MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - The Handy Dandy Guide to What Reader You Should Buy

ChrisC333 · 03-13-2010, 11:23 AM

Hi,

There doesn't seem to have been much advance on the task of filling in all the blank spaces in the original post, but if you want a versatile solution that covers the maximum number of bases then my vote goes to getting a small netbook, particularly now there are PC versions of many good reader software programs.

I currently use three methods:

iTouch.
Major advantage being that it's small enough to live in my pocket for casual reading. Surprisingly easy to read despite its small size.

E-ink reader
iRiver Story in my case. Better screen size but not nearly as easy to cart around as the iTouch. Fine if you carry a handbag or wear a coat with big pockets, but not really suitable for everyday carrying in trouser pockets. It all depends on your circumstances. E-ink works better in strong light (but poorly in low light).

Netbook
Bigger and heavier than both but a lot more versatile. Heftier than most paperbacks, but still around the weight of a chunky hardback. Can run a range of reader software, and is brilliant for storage, cataloguing and general access and searching. I have no difficulty whatever with the alleged computer eye-strain which seems to be a concern of some die-hard E-ink fans. I've spend thousands of hours over 25 years reading and writing on regular computers without suffering from eye problems. If you do get tiredness or difficulty it's often fixable by
a) Adjusting the screen brightness and contrast and
b) Making sure that the type, strength, and angle of the light in the room itself is not interfering with comfortable use of the screen (often overlooked or badly done in both homes and offices).
Somewhat less portable than the IRiver Story or Kindle yet still lighter and smaller than many laptops which are regularly carried for work purposes.

Bottom line: It's all good in its own way, and the words are more important than the device. A good reader won't improve a bad book.

Cheers,

Chris

03-13-2010, 11:23 AM	#75
ChrisC333 Groupie Posts: 194 Karma: 2031 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: West Australia Device: Acer eM250 Netbook, iTouch, iRiver Story, HP TM2 Tablet	Hi, There doesn't seem to have been much advance on the task of filling in all the blank spaces in the original post, but if you want a versatile solution that covers the maximum number of bases then my vote goes to getting a small netbook, particularly now there are PC versions of many good reader software programs. I currently use three methods: iTouch. Major advantage being that it's small enough to live in my pocket for casual reading. Surprisingly easy to read despite its small size. E-ink reader iRiver Story in my case. Better screen size but not nearly as easy to cart around as the iTouch. Fine if you carry a handbag or wear a coat with big pockets, but not really suitable for everyday carrying in trouser pockets. It all depends on your circumstances. E-ink works better in strong light (but poorly in low light). Netbook Bigger and heavier than both but a lot more versatile. Heftier than most paperbacks, but still around the weight of a chunky hardback. Can run a range of reader software, and is brilliant for storage, cataloguing and general access and searching. I have no difficulty whatever with the alleged computer eye-strain which seems to be a concern of some die-hard E-ink fans. I've spend thousands of hours over 25 years reading and writing on regular computers without suffering from eye problems. If you do get tiredness or difficulty it's often fixable by a) Adjusting the screen brightness and contrast and b) Making sure that the type, strength, and angle of the light in the room itself is not interfering with comfortable use of the screen (often overlooked or badly done in both homes and offices). Somewhat less portable than the IRiver Story or Kindle yet still lighter and smaller than many laptops which are regularly carried for work purposes. Bottom line: It's all good in its own way, and the words are more important than the device. A good reader won't improve a bad book. Cheers, Chris Last edited by ChrisC333; 03-13-2010 at 11:26 AM.