e-reader for the "grandparent generation"?

[vans]

I have a 90 year old relative who has macular degeneration. She is not able to read even large type books.

At the weekend she read quite easily using my Ipad with the font set at very large.

However, an iPad is too complex for her, she needs something easy to use.

I am wondering if the new Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Glo with a backlight is going to be easier for her to read than conventional e-ink readers?

The point made above about large print menus is really important (and a factor I had not considered).

Can anyone recommend an e-ink reader with a menu with adjustable font size?

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by vans

I have a 90 year old relative who has macular degeneration. She is not able to read even large type books.

At the weekend she read quite easily using my Ipad with the font set at very large.

However, an iPad is too complex for her, she needs something easy to use.

I am wondering if the new Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Glo with a backlight is going to be easier for her to read than conventional e-ink readers?

The point made above about large print menus is really important (and a factor I had not considered).

Can anyone recommend an e-ink reader with a menu with adjustable font size?

Most ebook readers require the font to be set on a book by book basis.
Easiest on the older Sony 650 perhaps as there is button to push. (menus would be hard to navigate for visually impaired.

I read somewhere that one of the new readers has an option to set default font size for all books. Kobo perhaps?

Helen

[Synamon]

vans, if you are looking for an e-ink reader you might consider a Kindle Keyboard since it has a "voice guide" to read out menu options and book descriptions for those with poor eyesight. It also has TTS which could come in handy.

[SteveEisenberg]

Originally Posted by speakingtohe

Most ebook readers require the font to be set on a book by book basis.

My Kindle Keyboard keeps its large print from book to book, and even after a hard reboot.

Advice for vans:

-- If you live in a country where you can easily return electronics, pick one and buy it.

-- To me, the differences between six inch eInk readers are not enough so a low vision person could read one and not another. Then, I'm not low vision.

-- Since your relative could read the iPad, maybe he or she needs back-lighting. Or maybe not. And Paperwhite/Glo devices are not back lit, although they might seem that way to some. Which gets back to the point about trying before permanently buying.

I googled to see if there was much informed discussion on low vision and eReaders. It does sound like each case may be different so you have to see what works.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by vans

I have a 90 year old relative who has macular degeneration. She is not able to read even large type books.

At the weekend she read quite easily using my Ipad with the font set at very large.

However, an iPad is too complex for her, she needs something easy to use.

If an iPad is complicated to use, then I think there isn't going to be any eink reader any better. They are all just as complex. Plus the smaller screen is not going to work as well when the font is set to the size she needs. The best solution (IMHO) is to teach her to use the iPad. It's large screen is good for having the fonts at such a larger size. a 6" eink screen is going to be frustrating because of the smaller screen and the fact that it's not going to be easy to navigate. The iPad is actually fairly simple in comparison to some eink readers. The iPad is easier to use then Sony, Amazon, Kobo, & B&N.

[vans]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If an iPad is complicated to use, then I think there isn't going to be any eink reader any better. They are all just as complex. Plus the smaller screen is not going to work as well when the font is set to the size she needs. The best solution (IMHO) is to teach her to use the iPad. It's large screen is good for having the fonts at such a larger size. a 6" eink screen is going to be frustrating because of the smaller screen and the fact that it's not going to be easy to navigate. The iPad is actually fairly simple in comparison to some eink readers. The iPad is easier to use then Sony, Amazon, Kobo, & B&N.

Thanks for the advice.

Last weekend we took a chance and bought her a Kindle Touch. With the font set to it's largest she can read it. At the time she did say that she preferred the larger screen of the iPad, but we checked with her today and she has almost finished her first book using the Kindle and seems to really enjoy using it.

However, we have said to her to let us know if she wants to try something else.

One advantage of an e-ink reader is the battery life. I can plug it in for her so she only has to unplug it (she might have a problem inserting the USB charger).

[Antoinekamel]

Vans,


Let me recommend JBPatch (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=175512).

The bigger font size of Kindle may take too much screen for less words. With JBPatch you can set minor margins and hyphenation, both which improves the reading experience, especially with bigger fonts.

[vans]

Originally Posted by Antoinekamel

Vans,


Let me recommend JBPatch (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=175512).

The bigger font size of Kindle may take too much screen for less words. With JBPatch you can set minor margins and hyphenation, both which improves the reading experience, especially with bigger fonts.

Thanks for the advice. I will certainly try the patch.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by vans

Thanks for the advice.

Last weekend we took a chance and bought her a Kindle Touch. With the font set to it's largest she can read it. At the time she did say that she preferred the larger screen of the iPad, but we checked with her today and she has almost finished her first book using the Kindle and seems to really enjoy using it.

However, we have said to her to let us know if she wants to try something else.

One advantage of an e-ink reader is the battery life. I can plug it in for her so she only has to unplug it (she might have a problem inserting the USB charger).

The iPad's charging connector is easier to use the a micro-USB connector. I know eink readers last longer on a charge then the iPad. But with the New iPad, the screen is very clear and looks better with fonts as larger as you have set on the Kindle. Seriously, if you have access to an iPad, let her try it. You might be surprised.

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The iPad's charging connector is easier to use the a micro-USB connector.

I disagree. I find the beveled edge of the iPad and iPod makes it difficult to insert the connector. The iPhone, on the other hand, is easier due to the flat surface.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by twowheels

I disagree. I find the beveled edge of the iPad and iPod makes it difficult to insert the connector. The iPhone, on the other hand, is easier due to the flat surface.

Some cases such as m-edge can make it harder to insert the cable into the connector. I have an iPad and I find the connector very easy to use.