Another, which one to get post

twobits · 10-25-2010, 10:43 AM

I have tried ebooks in the past, but really could never get into reading full length books on the devices I had. This was things like the newton, pocket pc's, zaurus and recently an android slate. From what I read/hear though the eink makes a very big difference here so I want to get one.

I saw the price drop on the kindle a few months back and started to think it was time to seriously look into getting an ereader. Did not take the easy way out and click on the buy button for the kindle (un?)fortunately. After doing cursory research I think I would prefer a device that supports the ePub format, and library support won't be a bad thing to have. It does seem however that Amazon offers a lot more freebies for the kindle which may be better then library support? I also would prefer to get the better screen, but it seems that I can't get that and meet my other preferences unless I get the Sony, which costs a bit more and also I try to avoid Sony products since the root kit scandal.

So, at the moment I have mostly been looking at the nook and the kobo.
From what I hear the nook has worse battery life because of the lcd screen. I also wonder if having the small lcd screen could be distracting and defeat part of the purpose of the eink display being easier on the eyes by being a contrasting display. So I was just about to go ahead and order the kobo, when I saw they were about to come out with a new model.

Now in the meantime, I mentioned I was about to take the plunge into an eink device to some family members. Now a couple of the family members have said they plan to buy whatever ereader I wind up getting for a number of other family members as their Christmas gifts. This changes some of the factors I should consider and make it more important to get it right. I figured if I got it wrong, I could get another in a few months etc... but that is not going to happen if many family members get it. Given that they are used to passing books around, I am now thinking of getting the nook again. As I understand it, its drm would let the books be shared if the person sharing was also willing to share their credit card number? Maybe I should keep waiting?

Anyway, thought I would trough this out there to see if the collective wisdom can see what flaws are still in my knowledge as well as maybe offer insights on options I have missed so far.

hal2814 · 10-25-2010, 10:58 AM

I voted Kindle because I have a Kindle and like it. I don't have a library that does ePub though. The good news is that just about everyone who owns an eBook reader advocates their eBook reader so whatever you go with, you're likely to be satisfied.

JSWolf · 10-25-2010, 11:01 AM

I voted other because you forgot to add Sony to the poll. The 650 is really nice. And if you buy at Borders before the 31st, you'll get a free light cover.

twobits · 10-25-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I voted other because you forgot to add Sony to the poll. The 650 is really nice. And if you buy at Borders before the 31st, you'll get a free light cover.

That is because of the Sony rookit incident as I mentioned in my post. Sigh, maybe I should bend on it by now though. The Pearl screen and sony specs do make it appealing, though the price difference may be too much for buying for the gifts.

Pomtroll · 10-25-2010, 11:34 AM

I voted NOOK. I have both the Kindle3 & the NOOK. It was tough to decide because I really like both. But I love the touch screen & touch keyboard on the NOOK much more than the buttons on the Kindle.

Battery life is better with the Kindle but once you get used to plugging any device in every so often, it really is not that much of a big deal.

FF2 · 10-25-2010, 12:58 PM

Frankly, my Kindle choice was helped by my sister and brother-in-law who both love theirs. It was also easy as I was not aware of the vast array of devices. I did check out the epub stuff and found that a few books I was interested in were already "out to others" and the waiting lists and 2 week checkouts were limitations so Kindle's limitations seemed less so.

I'm quite happy with the kindle3 - wifi only version.

desertgrandma · 10-25-2010, 01:36 PM

Purchasing an ebook reader is as personal as purchasing books.

You need to make your own decsion, after using different ones for more than the few minutes allowed at the stores.

Thats why I like the 30 day return policy on the Kindle thru Amazon.

No restocking fee, plenty of time to download free books and see how it works for you.

You also need to consider customer service. Amazon is unmatched, in my opinion for this. The "call me" feature is great.

Bought a book by accident? Immediate refund.

yakuzaboss · 10-25-2010, 02:34 PM

I voted other for Sony.

Iridal · 10-25-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

Purchasing an ebook reader is as personal as purchasing books.

You need to make your own decsion, after using different ones for more than the few minutes allowed at the stores.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Everyone is going to vote for the reader they own, because they believe their choice is the best. And it probably is, for them.

You should make a list of all you want in a reader. The reader that can fulfill most of your 'needs' is the one you should buy.

GA Russell · 10-25-2010, 03:50 PM

I voted "Wait". Last year there were sales for Thanksgiving weekend.

In the meantime, I suggest you also consider the jetBook Lite. I am very pleased with mine.

Unlike the Kindle, it has pdf reflow and you can borrow library books. It is usually the least expensive eBook reader available. It uses AA flashlight batteries (everyone here uses rechargeable batteries), so it only takes a minute to change out the batteries rather than four hours. It has the reflective TFT screen which is comparable in quality to the new Pearl eInk screen. And very fast page turns.

James_Wilde · 10-25-2010, 04:16 PM

I voted 'other' for Iriver.

Latinandgreek · 10-25-2010, 04:28 PM

I voted other for Sony. To me, the 650 looks like the best 6 inch reader on the market (for my needs.)

Ea · 10-26-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twobits

I have tried ebooks in the past, but really could never get into reading full length books on the devices I had. This was things like the newton, pocket pc's, zaurus and recently an android slate. From what I read/hear though the eink makes a very big difference here so I want to get one.

I voted Kindle because I think it might overall be the best reader for you and since I assume you are in USA, buying from Amazon will be a good deal. I think the main deal-breaker is library books - and I didn't get the impression that being able to get library books were your no. 1 concern, only that it would be a nice thing to have.

Quote:

Originally Posted by twobits

Now in the meantime, I mentioned I was about to take the plunge into an eink device to some family members. Now a couple of the family members have said they plan to buy whatever ereader I wind up getting for a number of other family members as their Christmas gifts. This changes some of the factors I should consider and make it more important to get it right. I figured if I got it wrong, I could get another in a few months etc... but that is not going to happen if many family members get it.

Anyway, thought I would trough this out there to see if the collective wisdom can see what flaws are still in my knowledge as well as maybe offer insights on options I have missed so far.

I must admit my first thought here was
1) why base their decision on yours - everyone has diifferent needs
and
2) why on earth do they want to follow your decision as if acting like sheep

In any case, I fail to see why you should feel responsible here. At least I think you ought not to and simply get what is best for you

viviena · 10-26-2010, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twobits

and library support won't be a bad thing to have.

You don't sound sold by this. Do you know if your local library actually has a considerable collection of ebooks? Of course you could always join libraries elsewhere, but that might not be worth the bother for you.

Use http://search.overdrive.com/ to see if your local area has libraries with ebooks, and if so, how extensive their collections are.

JeremyR · 10-26-2010, 06:19 AM

If you had trouble reading on other devices, you'd probably want the best e-ink screen possible, which would be the pearl, which is only on the Kindle or Sony.

And really, all big companies do some shady stuff. It can't be helped. Companies are made up of people and some of them make bad decisions.

So if you can afford it, go with the Sony and ignore that cd rootkit thing (which was what, like 10 years ago?).

The Kindle isn't bad, but it really stinks that you are locked into Amazon and you can't use any epub at all (yes, I know you can convert, but that's a pain). Even a lot of times on free sites (like this place or manybooks) the mobi format is inferior so you have to download the epub and convert, just to be sure. (Maybe it's just me, but it's annoying when I read a book and can't either skip chapters or go to a TOC)

View Poll Results: Which one to get?
Nook	8	16.67%
Kobo	2	4.17%
Kindle	18	37.50%
other	16	33.33%
wait	4	8.33%
Voters: 48. You may not vote on this poll

10-25-2010, 10:43 AM	#1
twobits Addict Posts: 223 Karma: 1057019 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: none	Another, which one to get post I have tried ebooks in the past, but really could never get into reading full length books on the devices I had. This was things like the newton, pocket pc's, zaurus and recently an android slate. From what I read/hear though the eink makes a very big difference here so I want to get one. I saw the price drop on the kindle a few months back and started to think it was time to seriously look into getting an ereader. Did not take the easy way out and click on the buy button for the kindle (un?)fortunately. After doing cursory research I think I would prefer a device that supports the ePub format, and library support won't be a bad thing to have. It does seem however that Amazon offers a lot more freebies for the kindle which may be better then library support? I also would prefer to get the better screen, but it seems that I can't get that and meet my other preferences unless I get the Sony, which costs a bit more and also I try to avoid Sony products since the root kit scandal. So, at the moment I have mostly been looking at the nook and the kobo. From what I hear the nook has worse battery life because of the lcd screen. I also wonder if having the small lcd screen could be distracting and defeat part of the purpose of the eink display being easier on the eyes by being a contrasting display. So I was just about to go ahead and order the kobo, when I saw they were about to come out with a new model. Now in the meantime, I mentioned I was about to take the plunge into an eink device to some family members. Now a couple of the family members have said they plan to buy whatever ereader I wind up getting for a number of other family members as their Christmas gifts. This changes some of the factors I should consider and make it more important to get it right. I figured if I got it wrong, I could get another in a few months etc... but that is not going to happen if many family members get it. Given that they are used to passing books around, I am now thinking of getting the nook again. As I understand it, its drm would let the books be shared if the person sharing was also willing to share their credit card number? Maybe I should keep waiting? Anyway, thought I would trough this out there to see if the collective wisdom can see what flaws are still in my knowledge as well as maybe offer insights on options I have missed so far. Last edited by twobits; 10-25-2010 at 11:49 AM. Reason: changed a not typo to a now..

10-26-2010, 06:19 AM	#15
JeremyR Guru Posts: 973 Karma: 2458402 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: St. Louis Device: Kindle Keyboard, Nook HD+	If you had trouble reading on other devices, you'd probably want the best e-ink screen possible, which would be the pearl, which is only on the Kindle or Sony. And really, all big companies do some shady stuff. It can't be helped. Companies are made up of people and some of them make bad decisions. So if you can afford it, go with the Sony and ignore that cd rootkit thing (which was what, like 10 years ago?). The Kindle isn't bad, but it really stinks that you are locked into Amazon and you can't use any epub at all (yes, I know you can convert, but that's a pain). Even a lot of times on free sites (like this place or manybooks) the mobi format is inferior so you have to download the epub and convert, just to be sure. (Maybe it's just me, but it's annoying when I read a book and can't either skip chapters or go to a TOC) Last edited by JeremyR; 10-26-2010 at 06:22 AM.

10-25-2010, 10:58 AM	#2
hal2814 Connoisseur Posts: 65 Karma: 2460 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle 2	I voted Kindle because I have a Kindle and like it. I don't have a library that does ePub though. The good news is that just about everyone who owns an eBook reader advocates their eBook reader so whatever you go with, you're likely to be satisfied.

10-25-2010, 11:01 AM	#3
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,746 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I voted other because you forgot to add Sony to the poll. The 650 is really nice. And if you buy at Borders before the 31st, you'll get a free light cover.

10-25-2010, 11:34 AM	#5
Pomtroll Guru Posts: 822 Karma: 1341819 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Minnesota USA Device: Sony 350, Sony T1, Kindle Touch, Kindle PW1	I voted NOOK. I have both the Kindle3 & the NOOK. It was tough to decide because I really like both. But I love the touch screen & touch keyboard on the NOOK much more than the buttons on the Kindle. Battery life is better with the Kindle but once you get used to plugging any device in every so often, it really is not that much of a big deal.

10-25-2010, 12:58 PM	#6
FF2 Wizard Posts: 1,105 Karma: 1025784 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: WiFi Kindle3	Frankly, my Kindle choice was helped by my sister and brother-in-law who both love theirs. It was also easy as I was not aware of the vast array of devices. I did check out the epub stuff and found that a few books I was interested in were already "out to others" and the waiting lists and 2 week checkouts were limitations so Kindle's limitations seemed less so. I'm quite happy with the kindle3 - wifi only version.

10-25-2010, 01:36 PM	#7
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462843 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	Purchasing an ebook reader is as personal as purchasing books. You need to make your own decsion, after using different ones for more than the few minutes allowed at the stores. Thats why I like the 30 day return policy on the Kindle thru Amazon. No restocking fee, plenty of time to download free books and see how it works for you. You also need to consider customer service. Amazon is unmatched, in my opinion for this. The "call me" feature is great. Bought a book by accident? Immediate refund.

10-25-2010, 02:34 PM	#8
yakuzaboss Groupie Posts: 171 Karma: 58 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Richmond, BC Device: Sony PRS-650	I voted other for Sony.

10-25-2010, 03:50 PM	#10
GA Russell Stampeders are hot! Posts: 7,692 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	I voted "Wait". Last year there were sales for Thanksgiving weekend. In the meantime, I suggest you also consider the jetBook Lite. I am very pleased with mine. Unlike the Kindle, it has pdf reflow and you can borrow library books. It is usually the least expensive eBook reader available. It uses AA flashlight batteries (everyone here uses rechargeable batteries), so it only takes a minute to change out the batteries rather than four hours. It has the reflective TFT screen which is comparable in quality to the new Pearl eInk screen. And very fast page turns.

10-25-2010, 04:16 PM	#11
James_Wilde Guru Posts: 802 Karma: 4727110 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sweden Device: Iriver Story	I voted 'other' for Iriver.

10-25-2010, 04:28 PM	#12
Latinandgreek Warrior Princess Posts: 5,038 Karma: 9724231 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: PRS-505; PRS-350, PRS-T1, iPad, Aura HD	I voted other for Sony. To me, the 650 looks like the best 6 inch reader on the market (for my needs.)

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