MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Trying to choose between an inexpensive backup device or an upgrade++

texasnightowl · 09-24-2014, 10:28 PM

So my current device is the K3/Keyboard. Works fine. I have no real issues ... except "new device" itch.

However...I don't want the Amazon Voyage. The price moves it out of my comfort zone (under $150) for ereaders.

So, as for my ereader device preferences:
->6" screen is fine, no smaller
->eInk only
->I'm used to having, and like, physical page turn buttons...as those are becoming more rare, I will compromise on this point
->format irrelevant...calibre and alf are my friends
->reading material is primarily fiction, some nonfiction like biographies. does not include magazine or technical materials or cookbooks etc.
->front-lit not necessary...in fact I have concerns

I guess my first question is: is there a device that is not lit that has better contrast (blacker blacks, whiter whites/lighter background) than the K3?

Second question: Of the Kobo Touch, Nook SimpleTouch (non-lit), and Kindle 4th gen black non-touch (K4BNT), which has the better screen in terms of contrast? And how do they compare to the K3?

I mention those 3 specifically because my WalMart has 2 of them available on clearance. (Kobo, new, for $79 and the Nook for $45) The K4BNT can still be had in a few places for $69 (though probably not for much longer). And of course, the K5 Basic at $79 with special offers is there too.

So those are kind of my choices if I choose to go with an inexpensive backup (though technically they would be considered upgrades to my K3).

Now...the other option is to pay a few $ more go for a front lit device. Though technically...I don't care about the light. I honestly have not wished even once for a front light on my K3. However, it seems like the front lit devices do have better contrast. Is this, generally speaking, correct?

It seems like I would be considering the PW2 or the Aura. Of these 2, can the light be turned completely 100% off? (It seems like I've seen conflicting statements to off vs. very very low.)

Can anyone link me to a comparison of the PW2 or Aura vs a K3?

Also, is it true that front lit devices have an additional layer on the screen? A "light diffusing" layer? How does this affect contrast?

Thanks to anyone who read thru all that. I'm a bit all over the place right now. I want a "new" device to play with...just not sure which way to go!

09-24-2014, 10:28 PM	#1
texasnightowl Guru Posts: 797 Karma: 2873645 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Texas Device: PW5, Oasis 3, K4B(NT), K3/KK	Trying to choose between an inexpensive backup device or an upgrade++ So my current device is the K3/Keyboard. Works fine. I have no real issues ... except "new device" itch. However...I don't want the Amazon Voyage. The price moves it out of my comfort zone (under $150) for ereaders. So, as for my ereader device preferences: ->6" screen is fine, no smaller ->eInk only ->I'm used to having, and like, physical page turn buttons...as those are becoming more rare, I will compromise on this point ->format irrelevant...calibre and alf are my friends ->reading material is primarily fiction, some nonfiction like biographies. does not include magazine or technical materials or cookbooks etc. ->front-lit not necessary...in fact I have concerns I guess my first question is: is there a device that is not lit that has better contrast (blacker blacks, whiter whites/lighter background) than the K3? Second question: Of the Kobo Touch, Nook SimpleTouch (non-lit), and Kindle 4th gen black non-touch (K4BNT), which has the better screen in terms of contrast? And how do they compare to the K3? I mention those 3 specifically because my WalMart has 2 of them available on clearance. (Kobo, new, for $79 and the Nook for $45) The K4BNT can still be had in a few places for $69 (though probably not for much longer). And of course, the K5 Basic at $79 with special offers is there too. So those are kind of my choices if I choose to go with an inexpensive backup (though technically they would be considered upgrades to my K3). Now...the other option is to pay a few $ more go for a front lit device. Though technically...I don't care about the light. I honestly have not wished even once for a front light on my K3. However, it seems like the front lit devices do have better contrast. Is this, generally speaking, correct? It seems like I would be considering the PW2 or the Aura. Of these 2, can the light be turned completely 100% off? (It seems like I've seen conflicting statements to off vs. very very low.) Can anyone link me to a comparison of the PW2 or Aura vs a K3? Also, is it true that front lit devices have an additional layer on the screen? A "light diffusing" layer? How does this affect contrast? Thanks to anyone who read thru all that. I'm a bit all over the place right now. I want a "new" device to play with...just not sure which way to go!