Best Reader for a Sideloader

jupstin · 10-28-2010, 03:51 PM

Hello all - I suppose the title of this post is pretty self-explanatory. What I'd like it to hear your opinion about what the best reader is for someone who doesn't plan on buying their books "on-device." I currently own a K2, and I've owned a K1, PRS 500, and PRS 505 over the years.

I love my Kindle, but I've never used the Kindle store (sorry Amazon.) I have used the 3G to access feedbooks, but it's pretty rare. What I've decided, after several years of ebook reading, is that I prefer to format and sideload my own books - typically via Calibre.

So, taking all this into account, what device do you think offers the most options and the best reading experience. Also keep in mind that I do moderate highlighting and I LOVE being able to use a built-in dictionary. Wikipedia, however, is unimportant to me.

I'm sort of liking the idea of getting one of the new Sony models since the touchscreen clarity/quality has finally been fixed. At the same time, maybe the wi-fi K3 would be a better option, all things considered. Perhaps something else?

Anyway, I appreciate your opinions.

GA Russell · 10-28-2010, 06:01 PM

jupstin, the jetBook Lite has the sideloading and the dictionary, but does not have the highlighting and the touch screen.

It's currently going for $99 with a free leather case at newegg.

jastevenson · 10-28-2010, 07:49 PM

I would think something with Android, since the platform is so flexible.

Dulin's Books · 10-29-2010, 02:02 AM

Please check out the newest PocketBook devices. The 602 and 902 are now available for pre-order and they of course have highlighting and dictionaries. PocketBook offers an excellent reading experience with many user-customizable features that let you read how you want.

jupstin · 10-29-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dulin's Books

Please check out the newest PocketBook devices. The 602 and 902 are now available for pre-order and they of course have highlighting and dictionaries. PocketBook offers an excellent reading experience with many user-customizable features that let you read how you want.

It definitely looks interesting. I'll have to see what the reviews are like when they release

dordale · 10-30-2010, 12:48 PM

jupstin--

I love my new Sony 650!! Love the touchscreen interface. In my opinion, Sony did a great job making the interface super intuitive. (Again in my opinion--much better than the nook I also own.) I use the dictionary frequently--and it's great to be able to double tap on a word and have the definition pop up at the bottom of the screen. (One of my favorite features.)

My MIL has the 350--and at first I thought the 5" screen would be too small--but not so. I was kind of hoping she wouldn't like it, so she'd give it to me--but no such luck!

If you're interested in wikepedia look up, I'm pretty sure the new Sony 950s will do this--I think it works in much the same way dictionary lookup works on my 650 (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Good luck making your choice--I really don't think you can make a wrong one!

dordale

Downside to the Sonys--they are more expensive than other models. But, I've compared my 650 to a co-worker's K3 and the 650 seems to be more solidly made (and it's smaller too--because it doesn't have the keyboard). Also the 350s and 650s don't have wi-fi (I think a misstep on Sony's part.)

harriska2 · 11-01-2010, 11:28 PM

Another for the Sony 650. I sideload and am in love. This is my first dedicated eink reader.

GreenMonkey · 11-02-2010, 02:39 AM

I love the look of the new Sonys. It would be super handy for taking notes in class, highlighting books, etc.

I plan on side-grading from the Nook, eventually.

I empathize. I never buy right on the device as I'm paranoid about backups. I strip DRM of what few DRM'd books I do buy, and sideload most everything

rhadin · 11-02-2010, 08:08 AM

I bought the Sony 950 and think it is just wonderful. I was (and still am) very pleased with my 3-year-old Sony 505, but the 950 is fantastic. The touchsecreen really is amazing and crystal clear. Consequently, if side loading is your plan, I would go for the Sony 650, which ahs the same touchscreen and clarity as the 950.

(I like the 950 so much, I'm thinking of buying a second one for my wife. She is set to inherit my 505, but the 950 is just fantastic.)

jbcohen · 11-02-2010, 08:21 AM

My Aluratek does not allow for buying on the device. Some may see this as a big limitation, and in some ways it is, but its just peachy by me. Libra Pro might be a contender.

I have nothing against a Kindle or a Sony PRS I just don't feel like spending that much on a reader and the Libra Pro is willing to do the job for the price I wanted to pay.

cjottawa · 11-02-2010, 11:56 AM

I've tried the Sony touch-edition reader when my spouse had one.
I've also tried the spouse's iPad and I bought a Kindle 3G+WiFi.

I didn't think I'd use the "buy on device" feature but I have, on occasion, with the K3G.

What I DO use a great deal is the free 3G internet access. On the bus, I can read current news instantly and not need either a WiFi hotspot or a computer to upload documents.

Again, I didn't think that would be particularly important to me but now it's something I find uses for all the time.

jupstin · 11-05-2010, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm leaning toward the 650 The 950 is probably out of my price range.)

10-28-2010, 03:51 PM	#1
jupstin Groupie Posts: 159 Karma: 1005378 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambria, California Device: Kindle 2	Best Reader for a Sideloader Hello all - I suppose the title of this post is pretty self-explanatory. What I'd like it to hear your opinion about what the best reader is for someone who doesn't plan on buying their books "on-device." I currently own a K2, and I've owned a K1, PRS 500, and PRS 505 over the years. I love my Kindle, but I've never used the Kindle store (sorry Amazon.) I have used the 3G to access feedbooks, but it's pretty rare. What I've decided, after several years of ebook reading, is that I prefer to format and sideload my own books - typically via Calibre. So, taking all this into account, what device do you think offers the most options and the best reading experience. Also keep in mind that I do moderate highlighting and I LOVE being able to use a built-in dictionary. Wikipedia, however, is unimportant to me. I'm sort of liking the idea of getting one of the new Sony models since the touchscreen clarity/quality has finally been fixed. At the same time, maybe the wi-fi K3 would be a better option, all things considered. Perhaps something else? Anyway, I appreciate your opinions. Last edited by jupstin; 10-28-2010 at 06:19 PM. Reason: spelling fix

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10-28-2010, 06:01 PM	#2
GA Russell Als, Lions host Semis Posts: 7,714 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	jupstin, the jetBook Lite has the sideloading and the dictionary, but does not have the highlighting and the touch screen. It's currently going for $99 with a free leather case at newegg.

10-28-2010, 07:49 PM	#3
jastevenson Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Several	I would think something with Android, since the platform is so flexible.

10-29-2010, 02:02 AM	#4
Dulin's Books Wizard Posts: 2,806 Karma: 13500000 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portland, OR Device: Boox PB360 etc etc etc	Please check out the newest PocketBook devices. The 602 and 902 are now available for pre-order and they of course have highlighting and dictionaries. PocketBook offers an excellent reading experience with many user-customizable features that let you read how you want.

10-30-2010, 12:48 PM	#6
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	jupstin-- I love my new Sony 650!! Love the touchscreen interface. In my opinion, Sony did a great job making the interface super intuitive. (Again in my opinion--much better than the nook I also own.) I use the dictionary frequently--and it's great to be able to double tap on a word and have the definition pop up at the bottom of the screen. (One of my favorite features.) My MIL has the 350--and at first I thought the 5" screen would be too small--but not so. I was kind of hoping she wouldn't like it, so she'd give it to me--but no such luck! If you're interested in wikepedia look up, I'm pretty sure the new Sony 950s will do this--I think it works in much the same way dictionary lookup works on my 650 (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Good luck making your choice--I really don't think you can make a wrong one! dordale Downside to the Sonys--they are more expensive than other models. But, I've compared my 650 to a co-worker's K3 and the 650 seems to be more solidly made (and it's smaller too--because it doesn't have the keyboard). Also the 350s and 650s don't have wi-fi (I think a misstep on Sony's part.)

11-01-2010, 11:28 PM	#7
harriska2 Addict Posts: 272 Karma: 8000000 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Corvallis, OR Device: Kindle PW2, iPad Pro	Another for the Sony 650. I sideload and am in love. This is my first dedicated eink reader.

11-02-2010, 02:39 AM	#8
GreenMonkey DRM hater Posts: 945 Karma: 2066176 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Michigan Device: Nook ST glow, Kindle Voyage	I love the look of the new Sonys. It would be super handy for taking notes in class, highlighting books, etc. I plan on side-grading from the Nook, eventually. I empathize. I never buy right on the device as I'm paranoid about backups. I strip DRM of what few DRM'd books I do buy, and sideload most everything

11-02-2010, 08:08 AM	#9
rhadin Literacy = Understanding Posts: 4,833 Karma: 59674358 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: The World of Books Device: Nook, Nook Tablet	I bought the Sony 950 and think it is just wonderful. I was (and still am) very pleased with my 3-year-old Sony 505, but the 950 is fantastic. The touchsecreen really is amazing and crystal clear. Consequently, if side loading is your plan, I would go for the Sony 650, which ahs the same touchscreen and clarity as the 950. (I like the 950 so much, I'm thinking of buying a second one for my wife. She is set to inherit my 505, but the 950 is just fantastic.)

11-02-2010, 08:21 AM	#10
jbcohen Wizard Posts: 3,033 Karma: 11196738 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Where am I? Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition and a Samsung S24 Ultra	My Aluratek does not allow for buying on the device. Some may see this as a big limitation, and in some ways it is, but its just peachy by me. Libra Pro might be a contender. I have nothing against a Kindle or a Sony PRS I just don't feel like spending that much on a reader and the Libra Pro is willing to do the job for the price I wanted to pay.

11-02-2010, 11:56 AM	#11
cjottawa Tempus fugit. Posts: 91 Karma: 911 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle Keyboard	I've tried the Sony touch-edition reader when my spouse had one. I've also tried the spouse's iPad and I bought a Kindle 3G+WiFi. I didn't think I'd use the "buy on device" feature but I have, on occasion, with the K3G. What I DO use a great deal is the free 3G internet access. On the bus, I can read current news instantly and not need either a WiFi hotspot or a computer to upload documents. Again, I didn't think that would be particularly important to me but now it's something I find uses for all the time.

11-05-2010, 11:48 AM	#12
jupstin Groupie Posts: 159 Karma: 1005378 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambria, California Device: Kindle 2	Thanks for the replies. I think I'm leaning toward the 650 The 950 is probably out of my price range.)