June 2012: A cheap, rugged ebook reader for the beach?

[conanfan]

I'd like to recommend using the auctions from Cowboom, which is affiliated with Best Buy. I purchased a Sony PRS-350 via auction for $39, which was in mint condition. There are several Sonys available here under $60, including the highly regarded PRS-950 for with no current bids for $55:
http://www.cowboom.com/Computers/iPa...grid&keywords=

These are not new, but I've found them to be in excellent condition, and Cowboom allows you to return the device within 30 days at no cost (which I used to return a Nook Color which I didn't like).

[MCSmarties]

Wow, I got a lot more replies than expected.
You gals and guys are quite chatty, aren't you? ;-)
Love it!

Thanks for the many valuable suggestions. I'm heavily leaning towards the Sony PRS-T1 now.
Street price is a little higher than I wanted to pay, but it looks like I should be able to get it at a great price if I just keep my eyes open.

Hmmm... maybe I'll also hold off on getting that Galaxy Note just yet. I now try to keep clear of 1st generation devices (been burnt in the past) and it seems that "phablets" are up and coming.

[dwig]

Definitely avoid any and all rechargeable LCD tablets. You need either a reader that uses user replaceable disposable batteries or an eInk device.

As far a protection goes, you might give this Pelican Case consideration: http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Produc...013912&sr=1-43

[Cdesja5]

Originally Posted by MCSmarties

Wow, I got a lot more replies than expected.
You gals and guys are quite chatty, aren't you? ;-)
Love it!

Thanks for the many valuable suggestions. I'm heavily leaning towards the Sony PRS-T1 now.
Street price is a little higher than I wanted to pay, but it looks like I should be able to get it at a great price if I just keep my eyes open.

Hmmm... maybe I'll also hold off on getting that Galaxy Note just yet. I now try to keep clear of 1st generation devices (been burnt in the past) and it seems that "phablets" are up and coming.

If you're leaning towards the T1, you might want to check at your local Target store/s asap as many members have reported getting one for $38. They must be starting to be scarce now, however you could get lucky...

[polym]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Just out of curiosity how did you break them?
Kindle's are no more or less durable than any other eInk based read IMO. (except maybe older Sonys with a metal casing which might be slightly more so)

I keep all my readers in a neoprene zip case, same model case for all of them in an internal handbag pocket with unchanging & minimal contents.

Sony 505 - still going, handed down
Sony 300 - still going - handed down
Sony 350 - still going - handed down
K3 - broken screen, unknown event, noticed on bag removal
K3 - broken USB port, internal pin snapped aft 3 uses with K cord
K3 - broken screen, same as above
Sony T-1 - currently going.

My aunts both use Kindles, one broke her K2 twice and is currently on a K3. The other has had her K3 just a few months. On the K2's she had a speaker failure followed by a dead screen. My father in law is still rocking his K1 as an early adopter.

Amazon has been amazing about repair or replacements, the customer service has been exceptional, but the product hasn't worked out for my family. We're not particularly hard on products (nothing else breaks) - so either we've had the worst run of Kindles ever or Kindles are less durable than other devices.

[Rizla]

Whatever you get, try to find some kind of hard plastic case to store it in. All e-readers regardless of build quality are fragile.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by MCSmarties

Thanks for the many valuable suggestions. I'm heavily leaning towards the Sony PRS-T1 now.

I thought you said that you didn't want a touch screen?

[BlackVoid]

PRS-505 fits your requirements.

[Cdesja5]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I thought you said that you didn't want a touch screen?

A woman can change her mind... And a guy too! Although the T-1 is touchscreen it does also have buttons. Perhaps some of the information given has caused the OP to reconsider?

[MCSmarties]

Originally Posted by Cdesja5

A woman can change her mind... And a guy too! Although the T-1 is touchscreen it does also have buttons. Perhaps some of the information given has caused the OP to reconsider?

Right on the money, Cdesja. Figure I can always use the buttons - and what really sold me is the stylus! Like I mentioned, I've been using a TabletPC for years, so I'm really used to writing on a screen with a pen.

And finally, it hit me that it makes a lot of sense to pay a few bucks more for a much more versatile device than a "rock bottom" budget ereader... (and yes I'm a guy, we're allowed to change our minds too! )

Haven't looked at B&M stores yet, I may take a drive around this weekend.