and try the Nook (I did...and they are the real version loaded with books, so you can see the speed, etc)...

I'm leaning towards an e-reader mostly because of my Rheumatoid Arthritis, and I can't really hold anything that heavy...and if you've ever seen the size of a Robert Jordan book, not to mention the later editions of Harry Potter (which haven't been released yet in e-book format)...well, just can't do it anymore...

Good luck!

The Kindles at my local target don't run, but it was nice to feel one. I had been looking toward the Nook for a little while simply because I didn't like the idea of buying something i hadn't touched. I do like the expandable memory on the Nook a lot. I was disappointed that the Kindle didn't have that ability even though I know I'll probably never fill it. The Kindle does this nice thing where it backs up your library, so I think I'll be able to take books off once I've read them and have the option of putting them back later.

If you're looking into an ebook reader because of arthritis, you should maybe look into the new Kindle 3. It's still in preorder mode but it's smaller than the old Kindle and lighter too. It's super bitty!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y27P3M/?ta ... 0k092huz_e" target="_blank

My issue is less not wanting to carry books but not being very decisive in my book choices. It seems I can't go anywhere without a pile of books and the worry that I'm going to change my mind. An ebook reader would fix that. I'm very excited but I always worry I'm picking the wrong one. That seems to happen to me a lot. I just know for sure I don't want an iPad right now. Back to the research!

[cassle]

Hi clockwork..! PRS-505 is the first Sony Reader they launched which I bought just soon after the launching days because I was going on a holiday when I bought that. Well, I got your points and if you have only those 3 options of readers, maybe you should try to pick the Kindle.

About the sunlight problems, well, honestly I never read at outdoors so I don't really know about it. Since some people say that they are not feeling comfortable to do it outdoors with Sony... maybe Kindle is your answer then.

[Rose]

I don't know much about these readers but what I like are the audible books that way I can drive or stitch or clean hous will I listen to a book being read to me it is great. I have all of the Harry Potter books. I have all of the Percy Jackson Books and I have a couple of dramas and one english comedy book that I really don't understand at all. I also am in the process of getting the Eragon books. I just pop in a Cde and the book is there even when I don't have time to pick up a book.

I have signed up for the Audible club and they have tons of books more then I can ever read. It makes my stitching so much fun and also saves me from the garbage that is on TV most nights.

You can download to ipods or phones or CD's whatever you prefer.

[clockwork]

Hi clockwork..! PRS-505 is the first Sony Reader they launched which I bought just soon after the launching days because I was going on a holiday when I bought that. Well, I got your points and if you have only those 3 options of readers, maybe you should try to pick the Kindle.

About the sunlight problems, well, honestly I never read at outdoors so I don't really know about it. Since some people say that they are not feeling comfortable to do it outdoors with Sony... maybe Kindle is your answer then.

Well to be honest I'm not sure I'll read it outside but since I'm looking for something only to read, I worry about limiting myself by getting something like an iPad with a glossy screen I know I can't read outside. The talk that the Sony Reader has a similar screen makes me nervous. I'm thinking about getting an iPad a few generations from now for internet on the go, but not as an ebook reader.

I don't know much about these readers but what I like are the audible books that way I can drive or stitch or clean hous will I listen to a book being read to me it is great. I have all of the Harry Potter books. I have all of the Percy Jackson Books and I have a couple of dramas and one english comedy book that I really don't understand at all. I also am in the process of getting the Eragon books. I just pop in a Cde and the book is there even when I don't have time to pick up a book.

I have signed up for the Audible club and they have tons of books more then I can ever read. It makes my stitching so much fun and also saves me from the garbage that is on TV most nights.

You can download to ipods or phones or CD's whatever you prefer.

I listen to a lot of audio books. I've got an ipod almost full of them. I love audio books. I've listened to tons of them while I stitch. The problem is, a lot of the stuff I read is pretty obscure and doesn't have an audio book. For that stuff it would be nice to have a reader. Also the Kindle does text to speech! So I can read the book in text but if I want to do some chores or stitch, the Kindle will read any text I put on it to me. Yeah, it sounds like a GPS, but that's not that bad. I don't think the Nook or Sony Reader can do that but if I'm wrong I'd love to be corrected.

[koko]

I've been thinking about getting an e-reader as well, but I wasn't sure which one to get either. I'm wavering between the Kindle and the Nook. I keep comparing their features, reading reviews, etc, and I just can't decide which is better. I need one for the same reason as you, clockwork - I can never decide which books to bring with me so whenever I go anywhere I've got a stack of books! It would be nice to just load them all on an e-reader and not have to lug the books around! I went on vacation to the Outer Banks this spring and brought 13 books with me for the week!

[clockwork]

I've been thinking about getting an e-reader as well, but I wasn't sure which one to get either. I'm wavering between the Kindle and the Nook. I keep comparing their features, reading reviews, etc, and I just can't decide which is better. I need one for the same reason as you, clockwork - I can never decide which books to bring with me so whenever I go anywhere I've got a stack of books! It would be nice to just load them all on an e-reader and not have to lug the books around! I went on vacation to the Outer Banks this spring and brought 13 books with me for the week!

Yeah. My husband's car is full of books now because I always bring one or ten every time we go anywhere. Consolidating would be awesome. I obviously can't be sure it'll end up being worth it, but I'm pretty sure it will. As for the Nook vs Kindle, they seem to be pretty different. I like that the Kindle has text to speech but dislike its lack of SD card. The Nook is nice because the keyboard isn't always staring at you, but it can't read .txt files natively. Have you looked into the new Kindle 3? They aren't actually out yet, but if you did your comparisons with the Kindle 2 then you might be missing out. The Kindle 3 seems to be rather better and a lot cheaper than the last generation.

EDIT: Totally forgot the huge Kindle downside of not being able to read ePub files. It's an important thing to consider.

[Fljotsdale]

No advice on the reader, clockwork, but I'm sorry to hear you won't be able do any stitching for a while and that you won't be around much.
I've thought about a reader myself (books can be so arm-achingly heavy!), but I love having actual books around me.

[clockwork]

No advice on the reader, clockwork, but I'm sorry to hear you won't be able do any stitching for a while and that you won't be around much.
I've thought about a reader myself (books can be so arm-achingly heavy!), but I love having actual books around me.

Yeah, I'm less than thrilled but I'm taking action to make the whole experience less irritating. I'm going to miss the stitching like crazy. I don't think I've ever gone more than a week since I picked up the hobby and I'm looking at at least a month without picking up a needle. Don't worry, I'm not getting rid of my books. I'm just hoping to not feel the need to bring a stack every time I leave the house, and to be able to read even with my hands severely weakened. I'm a little worried I won't be able to hold any of my bigger books for a few weeks and no stitching AND no reading would make everything very boring and painful. But I too love the feel and the smell of real books and my study shelves will remain bowed with all the weight that I've put on them.

[koko]

I've thought about a reader myself (books can be so arm-achingly heavy!), but I love having actual books around me.

I was thinking the same thing - I love having stocked bookshelves all over the house, but I'm thinking I would just get the reader to supplement my collection, rather than take the place of my books. That way I can be surrounded by my books at home, but wouldn't have to break my back lugging them around with me when I'm on the go

Have you looked into the new Kindle 3? They aren't actually out yet, but if you did your comparisons with the Kindle 2 then you might be missing out. The Kindle 3 seems to be rather better and a lot cheaper than the last generation.

EDIT: Totally forgot the huge Kindle downside of not being able to read ePub files. It's an important thing to consider.

I haven't checked into the Kindle 3 yet, I'll have to check that out as well!

[clockwork]

I haven't checked into the Kindle 3 yet, I'll have to check that out as well!

Yeah, it looks to be pretty awesome. It has support for some new book formats and stuff. Also it's faster and lighter with better battery life.