Which Reader?

gudrun45 · 02-06-2011, 05:43 PM

I don't have an e-reader yet. Still trying to figure out which one to get, or if I should wait until the new models come out later this year.
I don't buy books (well, I do, but rarely), so that kind of takes care of the kindle since I want to get books from public libraries. (I've checked out what my library offers, and there's plenty there.)
I'm living in the middle of nowhere and the only reader I have actually seen is the kindle. I couldn't believe how small the screen is!
The Sony pocket reader 350, which appeals to me the most, has an even tinier screen from what I understand. Doesn't that bother? I mean, isn't it like turning the page after every paragraph?
Obviously, I have no experience with e-readers whatsoever and would welcome comments and suggestions to help me choose one.

Thanks,
Gudrun

abookreader · 02-06-2011, 06:03 PM

Welcome to MobileRead.

You might want to check out the Which One Should I Buy? forum. There's always plenty of people around willing to fight over the merits and disadvantages of all the devices.

If you plan to primarily use the Public Library Overdrive system, then you'll want to learn about Adobe Digital Editions and sideloading to the device. You might want to go ahead and install Adobe Digital Editions on your computer now and get on the waiting lists for books you want and practice checking out and downloading. Then you can learn to transfer the books to your device once you buy one.

There are numerous readers which handle ADE ePub/PDF easily. Take your time in learning about them.

FF2 · 02-06-2011, 06:23 PM

The font size is adjustable on most (probably, all) e-readers. So you can potentially match the amount of text on a decent sized paper back or even hardbound book or enlarge the font to provide, as you say, a paragraph's worth of text or even less.

The kindle and other 6 inch, like the bigger Sony's are pretty standard. I understand the 350 is smaller (5"). There are larger screens and you will pay additional for them. But if you can see the kindle locally, you can get an idea of how that size works for you. The Sony would be overall smaller since it does not have a keyboard but the same size screen.

And as mentioned, there is a subforum for comparisons as well as forums for many different models to ask more specific question.

Grimm · 02-06-2011, 08:01 PM

A Nook Classic would fit what you're looking for.

kindlekitten · 02-06-2011, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gudrun45

I don't have an e-reader yet. Still trying to figure out which one to get, or if I should wait until the new models come out later this year.
I don't buy books (well, I do, but rarely), so that kind of takes care of the kindle since I want to get books from public libraries. (I've checked out what my library offers, and there's plenty there.)
I'm living in the middle of nowhere and the only reader I have actually seen is the kindle. I couldn't believe how small the screen is!
The Sony pocket reader 350, which appeals to me the most, has an even tinier screen from what I understand. Doesn't that bother? I mean, isn't it like turning the page after every paragraph?
Obviously, I have no experience with e-readers whatsoever and would welcome comments and suggestions to help me choose one.

Thanks,
Gudrun

welcome to the forums Gudrun! as a book reader suggested, take some time at the "which one should I buy" forum. also you CAN get library books on a Kindle, it just takes an extra step. additionally there are thousands of books in the public domain (many of which available here at MR for the Patricia Clark Memorial Library). there are also many many books that are released weekly that are either free or very inexpensive. you may want to reconsider all of these options and perhaps look at a Kindle DX if all of the other readers seem small to you

AndrewH · 02-06-2011, 10:45 PM

Remember, the bigger the screen—the larger and heavier the device. The Kindle DX is about the size of a standard magazine and weighs three times the Sony PRS 350.

ProfCrash · 02-07-2011, 09:42 AM

I would suggest looking at the Sony 950. It is suppose to be easy to use, people love the touchscreen, it has Wireless which could be handy for you if you choose to buy books, it reads library books, and it has a 7 inch screen.

The one downside is that it is expensive.

Pomtroll · 02-07-2011, 11:16 AM

I have 3 readers, Nook, Kindle3 & Sony 350. All are good & I won't knock any of them. My favorite is the Sony 350. Yes the screen is a bit smaller, but I have no difficulty reading with it.

I would have liked the Sony 950, but the price was a bit much. Now that i have the 350, I'm glad I have it. I love the touch screen. It goes everywhere with me & is not heavy in my purse.

So it comes down to which one you seems to fit your needs, reading style & which appeals to you. It would be nice if you could see all of them side by side & try them.

jbcohen · 02-07-2011, 11:47 AM

Well my Libra Pro is out, it has one of the smaller screens available, a fact that doesn't bother me in the least. I have been busy in the past learning what the best features of different readers are from their current owners and from what I hear if you like the big screen that would be the Kindle DX or the Bookeen - which was designed for people reading A4 paper sizes, the really large ones. I agree that the Nook clasic is a great reader, and I have nothing against a nook at all its just that their current owners have told me that if you want big screens try the Kindle DX and the Bookeen.

hughes · 02-19-2011, 01:28 AM

The E Ink Pearl devices have the best screens for reading, usually the most important factor in choosing an ebook reader. I'd start narrowing the field of alternatives by deciding to get the E Ink Pearl screen.

You might like exploring which ereaders meet which various constraints at HowToDecide's Which ereaders are best to buy?

Cpl Punishment · 02-19-2011, 07:58 AM

I had all the major brands..(still have the Kindle) but it is the color Nook that I settled on...The Kindle stays in my desk drawer..Read Scion posts regarding color Nooks and rooting, and you will get one !!!

(Rooting=turning your Reader into a tablet for multiple functions works GREAT !!)

Ripplinger · 02-19-2011, 10:50 AM

I have a 350 and I love it, the 5" screen doesn't bother me at all. I bought it while on sale mostly to try, thinking that I'd hate the small screen and end up returning it for the 650.

Instead I absolutely fell in love with the 350. Yes, you will turn pages a bit more frequently, but it's so effortless, that's not a problem... it takes just a slight thumb movement with the touch screen to turn the page, which doesn't interrupt your reading flow at all. The smaller size and lighter weight that was already pointed out makes me take it everywhere with me, I don't leave the house without it, it fits in just about any pocket.

I'd suggest buying it to try from someplace that you can return it. I got mine from Best Buy which has a 30 day return, in case you do hate the small screen.

Asawi · 02-19-2011, 12:08 PM

I have a 350 and, as others, love it. I actually had a 6" reader first, thinking the 5" screen would be way to small. Bought a 350 for my daughter though for the portability (very handbag friendly). Played around with it for a couple of weeks before Christmas (hey, it's my goddam duty to make sure the presents I give work properly!

) and much to my surprise I found it very user friendly and "old eye"-friendly. The screen clarity is amazing, and the crisp letters are just what I need for good readability.
So, sold my 6" and got a 350 instead. I'll probably get a second reader with a larger screen as well to use at home when a somewhat chunkier device wouldn't be problem. What to get? Who knows...
Oh yeah, forgot an advantage with the smaller screen: The light in my lighten cover actually lights up the whole screen. Makes it extra useful!

delphin · 02-22-2011, 04:59 AM

People read on smart phones, some of which have screens HALF the size of the 350, so I wouldn't worry about the screen size too much, you will get used to it very quickly.

If you need a larger font for readability, you can bump the font up to the 'M' or even 'L' setting and still have enough words on each line so that the formatting will not be too weird.

With the smaller screen and fewer words per line, it takes very little eye motion to scan a page, and you can fly along reading very quickly.

The only disadvantage to selecting a larger font size is of course that you have to do more page changes to get through the same number of chapters of a book, but page changes are quite quick on the 350 and don't use much battery power.

gudrun45 · 02-22-2011, 07:34 AM

I decided on the PRS 350 and should be getting it any day now.
Thanks for all the advice. I'm curious to see how I get along with the small screen.
The bigger Sony Reader was just a bit too expensive for me.

Gudrun

02-06-2011, 05:43 PM	#1
gudrun45 Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nebraska Device: Sony PRS350	Which Reader? I don't have an e-reader yet. Still trying to figure out which one to get, or if I should wait until the new models come out later this year. I don't buy books (well, I do, but rarely), so that kind of takes care of the kindle since I want to get books from public libraries. (I've checked out what my library offers, and there's plenty there.) I'm living in the middle of nowhere and the only reader I have actually seen is the kindle. I couldn't believe how small the screen is! The Sony pocket reader 350, which appeals to me the most, has an even tinier screen from what I understand. Doesn't that bother? I mean, isn't it like turning the page after every paragraph? Obviously, I have no experience with e-readers whatsoever and would welcome comments and suggestions to help me choose one. Thanks, Gudrun

02-19-2011, 01:28 AM	#10
hughes Addict Posts: 223 Karma: 1006020 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Akron, OH USA Device: Kindle PW, Galaxy Nexus, iPad 1	recommend focusing on E Ink Pearl devices The E Ink Pearl devices have the best screens for reading, usually the most important factor in choosing an ebook reader. I'd start narrowing the field of alternatives by deciding to get the E Ink Pearl screen. You might like exploring which ereaders meet which various constraints at HowToDecide's Which ereaders are best to buy? Last edited by hughes; 02-20-2011 at 01:13 AM.

02-19-2011, 12:08 PM	#13
Asawi Gadgetoholic Posts: 1,467 Karma: 3865860 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sweden Device: Kobo Libra2, Tolino Vision 6	I have a 350 and, as others, love it. I actually had a 6" reader first, thinking the 5" screen would be way to small. Bought a 350 for my daughter though for the portability (very handbag friendly). Played around with it for a couple of weeks before Christmas (hey, it's my goddam duty to make sure the presents I give work properly! ) and much to my surprise I found it very user friendly and "old eye"-friendly. The screen clarity is amazing, and the crisp letters are just what I need for good readability. So, sold my 6" and got a 350 instead. I'll probably get a second reader with a larger screen as well to use at home when a somewhat chunkier device wouldn't be problem. What to get? Who knows... Oh yeah, forgot an advantage with the smaller screen: The light in my lighten cover actually lights up the whole screen. Makes it extra useful! Last edited by Asawi; 02-19-2011 at 12:35 PM.

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02-06-2011, 06:03 PM	#2
abookreader Wizard Posts: 1,516 Karma: 2567610 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: Kindles - Keyboard, Fire, 2-US, iPhone, iPAD	Welcome to MobileRead. You might want to check out the Which One Should I Buy? forum. There's always plenty of people around willing to fight over the merits and disadvantages of all the devices. If you plan to primarily use the Public Library Overdrive system, then you'll want to learn about Adobe Digital Editions and sideloading to the device. You might want to go ahead and install Adobe Digital Editions on your computer now and get on the waiting lists for books you want and practice checking out and downloading. Then you can learn to transfer the books to your device once you buy one. There are numerous readers which handle ADE ePub/PDF easily. Take your time in learning about them.

02-06-2011, 06:23 PM	#3
FF2 Wizard Posts: 1,105 Karma: 1025784 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: WiFi Kindle3	The font size is adjustable on most (probably, all) e-readers. So you can potentially match the amount of text on a decent sized paper back or even hardbound book or enlarge the font to provide, as you say, a paragraph's worth of text or even less. The kindle and other 6 inch, like the bigger Sony's are pretty standard. I understand the 350 is smaller (5"). There are larger screens and you will pay additional for them. But if you can see the kindle locally, you can get an idea of how that size works for you. The Sony would be overall smaller since it does not have a keyboard but the same size screen. And as mentioned, there is a subforum for comparisons as well as forums for many different models to ask more specific question.

02-06-2011, 08:01 PM	#4
Grimm DRM killer Posts: 471 Karma: 793120 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Just northeast of Atlanta, GA Device: ASUS Transformer Prime (Sold: Nook, Kindle 3, Nook Color, Nook STR)	A Nook Classic would fit what you're looking for.

02-06-2011, 10:45 PM	#6
AndrewH Fanatic Posts: 553 Karma: 1234566 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver, WA Device: Sony PRS-T1, & Kobo Mini	Remember, the bigger the screen—the larger and heavier the device. The Kindle DX is about the size of a standard magazine and weighs three times the Sony PRS 350.

02-07-2011, 09:42 AM	#7
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	I would suggest looking at the Sony 950. It is suppose to be easy to use, people love the touchscreen, it has Wireless which could be handy for you if you choose to buy books, it reads library books, and it has a 7 inch screen. The one downside is that it is expensive.

02-07-2011, 11:16 AM	#8
Pomtroll Guru Posts: 822 Karma: 1341819 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Minnesota USA Device: Sony 350, Sony T1, Kindle Touch, Kindle PW1	I have 3 readers, Nook, Kindle3 & Sony 350. All are good & I won't knock any of them. My favorite is the Sony 350. Yes the screen is a bit smaller, but I have no difficulty reading with it. I would have liked the Sony 950, but the price was a bit much. Now that i have the 350, I'm glad I have it. I love the touch screen. It goes everywhere with me & is not heavy in my purse. So it comes down to which one you seems to fit your needs, reading style & which appeals to you. It would be nice if you could see all of them side by side & try them.

02-07-2011, 11:47 AM	#9
jbcohen Wizard Posts: 3,032 Karma: 11196738 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Where am I? Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition and a Samsung S24 Ultra	Well my Libra Pro is out, it has one of the smaller screens available, a fact that doesn't bother me in the least. I have been busy in the past learning what the best features of different readers are from their current owners and from what I hear if you like the big screen that would be the Kindle DX or the Bookeen - which was designed for people reading A4 paper sizes, the really large ones. I agree that the Nook clasic is a great reader, and I have nothing against a nook at all its just that their current owners have told me that if you want big screens try the Kindle DX and the Bookeen.

02-19-2011, 07:58 AM	#11
Cpl Punishment Guru Posts: 682 Karma: 4156546 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: On The Move Device: Ipad 103rd Gen	I had all the major brands..(still have the Kindle) but it is the color Nook that I settled on...The Kindle stays in my desk drawer..Read Scion posts regarding color Nooks and rooting, and you will get one !!! (Rooting=turning your Reader into a tablet for multiple functions works GREAT !!)

02-19-2011, 10:50 AM	#12
Ripplinger 350 Hoarder Posts: 3,574 Karma: 8281267 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Midwest USA Device: Sony PRS-350, Kobo Glo & Glo HD, PW2	I have a 350 and I love it, the 5" screen doesn't bother me at all. I bought it while on sale mostly to try, thinking that I'd hate the small screen and end up returning it for the 650. Instead I absolutely fell in love with the 350. Yes, you will turn pages a bit more frequently, but it's so effortless, that's not a problem... it takes just a slight thumb movement with the touch screen to turn the page, which doesn't interrupt your reading flow at all. The smaller size and lighter weight that was already pointed out makes me take it everywhere with me, I don't leave the house without it, it fits in just about any pocket. I'd suggest buying it to try from someplace that you can return it. I got mine from Best Buy which has a 30 day return, in case you do hate the small screen.

02-22-2011, 04:59 AM	#14
delphin Evangelist Posts: 434 Karma: 346901 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: SONY PRS-650	People read on smart phones, some of which have screens HALF the size of the 350, so I wouldn't worry about the screen size too much, you will get used to it very quickly. If you need a larger font for readability, you can bump the font up to the 'M' or even 'L' setting and still have enough words on each line so that the formatting will not be too weird. With the smaller screen and fewer words per line, it takes very little eye motion to scan a page, and you can fly along reading very quickly. The only disadvantage to selecting a larger font size is of course that you have to do more page changes to get through the same number of chapters of a book, but page changes are quite quick on the 350 and don't use much battery power.

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02-22-2011, 07:34 AM	#15
gudrun45 Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nebraska Device: Sony PRS350	I decided on the PRS 350 and should be getting it any day now. Thanks for all the advice. I'm curious to see how I get along with the small screen. The bigger Sony Reader was just a bit too expensive for me. Gudrun