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Originally Posted by Bookworm_Girl
I don't notice the keyboard. Really one is concentrated on the screen while reading. And the way you hold the ereader, especially with a cover, is biased towards the page turn and navigation buttons so the keyboard doesn't really get in the way awkwardly. Amazon has a great return policy so I would encourage your mom to try it and see if she likes it.
The next most popular option in the UK is probably Sony. They are more expensive, however. I don't think there is anywhere that you can see a Kindle on display. However, Waterstones and WH Smith have Sony demo units. Is your mom in Southampton too? I'm pretty sure I saw a display at Waterstones at WestQuay Shopping Centre last time I was there. Otherwise, maybe there is an electronics store in Southampton or Portsmouth that has ereader brands on display? I would probably telephone someplace like Currys or Argos and ask.
I helped a friend in Cowes research ereaders. The Hampshire County Library has an excellent selection of ebooks. You might want to check out their website. Library ebooks work with the Sony but not the Kindle. It would however require some technical knowledge to download the books and transfer them to the ereader. Just something else to consider. My friend ultimately went with the Kindle because it was the lowest price and most trouble-free experience.
If your mom really isn't tech savvy at all, then I think the Kindle is the best choice. But if you are willing to help her and she learns easily and she just can't stop obsessing on the keyboard, then at least you know that there are other options. Good luck!
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you are remarkably well versed in southampton info for an american!
I decided not to get a kindle partially because of the hampshire library being one of the few in the uk to loan ebooks. It has a good selection of books and quite short waiting times... I don't think that many people use it. She doesn't live in southampton though, she lives in the country not far from milton keynes and we have a telephone relationship so I have to be diplomatic. The real trouble is ereaders seem to be a niche market in the uk and not that many stores stock them... I went into a high street electrical chain store (can't remember which) and asked if they had any and the staff were completely bemused... "a what? do you mean an ipad?"
