I'm undecided....shocking, I know!

PsyDocJoanne · 07-31-2008, 02:59 PM

Hi everyone!

The catalyst for me to get an e-reader is my upcoming trip to Japan. I'll be there for 11 days, and the thought of lugging multiple books there and back is totally unappealing. I was thinking it would be great to have for the trip, and then I could continue from there with primarily ebooks, for titles that are available.

I nearly pushed the order button on Amazon to get the Kindle (my sister in law has one and loves it), but thought twice and decided to do some additional research first. Now I'm just very slightly sorry I've become aware of all the various issues with each e-reader. They say ignorance is bliss, and I guess on this point, I'd agree *lol*.

Anyway, I've narrowed it down to the Sony vs. the Kindle, and here's where I'm at (and I'd love any input you all have):

For me, the biggest pluses for the Kindle are content availability, price of books, and ease of downloading. The minuses for me on the Kindle are the fact that it's the 1.0 version (I'm confident the next gen will be better, but my Japan trip is in 3 weeks), the less than spectacular aesthetic, and the fact that Amazon's iTunes-like business model essentially locks me into Amazon.

Regarding the Sony, I love Sony in general; I've been very pleased with all the Sony products I've bought. I think it's likely built better than the Kindle, definitely has a better aesthetic, and the price is attractive. My major problems with the Sony are that the Sony books are more expensive than Amazon, and there's much less content available.

Knowing myself, if it's a hassle in any way to find or download content, the e-reader will soon be gathering dust in my office. So comments on how much of a challenge it is to find and get content for the Sony would also be appreciated.

I'll let you all know that I don't know a lot about freely available books (like the Gutenberg stuff, or other free downloads people here have mentioned), or much at all about the different formats (MOBI vs. proprietary formats and all that). So I'm still learning, and any advice on these issues (formats, etc) would also be appreciated.

Thank you all in advance!!

Joanne

daffy4u · 07-31-2008, 03:05 PM

My new standard advice will be to order the Kindle for the 30 day trial. Use it on your trip to see how you like it. During that same 30 days, go into a store selling the Sony and play with it (if they will let you) or go to one of the Meetups and play with someone else's Sony. Then make your decision.

desertgrandma · 07-31-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy4u

My new standard advice will be to order the Kindle for the 30 day trial. Use it on your trip to see how you like it. During that same 30 days, go into a store selling the Sony and play with it (if they will let you) or go to one of the Meetups and play with someone else's Sony. Then make your decision.

Best advice going. And you are only "locked" into Amazon if you want to purchase their books. You would not believe the amount of free books out there.........the Kindle was love at first sight/hold for me and many others.

RickyMaveety · 07-31-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsyDocJoanne

Hi everyone!

The catalyst for me to get an e-reader is my upcoming trip to Japan. I'll be there for 11 days, and the thought of lugging multiple books there and back is totally unappealing. I was thinking it would be great to have for the trip, and then I could continue from there with primarily ebooks, for titles that are available.

I nearly pushed the order button on Amazon to get the Kindle (my sister in law has one and loves it), but thought twice and decided to do some additional research first. Now I'm just very slightly sorry I've become aware of all the various issues with each e-reader. They say ignorance is bliss, and I guess on this point, I'd agree *lol*.

Anyway, I've narrowed it down to the Sony vs. the Kindle, and here's where I'm at (and I'd love any input you all have):

For me, the biggest pluses for the Kindle are content availability, price of books, and ease of downloading. The minuses for me on the Kindle are the fact that it's the 1.0 version (I'm confident the next gen will be better, but my Japan trip is in 3 weeks), the less than spectacular aesthetic, and the fact that Amazon's iTunes-like business model essentially locks me into Amazon.

Regarding the Sony, I love Sony in general; I've been very pleased with all the Sony products I've bought. I think it's likely built better than the Kindle, definitely has a better aesthetic, and the price is attractive. My major problems with the Sony are that the Sony books are more expensive than Amazon, and there's much less content available.

If you are purchasing the ebook reader for how it looks, then get the Sony. If you are purchasing the ebook reader for reading and you want less expensive content and a built in dictionary, then get the Kindle.

You are not "locked in" to Amazon or to anyone else. The Kindle reads mobi and prc files, so there are lots of places to get books either to purchase or for free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsyDocJoanne

Knowing myself, if it's a hassle in any way to find or download content, the e-reader will soon be gathering dust in my office. So comments on how much of a challenge it is to find and get content for the Sony would also be appreciated.

I'll let you all know that I don't know a lot about freely available books (like the Gutenberg stuff, or other free downloads people here have mentioned), or much at all about the different formats (MOBI vs. proprietary formats and all that). So I'm still learning, and any advice on these issues (formats, etc) would also be appreciated.

Thank you all in advance!!

Joanne

I doubt it's much of a challenge to get content for either type of reader. I've been told that the Sony content is a bit more expensive (don't know ... haven't looked), but then the reader itself is cheaper.

I have no idea if the Sony is built better than the Kindle. I think my Kindle is a thing of beauty and very well made. But then, I've been building and repairing computers (for a hobby) for about 25 years and I've seen a lot of crap. If you like Sony and you trust the company (I do not), then by all means, go out there and grab a Sony.

Professor · 07-31-2008, 11:39 PM

Hanlin V3 is very good after I compared the devices in each brand. It is very powerful in language/format supporting. I have ordered one already, it is becoming the most famous ebook reader!

Alisa · 08-01-2008, 01:21 AM

I think the Sony is gorgeous but ultimately did not buy one because you can't search your books, annotate them or look up things in a dictionary on the device. Kindle also adds web and Wikipedia search. I've also had unsatisfactory experiences with Sony support while I've never had less than excellent support from Amazon. I'm not happy about the DRM but I know that Amazon as a company is not against going DRM-free as evinced by their music service. I hope they'll move that way with books eventually if they can drag the publishers into the 21st century.

Like others say, though, returns are easy.

DDHarriman · 08-02-2008, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor

Hanlin V3 is very good after I compared the devices in each brand. (...) it is becoming the most famous ebook reader!

Care to support that statement with hard data?

HarryT · 08-02-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickyMaveety

If you are purchasing the ebook reader for how it looks, then get the Sony. If you are purchasing the ebook reader for reading and you want less expensive content and a built in dictionary, then get the Kindle.

Can you provide some examples of situations where Kindle content is less expensive than Sony content, please? When I've compared "best-seller" prices between Sony, MobiPocket, and Kindle stores, I've found the prices to be virtually identical.

If dictionary lookup is important to you, the CyBook Gen3 should also be considered; the Kindle has its one built-in dictionary; the Gen3 has hundreds of different ones to choose from, and allows multiple dictionaries to be installed. It also allows you to install your own fonts - a very useful facility which the Kindle currently lacks.

carld · 08-02-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Can you provide some examples of situations where Kindle content is less expensive than Sony content, please? When I've compared "best-seller" prices between Sony, MobiPocket, and Kindle stores, I've found the prices to be virtually identical.

If I can butt in, here's an example I just ran into. I decided to purchase the latest Jim Butcher novel in the Dresden Files series, Small Favor. I looked at several options, and found a considerable difference.

MobiPocket: $23.95
Fictionwise: $23.95: $19.16 after rebate (I'm assuming this is their Micro-pay rebate, but not sure)
Amazon Hardcover: $16.29
Sony: $14.37
Kindle: $9.99

smithno · 08-02-2008, 03:28 PM

I got the Sony last week after a month or so of trying to decide. I read a couple of books on my Palm along the way to make sure that I would actually read eBooks. My office neighbor is a big Kindle fan. I played with the Kindle over a couple of lunches and the new firmware upgrade + price difference swung me over to the Sony. I am happy with the Sony. I could be just as happy with the Kindle. As long as you don't second guess yourself, both are good products!

pilotbob · 08-03-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

Best advice going. And you are only "locked" into Amazon if you want to purchase their books. You would not believe the amount of free books out there.........the Kindle was love at first sight/hold for me and many others.

Agreed. I have had my Kindle now for a few months. Read about 6 books on it and have yet to buy a book from Amazon. (But that is only because I had so many to read already.)

So far have been reading the freebies from TOR and some Creative Commons (Doctorow) and other out of copyright stuff from Feedbooks.

Although I do plan to start reading the Alex Cross novels then the Women Murder Club novels soon.... and I will be buying these from Amazon. Then perhaps revisting some Cristie. Argh... so many books and not enough time!

BOb

JSWolf · 08-03-2008, 03:01 PM

The Kindle does not read Mobipocket eBooks with DRM unless you fiddle with them.

Lilly · 08-04-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The Kindle does not read Mobipocket eBooks with DRM unless you fiddle with them.

I did not know that. I've been giving some people at work the wrong advice. When they ask me about my Sony reader; I tell them about the many websites I'm able to buy books beside from Sony with a little conversion (that was before the upgrade). I also tell them about the Kindle and how it uses Mobipocket and that all the websites that I buy from already has that format available. I now have to tell them only buy non DRM books.

PsyDocJoanne · 08-04-2008, 03:19 PM

Hi, everyone...

Thanks for your input! I ordered a Kindle last night, and I'm going to load it up, take it to Japan, and see how it goes. Between now and next month, I'm also going to try to see a Sony and get an idea of how they compare.

HarryT, as far as the prices of Sony's book being more, I did a comparison of about 5 or so books (not all bestsellers) on Amazon vs. Sony. Without exception, the Amazon books were less expensive. I'm at my office, but if you're really interested in the titles I compared, let me know, and I can post them when I get home.

JSWolf · 08-04-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilly

I did not know that. I've been giving some people at work the wrong advice. When they ask me about my Sony reader; I tell them about the many websites I'm able to buy books beside from Sony with a little conversion (that was before the upgrade). I also tell them about the Kindle and how it uses Mobipocket and that all the websites that I buy from already has that format available. I now have to tell them only buy non DRM books.

Supposedly you can use the MobiDeDRM.py script to remove the DRM from AZW format and you can use it to remove the DRM from Mobipocket format eBooks that will then work on the Kindle. And then there is Igorsk's script to allow Mobipocket eBooks with DRM to be used on the Kindle.

http://igorsk.blogspot.com/2007/12/m...on-kindle.html
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18310

As for the Sony, you can get Mobipocket, remove the DRM and convert. Same thing with MS Reader format. And MS Reader format converts easily enough to Mobipocket for the Kindle.

07-31-2008, 02:59 PM	#1
PsyDocJoanne Loves her 505 and her Z4! Posts: 157 Karma: 631 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Weston, FL Device: Sony PRS-505	I'm undecided....shocking, I know! Hi everyone! The catalyst for me to get an e-reader is my upcoming trip to Japan. I'll be there for 11 days, and the thought of lugging multiple books there and back is totally unappealing. I was thinking it would be great to have for the trip, and then I could continue from there with primarily ebooks, for titles that are available. I nearly pushed the order button on Amazon to get the Kindle (my sister in law has one and loves it), but thought twice and decided to do some additional research first. Now I'm just very slightly sorry I've become aware of all the various issues with each e-reader. They say ignorance is bliss, and I guess on this point, I'd agree lol. Anyway, I've narrowed it down to the Sony vs. the Kindle, and here's where I'm at (and I'd love any input you all have): For me, the biggest pluses for the Kindle are content availability, price of books, and ease of downloading. The minuses for me on the Kindle are the fact that it's the 1.0 version (I'm confident the next gen will be better, but my Japan trip is in 3 weeks), the less than spectacular aesthetic, and the fact that Amazon's iTunes-like business model essentially locks me into Amazon. Regarding the Sony, I love Sony in general; I've been very pleased with all the Sony products I've bought. I think it's likely built better than the Kindle, definitely has a better aesthetic, and the price is attractive. My major problems with the Sony are that the Sony books are more expensive than Amazon, and there's much less content available. Knowing myself, if it's a hassle in any way to find or download content, the e-reader will soon be gathering dust in my office. So comments on how much of a challenge it is to find and get content for the Sony would also be appreciated. I'll let you all know that I don't know a lot about freely available books (like the Gutenberg stuff, or other free downloads people here have mentioned), or much at all about the different formats (MOBI vs. proprietary formats and all that). So I'm still learning, and any advice on these issues (formats, etc) would also be appreciated. Thank you all in advance!! Joanne

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07-31-2008, 03:05 PM	#2
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	My new standard advice will be to order the Kindle for the 30 day trial. Use it on your trip to see how you like it. During that same 30 days, go into a store selling the Sony and play with it (if they will let you) or go to one of the Meetups and play with someone else's Sony. Then make your decision.

07-31-2008, 11:39 PM	#5
Professor Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Device: Hanlin V3	Hanlin V3 is very good after I compared the devices in each brand. It is very powerful in language/format supporting. I have ordered one already, it is becoming the most famous ebook reader!

08-01-2008, 01:21 AM	#6
Alisa Gadget Geek Posts: 2,324 Karma: 22221 Join Date: Aug 2007 Device: Paperwhite, Kindle 3 (retired), Skindle 1.2 (retired)	I think the Sony is gorgeous but ultimately did not buy one because you can't search your books, annotate them or look up things in a dictionary on the device. Kindle also adds web and Wikipedia search. I've also had unsatisfactory experiences with Sony support while I've never had less than excellent support from Amazon. I'm not happy about the DRM but I know that Amazon as a company is not against going DRM-free as evinced by their music service. I hope they'll move that way with books eventually if they can drag the publishers into the 21st century. Like others say, though, returns are easy.

08-02-2008, 03:28 PM	#10
smithno Groupie Posts: 152 Karma: 222484 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tenn., US Device: jetBook, jetBook Lite, Kindle 3, Galaxy Note II	I got the Sony last week after a month or so of trying to decide. I read a couple of books on my Palm along the way to make sure that I would actually read eBooks. My office neighbor is a big Kindle fan. I played with the Kindle over a couple of lunches and the new firmware upgrade + price difference swung me over to the Sony. I am happy with the Sony. I could be just as happy with the Kindle. As long as you don't second guess yourself, both are good products!

08-03-2008, 03:01 PM	#12
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 74,033 Karma: 129333114 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The Kindle does not read Mobipocket eBooks with DRM unless you fiddle with them.

08-04-2008, 03:19 PM	#14
PsyDocJoanne Loves her 505 and her Z4! Posts: 157 Karma: 631 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Weston, FL Device: Sony PRS-505	Hi, everyone... Thanks for your input! I ordered a Kindle last night, and I'm going to load it up, take it to Japan, and see how it goes. Between now and next month, I'm also going to try to see a Sony and get an idea of how they compare. HarryT, as far as the prices of Sony's book being more, I did a comparison of about 5 or so books (not all bestsellers) on Amazon vs. Sony. Without exception, the Amazon books were less expensive. I'm at my office, but if you're really interested in the titles I compared, let me know, and I can post them when I get home.

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