Replacing your reader

[ucfgrad93]

I have no set standard to when I upgrade my gadgets. The computer I'm typing this on is 4.5 years old. I didn't upgrade my iPhone 4 to the 4S because I didn't think enough had changed.

I used my Kindle 2 from January 2010 to June 2011 when I upgraded to the Kindle Keyboard. The driving factors for that were the better screen and the availability of the lighted cover. So far, I have not really been interested in upgrading to the Touch because I don't think it is a significant upgrade to my current device. However, if Amazon released an ereader with their version of Glowlight, I'll probably upgrade then.

[QuantumIguana]

My can opener opens cans. When it no longer performs its task, I will replace it. Before that, added features won't entice me to replace my can opener. My e-reader is for reading books, and I'll keep it as long as it still performs its task. When it breaks I will get a new one. I expect that the next reader I buy will have more functions, but those added functions won't entice me to replace a perfectly good e-reader.

[rhadin]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

What criteria will you use to decide when to replace your current ebook reader? Clearly I will repalce it when my currrent one becomes unusable, will you replace it after a certain number of years?

I will replace my reader when it either becomes inoperable (for whatever reason) or when it can no longer provide the functions that I want or think I need in order to enjoy reading current-generation ebooks.

The bottom line is that inoperability is likely to be the determining factor.

We are still using my 4.5-year-old Sony 505. I would not have replaced it except that I wanted to be able to get the New York Times electronically without having to use my desktop PC to get the day's issue. So I bought the Sony 950 and gave my wife my 505.

Well getting the Times electronically lasted about a week. My wife complained. She didn't like reading the Times on the eInk screen and wanted the print subscription reinstated. I continued to use the 950 and she continued to read books on the 505, and so it remains 1.5 years after the purchase of the 950.

But then my wife saw the Nook Tablet with the special offer for the Times and decided that would make a great gift for me. So now I have the 2 Sonys and a Nook Tablet, and I am getting the Times electronically. We still use our Sonys for the bulk of our reading; the Tablet is used almost exclusively to read the Times. I guess it will now be a whole lot of years before I buy another device.

[MrsJoseph]

When my husband won't make me return it...

[Belfaborac]

I've got a PRS-950 and a 505 as backup, so the need for a replacement hopefully lies years into the future. Still, I have considered buying a couple more because I'm unsure about the future of e-readers. Both in the sense that I wouldn't be surprised if they're extinct in a few years and, if they're not extinct, that they'll all be loaded with a mass of functions and features that I don't want. Hence I think this may be a good time to pick up a couple of spares which I can stick in the sock drawer until they're needed.

[HappyMartin]

I am waiting for a new Kindle Touch. The lighted cover and smaller size tempted me from my KK. I have been waiting for the 3G KT to launch internationally and preordered it the moment I could.

This will be my fourth reader. I don't count the iPad.

[Blossom]

As soon as the new Kindle with Flex Lighting comes out I will get one. I need it for night time reading. I already own 3 Kindles. K4, K3 and a Kindle Fire. The K4 is most used but it's not the best. It has poor contrast. I use my K3 for upstairs when the lights are on and the Kindle Fire for when the lights are off. The new Kindle will replace the Kindle Fire as I find it too heavy to hold while laying down in bed and too bright at times for my eyes to read for more than a few hours.

[Pinecone]

I replaced my PRS-600 with a PRS-650 due to the better screen, larger memory, and other features.

I will not replace it until something that works better for me or it breaks. But I have a spare.

[wizwor]

I'm relatively new to the ereader scene. Got my k79 in October and Fire in November. I think the Fire will be fine for me for a long time, but I am ready to upgrade the k79. The screen is a little small and the controls are not winning my affection.

A 'glow touch' with a bigger screen would be irrestible to me right now.

[Phogg]

"Upgrade" ?

No.

I "add to" .
I wouldn't want my beloved reading machines to think I didn't still love them.
I even get out my old HTC Wizard now and then.
Never give up books or machines if they still work.

[faithbw]

Either when my e-reader dies or becomes so obsolete that I can no longer borrow or buy new e-books. Whichever is first.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by QuantumIguana

My can opener opens cans. When it no longer performs its task, I will replace it. Before that, added features won't entice me to replace my can opener. My e-reader is for reading books, and I'll keep it as long as it still performs its task. When it breaks I will get a new one. I expect that the next reader I buy will have more functions, but those added functions won't entice me to replace a perfectly good e-reader.

Admirable- I'd like to be that self-disciplined. I have a perfectly functioning, elegant Kindle Keyboard with the beautifully made lighted cover. Which I love, so I TOLD myself that I would wait to replace it. I would not get a Touch. .... I bought the Kindle touch the same day I learned it was available in Canada. And do i regret it? No -I love it even more - especially how fast the dictionary is, searching, etc. But did i need it? No - it was wanton consumerism.

My only redeeming grace is that I'm not least tempted to upgrade my original iPad. The new functions on each generation of ereaders seem to incrementally more significant than on new generations of computers/laptops/ tablets. And I use the reader more often - reading is of central importance.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by Belfaborac

I've got a PRS-950 and a 505 as backup, so the need for a replacement hopefully lies years into the future. Still, I have considered buying a couple more because I'm unsure about the future of e-readers. Both in the sense that I wouldn't be surprised if they're extinct in a few years and, if they're not extinct, that they'll all be loaded with a mass of functions and features that I don't want. Hence I think this may be a good time to pick up a couple of spares which I can stick in the sock drawer until they're needed.

I've had the temptation. My fear is that the market for ereaders will fail, as tablets take over. I never want to go back to paper, and I dislike reading on a tablet (iPad). If the wind blows in that direction, I'll stock pile a few for old age.

[elemenoP]

Originally Posted by Victoria

My fear is that the market for ereaders will fail, as tablets take over.

Yes, so let's thank those MobileReaders who keep buying new ereaders when they already have perfectly good ones!

Thanks for the service you perform for us all!!!

eP

[VicLavigne]

Different reasons to upgrade. Never had one fail me, so that's not one.

First reader was the Sony PRS-505. I had it about 2 1/2 years. Upgraded to the Nook first edition. Reason: the Sony had limited space, it seemed a little sluggish, and when I added books on an SD card, it got even more sluggish. I had seen the Nook and it had a nice screen and I liked the touch-screen bar.

I had the Nook 1st ed and upgraded to the Nook STR within a few months after its release. Reason: I was disappointed with the Nook's weight (seemed heavy, especially compared to the Sony) and the battery life was really disappointing.

Upgraded to the Sony PRS-T1 and gave my wife the Nook STR. Bought the Sony about 4 months after its release. Reason: reduced weight, thinness, I liked the placement of the physical buttons, and I wanted a reader that was not so heavily linked to its book-store - I really like the independence of the Sony. Even though they do have the Sony store, the reader doesn't feel like a front for its vendor, the way Nook and Kindle are.

So those are my reasons. I am reasonably happy with my current Sony, I'm not sure what I need to see in a new reader to upgrade. Color e-ink might be a good draw for me.

Vic