05-17-2009, 01:15 PM | #1 |
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Researching my first e-reader purchase
Hello from Warrenton, VA
I am posting a shorter version of my original post, because it seems I am getting views, yet no replies. I have been lurking for a while and just joined yesterday. I am very impressed with the helpful, well-informed opinions here! Kudos! So, I am looking to tap into that knowledge - here is what I am looking for:
Thanks in advance for reading and thanks for the help! -- Rique in VA. Last edited by Rique; 05-17-2009 at 04:26 PM. |
05-17-2009, 05:25 PM | #2 | |||||
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Rique,
I'm guessing you aren't seeing a lot yet because you have very specific requirements and its tough to find a perfect solution. My opinion is that ebook readers are at the early stages of their life and you will have to decide what tradeoffs you are willing to accept. Ebooks have entered a rapid change portion of their lifecycle, and their are better book readers only six months away. However, this will always be true for the foreseeable future. There will always be something better on the horizon. If you see value in today's devices, then buy one now. Otherwise you will always be waiting because something better will always be just around the corner. I will offer some specific comments below: Quote:
PDF is a real issue. In many cases, PDF's are designed to be read at a fixed size, and that size is not a 6 inch screen. Newer pdf's can be 'reflowable' if you have the correct software (adobe digital editions). Otherwise you'll want to stay away from PDFs or look towards one of the emerging newer screen devices. Quote:
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With as many specific concerns as you have, I don't think anyone but you can really figure this out. I don't specifically recommend a Cybook, but I know that others do. Given that, my position is that your choices are (in no particular order): Kindle 2 Sony PRS 505 Jetbook The Astak EZreader http://shop4.frys.com/product/583463...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG The reason I gave a link for the EZreader is because its often for sale at quite a bargain at Fry's. If price is your criteria, you might want to check it out. I think its out of stock right now, but supposed to be in stock soon. Some of my questions with the Bookeen may be actually issues with their hardware. I had frequent crashes and other problems that were due to the SD card reader. It was improved greatly after Bookeen traded out my unit. Also, sometimes it took some work to get the page to turn. Furthermore, there were the long start up times. Also, the Cybook only had page turn buttons at one spot -- the lower right corner. Because of this, I wasn't sure whether the problems were software (Bookeen) or hardware (Netronix). This has made me a bit cautious of Netronix hardware until I hear more positive reports from others who have had success as users. Netronix hardware is used in the eslick, Coloris (not sure exactly how this one is spelled), Bookeen, Astak Mentor. Please note that Astak has two lines. The Ezreader uses Hanlin hardware and I don't have any experience with them. The Mentor line is based on Netronix. Perhaps because of my Bookeen experience my pleasure with my Kindle 2 is due to the way it just works. I turn it on, and I am reading a book within seconds. Page turns only require one button push and they happen quickly. My biggest beef's about the K2 are (2) no folder support; and (2) price. |
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05-17-2009, 06:04 PM | #3 |
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emellaich,
Thanks for your thorough, informative reply. I am not thrilled with the design of the K2, but perhaps I should give it another look. And I just can't appreciate the Jetbook's design - not for me. Regarding DRM, I had a feeling that would be needed, if I wanted a good selection. And you're right! I should determine the books I want, then see where I can find them - such a basic thing - and oh so important. I know PDF is a problem, but are there not some workarounds if they are primarily text? And I thought the Aztak has native support? And Cybook, too? Sony is the only reader with folders or any kind of organizational support? Even tags? Even with the help of Calibre? Wow - I did not know that - it is startling to read that! Having perused my local library now, it seems that ADE is in favor there. How would that change your recommendations? Sorry to hear about Cybook support - I hope your experience is the exception, not the rule. Support is important. And funny you should mention the EZ reader - I was just taking another look at their specs. Thanks again! -- Rique |
05-17-2009, 06:35 PM | #4 |
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Hey, I used to live outside of Warrenton. I'm sure I wouldn't recognize it now, though.
A couple of notes: Obviously you know about Calibre, I don't need to tell you about that. The 505 has a decent reflash, and after 5 minutes of reading on it the first time, I doubt you'll even notice it. I actually have to actively stop reading now and watch for the flash. No matter what you pick, we've got a good community here for support. I think you'd be happy with a 505. It's a fantastic device, and if you don't like the UI (which, I actually do, but I think I'm in the minority), you've got easy workarounds, and if you aren't scared of converting, you can get lots of books on it. I have one, and it's easy to hold, light, and aesthetically pleasing. |
05-17-2009, 08:33 PM | #5 |
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As a Sony 505 owner I have to say the 505 is the way to go. It is well-designed aesthetically and functionally. I stopped seeing the flash ten pages into my first book. When I combined it with Calibre, I have been able to do everything I need. Calibre also offers automatic downloads from several news sources. You can read pdf and epub library files on the Sony.
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05-17-2009, 09:03 PM | #6 |
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I'm really happy with my 505 and personally I love the UI. its just so simple to use and really well organised
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05-17-2009, 09:28 PM | #7 |
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I'm not sure what type of books you like to read, but without DRM, you would be really limiting your selection. Especially, if you plan to get books from the library, as you mentioned, you'd have to have a reader that can read DRM'ed books. The Jetbook doesn't support DRM'ed books so that probably wouldn't be a good choice for you.
I am also a Sony 505 user and I've had mine less than 2 months but I LOVE it. I haven't had any problems and it's been really easy to transfer books (from many different sources) on to it. My favorite thing about it is that I can download books from the library for FRE...I am currently "collecting" library cards to expand my collection. I will also say that when I was researching ebook readers, I only looked at the Kindle and the 505 (because a friend has one). I didn't even consider any of the other readers out there. I actually assumed that you could load any book onto any reader and I had no clue about DRM. Knowing what I know now, I still would've picked the 505. I have also been researching the Cool-er Ebook reader, and was really impressed with the information I found about that. Oh, and as others have said, most libraries have pdf format ebooks, but I've found 1 library so far in my area that just got an epub collection. Good luck in your decision and let us know what you decide. |
05-17-2009, 09:36 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
The EZ Reader has the longest battery life (the Sony's are pretty good too). It currently comes with DRMed MOBI support, but this may be switching to Adobe's DRMed PDF and ePub soon (like the Sonys have). This switching formats is a disadvantage, but my current assumption is that you will be able to choose either MOBI or Adobe by downloading the appropriate firmware. This nonsense is due to MobiPocket requiring exclusivity, but Adobe being dominant in Europe. My suggestion is to strip the DRM and go DRM-free on your Reader (the legality of this in the US, for personal use obviously, is not settled - but it is hard to see who it hurts once you buy the ebooks). I like OpenInkPot (has its own forum) firmware on the EZ Reader, but its standard firmware is ok too. |
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05-18-2009, 12:10 AM | #9 |
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cheap
I love my cheapie little EB1150, I admit its not perfect but for me it works just fine. It doesn't hold a ton of books, but if you are fairly decent with computers it can work out very well.
The Sony PRS 505 is nice, and you can see them at the Sony Store if you have one local to your area. There are going to be some DRM issues no matter what way you go. Ever so often I have trouble with a ebook that is only released in mobi format, which is one I don't particularly like to deal with. Anyway until they get stuff more standardized it will be an issue from time to time. Amy |
05-18-2009, 01:00 AM | #10 | |||||||
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05-18-2009, 02:38 AM | #11 |
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ADE will only work with some ereaders. The ereader manufacturer has to license the software for it to work. The calibre news functions will work with any reader supported by Calibre.
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05-18-2009, 10:14 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
Thanks! Do you know if the Sony 505, K2, Cybook G3, EZ Reader and/or Cool-er readers support ADE? Judging from the matrix, it looks like only the Sony and possibly the Mentor (unreleased - and out of my price range) do. Have any updates changed the situation for the Cybook, K2 or EZ Reader? Or - is there a legal way I can "scrub" ADE files I get from the library, then convert them to txt, then e-pub (or mobi)? I suppose I could lobby the Fauquier County Public Library to adopt e-pub, in addition to the ADE they favor now. Please note - I only want to borrow books, not keep them! I am a huge supporter of public libraries - I can always borrow books again if I want to read them again. Thanks again for all of your help. -- Rique |
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05-18-2009, 10:33 AM | #13 |
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ADE is the software, not the format. PDF is a format. ePub is a format. ADE for Windows (for example) is the program used to view PDF and and ePub.
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05-18-2009, 10:39 AM | #14 | |
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Quote:
Regardless, I am going to have to learn how to work with it, since it dominates our public library system here in Fauquier county, VA. Thanks again! -- Rique |
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05-18-2009, 11:35 AM | #15 |
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ADE stands for Adobe Digital Editions. It is software created by Adobe.
Adobe ADEPT is DRM encryption typically used for PDF and epub. If you plan to borrow books from the library, they will usually be PDF (but sometimes epub) and will use the Adobe ADEPT DRM scheme. Only device that have ADE will be able to read these library books. From my understanding, these devices include Sony 505/700, the new Cool-er and the new Astak Mentor readers. Other devices may be using ADE in the future and users may chime in for corrections. Most libraries carry PDF and Mobipocket, although I find libraries carry more PDF than Mobipocket but there are exceptions. Also, reading a PDF document on a 6" device is not for everyone. The ebook is reflowed and the result has some quirks that one would need to get used to. |
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