Looking for a cheap first e-book

[Logseman]

Good evening here.

I am a student, living in Germany who would be interested in acquiring an e-book reader. I envision prices around $200 or €160 (almost dirt-cheap, if I have to believe the prices that I see around), but I definitely need to have an e-ink screen. I've used an iTouch for reading but it becomes hard to do so after a couple of hours of use. While comics and manga are not too bothersome for the sake of their brevity, reading entire books in the iTouch becomes tiresome.

I've seen Sony devices which are around those prices, but it would be a matter of seeing if they've actually improved content managament. My mother received one PRS-500 two years ago and, for someone absolutely tech-unsavvy as her, managing the files and knowing what was inside was a nightmare (a nightmare which required that her loving son helped her EVERY TIME )

I thank your comments in advance.

[Katti's Cat]

Hi & willkommen zu MR. Guck doch mal bei Wiki in der matrix

Ich habe in Berlin im KaDeWe die Sony Reader gesehen, vielleicht gibt es die auch woanders.

Viel Glueck bei der Suche.

[desertgrandma]

Welcome to MobileRead, Logseman

Many members on our German forum speak English.

They may be able to guide you in the proper direction. Good luck!

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=159

[Logseman]

I'll do so, as to practise some of my decaying German. Thanks for the help ^^

[dbrowdy]

I've been doing the research and looking for something similar (beginner reader, cheap price). I am 99% set on the Astak EZReader 5" Pocket PRO.

I physically held and used the Nook, the Sony 300 and the Pocket PRO and I think the PP feels like the fastest one. Nook has nice hardware but crappy software and the Sony just felt lacking all around. PP has the best stats on paper too, I think, if you ignore the (useless) color touchscreen on the Nook. Combine that with the DRM issues on the Sony and Nook and the fact the the PP works with most file formats and I think it's the clear winner.

There are some cheaper ones out there too, but I think the PP sits in a sweet spot for value per dollar spent. I encourage you to do some research and decide for yourself, but I thought I'd chime in with what I've found after doing the same.

Good luck!

D

[banjobama]

Logseman, I think your choice might depend on where you will be getting your books. The Barnes and Noble Nook doesn't work outside the US. I've tried, and it's impossible to download any books from B&N if you have a foreign IP. The Sony Store says it's only for US and Canada but it works for me here in Japan fine.

Have you looked at the Ectaco JetBook? It's in your price range and reads many file formats so you'll be able to find books easily. I think it even has a German dictionary included.

[dmiker]

Logseman I consider that you are more advantageous to purchase PocketBook 301 or PocketBook 360 because Sony Reader PRS-500 will cost approximately so much, but by the recommendations to excel Sony. To take time of work(8000 switching of pages) and maintenance of formats even: FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, PDF, DJVU, RTF, HTML, PRC, CHM, EPUB, DOC, TCR. Personally I use PocketBook 360 and very much satisfied them.

[scheichxodox]

Maybe this (german) thread helps you. I'm looking for the same as you do. Basic device, basic price. I almost bought the Hanvon N516 but then decided to wait.

Greetz

Scheich Xodox

[Logseman]

I've had an offer which I have already accepted. Thanks for your help

[Logseman]

Originally Posted by banjobama

Logseman, I think your choice might depend on where you will be getting your books. The Barnes and Noble Nook doesn't work outside the US. I've tried, and it's impossible to download any books from B&N if you have a foreign IP. The Sony Store says it's only for US and Canada but it works for me here in Japan fine.

Have you looked at the Ectaco JetBook? It's in your price range and reads many file formats so you'll be able to find books easily. I think it even has a German dictionary included.

I've decided to purchase a Pocketbook 360, lastly, as I've seen an irresistible offer.

My main concern with the Jetbook is that it doesn't use e-Ink. I use LCD screens enough, as I play with a PSP and a Nintendo DS from time to time, as to prefer something less aggressive to the eyes for a book that I'll be reading for hours. I know people that even get to read in the PSP (previously hacked) but that feat it unaccomplishable for me.

In fact, with time I'd like to make use of two e-books. One for my night table, something with the size of an A4 page, or maybe a bit less, but which would not be moved from its place, and one portable device as to read anywhere. I've started with the portable device for price reasons, but now I aspire to get a job and, with time, be able to choose a device from the upper tiers.

[Chriskander]

Hi:
This is rather a specialist reply, but I bought my old eBookwise 1150 (priced around $100) a couple of years back for some particular reasons. I write and so I wanted to be able to place my own work in progress into the device, as well as material from other members of my writing group, to take to meetings.
It seems very clunky in comparison to the new devices and its nicad batteries have all the usual nicad problems. It does have a touch screen and the ability to make edit notes with a stylus (if your fingers are nimble enough).
Perhaps many of the newer devices have the same capabilities -- I'd be interested to learn.
Christopher Hoare