Why we started reading with electronic book readers

[ucfgrad93]

For me, it was several things. First, it was not having to have physical books to store or get rid of. Second, the ability to have a new book in a couple of minutes. Third, the ability to carry hundreds of books with me. Fourth, the ability to take notes

Since I got my first Kindle in January 2010 my rate of reading has increased dramatically. I sincerely hope that e-ink readers do not give way to LCD tablets.

[cmargm]

In a few words: for travel, a new gadget, and availability of new books. However, there is one drawback. When I have read a great book and want to discuss it with a friend and they haven't read it - I can't loan them the book.

[Harmon]

The key for me was the realization that I could find books I wanted to read to put on an EBR. Mainly these books were at Project Gutenberg, and a lot of them were not easy to find in print. So when I had a chance to buy a Sony 505 at a reduced price, I took it. Basically, it turned the PG files into books.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by Harmon

Mainly these books were at Project Gutenberg, and a lot of them were not easy to find in print.

Indeed. I was impressed to find FAERIE QUEEN at Black Mask for free when the print book ran $50. Easy to justify a reader gadget that way.

[taosaur]

Actually, I haven't been moved to buy a dedicated ebook reader yet, though ebooks have figured prominently in my last couple gadget purchases (netbook, then tablet, and even smartphone to a lesser degree). If I had fewer expenses just now, I might pull the trigger on the new Kindle just because of the screen (both the light and overall quality), though I'd rather wait on something EPUB-friendly with the same display (and mSD support, or at least more space).

[SolRaven]

Originally Posted by Kumabjorn

In my, severely limited, experience, medical literature is filled with illustrations and photos. How does that work when you're reading it on an eBook? I find the screen to small for viewing things like that and I can't enlarge it the way I would need.

The only reason I bought an iPad was for digital textbooks, particularly, medical textbooks. Personally, I think it's better. Digital search features are better. If I type in a word, it will give me all of the references in the chapter I'm studying, in the book and/or if I'm still looking for more info, it will redirect me to the web without losing my place in the book.

Here's the short answer:



More info from Inkling: http://www.youtube.com/user/inklingHQ?feature=watch

And the longer answer: http://vimeo.com/39490799

[hwlester]

Originally Posted by taosaur

If I had fewer expenses just now, I might pull the trigger on the new Kindle just because of the screen (both the light and overall quality), though I'd rather wait on something EPUB-friendly with the same display (and mSD support, or at least more space).

Agreed. I love my Sony Reader, but if Kindle supported EPUB, I'd already own one. If Amazon SOLD EPUB, I'd buy books for my Sony through them.

[xendula]

Like fjtorres, I got a PDA (Pocket PC to be precise) in 2001 or 2002 and started reading on it right away. It was very hard to find good new ebooks legally, so I read what I could get however I could get it, in MS reader format, or I converted books myself with the free Word plugin. Black Mask was such a great site back in those days, the owner uploaded a few new free books every day, and Gutenberg was a godsent.
Mobileread had maybe 100 users when I first signed up if I remember correctly... I kept telling everyone about ebooks and got nothing but weird looks - those were the days!

[Ghiizhar]

Quite simple reason for me - I love to read, but due to degrading eyesight, it was just too hard to read paperbacks. The adjustable font size has enabled me to once again read to my heart's content!

[voracious71]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

I got a PDA.
Nice and compact and I could take it everywhere.
It let me read anywhere anytime.
And there was this website called BLACK MASK loaded with nicely formatted classics...

I too began my ereading on a PDA..then I got a Sony, and after that a Kindle.

[Moriarty's]

Originally Posted by ppowell002

Now that's an interesting aversion!

Aww, surely it's not that strange!

[joietcw]

I am not a avid reader like my kids. But I do use my IPAD for reading magazines and newspapers. Very convenient. No more dirty hands from my newspapers. Fonts can be adjusted so no need to use my reading glasses.

[GeneS]

Like some others here, I first started mobile-reading after purchasing my first PDA (a Palm Pilot). Reading was incidental to the other uses, but I was soon trapped by the convenience of being able to read whenever the time permitted. The convenience and the novelty of it even allowed me to finish "Les Miserables" after having tried over the years but giving up. I was hooked.

[Angst]

Portability. The ability to carry the book I'm currently reading, plus the next 2-3 books on my TBR, in one small package. Saves a lot of space travelling. I fit everything I travel with into one backpack.

Price. Ebook prices are/were cheaper than paperbacks. The ereader would pay for itself in the long run. Recently though, Agency prices have cut into much of the savings.

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by voracious71

I too began my ereading on a PDA..then I got a Sony, and after that a Kindle.

I bought my first ebook from PeanutPress to read on my Palm Vx then Palm IIIc. I then moved to a Pocket PC a Casio EM-500, then Sony Clie.