New here..?

OldMan80 · 06-02-2013, 08:58 PM

I have been reading paperbacks and hardcovers for years.. My daughter just gave me a Kindle Paperwhite from Best Buy.. should I take it back, get a refund and buy something else..ie.. Kobo or Nook..? I have been reading some eBooks on my iPad with the Apps from Kobo, Amazon and others, but the screen is so shinny and reflective it hurts my eyes.. my daughter says the eInk is the cure.
... so should I keep the Kindle or get the Nook or Kobo? I hear Sony is not up to speed yet with the competition.. she also suggested the lighted screen as in the KPW.. your professional opinions are much appreciated..
Thanks..
Old Man

crich70 · 06-02-2013, 09:02 PM

I'd keep the paperwhite. It's a good little machine all in all.

FizzyWater · 06-02-2013, 09:10 PM

I prefer reading on eInk over a tablet myself.

But your question on what you should keep is really going to be a personal decision. There are different reasons to like all the various readers - so it just depends on which of the features fit you best.

If you take the various readers at face-value - rather than the more technically involved folks who are hacking their readers! - your Paperwhite will read your Amazon ebooks. Some, but not all, books from Overdrive eBook libraries are also available for the Kindle. If you buy eBooks from the smaller e-publishers, you might also be able to get "mobi" formatted books that the Kindle will read.

Kobo will read ePub books purchased from everywhere but B&N (last I knew) and Apple. The Nook will read ePubs purchased from everywhere but Apple. There's a lot of speculation that the Nook as a brand is dying, so keep that in mind if it concerns you. I actually recently bought a Nook Glow because my ebooks are all ePub and I like the light. And for now at least, I have local help with it if I have problems (unlike Kobo).

On the other hand, if you decide to keep the Paperwhite, you can learn how to remove the encryption (DRM) from your ePub ebooks and use a program called Calibre to convert them to mobi formatted books.

We can't give instructions on how to do that specifically. We always suggest you google "Apprentice Alf" for details.

For most people, it's likely not legal, so you have to decide how it fits in your ethics. (Most of us figure if we're just stripping the DRM for our own use, it's worth learning how to do - we're not offering our books up to be pirated!)

taming · 06-02-2013, 11:58 PM

You may just have to adjust the strength of the light on the PW to find a setting you like. One of the things I like about the Kobo Glo and Aura is that you can turn the light off completely if you wish.

cromag · 06-03-2013, 12:22 AM

In the "E-Book Readers" forum there''s a whole section on "Which one should I buy."

You'll find good breakdowns on ereader capabilities, personal experiences, etc.

Geralt · 06-03-2013, 04:41 AM

It's a present right? Keep it.
Paperwhite is great and easiest for people who dont have experience in ebook reading/buying IMO.

I have Kindle Keyboard; it was also a present and it never occurred to me to replace it with another device. I would love to get paperwhite as well because it supports JAP-ENG dictionary but that is my personal reason that is not the common one for most people.

piperclassique · 06-03-2013, 06:32 AM

I'd go with keeping the paperwhite. Mainly because your daughter chose it with love.
But also because it's a pretty good ereader and Amazon have a great choice of books, easy to get direct on the reader, and their aftersales service is excellent. You can also use Baen who will send directly to your kindle, or via the (admittedly not brilliant) web browser or a computer you have Gutenberg, Manybooks, this site and other providers of public domain books. It's a very user friendly device.

You don't need to change formats unless there is a "must have" book that you can't get in either Amazons .azw or .mobi formats. If you later find a need for this, there are ways, Calibre is one of the best and there is plenty of help here, but there is no immediate need to do other than enjoy your lovely gift.

JoeD · 06-03-2013, 07:31 AM

I'd keep the kindle, but then I'm biased, I have a kindle and I like the experience Amazon provides in shopping for ebooks and support for other devices such as tablets. I don't have the paperwhite version so I can't comment on how well the light works for reading, but when the light isn't needed and you're sat in bright sunlight on the patio, you can't beat eInk, whether it's a kindle, nook, sony or any other eInk based reader.

As far as which to go for, it doesn't really matter too much, there are ways to convert books bought from competing stores (with or without drm) to work on each device. Having a kindle doesn't mean you have to only buy from Amazon, you can buy from any DRM free store (or with a little more legwork, any store).

Since you've already got a kindle and it was a present, I'd say keep it. It'd likely be my recommendation even if you were still looking to buy anyway

elemenoP · 06-03-2013, 08:03 AM

You've got it, so start reading! If you like it, keep reading! If you don't like it, look into a different reader.

fjtorres · 06-03-2013, 08:31 AM

If you like Science Fiction and Fantasy, go check out the Fifth Imperium website for some promotional CDs full of BAEN ebooks. They also have a free library at their website.
The Kindle ebookstore generally has a fair amount of free promo ebooks plus a healthy supply of public domain classics.
Your daughter got you the tool, might as well take it for a spin to see how you like it.
Worry about whether to exchange it if and when you find a problem; you have 30 days to decide. (Amazon policy.)

ApK · 06-03-2013, 08:40 AM

Unless you firmly hate Amazon or it's book-buying ecosystem, there is no reason I can think of to switch for switching sake. All devices have their fans and detractors, and their pros and cons, but if you add up all the comments around here in terms of device, book store, and customer services, I think you'll find Amazon, and the PW in particular, showing well across the board.
Is there some reason you're even considering switching, or do you just not know anything about the choices, and figure your daughter probably doesn't either?

applesauce · 06-03-2013, 08:43 AM

I love my paperwhite. I have majpr eye problems and the eink screen just smashes my husbands tablet out of the water. The best bits are the choice of font and size plus the ability to read in bed in the dark.
I have to admit I love not having to get up and turn the light on as it gets darker.

applesauce

OldMan80 · 06-03-2013, 08:53 PM

Thanks for all the info.. I think I will keep it.. Love it so far.. screen at night in bed with setting on 3-4 kinda blotchy but I can live with it.. in the daylight with light on medium it's awesome.. my friend has the Kobo Glo and at night and in the dark it's much better than the KPW.. but..whataya going to do?
Frank..

ApK · 06-03-2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldMan80

Thanks for all the info.. I think I will keep it.. Love it so far.. screen at night in bed with setting on 3-4 kinda blotchy but I can live with it.. in the daylight with light on medium it's awesome.. my friend has the Kobo Glo and at night and in the dark it's much better than the KPW.. but..whataya going to do?
Frank..

Maybe folks here with both devices can comment, but you may have a defective PW. You might try exchanging it for another PW.

OldMan80 · 06-03-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApK

Maybe folks here with both devices can comment, but you may have a defective PW. You might try exchanging it for another PW.

Yes... I have heard they have had some control issues with the devices.. I may have ended up with the one made in a sweat factory.. LOL..

06-02-2013, 08:58 PM	#1
OldMan80 Banned Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco, Ca Device: KPW	New here..? I have been reading paperbacks and hardcovers for years.. My daughter just gave me a Kindle Paperwhite from Best Buy.. should I take it back, get a refund and buy something else..ie.. Kobo or Nook..? I have been reading some eBooks on my iPad with the Apps from Kobo, Amazon and others, but the screen is so shinny and reflective it hurts my eyes.. my daughter says the eInk is the cure. ... so should I keep the Kindle or get the Nook or Kobo? I hear Sony is not up to speed yet with the competition.. she also suggested the lighted screen as in the KPW.. your professional opinions are much appreciated.. Thanks.. Old Man

06-03-2013, 08:43 AM	#12
applesauce Addict Posts: 387 Karma: 3553492 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Perth Western Australia Device: kindle oasis	I love my paperwhite. I have majpr eye problems and the eink screen just smashes my husbands tablet out of the water. The best bits are the choice of font and size plus the ability to read in bed in the dark. I have to admit I love not having to get up and turn the light on as it gets darker. applesauce Last edited by applesauce; 06-03-2013 at 10:02 AM.

06-02-2013, 09:02 PM	#2
crich70 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,310 Karma: 43993832 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Monroe Wisconsin Device: K3, Kindle Paperwhite, Calibre, and Mobipocket for Pc (netbook)	I'd keep the paperwhite. It's a good little machine all in all.

06-02-2013, 09:10 PM	#3
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 4,220 Karma: 73492664 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Oasis 2 and Libra H2O and half a dozen older models I can't let go of	I prefer reading on eInk over a tablet myself. But your question on what you should keep is really going to be a personal decision. There are different reasons to like all the various readers - so it just depends on which of the features fit you best. If you take the various readers at face-value - rather than the more technically involved folks who are hacking their readers! - your Paperwhite will read your Amazon ebooks. Some, but not all, books from Overdrive eBook libraries are also available for the Kindle. If you buy eBooks from the smaller e-publishers, you might also be able to get "mobi" formatted books that the Kindle will read. Kobo will read ePub books purchased from everywhere but B&N (last I knew) and Apple. The Nook will read ePubs purchased from everywhere but Apple. There's a lot of speculation that the Nook as a brand is dying, so keep that in mind if it concerns you. I actually recently bought a Nook Glow because my ebooks are all ePub and I like the light. And for now at least, I have local help with it if I have problems (unlike Kobo). On the other hand, if you decide to keep the Paperwhite, you can learn how to remove the encryption (DRM) from your ePub ebooks and use a program called Calibre to convert them to mobi formatted books. We can't give instructions on how to do that specifically. We always suggest you google "Apprentice Alf" for details. For most people, it's likely not legal, so you have to decide how it fits in your ethics. (Most of us figure if we're just stripping the DRM for our own use, it's worth learning how to do - we're not offering our books up to be pirated!)

06-02-2013, 11:58 PM	#4
taming Trying for calm & polite Posts: 4,012 Karma: 9455193 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mostly in Canada Device: kobo original, WiFI, Touch, Glo, and Aura	You may just have to adjust the strength of the light on the PW to find a setting you like. One of the things I like about the Kobo Glo and Aura is that you can turn the light off completely if you wish.

06-03-2013, 12:22 AM	#5
cromag Surfin the alpha waves ~~ Posts: 26,290 Karma: 459765791 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Device: Jetbook Lite & Mini, Nook STR, Kobo, Hanvon N516, Kindle 2, Androids	In the "E-Book Readers" forum there''s a whole section on "Which one should I buy." You'll find good breakdowns on ereader capabilities, personal experiences, etc.

06-03-2013, 04:41 AM	#6
Geralt Witcher Posts: 933 Karma: 7321117 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Swamp. Slaying Drowners. Device: Kindle PW2	It's a present right? Keep it. Paperwhite is great and easiest for people who dont have experience in ebook reading/buying IMO. I have Kindle Keyboard; it was also a present and it never occurred to me to replace it with another device. I would love to get paperwhite as well because it supports JAP-ENG dictionary but that is my personal reason that is not the common one for most people.

06-03-2013, 06:32 AM	#7
piperclassique A garbling groftpot Posts: 993 Karma: 9234667 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: France Device: Oasis, Voyage, Kobo mini, Samsung tablet, phones, whatever.	I'd go with keeping the paperwhite. Mainly because your daughter chose it with love. But also because it's a pretty good ereader and Amazon have a great choice of books, easy to get direct on the reader, and their aftersales service is excellent. You can also use Baen who will send directly to your kindle, or via the (admittedly not brilliant) web browser or a computer you have Gutenberg, Manybooks, this site and other providers of public domain books. It's a very user friendly device. You don't need to change formats unless there is a "must have" book that you can't get in either Amazons .azw or .mobi formats. If you later find a need for this, there are ways, Calibre is one of the best and there is plenty of help here, but there is no immediate need to do other than enjoy your lovely gift.

06-03-2013, 07:31 AM	#8
JoeD Guru Posts: 895 Karma: 4383958 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: na	I'd keep the kindle, but then I'm biased, I have a kindle and I like the experience Amazon provides in shopping for ebooks and support for other devices such as tablets. I don't have the paperwhite version so I can't comment on how well the light works for reading, but when the light isn't needed and you're sat in bright sunlight on the patio, you can't beat eInk, whether it's a kindle, nook, sony or any other eInk based reader. As far as which to go for, it doesn't really matter too much, there are ways to convert books bought from competing stores (with or without drm) to work on each device. Having a kindle doesn't mean you have to only buy from Amazon, you can buy from any DRM free store (or with a little more legwork, any store). Since you've already got a kindle and it was a present, I'd say keep it. It'd likely be my recommendation even if you were still looking to buy anyway

06-03-2013, 08:03 AM	#9
elemenoP Wizard Posts: 1,717 Karma: 3790058 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Sony 650	You've got it, so start reading! If you like it, keep reading! If you don't like it, look into a different reader.

06-03-2013, 08:31 AM	#10
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	If you like Science Fiction and Fantasy, go check out the Fifth Imperium website for some promotional CDs full of BAEN ebooks. They also have a free library at their website. The Kindle ebookstore generally has a fair amount of free promo ebooks plus a healthy supply of public domain classics. Your daughter got you the tool, might as well take it for a spin to see how you like it. Worry about whether to exchange it if and when you find a problem; you have 30 days to decide. (Amazon policy.)

06-03-2013, 08:40 AM	#11
ApK Award-Winning Participant Posts: 7,389 Karma: 68329346 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NJ, USA Device: Kindle	Unless you firmly hate Amazon or it's book-buying ecosystem, there is no reason I can think of to switch for switching sake. All devices have their fans and detractors, and their pros and cons, but if you add up all the comments around here in terms of device, book store, and customer services, I think you'll find Amazon, and the PW in particular, showing well across the board. Is there some reason you're even considering switching, or do you just not know anything about the choices, and figure your daughter probably doesn't either?

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06-03-2013, 08:53 PM	#13
OldMan80 Banned Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco, Ca Device: KPW	Thanks for all the info.. I think I will keep it.. Love it so far.. screen at night in bed with setting on 3-4 kinda blotchy but I can live with it.. in the daylight with light on medium it's awesome.. my friend has the Kobo Glo and at night and in the dark it's much better than the KPW.. but..whataya going to do? Frank..