Looking for a reader for the wife. In Canada

keviebc · 02-14-2011, 04:41 PM

She likes to read...primarily fiction..
She uses the library and trades books with friends. We don't buy many "new" books.
I understand that the ePub format isn't supported by the Kindle, but that we can use Calibre to get around that, which means we can make use of any of the ebook stores and convert to a non proprietay format, usually with no issues. I have also read there are ways around DRM.
Is the Nook, Kindle, Sony or Kobo weaker overall in any glaring way?

This will be our first reader, and we would like to get one that will meet our needs for awhile.

I would like wireless, but 3G isn't important.

Budget up to $200 Canadian.

Thanks, Kenie

FF2 · 02-14-2011, 05:45 PM

Is there anyway to get you/her a hands-on experience? The Kindle and newer Sony's use the newest versions of e-ink - meaning better contrast and probably easier reading.

I will not admit that some epubs work well on my Kindle after I don't admit to removing things that might get in the way. So, yes, I have purchased "free" books from Barnes and Noble and borrowed books from the library that are protected and have been able to read on my K3. But there are those who would suggest if you really want epub/library, get something that reads them in their natural state.

Others will be along very soon with additional advice/opinions/prejudices.

ATDrake · 02-14-2011, 07:01 PM

I suggest before you make a decision, you pick up some of the promotional free books available at every store and practice stripping and converting to see if you experience any technical hurdles that might make things more difficult than you'd like.

Currently, newest model Sonys and Kindle have the best e-ink screen (the "Pearl" one with greater contrast).

Kobo is nice enough for a very basic reader, but if you think you might want extra features like highlighting or text-to-speech or dictionary usage for non-purchased books, you should probably go with something else. Also, the Kobo currently doesn't handle internal links (this is apparently being worked on for a future firmware update), but this is probably a moot point as you mentioned your wife reads mainly fiction and will probably not need to access footnotes.

Kindle's main weakness is format incompatibility, and also you can't adjust menu size which might be a consideration if there are any visual difficulties in that area. In addition, organizing your books can be kind of frustrating, as the Collections system leaves much to be desired.

The classic Nook can read the most DRM formats (B&N ePub, Secure eReader, ADE ePub and PDF). But non-B&N books have second-class status which means that certain built-in features like having the cover show in the LCD screen browser are reserved for purchases. But you can get around this by rooting the Nook.

Hope this helps, and welcome to MobileRead, fellow Canadian!

Snapply · 02-14-2011, 10:59 PM

go wit teh kindle bro

natasha_fawn · 02-14-2011, 11:01 PM

There are ways around DRM, I second ATDrake's suggestion of practising stripping DRM and converting. I wouldn't want to do it routinely, but many people have no issues with it. If you decide that it's not a problem, any of the readers would work for you. If you don't want to, Kindle is out because it doesn't do library books.

You may find using the nook in Canada a bit of a hassle, at least when you do want to buy books. The B&N book store is restricted to the United States, though there are ways to get around it. B&N's DRM is different than the ADE Sony and Kobo use, so you would have to strip it if you got a Sony or Kobo (or Kindle) and wanted to buy B&N books.

The Kobo doesn't have as many features as the others, and some people say it is slower. I believe it also has an older screen type.

The Sonys are more expensive, though the 350 (5" screen) is on par with the Kindle at the moment, but neither the 350 nor the 650 have wi-fi. The touch screens are very nice, page turning is a breeze and you can look up a word simply by double-tapping it.

If you can, have her go to the store(s) so she can play with the different models. The form factors are all different, and it's a big deal for ease of use and comfort. (As an example, the touchscreen was a must for me, since I kept accidentally trying to use my boyfriend's nook as if the entire thing was a touchscreen. Other people don't like it as much because it lessens battery life to about 2 weeks, and it can be easy to brush it accidentally and turn pages when you don't want to.)

Are there any specific features she wants? Audio player, text to speech, dictionary, highlighting, note-taking?

mcrmama · 02-15-2011, 03:17 AM

I am in Canada and have the Sony 650. They are hard to find right now but some locations might have them locally for you. I got mine at a local Walmart. They also carried the Kobo so you can compare. You should be able to find a Sony 350 to see. The Sony website has the 350 for $179 right now. I love the touch screen on the Sony and it really is nice having epub support. The new screen that sony and kindle use really is nice. I find I can handle smaller font on these than I could on the older screen I had.

I get most of my books either from the library or from Kobobooks.com and that has worked well. Have fun!

ProfCrash · 02-15-2011, 09:36 AM

If you are planning on using the library I would look at the Kobo or Sony. I am ruling out the Nook only because you have to jump through extra hoops to buy one in Canada and I get the feeling that you want to make this as painless as possible.

You can use the library with a Kindle but there are extra steps involved and you have to be comfortable with stripping the DRM off of a book and converting it. Comfortable in this context means with the legal/ethical decision as well as the technological decision.

Calibre and the associated plugings will allow you to buy from Amazon and read on a Kobo or Sony pretty easily so you would have access to the various ebook stores.

I would try and find a Sony 650 or 950. The Kobo is a very basic ereaders. It works well for what it does but it is very limited. I would prefer the 950 because I like having 3G and Wifi connectivity on my device but it is a great deal more expensive then the 650.

I do love my Kindle. The price point is great, it is easy to use, and I like the wireless connectivity that comes with it. If you are comfortable with stripping DRM and converting the files a Kindle will work great for you.

starrlamia · 02-15-2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FF2

Is there anyway to get you/her a hands-on experience? The Kindle and newer Sony's use the newest versions of e-ink - meaning better contrast and probably easier reading.

I will not admit that some epubs work well on my Kindle after I don't admit to removing things that might get in the way. So, yes, I have purchased "free" books from Barnes and Noble and borrowed books from the library that are protected and have been able to read on my K3. But there are those who would suggest if you really want epub/library, get something that reads them in their natural state.

Others will be along very soon with additional advice/opinions/prejudices.

kindle doesnt support epub I think you missed the conversion step in there.

I would recommend a Sony or a kobo.
Sony has a nice touch screen and a better contrasting screen, however the kobo is quite a bit cheaper and great for just reading. It was just on sale for about 80 bucks (refurbed i think)

treadlightly · 02-15-2011, 02:10 PM

If you are comfortable removing DRM and converting, I would think about whether you want a touch screen, page turn buttons on each side of the device or the D-button that the kobo has. Reading fiction, the main operation you will perform is the page turn.

I didn't want a touch screen and really like the dedicated page turn buttons of the kindle. I borrow from the library and buy ebooks from both Chapters and Amazon. DRM removal for personal use is not (yet) illegal in Canada.

02-14-2011, 04:41 PM	#1
keviebc Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: none	Looking for a reader for the wife. In Canada She likes to read...primarily fiction.. She uses the library and trades books with friends. We don't buy many "new" books. I understand that the ePub format isn't supported by the Kindle, but that we can use Calibre to get around that, which means we can make use of any of the ebook stores and convert to a non proprietay format, usually with no issues. I have also read there are ways around DRM. Is the Nook, Kindle, Sony or Kobo weaker overall in any glaring way? This will be our first reader, and we would like to get one that will meet our needs for awhile. I would like wireless, but 3G isn't important. Budget up to $200 Canadian. Thanks, Kenie

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02-14-2011, 05:45 PM	#2
FF2 Wizard Posts: 1,105 Karma: 1025784 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: WiFi Kindle3	Is there anyway to get you/her a hands-on experience? The Kindle and newer Sony's use the newest versions of e-ink - meaning better contrast and probably easier reading. I will not admit that some epubs work well on my Kindle after I don't admit to removing things that might get in the way. So, yes, I have purchased "free" books from Barnes and Noble and borrowed books from the library that are protected and have been able to read on my K3. But there are those who would suggest if you really want epub/library, get something that reads them in their natural state. Others will be along very soon with additional advice/opinions/prejudices.

02-14-2011, 07:01 PM	#3
ATDrake Wizzard Posts: 11,517 Karma: 33048258 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roundworld Device: Kindle 2 International, Sony PRS-T1, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia	I suggest before you make a decision, you pick up some of the promotional free books available at every store and practice stripping and converting to see if you experience any technical hurdles that might make things more difficult than you'd like. Currently, newest model Sonys and Kindle have the best e-ink screen (the "Pearl" one with greater contrast). Kobo is nice enough for a very basic reader, but if you think you might want extra features like highlighting or text-to-speech or dictionary usage for non-purchased books, you should probably go with something else. Also, the Kobo currently doesn't handle internal links (this is apparently being worked on for a future firmware update), but this is probably a moot point as you mentioned your wife reads mainly fiction and will probably not need to access footnotes. Kindle's main weakness is format incompatibility, and also you can't adjust menu size which might be a consideration if there are any visual difficulties in that area. In addition, organizing your books can be kind of frustrating, as the Collections system leaves much to be desired. The classic Nook can read the most DRM formats (B&N ePub, Secure eReader, ADE ePub and PDF). But non-B&N books have second-class status which means that certain built-in features like having the cover show in the LCD screen browser are reserved for purchases. But you can get around this by rooting the Nook. Hope this helps, and welcome to MobileRead, fellow Canadian!

02-14-2011, 10:59 PM	#4
Snapply Connoisseur Posts: 55 Karma: 34 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Amazozn Kindlezz	go wit teh kindle bro

02-14-2011, 11:01 PM	#5
natasha_fawn Evangelist Posts: 414 Karma: 184633 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Sony PRS-950 (finally!)	There are ways around DRM, I second ATDrake's suggestion of practising stripping DRM and converting. I wouldn't want to do it routinely, but many people have no issues with it. If you decide that it's not a problem, any of the readers would work for you. If you don't want to, Kindle is out because it doesn't do library books. You may find using the nook in Canada a bit of a hassle, at least when you do want to buy books. The B&N book store is restricted to the United States, though there are ways to get around it. B&N's DRM is different than the ADE Sony and Kobo use, so you would have to strip it if you got a Sony or Kobo (or Kindle) and wanted to buy B&N books. The Kobo doesn't have as many features as the others, and some people say it is slower. I believe it also has an older screen type. The Sonys are more expensive, though the 350 (5" screen) is on par with the Kindle at the moment, but neither the 350 nor the 650 have wi-fi. The touch screens are very nice, page turning is a breeze and you can look up a word simply by double-tapping it. If you can, have her go to the store(s) so she can play with the different models. The form factors are all different, and it's a big deal for ease of use and comfort. (As an example, the touchscreen was a must for me, since I kept accidentally trying to use my boyfriend's nook as if the entire thing was a touchscreen. Other people don't like it as much because it lessens battery life to about 2 weeks, and it can be easy to brush it accidentally and turn pages when you don't want to.) Are there any specific features she wants? Audio player, text to speech, dictionary, highlighting, note-taking?

02-15-2011, 03:17 AM	#6
mcrmama Addict Posts: 239 Karma: 16806 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Kobo Aura One	I am in Canada and have the Sony 650. They are hard to find right now but some locations might have them locally for you. I got mine at a local Walmart. They also carried the Kobo so you can compare. You should be able to find a Sony 350 to see. The Sony website has the 350 for $179 right now. I love the touch screen on the Sony and it really is nice having epub support. The new screen that sony and kindle use really is nice. I find I can handle smaller font on these than I could on the older screen I had. I get most of my books either from the library or from Kobobooks.com and that has worked well. Have fun!

02-15-2011, 09:36 AM	#7
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	If you are planning on using the library I would look at the Kobo or Sony. I am ruling out the Nook only because you have to jump through extra hoops to buy one in Canada and I get the feeling that you want to make this as painless as possible. You can use the library with a Kindle but there are extra steps involved and you have to be comfortable with stripping the DRM off of a book and converting it. Comfortable in this context means with the legal/ethical decision as well as the technological decision. Calibre and the associated plugings will allow you to buy from Amazon and read on a Kobo or Sony pretty easily so you would have access to the various ebook stores. I would try and find a Sony 650 or 950. The Kobo is a very basic ereaders. It works well for what it does but it is very limited. I would prefer the 950 because I like having 3G and Wifi connectivity on my device but it is a great deal more expensive then the 650. I do love my Kindle. The price point is great, it is easy to use, and I like the wireless connectivity that comes with it. If you are comfortable with stripping DRM and converting the files a Kindle will work great for you.

02-15-2011, 02:10 PM	#9
treadlightly Wizard Posts: 1,370 Karma: 6957792 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa, ON Device: Kobo H2O	If you are comfortable removing DRM and converting, I would think about whether you want a touch screen, page turn buttons on each side of the device or the D-button that the kobo has. Reading fiction, the main operation you will perform is the page turn. I didn't want a touch screen and really like the dedicated page turn buttons of the kindle. I borrow from the library and buy ebooks from both Chapters and Amazon. DRM removal for personal use is not (yet) illegal in Canada.

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