|
I have three different devices that I use regularly for ebooks. I don't generally count my desktop or netbook computers as ebook readers because it's just too difficult for me to maintain my attention on the book when there are so many diversions available with a fully functional computer.
The Victor Reader Stream is a device specifically designed for blind/VI people and people with other kinds of reading disabilities. It's audio-only, the interface is tactile buttons with audio-feedback. I use it mostly for pre-recorded audiobooks because it has variable-speed playback and it's compatible with the DRM that NLS-BARD uses. It works with ebooks using text-to-speech technology. It's great for newspapers, OK for nonfiction books, and (for me) utterly useless for fiction. It's too difficult for me to tell the difference between dialogue and narration, and to figure out the breaks between different speakers in fiction with text-to-speech. Battery life is variable depending on how I use it.
The Sony 505 is my main ebook workhorse. It has a good size and form-factor for lounging in my recliner. I can create my own book files for it with the font size and margins that I prefer. The battery life is the best of all three devices I own. It usually does not get taken out of my home because I'm afraid of breaking it, and it's too big (especially in its protective case) to easily carry around.
The iPod Touch is the most flexible of the devices. I can carry it in my pocket and easily whip it out or stuff it back in again. It goes with me just about everywhere. It's pretty durable and I usually carry it around without any kind of protective case. It's good for reading at a desk or table or standing in line. I like browsing online catalogs of free books using WiFi and downloading directly to the device without having to fuss with conversion software and transfers. I also like Stanza's highly configurable display. If I could use Stanza on a device with a screen as big as my Sony, I'd be in ebook heaven! There's the added fun/distraction of all the other apps I have on the device. I didn't think that I'd use it much for ebooks when I bought it, but doing so has grown on me.
|