Reader for a child

Justy · 10-22-2010, 03:06 PM

My son has started to show great interest in my Cybook and BeBook Mini. He seems to think that since I can only use 1 at a time he should have the other. However, while he is quite careful with books, he is only 7 so I'm not sure either would be a good choice for him. He noticed the Kobo display at the local book store the other day and asked if it was "for kids". He was disappointed when I said it wasn't, so I know it's more than just a passing interest.

I've seen some "Kid Friendly" eBook Readers from V.Tech and Fisher Price, does anyone know if these simplified Readers would be able to read ePub/Mobipocket eBooks? Or is there another fairly sturdy eBook Reader which might be appropriate for a tech savy child?

Thanks.

JSWolf · 10-22-2010, 03:11 PM

Those kid readers from V.tech and Fisher Price use custom books and the selection is rather limited.

Justy · 10-22-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Those kid readers from V.tech and Fisher Price use custom books and the selection is rather limited.

That is how it appeared to me as well. I was hoping someone had seen one in person and knew if they were allowing alternate formats as I think they can download via a USB cable. It doesn't surprise me that they don't though.

daffy4u · 10-22-2010, 03:16 PM

What's your budget? I have a 1st Gen iPod Touch which can use all the various book apps (and formats). Maybe you can find one cheap on eBay and paired with a rubberized case, you'd be in business.

Justy · 10-22-2010, 03:26 PM

He has a hand-me-down iPod Touch which he likes to play games on and listen to audiobooks. However, he is still a beginning reader so larger screen would be better for the big fonts that work best for him. I'm thinking at least a 5" screen. I could probably go up to $100, but for a 'kids Reader' I wouldn't want to go much more.

daffy4u · 10-22-2010, 03:34 PM

I think I've been reading that Jetbooks are around or below $100 with a 5 inch screen.

tubemonkey · 10-22-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justy

He has a hand-me-down iPod Touch which he likes to play games on and listen to audiobooks. However, he is still a beginning reader so larger screen would be better for the big fonts that work best for him. I'm thinking at least a 5" screen. I could probably go up to $100, but for a 'kids Reader' I wouldn't want to go much more.

Consider one of the low end LCD readers. The problem with eInk readers is they use a glass substrate that is easily broken if dropped. LCD displays are more durable and will survive a kid much better than current eInk technology.

Justy · 10-22-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Consider one of the low end LCD readers. The problem with eInk readers is they use a glass substrate that is easily broken if dropped. LCD displays are more durable and will survive a kid much better than current eInk technology.

That is a good idea. I may have to wait for a JetBook Mini to go on sale. It has the right type of screen and not too big or expensive.

Salgueiros · 10-22-2010, 05:59 PM

I would not recommend a eink reader to a 7 year old. The devices are still a bit fragile.

You can see similar threads here:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=102202

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=101638

Justy · 10-22-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salgueiros

I would not recommend a eink reader to a 7 year old. The devices are still a bit fragile.

Agreed, this is why I will not be handing over my *extra* eink ebook reader to my son. The last thing I want is his first experience with his own reader to end in a cracked screen.

I was excited to see some mainstream kids companies coming out with dumbed down ebook readers. It gives me hope that there could be a sturdy kid friendly ebook reader in the future that will allow me to load public domain kids books onto it.

ProfCrash · 10-22-2010, 10:36 PM

Or look for a used e-reader and get a decent cover for it.

10-22-2010, 03:06 PM	#1
Justy Fanatic Posts: 547 Karma: 27509 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Vancouver Area, BC, Canada Device: Nexus 7, Sony Xperia z3 tablet, Kobo Glo, Boyue T63	Reader for a child My son has started to show great interest in my Cybook and BeBook Mini. He seems to think that since I can only use 1 at a time he should have the other. However, while he is quite careful with books, he is only 7 so I'm not sure either would be a good choice for him. He noticed the Kobo display at the local book store the other day and asked if it was "for kids". He was disappointed when I said it wasn't, so I know it's more than just a passing interest. I've seen some "Kid Friendly" eBook Readers from V.Tech and Fisher Price, does anyone know if these simplified Readers would be able to read ePub/Mobipocket eBooks? Or is there another fairly sturdy eBook Reader which might be appropriate for a tech savy child? Thanks.

10-22-2010, 05:59 PM	#9
Salgueiros Eudaimonia Posts: 898 Karma: 9164418 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Vancouver, Canada Device: Sony PRS T2, Sony PRS T3, Sony DPT-RP1	I would not recommend a eink reader to a 7 year old. The devices are still a bit fragile. You can see similar threads here: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=102202 https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=101638 Last edited by Salgueiros; 10-22-2010 at 06:03 PM.

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10-22-2010, 03:11 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,545 Karma: 145863177 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Those kid readers from V.tech and Fisher Price use custom books and the selection is rather limited.

10-22-2010, 03:16 PM	#4
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	What's your budget? I have a 1st Gen iPod Touch which can use all the various book apps (and formats). Maybe you can find one cheap on eBay and paired with a rubberized case, you'd be in business.

10-22-2010, 03:26 PM	#5
Justy Fanatic Posts: 547 Karma: 27509 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Vancouver Area, BC, Canada Device: Nexus 7, Sony Xperia z3 tablet, Kobo Glo, Boyue T63	He has a hand-me-down iPod Touch which he likes to play games on and listen to audiobooks. However, he is still a beginning reader so larger screen would be better for the big fonts that work best for him. I'm thinking at least a 5" screen. I could probably go up to $100, but for a 'kids Reader' I wouldn't want to go much more.

10-22-2010, 03:34 PM	#6
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	I think I've been reading that Jetbooks are around or below $100 with a 5 inch screen.

10-22-2010, 10:36 PM	#11
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	Or look for a used e-reader and get a decent cover for it.

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