eReader for Grandma

nogre · 08-17-2011, 01:33 PM

Hi,
My grandma asked me to look into getting her an eReader. Her eyesight isn't so good and she is interested in being able to increase the font size.

Usability is a big issue. She is NOT a tech person, so an easy to use interface is very important (I'm likely going to be the one adding books to the device). Also, she will only be using the device for reading and no other features. Basically I think the ideal device will be the one most book-like.

I'd like not to spend lots of money too, if possible, but I can guilt other family members into splitting the bill, if necessary.

So, which device do you think is best?

khalleron · 08-17-2011, 02:06 PM

Although I have a Sony and love it, and would never buy a Kindle for myself, I've always recommended Kindles in these situations.

The ease of use cannot be beat (although I have a problem with the whole walled garden philosophy).

Although if you're going to be putting the books on, pretty much all ebook readers are easy to use for reading. Pick a book, read it.

It's getting the books on that's not so simple with other readers.

This is the lowest price I've seen on an e-ink reader

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-Reade...undle/12425705

Now, it's the PRS-300 so it doesn't have a touchscreen, but pushing a button is pretty simple.

Hoyt Clagwell · 08-17-2011, 05:34 PM

I would also recommend the Kindle. Perhaps even the Kindle DXG. Then your grandmother could pick a large font and not have to turn the page so often. But the weight of the larger device could be a factor.

Pomtroll · 08-17-2011, 05:44 PM

I have both a Sony & a Kindle. Since you have a Kindle why not go with that? So if she should have questions you can easily answer them. I bet she'll be buying them herself in no time.

How old is grandma? If she is over 60 as I am, I have no problems using either my Kindle3 or my Sony 350. But I will have to say the font sizes on the Kindle are better at this time. On the other hand my Sony is easier on my hands & I prefer touch screen.

CRussel · 08-17-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogre

Hi,
My grandma asked me to look into getting her an eReader. Her eyesight isn't so good and she is interested in being able to increase the font size.

Usability is a big issue. She is NOT a tech person, so an easy to use interface is very important (I'm likely going to be the one adding books to the device). Also, she will only be using the device for reading and no other features. Basically I think the ideal device will be the one most book-like.

I'd like not to spend lots of money too, if possible, but I can guilt other family members into splitting the bill, if necessary.

So, which device do you think is best?

1.) You have a Kindle. So easy to help her out with any questions.
2.) For ease of use? I really don't think Kindle can be beat.

Seems a pretty easy choice.

JSWolf · 08-17-2011, 07:34 PM

Besides the KDXG, there is also the Pocketbook Pro 903. That's another 9.7" screen. Give that one a look. It weights about 1.2 pounds.

Boston · 08-17-2011, 08:49 PM

My mom (in her late 70s) prefers her Kindle (over her Sony) because she doesn't have to hook it up to a computer. She also finds it easier on her eyes (font/size/spacing).

She isn't the type to buy books on-line, so I buy books for her and all she needs to do is turn on the wireless for them to download. Since we like some of the same types of books, I have it registered to my account so we can share books (again, I simply send to her Kindle so its waiting for her).

Ankh · 08-17-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogre

I'm likely going to be the one adding books to the device.

Well, you are member of MobileRead, hence assumed to be intimate with Calibre and any possible format shifting and, kahm, DRM avoidance strategies. Now that format shifting, book loading and other technicalities are taken care of

, the choice boils down to: functionality, ergonomics and aesthetics (in broader terms, count the preference for default fonts here).

And the answer is best left to the end user. Show your grandma your Kindle, take her to the closest store to see Kobo and/or Sony models. Let her decide, any of those eInk devices will fit the bill.

JSWolf · 08-17-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston

My mom (in her late 70s) prefers her Kindle (over her Sony) because she doesn't have to hook it up to a computer. She also finds it easier on her eyes (font/size/spacing).

She isn't the type to buy books on-line, so I buy books for her and all she needs to do is turn on the wireless for them to download. Since we like some of the same types of books, I have it registered to my account so we can share books (again, I simply send to her Kindle so its waiting for her).

My Mom has a Sony. I just get the books for her here and send them to her computer. I then remote connect to her computer. She plugs in her reader, I put the books on it and away she reads. I know I could have her putting the books on it herself. But this works fine for me.

JSWolf · 08-17-2011, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ankh

Well, you are member of MobileRead, hence assumed to be intimate with Calibre and any possible format shifting and, kahm, DRM avoidance strategies. Now that format shifting, book loading and other technicalities are taken care of

, the choice boils down to: functionality, ergonomics and aesthetics (in broader terms, count the preference for default fonts here).

And the answer is best left to the end user. Show your grandma your Kindle, take her to the closest store to see Kobo and/or Sony models. Let her decide, any of those eInk devices will fit the bill.

I think for someone with eyesight trouble, a larger screen is better. Which is why I suggested the Pocketbook Pro 903.

nogre · 08-17-2011, 10:52 PM

Thanks all. I think I'll take her to a store so she can try out a few different devices (especially the DX) though it looks like the kindle is the lead choice for now.

Thanks again,
nogre

BrowseTheStacks · 08-18-2011, 12:12 AM

If you get the kindle go with the 3g. With it you can manage everything from the reader and no wifi required (if she dosent have at home).

HarryT · 08-18-2011, 03:35 AM

I agree with the previous posters; the Kindle is the best choice for this. I know you say that you'll load content yourself, but with the 3G Kindle she'll be able to do so herself, without a PC.

Ankh · 08-18-2011, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I think for someone with eyesight trouble, a larger screen is better.

I agree, it is better. What I don't agree with is assumption that that fact can eliminate outright 5"/6" class of the devices.

First "eyesight trouble" comes in many "flavours", and secondly, the ultimate decision (what is more important, mobility or larger screen area) is still a choice that is best left to the end user. She will quickly figure out what font size does the trick for her, and will be able to tell if the screen size is an issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I agree with the previous posters; the Kindle is the best choice for this. I know you say that you'll load content yourself, but with the 3G Kindle she'll be able to do so herself, without a PC.

I believe that it is safe to assume that EVERY user of electronic reading devices QUICKLY ends up with a wealth of reading material on its reader, with a mile long "acquired, waits to be read" lists.

If the dignified matron is into the new releases, sure, 3G is very important. If not...

IMHO, none of the features/services exclusive to Kindle fall into the "must have" (for everybody) category. The sum of them is a quality on its own, and for those who can live with the lock-in or (as of now) inability to easily access library content, the choice is clear.

ProfCrash · 08-18-2011, 10:28 AM

My Mom loves the DXG we gave her.

08-17-2011, 01:33 PM	#1
nogre Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 68 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Kindle 3 Wifi	eReader for Grandma Hi, My grandma asked me to look into getting her an eReader. Her eyesight isn't so good and she is interested in being able to increase the font size. Usability is a big issue. She is NOT a tech person, so an easy to use interface is very important (I'm likely going to be the one adding books to the device). Also, she will only be using the device for reading and no other features. Basically I think the ideal device will be the one most book-like. I'd like not to spend lots of money too, if possible, but I can guilt other family members into splitting the bill, if necessary. So, which device do you think is best?

08-17-2011, 05:44 PM	#4
Pomtroll Guru Posts: 822 Karma: 1341819 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Minnesota USA Device: Sony 350, Sony T1, Kindle Touch, Kindle PW1	I have both a Sony & a Kindle. Since you have a Kindle why not go with that? So if she should have questions you can easily answer them. I bet she'll be buying them herself in no time. How old is grandma? If she is over 60 as I am, I have no problems using either my Kindle3 or my Sony 350. But I will have to say the font sizes on the Kindle are better at this time. On the other hand my Sony is easier on my hands & I prefer touch screen. Last edited by Pomtroll; 08-17-2011 at 05:54 PM.

08-17-2011, 07:34 PM	#6
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,745 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Besides the KDXG, there is also the Pocketbook Pro 903. That's another 9.7" screen. Give that one a look. It weights about 1.2 pounds. Last edited by JSWolf; 08-17-2011 at 07:40 PM.

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08-17-2011, 02:06 PM	#2
khalleron Kate Posts: 1,700 Karma: 3605799 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oregon, United States Device: MeeBook, Kobo Libra Colour	Although I have a Sony and love it, and would never buy a Kindle for myself, I've always recommended Kindles in these situations. The ease of use cannot be beat (although I have a problem with the whole walled garden philosophy). Although if you're going to be putting the books on, pretty much all ebook readers are easy to use for reading. Pick a book, read it. It's getting the books on that's not so simple with other readers. This is the lowest price I've seen on an e-ink reader http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-Reade...undle/12425705 Now, it's the PRS-300 so it doesn't have a touchscreen, but pushing a button is pretty simple.

08-17-2011, 05:34 PM	#3
Hoyt Clagwell Not an Addict Posts: 301 Karma: 5678807 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: The blue one next to the fish.	I would also recommend the Kindle. Perhaps even the Kindle DXG. Then your grandmother could pick a large font and not have to turn the page so often. But the weight of the larger device could be a factor.

08-17-2011, 08:49 PM	#7
Boston Fanatic Posts: 555 Karma: 40032 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Boston :) Device: Kindle, Kobo Aura H20, Pixel XL	My mom (in her late 70s) prefers her Kindle (over her Sony) because she doesn't have to hook it up to a computer. She also finds it easier on her eyes (font/size/spacing). She isn't the type to buy books on-line, so I buy books for her and all she needs to do is turn on the wireless for them to download. Since we like some of the same types of books, I have it registered to my account so we can share books (again, I simply send to her Kindle so its waiting for her).

08-17-2011, 10:52 PM	#11
nogre Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 68 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Kindle 3 Wifi	Thanks all. I think I'll take her to a store so she can try out a few different devices (especially the DX) though it looks like the kindle is the lead choice for now. Thanks again, nogre

08-18-2011, 12:12 AM	#12
BrowseTheStacks BrowseTheStacks Posts: 127 Karma: 24316 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tampa FL Device: Kindle 3 3G + WI-FI	If you get the kindle go with the 3g. With it you can manage everything from the reader and no wifi required (if she dosent have at home).

08-18-2011, 03:35 AM	#13
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I agree with the previous posters; the Kindle is the best choice for this. I know you say that you'll load content yourself, but with the 3G Kindle she'll be able to do so herself, without a PC.

08-18-2011, 10:28 AM	#15
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	My Mom loves the DXG we gave her.

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