Quote:
Originally Posted by mandyoz
Hi All
I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated.
I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel.
I live in Australia.
Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2, Iliad I did not think I could get a nook, wrote to them and said they did not supply outside of the states but see here there is a way around that. HELP
By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. But would be great to dowlnoad on the road. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon?
I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's.
If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best and the simplest to use.
Thanks Mandy
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Hi,
concerning your topics:
Australia: There really is a simple workaround. You can order via 3rd party (for example USUnlocked.com) directly from US. Just direct the 3rd party to the respective website. The usual fee for that kind of service is 10%.
As a rule of thumb: For me, in Germany, the US list price in $ comes down to more or less the same amount in €.
Quick example:
nook = $259 in US.
$ 259 + 10% = $ 290 to the 3rd party
$ 290 + $ 40 shipment = $ 330 = € 230
ca. 20% tax and customs in Germany = € 46
Total = ca. € 280
The cheaper the gadget, the more expensive (in relation) costs for transportation.
Important to know: Usually, you only have warranty in the country of origin. In case of failure, you'll have to send it back to the US. Sometimes even through the 3rd party. Personally, I don't mind too much. Most units are either faulty from the beginning or will "survive" many years.
"Right" reader: You list some 5" units (Cybook Opus, Astak EZ5), 6" (Kindle 2, nook) and even the "oversized" iRex iLiad.
This probably should be the first decision: Which size of the display do you need/want?
Some criterias: PDFs usually are "critical" on smaller displays, as they often are A4/letter size in original. If PDF is one of your main formats, you might consider a bigger display.
Portability: Main benefit of 5" units is, carrying them around in your "backpocket". If that's not important to you, in my opinion 5" doesn't have any real advantage. Personally, I don't buy any units smaller 6" anymore. Even when traveling, the few inches the 6" housing is bigger don't matter. But the 1" in screen size can make a huge difference.
File formats: Most readers have a wide range of formats they can handle. But still, there is some kind of "specialisation". Depending on the file formats, you intend to use, there are different favorites:
- Kindle 2 can't handle ePUB for example, which probably is the widest spread format (available in many "independent" webshops).
- .....
My personal recommendation: I love iRex iLiad. But I'd go for the new iRex 800 instead for even a lower price.
Of the units you name, my personal ranking:
#1 = iRex 800 or BeBook Neo. Right now, BeBook Neo has an advanced OS. But with the firmware update due in about 3 weeks, iRex 800 will be even and is more "polished". If budget isn't an issue, I'd go for iRex 800. Else you can go for BeBook Neo without hesitation.
#2 = nook or Kindle. They are about even and both have a direct link to the respective webshops. nook allows more manipulation, due to its Android OS. You can exchange the US SIM and replace by your own. Of course you can go for the international Kindle, which is even easier. If you care about looks, nook probably is a bit more stylish. If you solely focus on features, both are very similar.
#3 = Cybook Opus. A very nice and efficient unit. But as I wrote above: Only if you really want to have a 5" reader. Else you can have nook or Kindle 2 for about the same price.
#4 = Astak Ez 5. Lots of features. But personally, I simply don't like the design.
Whatever you choose, you'll definitely have fun. And it's fun "out of the box", very user friendly without any need of "hacking" or "tuning".
You can buy from Amazon via PC without owning a Kindle. You can use those books (with some "tuning") on other readers. Same applies for B&N.
EDIT: Overread "Sony" in your post...
From the Sony reader, with touchscreen, Sony 900 has the best display - less glare than the others. And Sony 900 is my personal favorite. A real beauty and a very polished user interface.
Without touchscreen, Sony 300 and Sony 505 are the actual models. Both have the same (brilliant) display quality. Sony 300 is 5" and doesn't have memory expansion.