Hi all, I'm a (very) long time lurker but first time poster here.
This forum has been a fount of useful advice but I'm afraid I need some specific help this time!
BACKGROUND:
I have been looking at dedicated ereaders for a long time but have never owned one.
Nevertheless I have a lot of experience with ebooks, been reading them for years on a 12" tablet PC.
I have quite a large collection, mostly in EPUB and PDF formats. I also know about editing and converting text/ebooks (Calibre, Sigil, NP++, all kinds of PDF tools).
THE FUTURE:
I am very interested in buying a "phablet" in the near future. Not sure yet if I should pull the trigger on the Samsung Galaxy Note or hold out a few months for its successor(s).
I'm only mentioning this because I do NOT want to buy a "high end" ebook reader, so please don't suggest any!
CURRENT SITUATION:
Right now I am looking for a decent, CHEAP ebook reader. Why?
1. To tie me over until I get a top-of-the-line gadget, and
2. So I have a gizmo that I could use in more adventurous places, to the beach, camping, etc. where I'd be afraid to take (and leave in a backpack) a $500+ device.
USAGE:- 90% fiction novels
- A user manual or a scientific paper once in a blue moon
- If possible, comic books (European large size, ~A4)
Are there any budget readers with a USEFUL "magnifying glass" feature?
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:
+
budget: < $100 (less is better).
Again, I want something that wouldn't kill me if it were stolen, damaged... you get the idea.
+ as "rugged" as possible.
I'm thinking NO TOUCH SCREEN (don't want to smear sunscreen all over it!)
+ long battery life.
I'm planning to take this into the wilderness, not plug it in to charge every other day. Hence eink >> LCD.
+ decent storage space.
I own a lot of books. 2GB may be tight, 4GB+ is better.
+ if possible, EPUB format support.
I'm willing to convert formats if necessary, but in the long run I prefer EPUB.
On the other hand:
- don't care about wifi connectivity
(Where would I get it in the wilderness?)
- don't care about any bells & whistles or audio
(I already have a great MP3 player)
- don't care about being tied to a store
(I already own many ebooks, DRM removed)
- don't care about touch screen, in fact I specifically prefer NOT to have a touch screen!
(would I be making a big mistake?)
Finally, I have not been following the evolution of ebook readers for the past 6 months or so.
Are there any newer models that you guys would recommend?
Like a no-name 6" color e-ink device for $50? j/k
TL;DR:
I'm looking for a CHEAP, NON-TOUCHSCREEN device to read novels on the beach.
Suggestions? 