Color ebook reader, waiting for better models or buy it?

[suikoden2]

Hello, I'm a student, and I study a lot from tablet, so I would like to buy a color ebook reader.
I'm watching for new models since 2011 but I think no one believes in these devices so there won't be any new models.

Could you suggest me what to do? I'm still hoping that will be some new products in 1-2-3 years, but maybe still waiting isn't a good idea.
My dream is a color reader as big as A4 paper (like Sony DPT-S1 but with color) but 8 or 9 inches are quite good to for reading school books.

Should I wait? Should I buy?

And if I should buy? Where to find a color reader in Italy? (or maybe in Switzerland?)

I can't find Hanvon WiseReader C920 anywhere or Pocketbook Color Lux or Ectaco Jetbook Color 2 (maybe I could import the last one from USA but it will be really expensive).

Thanks in advance for reply and sorry for my bad English, I'm hoping you won't find too difficult to understand what I've written.

[eschwartz]

Color E-Ink does not seem to have much demand, and no one knows if or when it may appear on the market.

I would suggest for the moment you might as well just stick with a tablet. The only difference is in the battery life and inability to use outside in bright sunlight.

[suikoden2]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

The only difference is in the battery life and inability to use outside in bright sunlight.

Sure, it's why I would like an ebook reader. For better products i should wait maybe next year or maybe forever XD

[eschwartz]

Battery life is a surmountable obstacle. As for reading outside, you cannot do that with color at the moment. (Well, there are a few experimental color E-Ink ereaders you named, which few people seem to have been happy with.)


Personally, I think within a few years someone will come out with a better tablet display, there are some indicators that tablet manufacturers are looking to dramatically increase battery life.
It might not be E-Ink, and it probably won't be ereader manufacturers, but the world is in need of longer-lived tablets, apparently, and a safe bet is on new screens that don't need backlit displays.
Those would be usable outside as well.

[suikoden2]

What about Mirasol? I've read that new generation is really good, It isn't Eink but really close.
If someone will create a new kind of screen with good power-saving, I think there wont' be any ereader; why buying a device which is only an ereader when you could have both tablet and ereader in one product?

[susan_cassidy]

You can - it is called a tablet. Tablets can read any format of ebook that you can find an app for. Many people read on their tablets. I think a lot of people's problems with reading on tablets is because they have the brightness turned up too high. Same with computer monitors. Tablets also meet your desire for color.

[eschwartz]

Ah -- no.

Peoples' problems with reading on tablets are manifold, including the fact that the battery life is much shorter, it can be very difficult to read outside/in bright light, and because some peoples' eyes are more sensitive. I assure you, of the third group, they will have experimented to an insane degree, trying to find a solution. Your dismissive belief that they just forgot to check the brightness level is... boggling.

People do not buy thousand-dollar experimental displays because you weren't there to tell them to check the brightness.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by suikoden2

What about Mirasol? I've read that new generation is really good, It isn't Eink but really close.
If someone will create a new kind of screen with good power-saving, I think there wont' be any ereader; why buying a device which is only an ereader when you could have both tablet and ereader in one product?

The problem with Mirasol is that years later they still haven't come out with a working, proven replacement. They spend way too long "in development" and the few devices that utilized one of their displays suffered from washed out color.

Another possibility is LiquaVista, bought by Amazon a while back. They are still in development as well, although the good news is Amazon is interested enough to seemingly be pouring money into it.



Both are firmly in the realm of "watch this space for more details", both are years-old projects with a history of not having anything to show for their effort, and no one has any idea when or if either will come to fruition. Expect to wait.

[RZetlin]

There is the Pocket Colour Lux eReader, but the performance is terrible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkUzNZp0-bk

It would be a long time before we see one of major eReader makers create a colour eReader.

[barryem]

I suspect when one of the color e-ink or similar technologies becomes worth using it won't be used in ereaders, at least not at first. It's likely to be more expensive and most people who read books couldn't care less about color. I do realize there will be exceptions to that but ereaders are designed for mass markets. While color would probably be a good selling point for a short time most serious readers probably won't care.

Of course I'm just guessing. My marketing skills are non-existent, thankfully, and maybe when they get it right it'll revolutionize ereaders. I sure hope not. I like the way they're going right now.

Barry

[suikoden2]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

the battery life is much shorter, it can be very difficult to read outside/in bright light,

Absolutely true ! I use my tablet with the lowest brightness and I can use it for even a day and a half or two days (moderate use).
My dream is a device that lasts at least 1 week.

@RZetlin
I've talked about Pocket Colour Lux in my first post; a few days ago I wanted to buy it, but i couldn't find it.

@eschwartz
Probably you're right ! The best thing to do is to wait.

[discopig]

When I need color (which is basically only when I'm reading a comic book), I use my phone or my tablet. Otherwise, current eink fullfills all my needs and I'm pretty happy with it

[Barbara1955]

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sharper-Im.../dp/B004CFIPMY

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by Katie1

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sharper-Im.../dp/B004CFIPMY

Yes, and it gets terrible reviews and is just one more of several attempts that have been mentioned -- none of them seem to work very well.

[Barbara1955]

Humm I had 2 they were well over a yr old when they crashed! So as far as I conserned they are Excellent ereaders!