10-16-2013, 01:57 PM | #1 |
Member
Posts: 24
Karma: 42
Join Date: Nov 2009
Device: Pocketbook 301+
|
which reader for just reading?
Hi,
I'm looking for a new reader as I feel I could do with an upgrade over my current reader, a Pocketbook 301+. After some looking around, I'm somewhat torn between a couple of devices, which are:
The thing is, I think I'm not that into graphical novels. Strangely enough though I tend to read through almost every graphical novel that a friend of me makes me aware of. We do seem to have a similar taste in that regard. Since a reader or tablet is going to be used almost solely for reading, my very short list of preferences is like this (from very important to, well, less important but not totally unimportant ): - great paper-like readability (doesn't necessarily need a light source) - high resolution - long life per battery charge Which reader from the list above do you folks think would be a good or even great reader for me? Or perhaps even something not on that list? Thanks! |
10-17-2013, 11:51 AM | #2 |
Addict
Posts: 220
Karma: 1075434
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Costa Rica
Device: Kindle Voyage, Kindle PW2, Nook HD+, Nexus 7
|
Except for graphic novels, the Kindle PW 2nd Generation is the hands down winner for most.
|
10-17-2013, 03:42 PM | #3 |
Wizard
Posts: 3,980
Karma: 38840460
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Minneapolis
Device: PWSE, Voyage, K3, HDX, KBasic 7 & 8, Nook Glo3, Echos, Nanos
|
I don't understand. If you want a unit for 'just reading' why do you NEED customization? Any Eink reader is your best choice for comfort in reading and battery life. The only difference between most of the readers is how they allow you to shelve your books. Maybe you need to be more specific about the type of customization you think you need.
I personally am getting out of the habit of carrying a large library. I just have about a dozen books plus all the books of a series. Everything else is stored in Calibre. Sony had the BEST shelving system, followed by the Kindle. It's not that I don't like Nook's shelving system, but it doesn't take it off the main listing, so you don't know for sure if everything is shelved or not (lots of people have 300 books on their readers, so it's important to know that). edited to add: The non-lighted eink readers are more battery efficient than the lighted ones. They also weigh less. If you have generally good lighting where you read, I wouldn't bother with the lighted one. Last edited by Tarana; 10-17-2013 at 03:44 PM. |
10-17-2013, 04:58 PM | #4 |
Member
Posts: 24
Karma: 42
Join Date: Nov 2009
Device: Pocketbook 301+
|
I love to keep my options open. On a device that can be rooted, for example it would be possible to install yet another PDF viewer application, one that can handle reflow better.
After some some digging, the Kobo Aura HD sparked my interest as well. The display has the highest ppi among readers, but Kobo blew it from my point of view in regards of build quality of the device as well as an unnecessarily invasive registration process users have to undergo just to get the device working. Anyway, I am now very tempted to hold out for more devices to be released in the 6" to 7" size range sporting 1440x1080 displays. The newest iteration of the Kindle Paperwhite also looks interesting. Does it require some sort of registration process before it can be used? Dang, what should I do? PS: I'm strongly leaning towards the Pocketbook Touch Lux. The Kindle also needs to be registered, like the Kobo. The Sony PRS-T2 only has a 800x600 display. The T3 has a 1024x768 one, but handles badly while in its enclosure. The enclosure can be removed, but then you have to deal with the uneven backside of the device. Didn't think privacy would be an issue with e-readers so soon. Last edited by Preacher0815; 10-17-2013 at 05:27 PM. |
10-17-2013, 05:39 PM | #5 |
I ♥ Calibre
Posts: 2,073
Karma: 5678911
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis, Voyage, Sony PRS-350, Hudl2
|
The Kobo Aura HD is definitely the best of the Kobo readers, the build quality of it seems pretty good, it's the newer Kobo Aura (the standard 6") that has a lot more issues. For me, it's always concerns about firmware/bugs that matter with Kobo. However, if I was in the market for a bigger screen, the Aura HD looks good. Also, it's the only real option that is available, unless you are willing to wait and see.... and who knows how long that wait could be.
For non-registration, the Pocketbook is probably the best option, but from video reviews, the light on it isn't that great when compared with the new Paperwhite (and both the Aura's). If you are willing to root, there are always options in the Kindle Developers Forum to root and disable the need for registration, no idea if they are sorted for the new PW or not though.... You can apparently get T3's without the cover, but so far there's only been any mention of that in Germany (source). |
10-17-2013, 05:59 PM | #6 |
Fanatic
Posts: 594
Karma: 2905052
Join Date: Oct 2013
Device: Kindle Paperwhite 5 SE, Onyx Boox Poke 3
|
How about the K4 Black version? I use this and it is a brilliant no thrills e-reader. You can customise margins, fonts etc if you jailbreak which is really easy (I am useless with tech, but even I managed it). It is very light, and just the right size. If you want an e-reader just for reading, give this a look.
|
10-18-2013, 07:58 AM | #7 |
Member
Posts: 24
Karma: 42
Join Date: Nov 2009
Device: Pocketbook 301+
|
The K4 unfortunately only has a 800x600 display, and the PW 2013 edition doesn't appear to have any jailbreaks yet.
The PRS-T3S however does look quite interesting. I'm keeping it in mind. |
10-18-2013, 10:25 AM | #8 |
Tea Enthusiast
Posts: 8,554
Karma: 75384937
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Somewhere in the USA
Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2
|
You can use a Kindle without registering. You will not be able to use collections and you might not be able to use the dictionaries they provide but you can load and use your own dictionaries.
Or you could register it, turn off the WiFi, and never turn the WiFi on. |
10-18-2013, 02:56 PM | #9 | |
Wizard
Posts: 1,747
Karma: 3761220
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Device: T1 Red, Kindle Fire, Kindle PW, PW2, Nook HD+, Kobo Mini, Aura HD
|
Quote:
|
|
10-18-2013, 03:46 PM | #10 |
I ♥ Calibre
Posts: 2,073
Karma: 5678911
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis, Voyage, Sony PRS-350, Hudl2
|
I think it's just the fact that you have to register/link it with your Kobo account, just the same as people complain about having to register/link the Kindle with your Amazon account. Same with both, you can register it and then never turn the wi-fi back on again and/or never buy any books via your Amazon/Kobo account and just sideload, but the initial registration is an issue for some.
|
10-18-2013, 06:44 PM | #11 |
Wizard
Posts: 1,747
Karma: 3761220
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Device: T1 Red, Kindle Fire, Kindle PW, PW2, Nook HD+, Kobo Mini, Aura HD
|
Heck it is worse when trying to register a piece of software.
|
10-18-2013, 08:46 PM | #12 |
Groupie
Posts: 177
Karma: 1656608
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Brisbane Australia
Device: Kobo Touch and iPad 4 hers, Samsung Galaxy S 8.4 mine !
|
I recommend the new Nexus 7 to use just as an eReader, on my old Nexus 7 I have five eReader programs, sorry apps
So I can read epub, mobi, txt, pdf etc without problems I'm using Mantano Premium mostly now, in all the eReader apps you can change styles, backgrounds, brightness, font size Charging is not a problem, mine will last two or three days but I don't wait for it to run down I usually plug it in every night Sold my Nook, I like the Nexus so much more, my wife has her Kobo that she is happy with, I find it too limiting after the Nexus I've never regretted getting the Nexus 7 the extra money is well worth it and the new Nexus 7 has the best screen available "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" |
10-19-2013, 02:03 AM | #13 |
Wizard
Posts: 4,812
Karma: 26912940
Join Date: Apr 2010
Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet
|
I registered my Mini, but you can use any name you want. You could use a public access point and register as John Doe from Nowhereville AFAIK.
Helen |
10-19-2013, 05:49 AM | #14 |
Member
Posts: 24
Karma: 42
Join Date: Nov 2009
Device: Pocketbook 301+
|
Using fake data in the registration process is against the EULA of pretty much any service offered by companies nowadays. Also, with readers that need activating, as far as I know you have to go online with them if you want to upgrade their firmware.
That would allow companies to get to know your reading habits, and it would also allow companies to lock you out of the reader and force you to enter other / real data if the data you entered initially were found to be fake. The former is something I very much try to avoid. It is nobody's business what I read, how often I read it and how long it takes me to do so. The latter is just an unnecessary inconvenience that can be avoided by disregarding such readers. Jailbreaking / rooting would be another way around these issues, but is not an option if there are no such methods for a certain device yet. With software on my PC, I get to choose if I want to install a certain program or not. I take the same liberty picking a reader. @Quelch I'd probably pick one too, but having to recharge it that frequently is something I just can't get myself to feel comfortable with. Having to recharge a tablet some time during a 10 to 12 hours reading run is a total immersion killer Granted, I don't do it that often, but it happens. Last edited by Preacher0815; 10-19-2013 at 05:58 AM. |
10-19-2013, 12:11 PM | #15 | |
Wizard
Posts: 4,812
Karma: 26912940
Join Date: Apr 2010
Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet
|
Quote:
And of course you know that it is pretty simple to upgrade the firmware without connecting to Kobo at all. Of course you would then miss out on all the delightful adverts they send you, but that is what a junk mail folder is for. Helen |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Best PDF reader for actually reading | sglinert | Apple Devices | 12 | 06-01-2013 08:41 PM |
E-book reader just for reading | sakishrist | Which one should I buy? | 8 | 08-01-2011 10:41 AM |
E-reader for Academic Reading | greeneggs | Which one should I buy? | 38 | 07-12-2011 06:47 PM |
Is your ebook reader reading up on you? | lilac_jive | News | 30 | 12-18-2010 05:35 PM |
First Reader, best for 'only' reading? | hammyali | Which one should I buy? | 10 | 03-12-2010 03:06 AM |