I need a new reader..

[abbynormal52]

.. as my Kindle Fire 7" is finally starting to give out on me.

I was looking at the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft but would love to hear from someone that might own one? If not, I know many of you are very knowledgeable about "readers" and be happy to get your input as well.

I like having the Google Playstore app, but rarely do anything on my Kindle because it's so slow now. I use Libby often, but also spend some on Kindle books as well.

So that said, I really would like a reader, mainly, and something that has good audio for audibles I like to have once in awhile as well. I can do Amazon, as I have an account and will pay on time. They are taking away the no APR when paying on time, but I thought I'd go for a new reader before they put an end to that

Thank you in advance,

[Sirtel]

Your Fire is a tablet, not a Kindle. Kindles are eink, which is a wholly different display technology. Among other things, they're not capable of playing videos (even color Kindles) and you cannot browse the internet with them.

So you'll have to decide if you want another tablet or an eink device solely for reading.

[JSWolf]

If you really want an eInk device (aka Kindle), you'll not want a new one as the firmware is not good. Side loading is an issue for one.

[abbynormal52]

When I bought my Kindle Fire 7" was called exactly that. I've purchase 4 of them, over time because the other 2 were for my sister. I could do a lot on my Kindle when I got it but all I wanted was a reader.

So can we just talk about the new devices instead of my kindle Fire 7?? If not, I'll just move on.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by abbynormal52

When I bought my Kindle Fire 7" was called exactly that. I've purchase 4 of them, over time because the other 2 were for my sister. I could do a lot on my Kindle when I got it but all I wanted was a reader.

So can we just talk about the new devices instead of my kindle Fire 7?? If not, I'll just move on.

If all you want is a reader and you're sure you don't want to do other things with it, then Colorsoft should be fine. But be aware its display is different from that of a LCD tablet - colors are far more muted, for example.

Edit: and you can't install the Google Play app on it, or any other Android apps.

[DNSB]

If you are going to be happy with a device that is only for ebooks, you could look at the Colorsoft. However, if you want to listen to audiobooks, it's not the greatest device since playing audiobooks is hard on the battery. Forget videos or much of anything else.

If you are happy in the Amazon ecosystem and want to stay with their Fire devices, you would look at the Fire HD 8". Amazon says that these tablets are not compatible with Google Playstore but there seem to be several workarounds for installing it. Personally, I would prefer a higher resolution display but 1280x800 seems to be okay with quite a few people.

Currently, in Canada the Fire HD 8 is on sale for $85 Cdn. Not sure what it would be in the US market.

[bdub]

I used a Fire to read on for a long time before getting a KOBO to read on. I prefer the later since I can pick whatever fonts I want, and I can download my purchases from KOBO.

I still use a Fire for watching streaming content that I download whenever I fly. But I prefer eInk for reading.

I have a 6" KOBO, which I originally thought was too small. But now I actually like it. It's really portable.

I have heard mix reviews for reading on a color eInk screen, but since I haven't done so myself, I can't comment.

Regardless of what you get, there are sales going on, so you'll at least get a good price.

[Martinoptic]

@abbynormal52 - I like my Fire 10 - I use the kindle app, an epub app and Alexa mostly. Handy for odd forays on the internet.
My kindle touch was ok but the screen took a while to update and I didn't like the flash.

I think listing what you want/need from a device will point you in the right direction. Good luck.

[abbynormal52]

I've been looking into as many options as I can. I had to look up what exactly side-loading and firmware are, and I just knew both by adding things like my google playstore, and then the updates of firmware either provides good ones, or not so good.

I really appreciate all the responses as I've learned a lot more of my wants. I'm actually looking seriously at the Rakutan Kobo, the color one. I didn't see if any of the ones, on video I'll attach, mention Audio Books. My first thought was, I couldn't have my Amazon books, pretty big library but I don't read books more than twice.

I've never liked not being able to at least transfer my books if I didn't want to use Amazon to purchase books. Any info on what ebooks are available on the Kobo very welcome. I think I am ready to be free of Amazon, and I'd like to be able to have the side-loading option, and definitely the updates regularly.

I'm sorry I am not up on all the tekkie stuff nowadays, so lots to learn, and willing.

[abbynormal52]

Originally Posted by Martinoptic

@abbynormal52 - I like my Fire 10 - I use the kindle app, an epub app and Alexa mostly. Handy for odd forays on the internet.
My kindle touch was ok but the screen took a while to update and I didn't like the flash.

I think listing what you want/need from a device will point you in the right direction. Good luck.

Hi Martin and thank you for your help. I no longer make super-fast decisions, but would like to get one for my own "christmas/birthday" gift. So I'm up early scanning all I can find on these new devices and appreciate your info on the Fire 10,

denise alias abbynormal

[abbynormal52]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If you really want an eInk device (aka Kindle), you'll not want a new one as the firmware is not good. Side loading is an issue for one.

Hi Jon, thanks so much for mentioning the terms "side loading & firmware". I looked them up and understand what both are, and they are very important to me!

Right now, after cruising through a comparison video of readers, I am looking seriously at the Kobo, as I wrote in my first reply for today

I just need to take my time with this though, as I want the next ereader to last me. Are you familiar with the Kobo "color" one?

Thanks much, denise

[abbynormal52]

Originally Posted by bdub

I used a Fire to read on for a long time before getting a KOBO to read on. I prefer the later since I can pick whatever fonts I want, and I can download my purchases from KOBO.

I still use a Fire for watching streaming content that I download whenever I fly. But I prefer eInk for reading.

I have a 6" KOBO, which I originally thought was too small. But now I actually like it. It's really portable.

I have heard mix reviews for reading on a color eInk screen, but since I haven't done so myself, I can't comment.

Regardless of what you get, there are sales going on, so you'll at least get a good price.

This is great, I have my eye on the Kobo color since a video I saw this a.m.
I having looked up what the eink means but I think it's probably that you can write on the screen??

Does downloading books mean I could share them with my sister? I was always so disappointed I couldn't share them as she has a hard time with tek stuff, and little money to spend.

I don't need the streaming but can you upload anything that is for just reading? Like a simple game like Bejeweled? I use my Android phone for that game so no, I really don't use it on my ereader

[Sirtel]

If you want Google Playstore, it's not possible to install it on eink Kindles and Kobos. You'd need an Onyx Boox device or a regular Android tablet for that.

[abbynormal52]

Originally Posted by DNSB

If you are going to be happy with a device that is only for ebooks, you could look at the Colorsoft. However, if you want to listen to audiobooks, it's not the greatest device since playing audiobooks is hard on the battery. Forget videos or much of anything else.

If you are happy in the Amazon ecosystem and want to stay with their Fire devices, you would look at the Fire HD 8". Amazon says that these tablets are not compatible with Google Playstore but there seem to be several workarounds for installing it. Personally, I would prefer a higher resolution display but 1280x800 seems to be okay with quite a few people.

Currently, in Canada the Fire HD 8 is on sale for $85 Cdn. Not sure what it would be in the US market.

I think it's time for me to stop donating to Bezos trips to Mars I'm now looking at Kobo, but don't know about the audio thing yet. I'm hoping I don't have to buy another device beside my e-reader, but I really am liking the Kobo color.

Not jumping into it like I used to, so will wait til I weigh out as many pros and cons as I can, denise

[abbynormal52]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

If you want Google Playstore, it's not possible to install it on eink Kindles and Kobos. You'd need an Onyx Boox device or a regular Android tablet for that.

I'm not sure what it's like to purchase from Kobo, and what all books are available etc. But I think it really is time to be free of Amazon's "e-book rules". I do like the Kobo color, that's probably kind of silly.

I also want the side loading, and good firmware updates. I really think the buttons are so handy on it as well! Always felt the ones on top, or side were kind of a pain denise

PS I with check out the Onyx Boox, and Android Tablets. Maybe I need a separate birthday, and Christmas gift to myself