A reader for library e-books

[JMA]

Hi there!

I bought a Kindle 2 last summer, and I'm mostly happy with it. At the time, none of the e-readers available had all of the things I wanted (those being a good e-book store, the ability to read library e-books, the ability to get a NY Times subscription, and an app for Android phones). Things have definitely changed, and at this point, prices have dropped enough that I can justify getting a second e-reader.

So I'm considering my choices. I like the ability to go online with the Kindle, but I pretty much only use it for downloading my newspaper, so that's not a big deal with a second e-reader.

My main criteria for the second e-reader are that it be compatible with the widest number of DRM-ed e-books (the library, which is ADE, but other bookstores would be a plus), that it be inexpensive (it's a second e-reader, and my partner thinks I've got too much technology as it is), and that it be comfortable for reading for long stretches.

I like reading on the Kindle's e-ink screen, but I've also been doing a fair amount of reading on my phone, and the backlit screen doesn't bother me all that much.

Is there any reader that can cope with the DRM from both Borders/Kobo and Barnes and Noble? Are B&N's in-store read for free program and their weekly free books worth getting a Nook?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by JMA

Is there any reader that can cope with the DRM from both Borders/Kobo and Barnes and Noble?

At this point only Nook meets that criterion.
B&N DRM has been promised to other ADE-based readers Real.Soon.Now.
(Seven months and counting...)

If you don't insist on B&N compatibility then your options open up since pretty much everything else is compatible with Adobe Adept. At that point it is a matter of what do you value: low price? (Kobo,Aluratek) Touchscreen? (Sony) TTS? (Astak) ergonomics and end-user controls? (Pocketbook 360).

Since you already have some eink experience you could start by looking at the things that annoy/irritate you about your current reader and see which (if any) of the alternatives does better. Or you coud just punt and go for Nook.

[bookwerm]

Originally Posted by JMA

Are B&N's in-store read for free program and their weekly free books worth getting a Nook?

Any advice would be appreciated.

For what it's worth, The in-store read program only lets you read for one hour per 24-hour period. It's not like you can read one book for one hour, than another book for another hour. It's a total of one hour for any one (or multiple) ebooks. However, if you are in store, especially a store with a B&N cafe, I know a lot of nook lovers like the continual copons for free coffee, food, etc.

As for the weekly free books - it probably depends on what you like to read. The free book is typically fiction, and since I've had my nook since April, only once has it been an author I knew (Sidney Sheldon). Genre ranges from supernatural to sci fi (it was heavy on the sci fi in the spring) to mystery/thriller. Of the 12 or so books that have been free, i've actually read 1 and there are about 3-4 more that I will read at some point in the near future. I'd say, though, week to week, it's hit or miss.

HTH!

[sashusmom]

Hi- try the Aluratek Libre Pro- totally compatible with ADE- connect to computer, open up ADE and authorize your libre. I just got one and it was very easy. My mom just got a Nook-$149.00 and that supposedly is also compatible with ADE but haven't tried it yet. I like the screen on the nook better but the e-paper on the libre pro is good too- just a little darker background, but very clear type. A great improvement over my FW 1150.