MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Over-Obsessing Over E-Reader Decision

Debby · 05-19-2010, 07:34 PM

I am an early adapter to ereaders and I have had 2. The first was a Cybook (Bookeen) that became ill and need to go in for service (to France) the week I was going on vacation. I replaced it with Sony 505. I actually like them both. The reality is most the readers are similar.

Owning an ereader is analogous to owning a computer. Some people would never consider not having a back-up or modifying the settings to suit them while others use it straight out the box. You need to know what type of person you are. Considering the amount of research you do, I suspect you will want things organized.

Here is what I have learned over the past couple of years……..

Remove the DRM from the books you have legally purchased. Why?

Because there is still not a universal format. Until that happens, if your reader dies or needs service, then you want the freedom to be able to read your books on any device. This was actually what convinced me - when my Cybook died I was not able to read ANY of the books I purchased on my Sony.
You will be surprised at how quickly your library will grow. It is much easier to begin to organize your library from day one rather than later.
Murphy’s law – your reader will only die or become ill right before your vacation or LONG plane ride.

To organize your library (no matter what reader you buy) use Calibre – it is not hard. You literally drag and drop your book into the library. Compared to the Sony library this is amazing!

Support is unparalleled not only from the developers but the community here. Head over to the Calibre forums.
Organizes the Library for you, easy search options and will send books to your reader.
This also ensures you have a back up of your books since it copies your books when it adds them. You also have additional saving options.
If you are willing to invest a little time you can install a plug in to take care of issue #1 as you drop your books into the library. You are in the fortunate position of choosing which format you will purchase your books in. Google apprentice alf to learn
Will convert your book into almost any format – for all major readers. This is a huge issue as readers evolve and change. Your library will always functional regardless of what reader you or anyone in family has.
Allows you to download recipes for online reading materials (newspapers, magazines, etc) that you subscribe to.

BTW - I never use my SD cards as the unit has more than enough space. I typically carry about 100 books on it at a time. Any more and it is a pain to find what you want.

Good Luck!

05-19-2010, 07:34 PM	#14
Debby Connoisseur Posts: 75 Karma: 600 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Depends Upon the Season..... Device: Cybook, Sony & ipad	I am an early adapter to ereaders and I have had 2. The first was a Cybook (Bookeen) that became ill and need to go in for service (to France) the week I was going on vacation. I replaced it with Sony 505. I actually like them both. The reality is most the readers are similar. Owning an ereader is analogous to owning a computer. Some people would never consider not having a back-up or modifying the settings to suit them while others use it straight out the box. You need to know what type of person you are. Considering the amount of research you do, I suspect you will want things organized. Here is what I have learned over the past couple of years…….. Remove the DRM from the books you have legally purchased. Why? Because there is still not a universal format. Until that happens, if your reader dies or needs service, then you want the freedom to be able to read your books on any device. This was actually what convinced me - when my Cybook died I was not able to read ANY of the books I purchased on my Sony. You will be surprised at how quickly your library will grow. It is much easier to begin to organize your library from day one rather than later. Murphy’s law – your reader will only die or become ill right before your vacation or LONG plane ride. To organize your library (no matter what reader you buy) use Calibre – it is not hard. You literally drag and drop your book into the library. Compared to the Sony library this is amazing! Support is unparalleled not only from the developers but the community here. Head over to the Calibre forums. Organizes the Library for you, easy search options and will send books to your reader. This also ensures you have a back up of your books since it copies your books when it adds them. You also have additional saving options. If you are willing to invest a little time you can install a plug in to take care of issue #1 as you drop your books into the library. You are in the fortunate position of choosing which format you will purchase your books in. Google apprentice alf to learn Will convert your book into almost any format – for all major readers. This is a huge issue as readers evolve and change. Your library will always functional regardless of what reader you or anyone in family has. Allows you to download recipes for online reading materials (newspapers, magazines, etc) that you subscribe to. BTW - I never use my SD cards as the unit has more than enough space. I typically carry about 100 books on it at a time. Any more and it is a pain to find what you want. Good Luck! Last edited by Debby; 05-19-2010 at 07:36 PM.