to buy or not to buy?

Kaisentlaia · 05-21-2007, 05:18 AM

Hello World!

I'm Kai and I write from Italy.

First of all, sorry if my English isn't so good... ^^''

Since the first time I've heard about eInk ebook readers I'm dying to have one, but now that I can I have some doubts...

I would buy Sony Reader because it's the one which fits better my needs. I like iLiad too but it's too much expensive and I cannot afford its price.
I've noticed that Jinke / Hanlin v8 is cheaper than Sony, but I think it's really ugly and I don't like that you have to convert all text in its proprietary format (otherwise it will be my first choice).

Now, my doubt is... and if in two months a better device will be available? For me better means (importance order):

1. it's sold in Italy (and costs less than iLiad, which IS sold in IT for 630 euros :°D)
2. it's cheaper
3. it has better battery life / less bugs, crashes etc / no need to convert text / etc etc

I've waited so long to order one of this devices, and now they ship in Europe I cannot wait too much to buy one. I know that's a new technology and there are a lot of issues, so I planned to buy one now and in some years - when there will be eInk ebook readers sold in Italy, priced about 100-200 euros, with a graphic tablet to sketch on it, a stable OS, replaceable battery with wonderful battery life, compatibility with most common formats without conversion, warranty - I'll buy a new and better one.

I don't think that another device which will fit better my needs will be available soon, but I would like to know what do you think about it. Should I buy it now and then hope that better devices will not be available soon so the expense will not be vain, or wait another pair of months yearning and maybe discovering that it's been a useless waiting? I know for sure that Sony wouldn't sell in Italy before 2008, and that STAReBOOK will be available after september (but I don't like its ugly default font) but what about other devices?

Thank you in advance for your help

Madam Broshkina · 05-21-2007, 06:21 AM

Benvenuti Kai, In my humble opinion you should buy one now. If one waits for a better version they will probably wait for ever because there will always be rumors of better products coming out. I remember an old saying: "Chi non risica non rosica" I say go for it and take the risk!

mogui · 05-21-2007, 07:43 AM

Some people that bought legacy eBooks with LCD screens, as well as those who started with Palm devices, say they still use them. If a device is adequate for reading, then you can use it a long time and not need to worry about whether something else is "better". I love my Sony Reader -- use it all the time -- and if something better comes out tomorrow, it is only interesting, not essential.

A friend once commented that sometimes audiophiles find themselves listening to the stereo rather than to the music

wallcraft · 05-21-2007, 09:18 AM

It still isn't clear exactly what it capabilities will be, but Telecom Italia will soon be selling the cellular book. See the mobileread post and their IDPF presentation. The 5" display may be smaller than you are looking for, but may be an viable multi-function alternative to a dedicated e-book reader.

Kaisentlaia · 05-21-2007, 09:59 AM

@Madam Broshkina, mogui: I agree with you... now I'll have only to convince my boyfriend, who doesn't want I buy it beacause lack of warranty and high cost

@wallcraft: interesting... I've heard about it before, I searched some videos on youtube and I've found onlin one not so clear, but refresh rate seems amazing! (cellular book video)
But TIM it's an italian company, and here we have release times worst than iRex's. I'm not sure waiting for it should be a good idea...

Anyway... I'll stay tuned and when (if) it will be available in shops i will go and take a look.

Kaisentlaia · 05-21-2007, 10:23 AM

some troubles with replies... o_O

[edit]
ok, now it seems to work.

@Madam Broshkina, mogui: I agree with you... now I'll have only to convince my boyfriend, who doesn't want I buy it beacause lack of warranty and high cost

@wallcraft: interesting... I've heard about it before, I searched some videos on youtube and I've found onlin one not so clear, but refresh rate seems amazing! (cellular book video)
But TIM it's an italian company, and here we have release times worst than iRex's. I'm not sure waiting for it should be a good idea...

Anyway... I'll stay tuned and when (if) it will be available in shops i will go and take a look.

Huyggy · 05-21-2007, 03:41 PM

Hi everyone ! very glad to write in this forum after a long time reading you

!(sorry for my english : not a native speaker

)

How funny ! I was asking myself exactly the same question as Kaisentlaia: Buy now or later ?

IMHO: The future is coming soon for some great ebook readers : Think about the new serie 9 of HanLin : 10", WiFi, many formats supported. The release date will be 8/31/07 (for the sooner) though.
But I prefer to wait 3 months more than buying a reader that I may regret

RWood · 05-21-2007, 04:00 PM

I have used my Sony for just over 7 months and I already feel that I have received full value from the purchase. If a new one came out tomorrow with more features and half the price, I would not feel bad. As mogui said, if it meets your needs enjoy it. We are not in a contest to see who has the newest toys, we just like to read.

To my mind the goal of a reader is to get out of the way so that I can read without worrying about the mechanics of operating the device. Fo me the Sony completely fills this requirement. For others the page advance buttons are not properly placed and it is awkward for them to use. Some like the iRex page bar for changing pages. Others require a back-lit screen so all of the e-ink screened devices are not part of their consideration.

With the large number of recent announcements about new readers it should be an interesting year ahead. Even if 50% of them never make it to market there will soon be more devices than we can easily keep track of. All of this is in addition to the traditional devices such as the Palms and tablet PCs. In many ways it will soon be like buying a state-of-the-art PC, you know that what you just bought has been superseded by the time you get back home.

scotty1024 · 05-21-2007, 04:41 PM

I have 4 Sony Readers and 1 .9 iLiad (always needing repairs) in my fleet.

If you can wait I'd hold out until the Amazon device is announced, supposedly this summer. Depending one which rumors you believe it could cost less than a Sony Reader and have more features: such as WiFi.

Whatever you buy, if possible use a Credit Card that provides automatic warranty extension/loss protection.

NatCh · 05-21-2007, 04:48 PM

I thought the Amazon Kindle (or whatever they actually end up calling it) was supposed to have EVDO rather than WIFI ....

yvanleterrible · 05-21-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty1024

I have 4 Sony Readers and 1 .9 iLiad (always needing repairs) in my fleet.

If you can wait I'd hold out until the Amazon device is announced, supposedly this summer. Depending one which rumors you believe it could cost less than a Sony Reader and have more features: such as WiFi.

Whatever you buy, if possible use a Credit Card that provides automatic warranty extension/loss protection.

Out of curiosity... why would you choose Amazon's device over others? Or are you implying to wait for some other choice or again more choices to choose from?

wallcraft · 05-21-2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NatCh

I thought the Amazon Kindle (or whatever they actually end up calling it) was supposed to have EVDO rather than WIFI ....

Yes. Which makes it an interesting option for WiFi-less locations. However, I don't know if it will be released in Europe, and Amazon will presumably have to have a cell phone network provider for this feature to work.

Perhaps the best near term option is to get a Sony Reader but for DRMed books buy MS LIT only. That way you are not locked into the Sony long term.

clabot451 · 05-21-2007, 05:57 PM

Welcom Kai, glad to have another member from Italy.

Only my two cents about your (our) problem: epaper is a fresh tech not quite mature ,so improvements will be implemented on a nearly monthly basis. The choice depends not only on tech but also content availability . I've got a friend inside Telecom who told me that probably the cellularbook (librofonino) will be released in time for X'mas , the main problem actually is getting enough content for the device. Remeber the screen is the smallest of the pack,but the device is the most portable.The price should be around 500 euros so it's not cheap.
If you need color you'll have to wait a lot more than Xmas 07.

I hope you'll find my two cents useful.
Bye from Turin
Claudio

texag · 05-22-2007, 12:09 AM

I'm waiting for the Amazon Kindle. I'm hoping they have a better set up than the Connect store.

NatCh · 05-22-2007, 08:10 AM

Heh, yeah, they probably will.

05-21-2007, 05:18 AM	#1
Kaisentlaia Obsessive reader Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Italy Device: Sony PRS500	to buy or not to buy? Hello World! I'm Kai and I write from Italy. First of all, sorry if my English isn't so good... ^^'' Since the first time I've heard about eInk ebook readers I'm dying to have one, but now that I can I have some doubts... I would buy Sony Reader because it's the one which fits better my needs. I like iLiad too but it's too much expensive and I cannot afford its price. I've noticed that Jinke / Hanlin v8 is cheaper than Sony, but I think it's really ugly and I don't like that you have to convert all text in its proprietary format (otherwise it will be my first choice). Now, my doubt is... and if in two months a better device will be available? For me better means (importance order): 1. it's sold in Italy (and costs less than iLiad, which IS sold in IT for 630 euros :°D) 2. it's cheaper 3. it has better battery life / less bugs, crashes etc / no need to convert text / etc etc I've waited so long to order one of this devices, and now they ship in Europe I cannot wait too much to buy one. I know that's a new technology and there are a lot of issues, so I planned to buy one now and in some years - when there will be eInk ebook readers sold in Italy, priced about 100-200 euros, with a graphic tablet to sketch on it, a stable OS, replaceable battery with wonderful battery life, compatibility with most common formats without conversion, warranty - I'll buy a new and better one. I don't think that another device which will fit better my needs will be available soon, but I would like to know what do you think about it. Should I buy it now and then hope that better devices will not be available soon so the expense will not be vain, or wait another pair of months yearning and maybe discovering that it's been a useless waiting? I know for sure that Sony wouldn't sell in Italy before 2008, and that STAReBOOK will be available after september (but I don't like its ugly default font) but what about other devices? Thank you in advance for your help

05-21-2007, 03:41 PM	#7
Huyggy Zealot Posts: 119 Karma: 87860 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Strasbourg France Device: Onyx Max 3 & Onyx Lumi 2	Hi everyone ! very glad to write in this forum after a long time reading you !(sorry for my english : not a native speaker ) How funny ! I was asking myself exactly the same question as Kaisentlaia: Buy now or later ? IMHO: The future is coming soon for some great ebook readers : Think about the new serie 9 of HanLin : 10", WiFi, many formats supported. The release date will be 8/31/07 (for the sooner) though. But I prefer to wait 3 months more than buying a reader that I may regret Last edited by Huyggy; 05-21-2007 at 03:43 PM.

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05-21-2007, 06:21 AM	#2
Madam Broshkina Manic Do Fuse Posts: 2,312 Karma: 3325462 Join Date: Oct 2006 Device: Sony 500, 505, 350, Kindle 3, DXG, nook, Irex DR800SG, iPad	Benvenuti Kai, In my humble opinion you should buy one now. If one waits for a better version they will probably wait for ever because there will always be rumors of better products coming out. I remember an old saying: "Chi non risica non rosica" I say go for it and take the risk!

05-21-2007, 07:43 AM	#3
mogui eNigma Posts: 503 Karma: 1335 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: The Philippines Device: HTC G1 Android FBReader	Some people that bought legacy eBooks with LCD screens, as well as those who started with Palm devices, say they still use them. If a device is adequate for reading, then you can use it a long time and not need to worry about whether something else is "better". I love my Sony Reader -- use it all the time -- and if something better comes out tomorrow, it is only interesting, not essential. A friend once commented that sometimes audiophiles find themselves listening to the stereo rather than to the music

05-21-2007, 09:18 AM	#4
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,977 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	It still isn't clear exactly what it capabilities will be, but Telecom Italia will soon be selling the cellular book. See the mobileread post and their IDPF presentation. The 5" display may be smaller than you are looking for, but may be an viable multi-function alternative to a dedicated e-book reader.

05-21-2007, 09:59 AM	#5
Kaisentlaia Obsessive reader Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Italy Device: Sony PRS500	@Madam Broshkina, mogui: I agree with you... now I'll have only to convince my boyfriend, who doesn't want I buy it beacause lack of warranty and high cost @wallcraft: interesting... I've heard about it before, I searched some videos on youtube and I've found onlin one not so clear, but refresh rate seems amazing! (cellular book video) But TIM it's an italian company, and here we have release times worst than iRex's. I'm not sure waiting for it should be a good idea... Anyway... I'll stay tuned and when (if) it will be available in shops i will go and take a look.

05-21-2007, 10:23 AM	#6
Kaisentlaia Obsessive reader Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Italy Device: Sony PRS500	some troubles with replies... o_O [edit] ok, now it seems to work. @Madam Broshkina, mogui: I agree with you... now I'll have only to convince my boyfriend, who doesn't want I buy it beacause lack of warranty and high cost @wallcraft: interesting... I've heard about it before, I searched some videos on youtube and I've found onlin one not so clear, but refresh rate seems amazing! (cellular book video) But TIM it's an italian company, and here we have release times worst than iRex's. I'm not sure waiting for it should be a good idea... Anyway... I'll stay tuned and when (if) it will be available in shops i will go and take a look.

05-21-2007, 04:00 PM	#8
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	I have used my Sony for just over 7 months and I already feel that I have received full value from the purchase. If a new one came out tomorrow with more features and half the price, I would not feel bad. As mogui said, if it meets your needs enjoy it. We are not in a contest to see who has the newest toys, we just like to read. To my mind the goal of a reader is to get out of the way so that I can read without worrying about the mechanics of operating the device. Fo me the Sony completely fills this requirement. For others the page advance buttons are not properly placed and it is awkward for them to use. Some like the iRex page bar for changing pages. Others require a back-lit screen so all of the e-ink screened devices are not part of their consideration. With the large number of recent announcements about new readers it should be an interesting year ahead. Even if 50% of them never make it to market there will soon be more devices than we can easily keep track of. All of this is in addition to the traditional devices such as the Palms and tablet PCs. In many ways it will soon be like buying a state-of-the-art PC, you know that what you just bought has been superseded by the time you get back home.

05-21-2007, 04:41 PM	#9
scotty1024 Banned Posts: 1,300 Karma: 1479 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Peoples Republic of Washington Device: Reader / iPhone / Librie / Kindle	I have 4 Sony Readers and 1 .9 iLiad (always needing repairs) in my fleet. If you can wait I'd hold out until the Amazon device is announced, supposedly this summer. Depending one which rumors you believe it could cost less than a Sony Reader and have more features: such as WiFi. Whatever you buy, if possible use a Credit Card that provides automatic warranty extension/loss protection.

05-21-2007, 04:48 PM	#10
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	I thought the Amazon Kindle (or whatever they actually end up calling it) was supposed to have EVDO rather than WIFI ....

05-21-2007, 05:57 PM	#13
clabot451 Member Posts: 15 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Turin - Italy Device: nintendods - motofonef3 - samsungz560	Welcom Kai, glad to have another member from Italy. Only my two cents about your (our) problem: epaper is a fresh tech not quite mature ,so improvements will be implemented on a nearly monthly basis. The choice depends not only on tech but also content availability . I've got a friend inside Telecom who told me that probably the cellularbook (librofonino) will be released in time for X'mas , the main problem actually is getting enough content for the device. Remeber the screen is the smallest of the pack,but the device is the most portable.The price should be around 500 euros so it's not cheap. If you need color you'll have to wait a lot more than Xmas 07. I hope you'll find my two cents useful. Bye from Turin Claudio

05-22-2007, 12:09 AM	#14
texag Member Posts: 19 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2007	I'm waiting for the Amazon Kindle. I'm hoping they have a better set up than the Connect store.

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05-22-2007, 08:10 AM	#15
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Heh, yeah, they probably will.