Help me choose an eInk reader...please!

EscapeVelocity · 12-26-2011, 03:44 PM

So I have decided to purchase an eInk reader. I have been doing some studying. Here are my thoughts and question(s). I would like to make a low cost as possible but high value purchase, used, refurbished, new.

I really am attracted to the highly regarded Sony eReaders.

Especially the

PRS-650
PRS-505
PRS-350

Also the Kobo Touch and Wireless look to be contenders.

Not interested in a Kindle or Nook.

But the Sony's seem to command high prices and have some quirks about them.

What are some lessor known eInk readers in the 5-6" range that you would recommend? Perhaps I could save a few bucks. Older eInk technology is fine. Would like memory expansion slot.

Thanks. I checked out mobileread's wiki, but was overwhelmed.

EscapeVelocity · 12-26-2011, 05:52 PM

650 or smaller screen 350 or Kobo Touch or Kobo WiFi

Shopaholic · 12-26-2011, 06:06 PM

The Sony models you mention are no longer made. If you find them, they're old new stock which is fine or used or refurbished. I don't personally like buying refurbs but you're buying not me.

I can't stand the Kobo. I think it's a horrible device. I don't like the user interface, it's unstable and overall I just hate it.

If you like Sony's get the T1. The 505 is many years old & not worth considering. You can get a T1 right now for $100 - $120 depending on where you are on the planet. US had them for $100. Cheapest in Canada is $120. I don't know about elsewhere.

EscapeVelocity · 12-26-2011, 06:57 PM

I didnt know Kobo readers were so objectionable!

robko · 12-27-2011, 12:21 AM

Kobo Touch is a great device. I think e-readers are a very personal thing and what one person loves another hates. A Kobo can have issues, but so can a Sony or a Kindle. I'd read up in the forums on the various devices to see what functions you'd really like then test them out in store and see which works for you (and that way you'll know what the current firmware version is and what it changes since the store models are often several versions behind). If you don't mind a slightly slower device check out the Kobo Wifi. You lose some of the functionally of the Touch, but they are quite cheap if you catch them on sale. If there are specific features you want or don't want put them out there and people will give you more specific details on the good and bad of various devices.
Robert

SmokeAndMirrors · 12-27-2011, 02:46 AM

I have a Kobo Touch and I love it. A good friend of mine just got one for Christmas and she seems to like it so far as well.

I've had zero problems since I got it several months ago. I like the touch interface and the frequent firmware updates that add features.

My college has just started selling e-textbooks on the site, and I'm pretty excited to get them for next semester! A recent firmware update improved annotating, highlighting, etc, for the Kobo so that's even better.

I also like how open it is compared to most of the other mainstream ereaders. No disclosure shenanigans on their store website, lots of format compatibility, etc.

Shopaholic · 12-27-2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

I didnt know Kobo readers were so objectionable!

Sorry. It's just my opinion but I really hate the things. Others love them but I'm not one of them nor am I the only one.

One of my major issues with them is the exact thing that others tout as being great. I like the Sony because out of the box, it works. Same with the Kindle. There are the odd times that something has a problem and they do have to issue a firmware update but for the most part, it does what it's supposed to do well.

I hate that Kobo keeps putting out bandaid solutions. ABC doesn't work so we'll send a firmware update. Then DEF doesn't work so we'll update that. Then GHI has an issue so we'll update that. And so on, and so on...Yeah, sure it's nice that they appear to be on top of things but geeze luiz get it right in the first place & you won't have to keep issuing all these minor 'solutions'.

Did I mention that you can't make collections on the Kobo?

robko · 12-27-2011, 12:42 PM

And you're entitled to your opinion, but in my opinion most of the firmware updates have been to improve functionality rather than fix glaring errors. Yes, some people had an issue with it wanting to reset at one point (and not everyone by a long shot). They fixed that. Some people with Sony T1's had issues with page turns and freeze-ups out of the box. They fixed that. I'm not convinced that Kobo is any worse than any other reader out there. I think the Kobo customer service lack of response is what drives more people to complain publicly (which is a different issue that I won't argue against). But overall, there are lots of people (myself included) that have not had significant issues with the Kobo that we have had to wait on firmware upgrades to solve (just features we wanted that weren't there to begin with).
And I will agree that not having folders/collections yet is probably the big missing item that I'm waiting for.

sonyreaderfan · 12-27-2011, 01:04 PM

One fundamental feature that was missing from Kobo before was a search functionality. Has that been fixed?

I like this website.
http://www.the-ebook-reader.com/

It has a lot of video reviews so you can compare. Its blog also has a lot of interesting tidbits about ereaders, such as this:
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/201...-prs-t1-video/

This website also has video reviews:
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/

The two websites favor the T1 very highly. Personally I prefer Sony because of their comparatively fuller feature PDF reading capability. Also, if the search function of Kobo is still missing, then Kobo is a no go out of the box.

robko · 12-27-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonyreaderfan

One fundamental feature that was missing from Kobo before was a search functionality. Has that been fixed?

Yes it has (kobo e-pubs and sideloaded content).
PDF is again a personal decision. I would hate reflow (Sony has, Kobo doesn't) if you couldn't turn it off (I think you can on the Sony??) just due to the nature of the PDF's I use on it (which are a very small percentage of my e-reader usage).
Make sure any reviews/videos are current and reflect the current state/features of the device too. I know Nook had a firmware upgrade that improved the text display, Sony fixed an issue some users were having with freezes/rapid page turns, Kobo has added a bunch of features etc.

EscapeVelocity · 12-27-2011, 03:04 PM

I have been digging deeper as well.

Considering

Astac EZReader Pocket Pro

Jetbook Lite

entourage Pocket eDGe

Augen The Book

spindlegirl · 12-27-2011, 03:19 PM

I owned a Kobo Touch, and have had to factory reset it multiple times. Initial "setup" must be done by downloading the Kobo Desktop software, which is not cross-platform and only works for Mac and Windows, neither of which I use. (We are a Debian Linux household), so every time I had to factory reset it, it meant finding a windows system and someone to bother.

My T1 worked out of the box. I had a bit of confusion over how to register it to be able to borrow library books, but once that was done, it was easy. I am the boss of my book collection and not the other way around. My needs are pretty basic, and library borrowing and having book sorting of my own choosing is one of them. I don't care about the web browser too much as I only use it to download books from library or elsewhere.

12-26-2011, 03:44 PM	#1
EscapeVelocity Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 1420 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Nook Color - Gingerbread	Help me choose an eInk reader...please! So I have decided to purchase an eInk reader. I have been doing some studying. Here are my thoughts and question(s). I would like to make a low cost as possible but high value purchase, used, refurbished, new. I really am attracted to the highly regarded Sony eReaders. Especially the PRS-650 PRS-505 PRS-350 Also the Kobo Touch and Wireless look to be contenders. Not interested in a Kindle or Nook. But the Sony's seem to command high prices and have some quirks about them. What are some lessor known eInk readers in the 5-6" range that you would recommend? Perhaps I could save a few bucks. Older eInk technology is fine. Would like memory expansion slot. Thanks. I checked out mobileread's wiki, but was overwhelmed. Last edited by EscapeVelocity; 12-26-2011 at 05:29 PM.

12-26-2011, 05:52 PM	#2
EscapeVelocity Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 1420 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Nook Color - Gingerbread	650 or smaller screen 350 or Kobo Touch or Kobo WiFi Last edited by EscapeVelocity; 12-26-2011 at 06:08 PM.

12-27-2011, 01:04 PM	#9
sonyreaderfan Groupie Posts: 182 Karma: 203167 Join Date: Apr 2011 Device: Sony Reader Prs 950, iPad	One fundamental feature that was missing from Kobo before was a search functionality. Has that been fixed? I like this website. http://www.the-ebook-reader.com/ It has a lot of video reviews so you can compare. Its blog also has a lot of interesting tidbits about ereaders, such as this: http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/201...-prs-t1-video/ This website also has video reviews: http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ The two websites favor the T1 very highly. Personally I prefer Sony because of their comparatively fuller feature PDF reading capability. Also, if the search function of Kobo is still missing, then Kobo is a no go out of the box. Last edited by sonyreaderfan; 12-27-2011 at 01:10 PM.

12-27-2011, 03:04 PM	#11
EscapeVelocity Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 1420 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Nook Color - Gingerbread	I have been digging deeper as well. Considering Astac EZReader Pocket Pro Jetbook Lite entourage Pocket eDGe Augen The Book Last edited by EscapeVelocity; 12-28-2011 at 02:30 PM.

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12-26-2011, 06:06 PM	#3
Shopaholic Cockatoo Mom! Posts: 1,509 Karma: 1841741 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: PW4, Kobo: A1, Clara, Libra 2, iPad Pro 11, iPad Mini	The Sony models you mention are no longer made. If you find them, they're old new stock which is fine or used or refurbished. I don't personally like buying refurbs but you're buying not me. I can't stand the Kobo. I think it's a horrible device. I don't like the user interface, it's unstable and overall I just hate it. If you like Sony's get the T1. The 505 is many years old & not worth considering. You can get a T1 right now for $100 - $120 depending on where you are on the planet. US had them for $100. Cheapest in Canada is $120. I don't know about elsewhere.

12-26-2011, 06:57 PM	#4
EscapeVelocity Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 1420 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Nook Color - Gingerbread	I didnt know Kobo readers were so objectionable!

12-27-2011, 12:21 AM	#5
robko Wizard Posts: 2,454 Karma: 5469320 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Kobo	Kobo Touch is a great device. I think e-readers are a very personal thing and what one person loves another hates. A Kobo can have issues, but so can a Sony or a Kindle. I'd read up in the forums on the various devices to see what functions you'd really like then test them out in store and see which works for you (and that way you'll know what the current firmware version is and what it changes since the store models are often several versions behind). If you don't mind a slightly slower device check out the Kobo Wifi. You lose some of the functionally of the Touch, but they are quite cheap if you catch them on sale. If there are specific features you want or don't want put them out there and people will give you more specific details on the good and bad of various devices. Robert

12-27-2011, 02:46 AM	#6
SmokeAndMirrors Addict Posts: 280 Karma: 2064388 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: MN, US Device: Kobo Touch, Asus Eee Pad Slider	I have a Kobo Touch and I love it. A good friend of mine just got one for Christmas and she seems to like it so far as well. I've had zero problems since I got it several months ago. I like the touch interface and the frequent firmware updates that add features. My college has just started selling e-textbooks on the site, and I'm pretty excited to get them for next semester! A recent firmware update improved annotating, highlighting, etc, for the Kobo so that's even better. I also like how open it is compared to most of the other mainstream ereaders. No disclosure shenanigans on their store website, lots of format compatibility, etc.

12-27-2011, 12:42 PM	#8
robko Wizard Posts: 2,454 Karma: 5469320 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Kobo	And you're entitled to your opinion, but in my opinion most of the firmware updates have been to improve functionality rather than fix glaring errors. Yes, some people had an issue with it wanting to reset at one point (and not everyone by a long shot). They fixed that. Some people with Sony T1's had issues with page turns and freeze-ups out of the box. They fixed that. I'm not convinced that Kobo is any worse than any other reader out there. I think the Kobo customer service lack of response is what drives more people to complain publicly (which is a different issue that I won't argue against). But overall, there are lots of people (myself included) that have not had significant issues with the Kobo that we have had to wait on firmware upgrades to solve (just features we wanted that weren't there to begin with). And I will agree that not having folders/collections yet is probably the big missing item that I'm waiting for.

12-27-2011, 03:19 PM	#12
spindlegirl Wizard Posts: 1,594 Karma: 21245891 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra h20, Paperwhite 2017, Phone & Tablet w Moonreader	I owned a Kobo Touch, and have had to factory reset it multiple times. Initial "setup" must be done by downloading the Kobo Desktop software, which is not cross-platform and only works for Mac and Windows, neither of which I use. (We are a Debian Linux household), so every time I had to factory reset it, it meant finding a windows system and someone to bother. My T1 worked out of the box. I had a bit of confusion over how to register it to be able to borrow library books, but once that was done, it was easy. I am the boss of my book collection and not the other way around. My needs are pretty basic, and library borrowing and having book sorting of my own choosing is one of them. I don't care about the web browser too much as I only use it to download books from library or elsewhere.

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