Newspapers without wifi

[mcrmama]

I have a question about how you handle newspaper subscriptions without wifi. I am in Canada so the 950 is not availableble here. I dropped my pocketbook last week and my screen broke so I need something new. I am interested in the touch screen of the Sony 650. I am not a big reader but will read more on a reader. One thing I found with my pocket book ismthat when I ran out of the things I wanted to read, I will pick up my iPod and play with that before I will refill my reader since I have to get on the computer. I have three kids so computer time Is not necessarily something I can get every day. I feel like I'm being lead towards the kindle for this reason. On the other hand, I have mostly epubs, it is nice to go to the library online when I get a chance. I have
Considered kobo but am worried since I tend to jump around pages when I read and am worried a out processing speed if I do that. I keep goingback and forth on this.

I have an 9 month old so will have to go back to work soon. When I do I want to start reading the newspaper on my reader as I know I won't read it otherwise but I just can't see me being able to plug in my reader daily. I don't have a laptop, at least not yet.

Jodi

Thanks

[Avwriter]

That is a personal choice, of course. However, you may be making a bigger deal out of it than it really is. I subscribe to the International Herald Tribune, and download the latest issue every day onto my PRS-350 with now problem; it literally only takes a couple of minutes to plug it in and drag the new issue onto the reader. If doing it in the morning is too much of a hassle, then just let yourself read it one day behind, and transfer the issue in the evening before bed. This works like a charm, especially since most newspapers these days are less focused on breaking news, and more about more in-depth analysis. Another option, is to subscribe to a weekly magazine or two, and then read those during the week.

[mcrmama]

thanks, I didn't mean to make it sound like a bigger deal than it is. I was more trying to figure out how people work that into their day, especially if you don't have access to a computer whenever you want. I wonder if they would let me load calibre at work, someone I doubt it. I think I have been spoiled by my ipod touch being able to to buy books and apps right there on the machine. I do think the Sony is perfect for what I like to read and the touch screen sounds wonderful. I think Walmart had a Sony out last time. I am going to see if I can go see it and put it in my hands (hopefully they have some left). I am hoping I might be able to get a laptop when I go back to work which would make it more convenient. I just often find when I want to use the computer, I have to wait my turn, lol. When my youngest gets old enough for the computer it will be interesting around here. Maybe we'll be able to get the kids their own to share by then.

Jodi

[natasha_fawn]

Originally Posted by mcrmama

thanks, I didn't mean to make it sound like a bigger deal than it is. I was more trying to figure out how people work that into their day, especially if you don't have access to a computer whenever you want. I wonder if they would let me load calibre at work, someone I doubt it. I think I have been spoiled by my ipod touch being able to to buy books and apps right there on the machine. I do think the Sony is perfect for what I like to read and the touch screen sounds wonderful. I think Walmart had a Sony out last time. I am going to see if I can go see it and put it in my hands (hopefully they have some left). I am hoping I might be able to get a laptop when I go back to work which would make it more convenient. I just often find when I want to use the computer, I have to wait my turn, lol. When my youngest gets old enough for the computer it will be interesting around here. Maybe we'll be able to get the kids their own to share by then.

Jodi

Just a note, Walmart in the states has only had some of the old models, I don't think they carry the *50 models at all here. Maybe it's different in Canada? Have you thought about getting a 950 shipped to you? I think quite a few people here have gotten them shipped out of the US. bhphoto.com does it, I believe, as well as a couple of other places. Probably more expensive, though, if that's an issue. (Agh, stop me before I abuse more commas!)

Edit: And a simple search of these forums tells me that Walmart in Canada has advertised the 350 and 650. Shoulda done that before I replied. (Still, maybe a good idea to double check what they have out if you're not overly familiar with the different models.)

[mcrmama]

Thanks Natasha, I'm pretty sure it was the 350 and 650 I saw out at Walmart. I'm not sure if they had any in stock though. The cabinet looked pretty empty. It seems to me that the sites that carry the 950 were all sold out. I might check again. Does anyone know if I did go that route if I can access the Sony Reader Store on a 950 from Canada. I did check on my ipod and was able to purchase a newspaper from here. Also, can calibre send a feed wirelessly to the 950? I'm trying to decide on size but it seems from what I have read and seen on videos the 950 is similar in size to the other 6 inch devices. The 650 looks like a nice size though for carrying around. Decisions, decisions.

Jodi

[Fayth]

I shopped around in Canada for mine. I got the last one at Best Buy 3 days ago. Everywhere else was sold out. Walmart sells them, but good luck getting one, if my stores were any indication. (Sudbury, ON)

[Bookworm_Girl]

Originally Posted by mcrmama

Thanks Natasha, I'm pretty sure it was the 350 and 650 I saw out at Walmart. I'm not sure if they had any in stock though. The cabinet looked pretty empty. It seems to me that the sites that carry the 950 were all sold out. I might check again. Does anyone know if I did go that route if I can access the Sony Reader Store on a 950 from Canada. I did check on my ipod and was able to purchase a newspaper from here. Also, can calibre send a feed wirelessly to the 950? I'm trying to decide on size but it seems from what I have read and seen on videos the 950 is similar in size to the other 6 inch devices. The 650 looks like a nice size though for carrying around. Decisions, decisions.

Jodi

Sorry to hear about your Pocketbook's unfortunate demise. To be honest, I have a subscription to a periodical and rarely have time to read it every day. I typically catch up with breaking news via the internet on my iPhone or my computer throughout the day. I mostly catch up with my subscription on the weekends. I also sometimes will load calibre news feeds at night like Avwriter recommended since my mornings are also hectic.

I think the reason that they don't sell the 950 in Canada is that you can only access the Sony Reader Store from the US. I think that you will have to make your purchases from Sony through their Reader Library software and transfer via USB to the 950. You can also make purchases from other ebookstores and transfer via USB; Kobo is probably the most popular Canadian option.

You should be able to still use the 950 internet browser and wikipedia lookup over Wi-fi though (not 3G). The internet browser is very basic; it's much easier to browse on my iPhone. I mostly use it for wikipedia which it does very well. Unfortunately, calibre cannot send a feed wirelessly to the 950. As far as I know that feature only works with the Kindle because the Kindle has an email address that calibre sends the documents to. You also cannot download any documents from the internet browser like other ereader brands can do. Sony doesn't allow it. I use the calibre Fetch News service too and just transfer the files by USB to my 950. One cool thing is that calibre formats them so they show up in your Periodicals folders just like newspapers that are purchased from Sony.

My 950 is approximately the same size as my Kindle 3 when side-by-side without covers. The 950 larger screen size is offset by the Kindle keyboard. That's why they are similar. And, I actually use a Kindle 2 cover/case with my 950. So, yes, the 950 is similar in size to other 6 inch ereaders.

Since you can't take advantage of the Reader Store wireless downloads on the 950, then maybe it's not worth the extra cost and you'd be better off with the 650. I guess you'd have to weigh how important is the 7" screen and internet/wikipedia access. However, the 650 is back-ordered in many countries - not sure what supply is like in Canada. If you have mostly EPUB files and use your local library frequently, then it doesn't sound like the Kindle is your best choice.

Decisions are tough! Hope that helps.

[mcrmama]

Thanks so much everyone. I managed to see a sony 650 today and picked it up. It was the last one in walmart. Staples had a 350, one left and London drugs was sold out. Everywhere I went I was told they have been flying out. Sony style Canada has silver ones left on their website. Anyways, the touch screen on the demo seemed really neat. The reader is a little heavier than what I am used to but I was expecting that. I was not able to get a proper case. I got a zippered padded case for now and will have to order something better online. The zippered case is the one designed for the pocket reader but all i could find so at least i can protect it from dust when not in use. It is charging right now. I promised myself I would not touch it until that is done. I do like the look of it a lot. I'm looking forward to trying it out. It is staying somewhere soft until I can get a proper case for it though.

[mcrmama]

Just thought I would add that I just finished charging and turned my reader on for the first time. Wow, the screen really is nice. I like it so much better than the older screens. i'm going to have fun with this. I really like the 6" screen much better too.

Jodi

[Bookworm_Girl]

Congrats, Jodi! You are lucky that you could find one. I am sure you will enjoy it! The new touchscreens are really great. Do some searching through the forums. There are several threads on cases recommended for the 650 that you might find helpful.

[mufc]

I have a Sony 650 and use Calibre to download a bunch of newspaper and magazine recipes (52) that I have edited especially for the 650. I just get the text that is it. I can read 5 English Newspapers, 3 Canadian newspapers and 3 Canadian News sites for free every day because of Calibre. I program them to download at 3am every morning and just plug in my Sony when I get up for about 90 seconds and I have all the articles I need and then some.
You can also run Calibre off a USB Drive. I spent Xmas at my sister in laws and just plugged in my usb drive overnight with Calibre running. Got up the next day and within 2 minutes of plugging in my Sony I was all set.
Let me also say that if you only read books then then Kobo will do but if you are a serious newspaper and magazine reader you will appreciate the touch screen.

You do need a case for the Sony. Makes a lot of difference. Mine does not have the light but my wife's does. She loves it.

[eroe]

Originally Posted by mufc

I have a Sony 650 and use Calibre to download a bunch of newspaper and magazine recipes (52) that I have edited especially for the 650. I just get the text that is it. I can read 5 English Newspapers, 3 Canadian newspapers and 3 Canadian News sites for free every day because of Calibre. I program them to download at 3am every morning and just plug in my Sony when I get up for about 90 seconds and I have all the articles I need and then some.
You can also run Calibre off a USB Drive. I spent Xmas at my sister in laws and just plugged in my usb drive overnight with Calibre running. Got up the next day and within 2 minutes of plugging in my Sony I was all set.
Let me also say that if you only read books then then Kobo will do but if you are a serious newspaper and magazine reader you will appreciate the touch screen.

You do need a case for the Sony. Makes a lot of difference. Mine does not have the light but my wife's does. She loves it.

Can I ask how you specifically download the Canadian News Sites and Newspapers onto your Sony reader? Is it through Kobo books? I'm curious to try this out myself but I find the Kobo books has limited Canadian news options.

[mufc]

No.
You use Calibre.
Just read the forum about how to set calibre to download recipes.
Recipes are calibres word for programmable code for downloading rss feeds etc.
I can post a bunch of Canadian recipes here in a zip file.
You would unzip them to a folder. Open Calibre, click on Fetch News and then 'Load recipe from a file'. Pick the ones you like and then after closing that window click on 'fetch news' again. This time click on 'schedule news download' and set up your schedule. You can also choose from there to download right away.
Before you do any of that set calibre in 'preferences' 'plugins' 'output profile plugins' and choose sony.
afterwards calibre will automatically recognize your sony. When you plug it in it will transfer over your newspapers etc.
This was a quick reply but I hope it helps.

[eroe]

Originally Posted by mufc

No.
You use Calibre.
Just read the forum about how to set calibre to download recipes.
Recipes are calibres word for programmable code for downloading rss feeds etc.
I can post a bunch of Canadian recipes here in a zip file.
You would unzip them to a folder. Open Calibre, click on Fetch News and then 'Load recipe from a file'. Pick the ones you like and then after closing that window click on 'fetch news' again. This time click on 'schedule news download' and set up your schedule. You can also choose from there to download right away.
Before you do any of that set calibre in 'preferences' 'plugins' 'output profile plugins' and choose sony.
afterwards calibre will automatically recognize your sony. When you plug it in it will transfer over your newspapers etc.
This was a quick reply but I hope it helps.

Thank you for the fast and clear response. I had no idea Calibre was able to fetch news! I guess this would be the importance of reading a manual beforehand . Also thank you for uploading the Canadian recipes, it'll be awesome to be able to read news while traveling on the bus!

[mcrmama]

Thanks so much for that info. I have a few I have been downloading. I am going to check the zip as well. I am amazed with the new screen. So nice and I am loving having touch screen. I think I am going to order a cover with a light. Knowing me, I will lose a light that is separate. And I know I will read a lot more if the light is right there. I nurse my youngest every evening. It is a nice time to read (and enjoy him too!)

Calibre is wonderful. I was using it for our pocketbooks before. Such a great program. For the poster above, it is not hard to use calibre to get the news. There are a lot of presets there as well you can use that are already set up, just need to schedule them to download.

Jodi