iPod How is the Ipod Touch as an Ebook reader?

GlenBarrington · 03-23-2010, 12:07 PM

I've never been much of an Apple guy, but there isn't much out there on the PDA front anymore. So please forgive me if I'm covering the basics too much.

Can I assume that it is a true PDA and not a music player with "extra features"? I understand it is possible to read ebooks on it, but just how good is the reading experience? I like my Sony PRS300 very much, but there are times when it's just too big! I'd like something more comfortable than my old Palm Treo 750, but more portable than the PRS300.

The apple site is remarkably silent on the Touch as an ebook device. Is it worth exploring? Is the 8gig device adequate size? I don't care about video games, or surfing the net, but I might like to load up some mp3s. Is there software available that will allow my PRS300 and an Ipod Touch to share non DRM ebook files?

Tamara · 03-23-2010, 12:39 PM

Calibre & Stanza will allow you to use non-DRM files on both devices.

I use an iPhone with reader apps and find it works well. I've actually sold my PRS-500 because I found reading on the iPhone to be more enjoyable.

The best thing to do is go and play with a Touch and see how you like it.

leebase · 03-23-2010, 12:45 PM

My family and I (me with iphone, wife and kids with their own iPod Touches) -- LOVE reading on them. 8gig is more than adequate for ebooks. It's not like you have to have your entire library on your iTouch to begin with -- but you probably could fit several thousands of ebooks in 8gig of space.

The device is small which is both good and bad. It's good that you can carry it around with you. It's bad in that, well, it's small. Thing is, you can set the font to any size you want. I actually have mine set to larger than most any hardback book I get from the library. The larger the font, the less shows on the screen, of course. I have mine set so that the tap of my thumb turns the page. I can hold the device in one hand and tap tap tap with my thumb. No big deal.

You'll have to give it a try yourself to judge whether it's comfortable on your eyes. Everyone I know in real life has no problem with it. A few folks I know on the web says it strains their eyes. I don't know if they've tried setting the font larger or adjusting the brightness (which I do).

I like reading on my iPhone so much that I stopped even wanting a kindle. I'm getting an iPad but not for reading books -- at least not for the main reason of.

So consider me a "yes" vote

Lee

leebase · 03-23-2010, 12:49 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZmm8-8n3Tw

Here's a video that shows Stanza in action -- just one of the many ereading apps for the iPod Touch

Lee

Logseman · 03-23-2010, 12:51 PM

A secondary ebook reader, in my opinion, to have some books inside. It has saved me from some boring flights, but reading on it is tiring in the long run. The small size of the device itself is the matter, as it is a little bit uncomfortable to hold it as a book.

Donnageddon · 03-23-2010, 12:51 PM

I find the iPod Touch to have great potential as an ebook reader. If only it had a bigger screen.

dls81 · 03-23-2010, 01:09 PM

I just got my touch about a week and a half ago and I am amazed at how easy and convenient it is as an ebook reader. I love the portability (as much as the 5" readers claim to be pocket size, they will never fit in the pocket of my pants and would take up almost my entire purse)...if I have a few minutes, such as waiting in a line or something, I can just pull the touch out and breeze through a few pages to pass the time. It can do so much more than just a dedicated device, and I have found myself loving all of the free apps and videos and podcasts that are available even though it was not my original reason for buying it. I've pretty much always been anti-apple, but I don't regret this purchase at all.

ficbot · 03-23-2010, 02:07 PM

I read a lot on mine before I got the Kindle but I prefer the Kindle now for three reasons.

1) It has more robust features, which I need. Not everybody needs these features so YMMV but I use the dictionary (when I read in French) and I use the text to speech a lot, so it is worth it to me to have the Kindle and I miss those features when I read on something else.

2) The Touch has an inferior battery life. Mine is about two and a bit years old and it does not hold a charge like it used to. I definitely could not go a whole day on it.

3) My hand gets numb when I hold it for long periods. The Kindle may be bigger but it distributes the weight better and it is more comfortable for me.

GlenBarrington · 03-23-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebase

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZmm8-8n3Tw

Here's a video that shows Stanza in action -- just one of the many ereading apps for the iPod Touch

Lee

An interesting app, although the video doesn't mention the ability to auto-scroll, which on my Treo, made eReading much more comfortable on such a small device. Can I (should I) assume that Stanza doesn't scroll?

How is Bookshelf as eReader software? It looks like it does scroll and supports many of the same formats as my Sony, even Mobipocket which I used on my Treo.

Aside from size, which I am willing to deal with if I buy one, are there any other 'gotchas' ? Is the itunes store an adequate resource? I've heard there are no third party vendors for DRM'ed books (Sony is like this as well). I assume non DRM'ed books can be acquired from other sources. Is this true or must all books be sourced from the iTunes store?

I guess the real question is, 'Is the supporting infrastructure up to the demands of the device?'

I was pretty happy with the infrastrucure for the Treo, and the Sony, while it has acceptable system support, frankly could be a bit better. The Sony download and managment software is nowhere near as good as Mobipocket's software.

I really liked how the Mobi software would not only point to the Mobipocket store, but would also point to other online stores selling Mobipocket format books. Price shopping was pretty easy to do, I thought.

leebase · 03-23-2010, 07:09 PM

I don't like scrolling for ebooks, and I'm not sure if Stanza can do it or not. But there are many other app readers.

As for infrastructure -- you can by Kindle books with the Kindle app, B&N books with the B&N app, Fictionwise from the Stanza or eReader app. Stanza (and I'm sure others) have connections to Feedbooks, Project Gutenberg and other sources of free/public domain books. I'm not sure there's another device out there with as many options.

Add excellent software like Calibre on your pc, and what few books are left without native handlers, you can convert.

Lee

badgoodDeb · 03-23-2010, 07:17 PM

Amazon has a "Kindle" app in the ITunes store - free. So you can buy books from Amazon or download those you have already bought. So, an iPhone or iTouch can read a variety of different book formats.

When my Palm got old, I switched to an iPhone because the iTunes store had so many apps that were similar to things I used my Palm to do. I think you would find an iTouch quite a good replacement for a Palm. Try browsing through the iTunes store and making a list of apps that might replace Palm things you want to do. When you find enough of them, it helps with the decision to switch.

(P.S. your avatar pic is scaring me!!

)

Logseman · 03-23-2010, 07:28 PM

Autoscroll is present in other iPod Touch apps though. From the top of my head I remember Wattpad featuring it. The book search in that app was nice as well, so you may well like it.

GlenBarrington · 03-23-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

(P.S. your avatar pic is scaring me!!

)

That's not me. That's my evil twin Skippy. Personally, I'm way cooler. WAAAYYY cooler.

badgoodDeb · 03-23-2010, 07:44 PM

There's a fun country song called "I'm So Much Cooler Online"!

here it is

fugazied · 03-23-2010, 10:14 PM

I find my iPhone a little too small for reading e-books for more than 30 minutes. It just gets a little irritating scrolling so often.. It's INCREDIBLE for everything else though (TV/games/apps/movies/music). Why not get an iPad as a reader, it looks like it's a great size and has a better quality screen?

03-23-2010, 12:07 PM	#1
GlenBarrington Cheese Whiz Posts: 1,986 Karma: 11677147 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Springfield, Illinois Device: Kindle PW, Samsung Tab A 10.1(2019), Pixel 6a.	How is the Ipod Touch as an Ebook reader? I've never been much of an Apple guy, but there isn't much out there on the PDA front anymore. So please forgive me if I'm covering the basics too much. Can I assume that it is a true PDA and not a music player with "extra features"? I understand it is possible to read ebooks on it, but just how good is the reading experience? I like my Sony PRS300 very much, but there are times when it's just too big! I'd like something more comfortable than my old Palm Treo 750, but more portable than the PRS300. The apple site is remarkably silent on the Touch as an ebook device. Is it worth exploring? Is the 8gig device adequate size? I don't care about video games, or surfing the net, but I might like to load up some mp3s. Is there software available that will allow my PRS300 and an Ipod Touch to share non DRM ebook files? Last edited by GlenBarrington; 03-23-2010 at 07:46 PM. Reason: Spelling errors, ARGGHHH!

03-23-2010, 12:39 PM	#2
Tamara Evangelist Posts: 446 Karma: 1812 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: iPhone	Calibre & Stanza will allow you to use non-DRM files on both devices. I use an iPhone with reader apps and find it works well. I've actually sold my PRS-500 because I found reading on the iPhone to be more enjoyable. The best thing to do is go and play with a Touch and see how you like it.

03-23-2010, 12:45 PM	#3
leebase Karma Kameleon Posts: 2,960 Karma: 26738313 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: iPad Mini, iPhone X, Kindle Fire Tab HD 8, Walmart Onn	My family and I (me with iphone, wife and kids with their own iPod Touches) -- LOVE reading on them. 8gig is more than adequate for ebooks. It's not like you have to have your entire library on your iTouch to begin with -- but you probably could fit several thousands of ebooks in 8gig of space. The device is small which is both good and bad. It's good that you can carry it around with you. It's bad in that, well, it's small. Thing is, you can set the font to any size you want. I actually have mine set to larger than most any hardback book I get from the library. The larger the font, the less shows on the screen, of course. I have mine set so that the tap of my thumb turns the page. I can hold the device in one hand and tap tap tap with my thumb. No big deal. You'll have to give it a try yourself to judge whether it's comfortable on your eyes. Everyone I know in real life has no problem with it. A few folks I know on the web says it strains their eyes. I don't know if they've tried setting the font larger or adjusting the brightness (which I do). I like reading on my iPhone so much that I stopped even wanting a kindle. I'm getting an iPad but not for reading books -- at least not for the main reason of. So consider me a "yes" vote Lee

03-23-2010, 12:49 PM	#4
leebase Karma Kameleon Posts: 2,960 Karma: 26738313 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: iPad Mini, iPhone X, Kindle Fire Tab HD 8, Walmart Onn	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZmm8-8n3Tw Here's a video that shows Stanza in action -- just one of the many ereading apps for the iPod Touch Lee

03-23-2010, 12:51 PM	#5
Logseman Orisa Posts: 2,001 Karma: 1035571 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ireland Device: Onyx Poke 5	A secondary ebook reader, in my opinion, to have some books inside. It has saved me from some boring flights, but reading on it is tiring in the long run. The small size of the device itself is the matter, as it is a little bit uncomfortable to hold it as a book.

03-23-2010, 12:51 PM	#6
Donnageddon Now you lishen here... Posts: 2,494 Karma: 479498 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle-ish Device: Sony PRS-650. Kobo Touch, Kindle Fire	I find the iPod Touch to have great potential as an ebook reader. If only it had a bigger screen.

03-23-2010, 01:09 PM	#7
dls81 Enthusiast Posts: 45 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bahrain Device: Aluratek Libre Pro	I just got my touch about a week and a half ago and I am amazed at how easy and convenient it is as an ebook reader. I love the portability (as much as the 5" readers claim to be pocket size, they will never fit in the pocket of my pants and would take up almost my entire purse)...if I have a few minutes, such as waiting in a line or something, I can just pull the touch out and breeze through a few pages to pass the time. It can do so much more than just a dedicated device, and I have found myself loving all of the free apps and videos and podcasts that are available even though it was not my original reason for buying it. I've pretty much always been anti-apple, but I don't regret this purchase at all.

03-23-2010, 02:07 PM	#8
ficbot Wizard Posts: 2,409 Karma: 4132096 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: Kindle Paperwhite/iOS Kindle App	I read a lot on mine before I got the Kindle but I prefer the Kindle now for three reasons. 1) It has more robust features, which I need. Not everybody needs these features so YMMV but I use the dictionary (when I read in French) and I use the text to speech a lot, so it is worth it to me to have the Kindle and I miss those features when I read on something else. 2) The Touch has an inferior battery life. Mine is about two and a bit years old and it does not hold a charge like it used to. I definitely could not go a whole day on it. 3) My hand gets numb when I hold it for long periods. The Kindle may be bigger but it distributes the weight better and it is more comfortable for me.

03-23-2010, 07:09 PM	#10
leebase Karma Kameleon Posts: 2,960 Karma: 26738313 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: iPad Mini, iPhone X, Kindle Fire Tab HD 8, Walmart Onn	I don't like scrolling for ebooks, and I'm not sure if Stanza can do it or not. But there are many other app readers. As for infrastructure -- you can by Kindle books with the Kindle app, B&N books with the B&N app, Fictionwise from the Stanza or eReader app. Stanza (and I'm sure others) have connections to Feedbooks, Project Gutenberg and other sources of free/public domain books. I'm not sure there's another device out there with as many options. Add excellent software like Calibre on your pc, and what few books are left without native handlers, you can convert. Lee

03-23-2010, 07:17 PM	#11
badgoodDeb Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,545 Karma: 64462893 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harrisburg outskirts Device: Palms, K1-4s, iPads, iPhones, KV, KO1	Amazon has a "Kindle" app in the ITunes store - free. So you can buy books from Amazon or download those you have already bought. So, an iPhone or iTouch can read a variety of different book formats. When my Palm got old, I switched to an iPhone because the iTunes store had so many apps that were similar to things I used my Palm to do. I think you would find an iTouch quite a good replacement for a Palm. Try browsing through the iTunes store and making a list of apps that might replace Palm things you want to do. When you find enough of them, it helps with the decision to switch. (P.S. your avatar pic is scaring me!! )

03-23-2010, 07:28 PM	#12
Logseman Orisa Posts: 2,001 Karma: 1035571 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ireland Device: Onyx Poke 5	Autoscroll is present in other iPod Touch apps though. From the top of my head I remember Wattpad featuring it. The book search in that app was nice as well, so you may well like it.

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03-23-2010, 07:44 PM	#14
badgoodDeb Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,545 Karma: 64462893 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harrisburg outskirts Device: Palms, K1-4s, iPads, iPhones, KV, KO1	There's a fun country song called "I'm So Much Cooler Online"! here it is

03-23-2010, 10:14 PM	#15
fugazied Wizard Posts: 1,305 Karma: 1958 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: iPod Touch	I find my iPhone a little too small for reading e-books for more than 30 minutes. It just gets a little irritating scrolling so often.. It's INCREDIBLE for everything else though (TV/games/apps/movies/music). Why not get an iPad as a reader, it looks like it's a great size and has a better quality screen?