09-03-2008, 09:37 PM | #1 |
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iTouch -- info desperately needed
I am in urgent need of a new ebook reader as my Palm has died (dropped accidently). The Sony readers and other like Kindle are not available in Australia. the iPhone is available but to limited phone providers and costs $799 here plus expensive online costs. I only just learned about the iTouch and as I only want a ebook reader could this do the job for me. I have Stanza installed on my laptop -- can I load my ebooks to the iTouch through a usb cable or can I access the app store through my internet connection on my computer. I do not want to leave my phone provider as I rarely use a mobile phone and cannot afford the very expensive monthly charges for the iPhone and data download.
If someone could push me in the way of information I would really appreciate this. Thanks Bernie |
09-03-2008, 09:55 PM | #2 |
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Hey Berni--I have an iPod Touch with Stanza installed on it. (I also have e-reader installed). You can transfer books to the Touch from your desktop over a wireless internet connection. It took me a few times before I finally got the hang of it, but once you do, it's pretty easy.
Hope this helps! dordale |
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09-03-2008, 10:42 PM | #3 | |
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If you really want a dedicated reader to do long sessions on then I would highly recommend an eInk device... or something larger than the iPod. In Aus you should be able to get a Sony, CyBook or BeBook. But, if you want something to read on the go, when you are out and also can take advantage of the other iPod touch features such as MP3 player, Address Book and other apps then the touch is OK... but I wouldn't buy it as a primary eBook reader. Of course, that's my opinion. BOb Last edited by pilotbob; 09-04-2008 at 12:06 PM. |
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09-04-2008, 01:16 AM | #4 |
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pilotBob--I'm in full agreement with you! I love my iPod Touch--and it does suffice for a reading device in a pinch. But, if I had to give up either my Touch or my Sony PRS505--I'd lose the Touch in a heart beat!
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09-04-2008, 01:26 AM | #5 |
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You may not want to rush out and buy one this weekend. Apple has an event scheduled for Tuesday, and the rumor sites expect a refresh of much of the iPod line. Assuming a new iTouch is on the agenda, even if you don't like it, it may bring down the prices of the left over stock of the old models.
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09-04-2008, 03:07 AM | #6 |
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As the owner of an iPod Touch myself, I honestly could not recommend it as an eBook reader. If you want a hand-held device (rather than a 6" eInk device) a Palm or Pocket PC is far, far better, both in terms of price and in terms of flexibility and range of reading software available.
However, a dedicated device such as a Sony Reader, CyBook, etc, is MUCH better. They are easily available world-wide. |
09-04-2008, 05:51 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for the info - looks like it could do the trick - i am used to reading on a small device, used a Mio before I got the Palm and was so sorry to break the Palm. Berni
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09-04-2008, 07:41 AM | #8 |
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Berni - you can get a Sony 505 sent to Australia if you buy from: http://www.bhphotovideo.com
Mine arrived at my place in Canberra 3 days after ordering. |
09-04-2008, 09:01 AM | #9 |
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Guys, read his lips: Berni's cool reading on smaller devices! If the iPod works for you, go for it! (I'm personally keeping an eye out for e-book reading apps for my new phone, an LG Dare... not that I need to use it for e-book reading, but what the hey!)
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09-04-2008, 09:49 AM | #10 |
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Since the App Store launch, there have been a ton of need apps sent out directed toward reading digital content. While I have a Sony Reader, it's more or less for home or long road trips, the iPod Touch is for out and about day trips and train trips around Tokyo. I've been using handheld portable device since the original Palm Pilot Pro and I can tell you that the screen on the Touch beats the heck out of anything else out there. While Windows Mobile might have a larger range of supported formats, if you're looking for PDF support or RTF/DOC support, then stick with the Touch. In my opinion, it's the best for reading on, especially if it's a PDF that's not reflowable; i.e., you can just flip to landscape and pinch-adjust the screen until you're at a comfortable level of viewing.
While there isn't any way to view LIT files on an iPod Touch yet, I think that once M$ sees the amount it can make in microtransactions from it's competitor, you might see one in the future... or some crafty fellow/lady will make a port and you can get it there. While I love both my Sony Reader and my iPod Touch, I have to go against the earliest comment and say I'd get rid of the Reader before the Touch simply because of the massive range of things I can do with my Touch where as my Reader serves one simple purpose, reading books (and does that quite beautifully, so why would I have to choose?). Whatever your decision, good luck and do your research. Cheers! Edit: Ok, I guess you can view LIT files through Stanza. Here's a link to the list of file types supported by Stanza from the source. Check out the video presentation of it running on the iPod Touch/iPhone, looks like I might have to check it out too! http://www.lexcycle.com/supported-formats Last edited by Azayzel; 09-04-2008 at 09:58 AM. Reason: Did a little research on Stanza... |
09-04-2008, 10:31 AM | #11 | |
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I honestly don't think that the Touch makes a particularly good bookreader because: 1. The battery life is poor compared with many PDAs - you'll get around 4-5h usage reading. My iPaq PDA will give me at least double that, plus it has a replaceable battery so I can carry a spare battery if I'm going on a long trip. 2. The range of reading software is currently poor. This will undoubtedly change in the future, but at present there's a hugely wider range of software available for both Palm and Pocket PC devices. 3. You have to jump through hoops to get content onto the device, rather than simply copying files via USB as you can with any other machine. The iPod Touch is a very nice device indeed - I use mine for all sorts of things - but, IMHO at least, there are much better portable devices around if you want something to use primarily as an eBook reader. |
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09-04-2008, 10:57 AM | #12 |
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4. (my major gripe) You have to scroll by swiping or tapping - no convenient side buttons or scroll wheels on the device.
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09-04-2008, 11:32 AM | #13 |
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Good point, igorsk - as I've stated elsewhere, I too prefer hardware buttons to a touch screen for reading books; I don't like reading on screens with fingerprints.
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09-04-2008, 01:06 PM | #14 | |
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Compared to a Palm, the only major drawback I see to an iTouch is the battery life. [ I have an iPhone, which is what I'm basing my comment on. ] |
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09-04-2008, 07:25 PM | #15 | |
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