Which reader is best for me?

[shore_pk]

I've been doing a lot of reading about different readers and need a little help figuring out what fits my needs.

I would really like pearl e-ink, wifi and possibly 3G. I would go with the Kindle 3 but my only hesitation is I would like to be able to download ebooks from libraries and from what I've read these are not supported by Kindle 3. I've read that you can use the Calibre free software but since I don't have an ereader yet, haven't downloaded anything from a library, I don't know if this will work for DRM books, which I would think most would be.

From all the reviews I've read I hesitate to get the Nook.

Is there another a way to make the Kindle do what I want or is there another option?

[varelov]

If you've asked this a month ago, I would say go for nook, but as it is now I am loosing patience with it and its "I am going to make the pdf that you need to read a jumbled and drunken mess and slap it on the screen" attitude. Some say the bigger screen the better, although haven't personally tried to solve my problem that way.
If you are just after plain text with few illustrations in addition to what you've mentioned before, any reader with e-ink would do. I went along with nook and I liked it until I discovered its problem with pdf's.

[desertgrandma]

Welcome to MobileRead, shore_pk

The Kindle by itself doesn't support epub library books, however, Calibre does have aplug in that takes care of that.......then will send it to your K3 for you.

You don't need a reader to download Calibre.....you can start by downloading some of the thousands of free pd books available here......

Enjoy.

[shore_pk]

So I just want to make sure I understand.

If I get the Kindle I can "borrow" an ebook (in epub format) from my online library and use Calibre to convert it for Kindle to use even though there is DRM involved?

Also, when I convert it will be mess up the format or will the text flow normally as with any other Kindle book?

PDFS are probably not something I will need much, at least I don't forsee this at this time.

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by shore_pk

So I just want to make sure I understand.

If I get the Kindle I can "borrow" an ebook (in epub format) from my online library and use Calibre to convert it for Kindle to use even though there is DRM involved?

Also, when I convert it will be mess up the format or will the text flow normally as with any other Kindle book?

PDFS are probably not something I will need much, at least I don't forsee this at this time.

Yes, but the plugin must be installed to Calibre first.

The books will read normally.

Disclaimer: just to make sure you understand, Amazon forbids you to do this.....its in the user guide found http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200503360.

Now, you could make the argument that you are simply borrowing books,and if you delete them at the end of the loan period whats the harm?

Thats you decision.

Also.......please check your local library for their selection of epub books......not all libraries are created equal.

[Jude2444]

I Just bought a Sony 650 for the same reason: wanted to be able to borrow books from the library. So far I am very pleased. I didn't want the hassle of calibre, just wanted to be able to borrow some books. I like the touchscreen of the 650 and also the cover with the little light, very good for less than optimal reading conditions. I researched all quite carefully and found some of the best advice right here on this site! People here are very knowledgeable.
Good luck with your choice!

[shore_pk]

I have been reading about the Sony 950. I really would like wifi and 3G. I like the idea of not having to mess with any conversion of books but I'm not too thrilled with the price.

[JeremyR]

Also bear in mind, it's not so easy actually doing it (getting an epub from a library and stripping the DRM). At least, I personally haven't managed to figure out how...unless you are familiar with python, it's not something that's easy to do

If library books are really important to you, I would really suggest a Sony.

[shore_pk]

Where do I get the plug in that I need? I think I will try downloading and converting an epub before I make a decision.

As for the Sony models, I read they can't use Kindle or B&N books. Where do you *buy* books for them? I will want to purchase some books that I can't get at the library.

I'm going to look at the Sony models (and whatever else they have) at Best Buy today and see what I think. I've never used or seen an ereader at all. I would be interested in the 650 but I really would like wifi.

I may decide that I don't need pearl ink which would give me some other options.

Thanks so much!

[ProfCrash]

Your only options for the Pearl screen are the DXG, K3, Sony 650, Sony 350.

Your only options for Pearl Screen and 3G are the DXG and K3

Your only option for Pearl Screen and WiFi is the K3.

Very few of the e-readers allow you to read the competitions DRM. Nook allows you to read Kobo's and I think Sony, I think Kobo allows you to read Nook. The only e-reader that allows you to read Kindle books is the Kindle.

That said, a quick google search will allow you to figure out how to strip DRM and convert formats. This violates the TOS for all of the e-readers. Some folks argue that once you buy the book you are allowed to alter it as you see fit for your own use, so removing the DRM is fine. Only you can decide where you fall in this debate.

[bevdeforges]

A purely personal point of view here - I think the WiFi and 3G features are vastly overrated. OK, so I have to connect my Sony 600 to my computer to load books I've bought or downloaded for free. But that also allows me to charge up the unit using the USB cord.

I confess to having a tendency to forget to charge my mobile phone and various other devices. Downloading the NY Times on Sunday assures me that I charge it at least once a week (so far have never gotten below a half charge in that time).

I'm a long-time Amazon customer, but I really don't need any particular additional temptation to impulse buy books. As it is, I'm a good 9 or 10 purchased books ahead of myself on the Sony at all times, and I'm doing much more reading than I ever used to do.

But like I said, this is just me. You need to think through just what you'd use the 3G and/or WiFi for.

[ProfCrash]

It is a personal preference.

Personally, I would never purchase an e-reader without Wifi. I love that I can download books anywhere I am without having to worry about having a laptop near by. I do not travel with a laptop and have bought many a book in the airport after seeing something of interest in the store or talking to a fellow traveller or having just finished a book in a series. I could not do that without the 3G option. I have a DX so no WiFi.

I have not used the browser but many folks have discussed that having access to the browser has been really nice.

I would not buy a Sony because it has a poor bookstore, I have looked at it and my brother who owns a 505 consistenly complains about the bookstore, and is so much more expensive then every other e-reader. My K1 is still working just fine two years on. The build quality on it has been great. I have a feeling that the Nooks are going to last a good long time. So I don't buy that an e-reader needs a more expensive, durable casing.

The one thing that the Sony has going for it that the Kindle and Nook do not is the touchscreen. Personally, I can live without a touchscreen. I don't want a touchscreen. I cannot see too many folks chosing to pay an extra $100 or so dollars to buy an e-reader with a touchscreen.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by shore_pk

I've been doing a lot of reading about different readers and need a little help figuring out what fits my needs.

I would really like pearl e-ink, wifi and possibly 3G. I would go with the Kindle 3 but my only hesitation is I would like to be able to download ebooks from libraries and from what I've read these are not supported by Kindle 3. I've read that you can use the Calibre free software but since I don't have an ereader yet, haven't downloaded anything from a library, I don't know if this will work for DRM books, which I would think most would be.

From all the reviews I've read I hesitate to get the Nook.

Is there another a way to make the Kindle do what I want or is there another option?

Hmm what reviews were those? The first reviews of the nook when it first came out were and the nook as it is today are two entirely different products. The nook has gone through 4 firmware updates and is about to get it's 5th.
The improvement is insane

check out this review, I like the fact the Cnet kept their eye on the Nook and updated it's reviews to reflect it's current performance

http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-reade....html?tag=also


I can attest, the nook is a fantastic ereader, it's an absolute joy to read on.

as far as using the Kindle for library books, you should know that it is illegal to strip DRM, would you get caught, most likely not, but even Calibre is against using it's software to strip drm.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by varelov

If you've asked this a month ago, I would say go for nook, but as it is now I am loosing patience with it and its "I am going to make the pdf that you need to read a jumbled and drunken mess and slap it on the screen" attitude. Some say the bigger screen the better, although haven't personally tried to solve my problem that way.
If you are just after plain text with few illustrations in addition to what you've mentioned before, any reader with e-ink would do. I went along with nook and I liked it until I discovered its problem with pdf's.

you are going to find PDF's on 6 inch eink's are just not a great fit whether its a nook or a kindle ect.

if PDF's are a must and you must have eink then I would recommend the new Sony 950 or the Kindle DX

but if general ereading and want library books and shopping around, I think the nook is truely the best one out there in the general ereader market.

[sun surfer]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Your only options for the Pearl screen are the DXG, K3, Sony 650, Sony 350.

Your only options for Pearl Screen and 3G are the DXG and K3

Your only option for Pearl Screen and WiFi is the K3.

Very few of the e-readers allow you to read the competitions DRM. Nook allows you to read Kobo's and I think Sony, I think Kobo allows you to read Nook. The only e-reader that allows you to read Kindle books is the Kindle.

That said, a quick google search will allow you to figure out how to strip DRM and convert formats. This violates the TOS for all of the e-readers. Some folks argue that once you buy the book you are allowed to alter it as you see fit for your own use, so removing the DRM is fine. Only you can decide where you fall in this debate.

The Sony 950 has a Pearl screen, 3G and Wifi.