Buying for a friend moving to Korea

Mubbles · 10-22-2013, 01:16 AM

I have a friend who is moving to Korea for a few years, and I would really like to get her an e-reader as a going away gift (she tends to move around a fair amount and toting books with her isn't really an option).

I know she will want to be able to borrow library books, so my purchasing options (in Canada), seem to be between Sony and Kobo. I was researching the two when it occurred to me that I don't even know what e-book stores will let her purchase (English) books from Korea - does anyone have any insight on this?

The Kobo website indicates that travellers can download books, but gives no list of countries. I can't seem to find any information for the Sony ereader store (maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place?)

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Robin

danicca · 10-22-2013, 02:52 AM

Both stores sell ADE books, so it doesn't matter which ereader you buy, as both will be able to read books, unless you want integrated store on reader. (though sony is capable of downloading library books directly.) Her library doesn't have kindle books?

Mubbles · 10-22-2013, 11:39 AM

She currently uses a library in Canada (and I assume she will until the card expires) that does not have kindle books. I also figure that since ADE and epub are the more universal formats that Sony or Kobo would be the best way to go.

My concern is whether or not she will be able to buy english books from Korea, do you know if there are IP address restrictions? I'm unaware of other online stores for epub or Adobe formats other than Kobo or Sony.

danicca · 10-22-2013, 12:43 PM

Google Play is one. It has Korea on list. It's not supported in my country, where amazon and kobo are, so I assume they are also available.

AnemicOak · 10-22-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mubbles

My concern is whether or not she will be able to buy english books from Korea, do you know if there are IP address restrictions? I'm unaware of other online stores for epub or Adobe formats other than Kobo or Sony.

I've been told that one can change their country in the Kobo store and get access to books/pricing for that region. So she could set things the Canada, or where ever, still get books. Note: This is as far as I know, I've never done so myself. Just stuff I've 'heard' in threads like the one for Kobo bargain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danicca

Google Play is one. It has Korea on list. It's not supported in my country, where amazon and kobo are, so I assume they are also available.

But would the Google store for Korea offer English language books or only Korean? Not sure of the answer to that.

HansTWN · 10-23-2013, 12:36 AM

Tell your friend to keep his or her original --- I guess it is US --- credit card and buy from the US store. That is how I do it.

jlynton · 10-23-2013, 04:08 AM

I would suggest your friend would be better off getting a crema shine https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=219522 once they get to Korea.

10-22-2013, 01:16 AM	#1
Mubbles Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2011 Device: Sony 650	Buying for a friend moving to Korea I have a friend who is moving to Korea for a few years, and I would really like to get her an e-reader as a going away gift (she tends to move around a fair amount and toting books with her isn't really an option). I know she will want to be able to borrow library books, so my purchasing options (in Canada), seem to be between Sony and Kobo. I was researching the two when it occurred to me that I don't even know what e-book stores will let her purchase (English) books from Korea - does anyone have any insight on this? The Kobo website indicates that travellers can download books, but gives no list of countries. I can't seem to find any information for the Sony ereader store (maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place?) Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Robin

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10-22-2013, 02:52 AM	#2
danicca Addict Posts: 268 Karma: 517736 Join Date: Oct 2012 Device: kindle	Both stores sell ADE books, so it doesn't matter which ereader you buy, as both will be able to read books, unless you want integrated store on reader. (though sony is capable of downloading library books directly.) Her library doesn't have kindle books?

10-22-2013, 11:39 AM	#3
Mubbles Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2011 Device: Sony 650	She currently uses a library in Canada (and I assume she will until the card expires) that does not have kindle books. I also figure that since ADE and epub are the more universal formats that Sony or Kobo would be the best way to go. My concern is whether or not she will be able to buy english books from Korea, do you know if there are IP address restrictions? I'm unaware of other online stores for epub or Adobe formats other than Kobo or Sony.

10-22-2013, 12:43 PM	#4
danicca Addict Posts: 268 Karma: 517736 Join Date: Oct 2012 Device: kindle	Google Play is one. It has Korea on list. It's not supported in my country, where amazon and kobo are, so I assume they are also available.

10-23-2013, 12:36 AM	#6
HansTWN Wizard Posts: 4,538 Karma: 264065402 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taiwan Device: HP Touchpad, Sony Duo 13, Lumia 920, Kobo Aura HD	Tell your friend to keep his or her original --- I guess it is US --- credit card and buy from the US store. That is how I do it.

10-23-2013, 04:08 AM	#7
jlynton Evangelist Posts: 414 Karma: 216544 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: Kobo Clara HD, Moaan Inkpalm 5.	I would suggest your friend would be better off getting a crema shine https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=219522 once they get to Korea.