01-06-2011, 11:41 PM | #1 |
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Best reader for my grandmother.
I'm looking for the simplest ereader for my grandmother, who is not very tech savy, for her birthday on monday. What one has the simplest to use interface. I doubt she would use wifi and an onboard store, but it can't hurt.
How is the new Kobo? With only a directional pad, it looks simple, but without seeing one in person, it is hard to make a judgement (and my local borders just closed so I would have to drive to the next closest one or web order.) Just looking for ideas, thanks! ---dcross9818 |
01-06-2011, 11:52 PM | #2 |
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Since you own a Sony PRS or two, wouldn't it be best to suggest that for her? That way, if she runs into trouble - you're already familiar with the eReader and can help her out with her questions?
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01-07-2011, 12:36 AM | #3 |
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I think the Kindle would be the easiest for her to use, but I wouldn't bother with the WiFi. Get her the 3G so she can buy books easily. You could set her up with an Amazon account with gift card or her credit card if she wants to buy books. If she prefers to get library books then I recommend the Sony or nook, but neither is easy to use for someone not computer or electronic device savvy. Has she tried to use your Sonys? Has she even expressed an interest in an electronic reader. If she really doesn't want it, it will be a very expensive device sitting up on a closet shelf. Let her try yours first.
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01-07-2011, 01:08 AM | #4 |
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Maybe it would depend on her age... Grandmothers come in a wide variety of ages
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01-07-2011, 01:29 AM | #5 |
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Yes, it would depend on her age. I am 67 years of age, a grandmother, and am quite computer savvy, but most people I know who are my age are not. Of course, I am not talking about the older people here on this board. This is a very "rare" group.
Oh, and I absolutely love all my electronic gadgets. |
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01-07-2011, 01:47 AM | #6 |
whimsical
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Hi dcross9818,
I recommend Kindle 3. You can find its pros and cons on the "Which one should I buy" forum, compared to many other devices. but hmm, if your grand's birthday is on next Monday, it can be a little too late now to order Kindle.... |
01-07-2011, 02:21 AM | #7 | ||
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Quote:
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unless they live close to one another and he can get one from Target or Staples (?) Best Buy (?) |
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01-07-2011, 05:38 AM | #8 |
frumious Bandersnatch
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Something simple to use like the Opus, but maybe with larger (6") screen?
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01-07-2011, 06:59 AM | #9 | |
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First thing is where she is going to get her books from. You say that
Quote:
If she is likely to want to make her own purchases, the Kindle is widely considered the simplest to use. If she wants to borrow library books, go with an epub reader. I believe that even with wi-fi or 3g library books still have to be sideloaded, so she will at least have to learn how to do that, or have someone do it for her. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. |
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01-07-2011, 10:54 AM | #10 |
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My dad is a grandfather - 73-yrs old - and not tech savvy at all. But he has the Kindle 3 and loves it!
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01-07-2011, 11:06 AM | #11 |
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Although I have a Libra Pro, I vote for the Kobo becuase of what I have heard from Kobo owners. Appears to be the simplest to use.
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01-07-2011, 11:20 AM | #12 |
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Thanks for all the replies, she is going to be 82 on the 10th. I've got a ton of epub books (and so does my sister) so I was leaning towards something that can read them. I live with her so me loading the books on for her would not be a problem. She is not tech savy at all (even the TV remote control gives her problems) so thats why I was considering the Kobo since it is only a directional pad, but since no one mentioned it, it kind of scares me away from it.
As far as her using one, that is what actually sparked this idea in my head. I overheard her asking to borrow my sister's PRS-600 (which I think would be better for her than a new 650/350, I love the new interface, but the old one just seems simplier/bigger.) The only problem with the kindle is the full keyboard on the device, I think that might intimidate her. Again, thanks for the response and sorry I didn't put more detail in last night (it was right before bedtime, I was sleepy :-) ) ---dcross9818 |
01-07-2011, 11:47 AM | #13 | |
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01-07-2011, 11:54 AM | #14 |
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I have a sony 650 touch, which has many advantages, not least the ability to increase the font size (good for failing eye sight!) I have had it since Christmas, and with my son's assistance seem to be making progress (and yes I am a grandmother)
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01-07-2011, 12:17 PM | #15 |
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Don't be scared of the Kobo! I didn't mention it because I have no experience with it personally, but reports are generally good. When I was making my decision I found it very worthwhile going through the forums here for each of the devices I was considering. This gave me a good idea of what issues other users were having, and whether it was something that might be important for me. I had it narrowed down to Sony and Pocketbook (I don't think Kobo was around much then) and went with the Sony based on price (at the time).
If you are loading the books, then really it's just the device navigation to worry about. I would suggest staying away from a touchscreen - too much chance of an accidental swipe or touch that will take her somewhere she doesn't want to go without knowing how to get back. If her eyesight is reasonably good, then the sony 300 is very simple, and probably very cheap if you can find one. It has the old screen tech, and is 5", but my eyesight's pretty bad and I love mine. Definitely look at the Kobos - by all accounts quite good and ideal for your grandmother. Given the additional information I would drop the Kindle from consideration - no epub support and the connectivity and 1-click buying is not relevant. If you can, go to a store (or several) with your grandmother and let her try out the different user interfaces without any instruction. A good user interface should be intuitive. |
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