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Originally Posted by ProfCrash
I realize that but the poster mentioned that the Kindle cannot be used in the libraries in the UK and that publishers are upset with Amazon for the lending program it has through Amazon Prime. I am guessing that is what he is referencing as a fee.
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Yes, that's what I meant - thanks for clarifying it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by l_macd
Lack of library lending is a major drawback of the Kindle.
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It certainly was for me. Fair enough if like HarryT, you prefer to buy books, but I read so many I'd never be able to afford to buy them, even second-hand, and besides, I feel that libraries are an important resource that should be supported.
Quote:
Originally Posted by l_macd
8However, (current Kobo pricing excepted) the price difference between buying a Kindle and a Sony means many people will go for the Kindle even if they are aware of this issue before they buy. Personally, I researched how I could borrow library books and read them on a Kindle, and went for that option. (Though I'd probably just buy a Kobo if I was doing so now).
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I'm not sure that's the reason, at least in the UK - I feel that it's far more down to the heavy marketing by Amazon. Even though Kobo is catching up, it's still lost ground, and Sony doesn't seem to be making much of an effort at all, at least in the UK. There are ads on UK TV every day for the Kindle, but I've seen nothing at all for Sony. By contrast, Kobo seems to be doing very well in some other countries, and is a real challenger to the Kindle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by l_macd
Also, just how good are UK libraries for ebooks? The libraries in my city don't have them, and the libraries I've looked at don't have an awful lot of ebooks available anyway.
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I think they're OK - there are about 60 libraries countrywide offering ebooks (BTW, when I say 'libraries', it's really councils, so there would be one e-library covering the same area as maybe 20 or 30 physical libraries). The choice isn't huge, but it's certainly along the lines of a mobile library or even a small branch, i.e in the low thousands. There's a thread on here somewhere that gets updated with the numbers in various libraries round the country. I find it very convenient - no more running out of books before I can get into town again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by l_macd
I've only looked at the Kobo's in a shop, but twice I've played about with the Kobo Touch & Wi Fi side-by-side, and both times noticed the Wi Fi was a lot slower. It really put me off it. Whereas, as much as I like my Kindle Keyboard, I was very impressed with the Kobo Touch.
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I tried out one last week on my own wifi system - it was slow, but I didn't think it was much slower than my Sony, so I put it down to my wifi not being the fastest (no fibre-optic here!). I certainly wouldn't use it for general surfing, but I think I'd find it adequate for buying/borrowing.