Alternative to Kindle Paperwhite

meddle · 10-31-2017, 12:07 PM

Hey all,

Long time lurker, finally decided to make an account.

I'm currently using a Nook ST. It serves its purpose, but I'm wanting a better screen and backlight. I was probably just going to get a Kobo, but I noticed that their current lineup doesn't really have anything that directly competes with the PW. The only one close in price is the Kobo Aura Edition 2 but according to the specs, has a much lower resolution than the PW (212ppi vs 300 on the PW). That combined with the many sales on the PW making it even less than the Aura turns me off from a purchase.

The next step up is the H2O but is honestly more than I wanted to spend. Where is the successor to the Glo HD? I'm a little surprised the entry level Aura isn't using the Glo HD screen.

I'm in the US so Kindle and Kobo are pretty much the only ereaders easily available.

Thanks!

HarryT · 10-31-2017, 12:26 PM

If you want a 6" screen, the 300dpi screen used by the PW3 is as good as it gets. The frontlighting (not backlight

) on the PW is generally considered to be pretty reasonable - is yours not so?

The next step up in size would be the 6.8" screen used by the H2O, etc, but that is, as you note, rather more expensive.

meddle · 10-31-2017, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

If you want a 6" screen, the 300dpi screen used by the PW3 is as good as it gets. The frontlighting (not backlight

) on the PW is generally considered to be pretty reasonable - is yours not so?

The next step up in size would be the 6.8" screen used by the H2O, etc, but that is, as you note, rather more expensive.

I don't have a PW. I'm looking for an upgrade from my Nook ST in the under $130 area. Screen size doesn't matter. I was just wondering if there was anything comparable in specs and price to the PW. It looks like Kobo doesn't have anything unless they have a new reader on the horizon.

Hemmi · 10-31-2017, 07:52 PM

Are you looking for new? There are tons of used readers out there. Even other Nooks like the Glowlight and Glowlight plus.

If you use Calibre, switching to a Kindle isn't a big deal, Calibre will convert for you. I just got a Paperwhite and the screen on it is nice. I don't like the lack of page turn buttons though so my Sonys are still my favorite readers.

I've bought the vast majority of my ereader collection used and not had any issues with battery life or anything.

davidfor · 10-31-2017, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meddle

The next step up is the H2O but is honestly more than I wanted to spend. Where is the successor to the Glo HD? I'm a little surprised the entry level Aura isn't using the Glo HD screen.

We were all a bit shocked when Kobo dropped the Glo HD. The Aura Edition 2 was announced at the time and just doesn't cut it at the price. I keep hoping for a "Glo ONE" - same size as the Glo HD, same features as the Aura ONE.

There is no sign of another device. Kobo normally announce/release in April/May and September/October. So, I don't expect to see anything new until April.

barryem · 10-31-2017, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meddle

Hey all,

Long time lurker, finally decided to make an account.

I'm currently using a Nook ST. It serves its purpose, but I'm wanting a better screen and backlight. I was probably just going to get a Kobo, but I noticed that their current lineup doesn't really have anything that directly competes with the PW. The only one close in price is the Kobo Aura Edition 2 but according to the specs, has a much lower resolution than the PW (212ppi vs 300 on the PW). That combined with the many sales on the PW making it even less than the Aura turns me off from a purchase.

The next step up is the H2O but is honestly more than I wanted to spend. Where is the successor to the Glo HD? I'm a little surprised the entry level Aura isn't using the Glo HD screen.

I have the latest Paperwhite and an older Kobo and I've helped my neighbor set up his Kobo H2O so I have at least a little experience with that as well. I also have the Paperwhite 2nd generation which has the same resolution as the Kobo Aura 2.

First things first: I really can't see the difference in 212 ppi and 300 ppi. Others say they can and I can't really question that but I do wonder how much it affects their reading.

The Kindle, in my opinion, is the better device. I like the Kobo interface but it's a bit buggy at times and a bit clumsy compared to the Kindle. My Kobo is the original Aura which is tiny and light and a joy to hold for long periods so I do like it but I still read more on the Kindle. It's just a more sensible interface and everything works like it should all the time.

If I could only have one I'd have the Kindle, no question. But if I could only have a Kobo it wouldn't be bad. It's the reading that matters and the Kobo is a good device.

Barry

dordale · 11-01-2017, 02:59 PM

As mentioned in the "News" forum, B&N is coming out with the Glowlight 3 reader -- for $120-- that might be what you want.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/noo...=9780594777137

rcentros · 11-01-2017, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dordale

As mentioned in the "News" forum, B&N is coming out with the Glowlight 3 reader -- fro $120-- that might be what you want.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/noo...=9780594777137

I thought I had seen the last Nook eInk reader. I may have to get this one. it looks more like the Nook Simple Touch.

JSWolf · 11-07-2017, 05:01 PM

I think that the H2O blows away any nook Reader. The new H2O has the comfort light (orange light) and you can adjust how much orange you want and you can have it on at any time you want. The nook Glowlight 3 has the orange light, but you are stuck with it coming on at night and getting brighter until it's at it's max. And with the H2O, you get a really nice 6.8" screen and you get collection management with Calibre.

John F · 11-07-2017, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

... The nook Glowlight 3 has the orange light, but you are stuck with it coming on at night and getting brighter until it's at it's max. ...

Have you tried the Glowlight 3? I tried it at the store, and it is not like you are describing.

issybird · 11-07-2017, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I think that the H2O blows away any nook Reader. The new H2O has the comfort light (orange light) and you can adjust how much orange you want and you can have it on at any time you want. The nook Glowlight 3 has the orange light, but you are stuck with it coming on at night and getting brighter until it's at it's max. And with the H2O, you get a really nice 6.8" screen and you get collection management with Calibre.

The OP specified under $130. The H2O isn't even close. Recommending a device that's way outside someone's budget isn't useful.

Tarana · 11-07-2017, 07:38 PM

Saw the Nook Glo 3 today. You should check that out before buying anything. It's $119 for pre-order. They have them available to play with at the B&N Stores. Has the feel of the ST with good lighting. I have a refurbished Paperwhite 3 for my Mom. I like the light better on the Nook, but I have eye damage. You would be happy with either though, I think.

I can't say anything about Kobo as I've never used one.

barryem · 11-07-2017, 10:33 PM

I've used all three brands, Kobo, Kindle and Nook. I have all three now, in fact. I prefer Kindles. They're simpler to use and have more reading oriented features and cleaner interfaces. That's not to say that any of them have decent interfaces. They're all clumsy but I think Kindles are a little less clumsy.

I'm thinking of getting the new Nook. I want to know more first but it looks pretty good. I'll probably still read on my Kindle more but I've found that I like having alternate, different devices for a change of pace.

Barry

disconnected · 11-10-2017, 02:00 AM

I guess the preference of Kobo or Kindle software might depend on what features people consider important.

I started with Kindles but when I got my first Kobo (the original six inch Aura) I felt like I'd come home. Everything just felt right to me, as though it had been designed by readers instead of engineers. Right now the H2O2 is my favorite ereader but I still wish they'd continued the original Aura line instead of downgrading it and putting all the improvements into larger models.

Looking at the two brands it does seem like the PW is probably the best value in its price range.

JSWolf · 11-20-2017, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by issybird

The OP specified under $130. The H2O isn't even close. Recommending a device that's way outside someone's budget isn't useful.

The original H2O is still available at $159.99. I know it's still more, but not that much over budget.

10-31-2017, 12:07 PM	#1
meddle Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2017 Device: Nook ST	Alternative to Kindle Paperwhite Hey all, Long time lurker, finally decided to make an account. I'm currently using a Nook ST. It serves its purpose, but I'm wanting a better screen and backlight. I was probably just going to get a Kobo, but I noticed that their current lineup doesn't really have anything that directly competes with the PW. The only one close in price is the Kobo Aura Edition 2 but according to the specs, has a much lower resolution than the PW (212ppi vs 300 on the PW). That combined with the many sales on the PW making it even less than the Aura turns me off from a purchase. The next step up is the H2O but is honestly more than I wanted to spend. Where is the successor to the Glo HD? I'm a little surprised the entry level Aura isn't using the Glo HD screen. I'm in the US so Kindle and Kobo are pretty much the only ereaders easily available. Thanks!

11-01-2017, 02:59 PM	#7
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	As mentioned in the "News" forum, B&N is coming out with the Glowlight 3 reader -- for $120-- that might be what you want. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/noo...=9780594777137 Last edited by dordale; 11-01-2017 at 11:57 PM. Reason: correct typo

11-07-2017, 07:38 PM	#12
Tarana Wizard Posts: 4,038 Karma: 38840460 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Device: PWSE, Voyage, K3, HDX, KBasic 7 & 8, Nook Glo3, Echos, Nanos	Saw the Nook Glo 3 today. You should check that out before buying anything. It's $119 for pre-order. They have them available to play with at the B&N Stores. Has the feel of the ST with good lighting. I have a refurbished Paperwhite 3 for my Mom. I like the light better on the Nook, but I have eye damage. You would be happy with either though, I think. I can't say anything about Kobo as I've never used one. Last edited by Tarana; 11-07-2017 at 07:44 PM.

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10-31-2017, 12:26 PM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	If you want a 6" screen, the 300dpi screen used by the PW3 is as good as it gets. The frontlighting (not backlight ) on the PW is generally considered to be pretty reasonable - is yours not so? The next step up in size would be the 6.8" screen used by the H2O, etc, but that is, as you note, rather more expensive.

10-31-2017, 07:52 PM	#4
Hemmi Grand Sorcerer Posts: 10,572 Karma: 15987608 Join Date: Apr 2015 Device: Sonys, Nooks, Kobo Libra, Forma, Mini, Paperwhite	Are you looking for new? There are tons of used readers out there. Even other Nooks like the Glowlight and Glowlight plus. If you use Calibre, switching to a Kindle isn't a big deal, Calibre will convert for you. I just got a Paperwhite and the screen on it is nice. I don't like the lack of page turn buttons though so my Sonys are still my favorite readers. I've bought the vast majority of my ereader collection used and not had any issues with battery life or anything.

11-07-2017, 05:01 PM	#9
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,749 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I think that the H2O blows away any nook Reader. The new H2O has the comfort light (orange light) and you can adjust how much orange you want and you can have it on at any time you want. The nook Glowlight 3 has the orange light, but you are stuck with it coming on at night and getting brighter until it's at it's max. And with the H2O, you get a really nice 6.8" screen and you get collection management with Calibre.

11-07-2017, 10:33 PM	#13
barryem Wizard Posts: 2,459 Karma: 68781975 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Arkansas Device: Paperwhite 4	I've used all three brands, Kobo, Kindle and Nook. I have all three now, in fact. I prefer Kindles. They're simpler to use and have more reading oriented features and cleaner interfaces. That's not to say that any of them have decent interfaces. They're all clumsy but I think Kindles are a little less clumsy. I'm thinking of getting the new Nook. I want to know more first but it looks pretty good. I'll probably still read on my Kindle more but I've found that I like having alternate, different devices for a change of pace. Barry

11-10-2017, 02:00 AM	#14
disconnected Fanatic Posts: 527 Karma: 4504715 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: US Device: Kobo Forma, Libra, H2O2e2, Clara, Auras, Kindles, Nooks, Sony, iPAQ	I guess the preference of Kobo or Kindle software might depend on what features people consider important. I started with Kindles but when I got my first Kobo (the original six inch Aura) I felt like I'd come home. Everything just felt right to me, as though it had been designed by readers instead of engineers. Right now the H2O2 is my favorite ereader but I still wish they'd continued the original Aura line instead of downgrading it and putting all the improvements into larger models. Looking at the two brands it does seem like the PW is probably the best value in its price range.

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