Yet another $200 reader thread

markman · 01-20-2010, 11:08 AM

Ok, I've been doing quite a bit of research and have pretty much decided that I want to get an e reader, as long as it is $200 or less. I have narrowed the field to a few devices that seem to meet my budget requirements:

Sony PRS 300
JetBook Lite
Aluratek Libre
Astak Pocket Pro

I haven't compared the two screen technologies side by side yet but hope to this weekend. Other than that, I want to be able to read ebooks from the library, which it seems that all the readers on my list support except for the JetBook, right? I'm also wondering which, if any, support books purchased from Barnes & Noble (without having to strip the DRM)? That's not a deal breaker but I have a gift card from them that I'd like to use for ebook purchases if possible.

Any other readers I'm missing?

Thanks for the help. This forum is a great resource!

RonF · 01-20-2010, 12:05 PM

Regular Jetbook is sub $200 as well. AAMOF, Newegg has the Jetbook for $149 + $1.99 shippping right now.

"I haven't compared the two screen technologies side by side yet but hope to this weekend." That is a great thing to do if you can. Both the e-ink and TFT have their pros and cons, and being able to try them both before you decide could help to sway you.

kirbinster · 01-20-2010, 12:23 PM

The Jetbook lite will read books purchased from B&N, but you have to stip DRM from Library books right now - but there is talk of an upcoming firmware update to allow their use.

markman · 01-20-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirbinster

The Jetbook lite will read books purchased from B&N, but you have to stip DRM from Library books right now - but there is talk of an upcoming firmware update to allow their use.

I really like the Jetbook lite, the replaceable AA batteries are a great idea but I really want to be able to read Library books easily. The Aluratek Libre does library books but not B&N, right? I hope the Jetbook firmware update happens soon because it will be just about perfect based on my requirements. I'm pretty sure the screen will be fine (I'll hopefully confirm that this weekend).

Linda! · 01-20-2010, 01:30 PM

Being able to read library books would make the JBL just absolutely perfect!!!

Catire · 01-20-2010, 01:46 PM

I think you missed the Cybook Opus, its available in BooksonBoard for 200. It supposedly features on of the best implementations of the EPUB standard. And since it has Adobe ADE you would be able to read library books.

Other than the Nook, no other reader currently supports B&N´s DRM scheme.

Acreo Aeneas · 01-20-2010, 11:13 PM

Like others have said, all the ones on your list support the ebooks from Overdrive. From doing my own research, Jetbook and the Aluratek quickly fell off my list since their battery life is significantly less due to their use of a monochromatic LCD screen instead of e-ink (reminds me of my ancient Sony Clie PDA). The Sony ended up loosing to the Pocket Pro for not having a SD expansion slot, a non user replaceable battery, no built-in MP3 player, and doesn't include a cover.

LS650 · 01-20-2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

their battery life is significantly less due to their use of a monochromatic LCD screen instead of e-ink (reminds me of my ancient Sony Clie PDA).

Is 20+ hours on a single charge really all that poor?

hike_gc · 01-21-2010, 12:44 AM

There is another posting in the Sony forum with a link to the Sony outlet where you can buy refurbished units at a discount. I saw the 300 model for $159 US dollars.

GhostHawk · 01-21-2010, 10:27 PM

Technically its a Tft screen, and you'll find those of us who have used one, love it. Plus the Jetbook TFT screen refreshes much faster when turning pages than Eink, and without the annoying flash. As to battery life, 20 hours is more than enough for me.

If you really want a cover, there are a couple of posts in the Jetbook forum on exactly how to build what you want. My wife used a 1$ photo album, and some velcro to make hers. Me I don't take mine out and about that often. When I do it prefer it in my shirt or jacket pocket. So I prefer to keep mine plain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

Like others have said, all the ones on your list support the ebooks from Overdrive. From doing my own research, Jetbook and the Aluratek quickly fell off my list since their battery life is significantly less due to their use of a monochromatic LCD screen instead of e-ink (reminds me of my ancient Sony Clie PDA). The Sony ended up loosing to the Pocket Pro for not having a SD expansion slot, a non user replaceable battery, no built-in MP3 player, and doesn't include a cover.

markman · 01-23-2010, 11:21 AM

Hi all,

I just finished purchasing the Aluratek Libre from Fry's which had it for $139.99 (in black). That seemed like a pretty good price. I decided that the lack of B&N compatibility wasn't really that big of a deal. I'll pick it up at my local store this afternoon and should be reading on it tonight

I'll post a quick review of it in the next few days.

Thanks for all the help!

Linda! · 01-23-2010, 03:03 PM

Hope you enjoy your Aluratek Libre reader! Looking forward to reading your report. That is a very nice price and I think your going to love it.

angelad · 01-25-2010, 02:02 PM

A refurb k1 is around $150.

A used reader under 200 can be easily found on ebay or CL too.

01-20-2010, 11:08 AM	#1
markman Enthusiast Posts: 25 Karma: 25000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Aluratek Libre, Sony PRS350	Yet another $200 reader thread Ok, I've been doing quite a bit of research and have pretty much decided that I want to get an e reader, as long as it is $200 or less. I have narrowed the field to a few devices that seem to meet my budget requirements: Sony PRS 300 JetBook Lite Aluratek Libre Astak Pocket Pro I haven't compared the two screen technologies side by side yet but hope to this weekend. Other than that, I want to be able to read ebooks from the library, which it seems that all the readers on my list support except for the JetBook, right? I'm also wondering which, if any, support books purchased from Barnes & Noble (without having to strip the DRM)? That's not a deal breaker but I have a gift card from them that I'd like to use for ebook purchases if possible. Any other readers I'm missing? Thanks for the help. This forum is a great resource!

01-20-2010, 12:05 PM	#2
RonF Zealot Posts: 139 Karma: 306 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY Device: Sony PRS-300, K3 WiFi, K4 NT, PW2	Regular Jetbook is sub $200 as well. AAMOF, Newegg has the Jetbook for $149 + $1.99 shippping right now. "I haven't compared the two screen technologies side by side yet but hope to this weekend." That is a great thing to do if you can. Both the e-ink and TFT have their pros and cons, and being able to try them both before you decide could help to sway you. Last edited by RonF; 01-20-2010 at 01:26 PM. Reason: spelling :)

01-21-2010, 12:44 AM	#9
hike_gc Zealot Posts: 142 Karma: 556 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Erie, Colorado Device: Kindle Voyage, Nook	Sony 300 There is another posting in the Sony forum with a link to the Sony outlet where you can buy refurbished units at a discount. I saw the 300 model for $159 US dollars.

01-23-2010, 11:21 AM	#11
markman Enthusiast Posts: 25 Karma: 25000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Aluratek Libre, Sony PRS350	Just ordered a Aluratek Libre Hi all, I just finished purchasing the Aluratek Libre from Fry's which had it for $139.99 (in black). That seemed like a pretty good price. I decided that the lack of B&N compatibility wasn't really that big of a deal. I'll pick it up at my local store this afternoon and should be reading on it tonight I'll post a quick review of it in the next few days. Thanks for all the help!

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01-20-2010, 12:23 PM	#3
kirbinster Enthusiast Posts: 32 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Jetbook Lite	The Jetbook lite will read books purchased from B&N, but you have to stip DRM from Library books right now - but there is talk of an upcoming firmware update to allow their use.

01-20-2010, 01:30 PM	#5
Linda! Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 86 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Device: Jetbook Lite	Being able to read library books would make the JBL just absolutely perfect!!!

01-20-2010, 01:46 PM	#6
Catire Lord of the Universe Posts: 670 Karma: 737849 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maturin , Venezuela Device: Sony Reader PRS-505 / PSP	I think you missed the Cybook Opus, its available in BooksonBoard for 200. It supposedly features on of the best implementations of the EPUB standard. And since it has Adobe ADE you would be able to read library books. Other than the Nook, no other reader currently supports B&N´s DRM scheme.

01-20-2010, 11:13 PM	#7
Acreo Aeneas Kobo Aura Posts: 252 Karma: 500520 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago, Illinois Device: Kobo Aura	Like others have said, all the ones on your list support the ebooks from Overdrive. From doing my own research, Jetbook and the Aluratek quickly fell off my list since their battery life is significantly less due to their use of a monochromatic LCD screen instead of e-ink (reminds me of my ancient Sony Clie PDA). The Sony ended up loosing to the Pocket Pro for not having a SD expansion slot, a non user replaceable battery, no built-in MP3 player, and doesn't include a cover.

01-23-2010, 03:03 PM	#12
Linda! Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 86 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Device: Jetbook Lite	Hope you enjoy your Aluratek Libre reader! Looking forward to reading your report. That is a very nice price and I think your going to love it.

01-25-2010, 02:02 PM	#13
angelad Groupie Posts: 163 Karma: 64 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: kindle dx	A refurb k1 is around $150. A used reader under 200 can be easily found on ebay or CL too.

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