Hi to the Mobileread Community, I've been researching different eReaders for a week or so now and almost every Google search has eventually led me back to this forum! The combined experiences of MR members and knowledge on various devices is an incredible source of information and I hoped I might presume to draw on that to help me pick my first eInk device.
Like you all I'm sure, I'm an avid reader but am only now looking to bring my reading to the digital age.
I have read eBooks in the past, mostly on a Windows PPC or Mobile. The screen however is too small, the backlight kills the battery quickly and my new phone lacks hardware back/forward buttons. Also, I just ordered a new trilogy from Amazon and right afterwards realised I really have no physical space to put them. So I'm hoping to join the eReading revolution and would be most grateful for your advice.
After considerable looking around (mostly on this very site!), I think I've narrowed my options down to the BeBook Mini and Pocketbook 360 in the 5" range and the BeBook Neo and Pocketbook 302 in the 6" arena. As cool as the Nook looks, I think living in the UK would make it too difficult to own. I also don't wish to be tied to one delivery platform ruling out the Kindle (whose looks I'm not too keen on either).
Am I right in thinking that DRM-protected EPUB format seems to be emerging as the dominant format (outside of proprietary ones like Kindle, etc)? If so, then support for that is a must. My main problem however is that my modest eBook library to date is a mixture of (DRM free) LIT and TXT files. As I understand it, the BB Mini is the only device listed that supports the format. Calibre was mentioned in other posts in the forum, can this software help here?
I don't think there are really any deal breakers, but ultimately the reading experience, legibility and UI ought to be top notch. One review on a device I read elsewhere rightly pointed out that in terms of UI, eReaders are competing with the simple page turn and that's kinda the mentality I'm going with. My preferences for an ideal reader would be:
Preferred:
- Small and light, preferrably pocketable
- Good battery and contrast
- Suitable for ambidextrous use (That's right ladies, I can read with both hands!
)
- Open and configurable and works with DRMd EPUB (unless my above assumption is wrong)
- Dictionary look up
- LIT support (unless this is resolvable)
- Expandable storage and replaceable battery
Nice but non-essential:
- Wi-Fi
- Audio playback
- Supports folders and drag-and-drop
My questions if I may:
- What is reading on the 5" models like? Does (what I'd imagine) the more frequent page turns have a significant effect on battery life compared with their larger siblings? How does it compare to a page in a paperback?
- Are the smaller models pocketable and what are your experiences with them (BB Mini and PB360)?
- I read that the PB302 has a reflective screen, is that a major issue?
- To any UK owners spefically, which are good stores to buy eBooks from? How do you typically go from the web site to reading the opening chapter?
- Is Calibre important to use? Is it instead of the Adobe software I believe these models use, or as well as? Is it easy to convert format?
Price is not an issue, I don't mind spending whatever it costs. Your advice and experiences would be most welcome and I hope you will all forgive me the length of my post. I type quickly and ramble often. And FYI it's taken me about 4 days to pluck up the courage to finally join up so I could post
