Ebook reader for scientific papers

Gabi_gg · 11-02-2015, 05:16 PM

Hey guys,

I am looking for an ebook reader where the main use is scientific papers reading.
Therefore my main qualities to consider are:
*I really don't like to read from my galaxy s3 and not only because of its screen size but because of the glaring screen so an anti-glare paper-like screen is very important to me.
*It has to read free pdfs uploaded from my computer.
*I don't care about prices of ebooks and virtual stores because I'm not going to use them.
*A wi-fi internet connection is very nice to have but not mandatory.
*I prefer color for being able to distinguish between curves on graph but its a nice-to-have.
*The larger screen the better
*The cheaper the better

Which platform and model would you suggest?

Thanks.

susan_cassidy · 11-02-2015, 07:35 PM

Color means a tablet, and so does reading pdf files. Pdfs are usually formatted for an 8.5 x 11 inch page, which does not work well on a 6 inch ereader screen. I don't think you are going to find a non-glare screen in a tablet. IPads work well for pdf files (large size, not mini).

loviedovie · 11-02-2015, 07:59 PM

http://www.banggood.com/ONYX-BOOX-M9...-p-999708.html

AnemicOak · 11-02-2015, 10:07 PM

For color eInk I think the JetBook Color 2 is still available. Not that color eInk (specifically Triton 2) has gotten great reviews for color quality, but it would be an option.

For grayscale eInk there are some larger devices like the Onyx Boox M96 (or the older M92 maybe). IIRC they have an 8" device too that might not be too bad (can't remember the number off hand, maybe i86?).

Then there's the budget busting Sony 13.3" DPTS1 which sells for around $800.

Jmirko · 11-06-2015, 08:02 AM

Contrary to what some may tell you, you don't need an LCD tablet for reading pdfs. I second loviedovie's suggestion that your best option currently is the Onyx Boox M96 (if you want to annotate by hand, with a stylus), or M96C (no stylus but you can use your fingers). Monochrome, 9.7 inch e-ink screen, open Android. You can install a variety of pdf reading and annotating apps, several of which are very good.
I would not recommend the Jetbook Color 2, based on a lot of negative reviews on screen quality and software issues.
Several companies (Onyx, Pocketbook, Netronix) plan to sell 13.3 inch readers from 2016. These are expected to cost upwards of 500 USD, but allow you to view A4 / letter size pdfs in original size.
If you're looking for something cheaper, used devices can sometimes be bought for 150-200 USD. Models to look out for: Irex DR1000, Pocketbook 903 /912, Onyx Boox M92. Ebay and the Mobileread Flea Market are good sources. Check reviews before you purchase an older device - these have closed operating systems so if you don't like the stock pdf app, your choices are limited.

peaceridge · 11-09-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmirko

You can install a variety of pdf reading and annotating apps, several of which are very good.

Could you point me to one/some? I have a Note 10.4 for editing pdf's and haven't found an app that works very good for me. Maybe it will also help Gabi_gg in choosing an ereader.

Jmirko · 11-13-2015, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peaceridge

Could you point me to one/some? I have a Note 10.4 for editing pdf's and haven't found an app that works very good for me. Maybe it will also help Gabi_gg in choosing an ereader.

This depends on your requirements, of course. If the built-in apps don't work for you, try MoonReader Pro, EZPdfReader Pro, or Mantano Reader.

I recently tested some of these apps for a friend on an Onyx Boox M96+ (e-ink reader) - the result is attached. This may save you some time.

HarryT · 11-13-2015, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmirko

Contrary to what some may tell you, you don't need an LCD tablet for reading pdfs.

I don't believe anyone's said that you need an LCD device.

I read a lot of academic PDFs myself, however, for my Egyptology degree, and having used both eInk Android devices and conventional LCD tablets, for me personally the tablet is the clear winner due to speed and screen quality. The best combination I've found for reading PDFs is an iPad with the "Goodreader" app.

PDFs benefit from a fast CPU and a lot of RAM, neither of which the eInk devices offer. There's also the issue that no Android PDF reader I've used is as good (for me personally) as Goodreader for iOS.

Jmirko · 11-13-2015, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I don't believe anyone's said that you need an LCD device.

I was referring to post #2 in this thread, which is clearly saying that. The OP made it clear that he needs an e-ink screen, so advising him to buy an Ipad is not very useful.

HarryT · 11-13-2015, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmirko

I was referring to post #2 in this thread, which is clearly saying that. The OP made it clear that he needs an e-ink screen, so advising him to buy an Ipad is not very useful.

I think it is helpful to report practical experience. Whether the OP chooses to take any notice of it is of course his choice. I'm not advising him to buy an iPad, just reporting that in my practical experience the iPad is the best platform for reading PDFs on.

peaceridge · 11-13-2015, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmirko

This depends on your requirements, of course. If the built-in apps don't work for you, try MoonReader Pro, EZPdfReader Pro, or Mantano Reader.

I recently tested some of these apps for a friend on an Onyx Boox M96+ (e-ink reader) - the result is attached. This may save you some time.

Thanks, very, very helpful -
Looks like EZPdfReader Pro might have what I need - I'll give it a whirl!

Jmirko · 11-14-2015, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peaceridge

Thanks, very, very helpful -
Looks like EZPdfReader Pro might have what I need - I'll give it a whirl!

I am glad you found it helpful. Let us know which app you prefer in the end!

ProDigit · 11-20-2015, 04:43 AM

Owning a Jetbook Color 1, I can say that it's not a very good device for long reading.
It's way too heavy to comfortably hold for longer than 10 minutes.
Leaning on my belly when resting on the couch, makes it hard to read the bottom of the book, as my eyes feel strained trying to roll them down that much.
My eyes focus on a jetbook on my belly, from the top to the center. Below the center, they just feel strained to look lower...
So, no...
A Jetbook-like device needs to lose at least half of it's weight to be comfortable enough to read for longer periods of time.
It can be done when the metal housing is replaced by plastic,
The glass substrate screen replaced by a plastic one,
And the internal speakers (which sound very good for a tablet!), removed.

faltradl · 10-28-2016, 07:50 AM

"If screen size is important" and "it has a bigger screen (6.8”)" = a bad joke

And we talked in this thread about PDF an scientific papers! I'm shure the TO woldn't like to need a magnifying glass. So he needs a displaysize about 10".

Don't come with reflow. At simple books it may work. Scientific papers have more complicated layout. And it is not recommend to rip it.

crane3 · 10-28-2016, 01:42 PM

If just reading PDFs, then a Chromebook would be better; there are different sizes of Chromebooks from 11 in to 15 in. May be worth it to check & I don't know if display has to be in "landscape" mode (gotta to check it out).

If you also need to add stuff, etc, then I don't know if the built-in PDF reader will do.

11-02-2015, 05:16 PM	#1
Gabi_gg Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: None	Ebook reader for scientific papers Hey guys, I am looking for an ebook reader where the main use is scientific papers reading. Therefore my main qualities to consider are: I really don't like to read from my galaxy s3 and not only because of its screen size but because of the glaring screen so an anti-glare paper-like screen is very important to me. It has to read free pdfs uploaded from my computer. I don't care about prices of ebooks and virtual stores because I'm not going to use them. A wi-fi internet connection is very nice to have but not mandatory. I prefer color for being able to distinguish between curves on graph but its a nice-to-have. The larger screen the better *The cheaper the better Which platform and model would you suggest? Thanks.

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11-02-2015, 07:35 PM	#2
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	Color means a tablet, and so does reading pdf files. Pdfs are usually formatted for an 8.5 x 11 inch page, which does not work well on a 6 inch ereader screen. I don't think you are going to find a non-glare screen in a tablet. IPads work well for pdf files (large size, not mini).

11-02-2015, 07:59 PM	#3
loviedovie Addict Posts: 295 Karma: 2139988 Join Date: Nov 2014 Device: bookeen	http://www.banggood.com/ONYX-BOOX-M9...-p-999708.html

11-02-2015, 10:07 PM	#4
AnemicOak Bookaholic Posts: 14,391 Karma: 54969924 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minnesota Device: iPad Mini 4, AuraHD, iPhone XR +	For color eInk I think the JetBook Color 2 is still available. Not that color eInk (specifically Triton 2) has gotten great reviews for color quality, but it would be an option. For grayscale eInk there are some larger devices like the Onyx Boox M96 (or the older M92 maybe). IIRC they have an 8" device too that might not be too bad (can't remember the number off hand, maybe i86?). Then there's the budget busting Sony 13.3" DPTS1 which sells for around $800.

11-06-2015, 08:02 AM	#5
Jmirko Recovered collector Posts: 398 Karma: 1555507 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vienna, Austria Device: see signature	Contrary to what some may tell you, you don't need an LCD tablet for reading pdfs. I second loviedovie's suggestion that your best option currently is the Onyx Boox M96 (if you want to annotate by hand, with a stylus), or M96C (no stylus but you can use your fingers). Monochrome, 9.7 inch e-ink screen, open Android. You can install a variety of pdf reading and annotating apps, several of which are very good. I would not recommend the Jetbook Color 2, based on a lot of negative reviews on screen quality and software issues. Several companies (Onyx, Pocketbook, Netronix) plan to sell 13.3 inch readers from 2016. These are expected to cost upwards of 500 USD, but allow you to view A4 / letter size pdfs in original size. If you're looking for something cheaper, used devices can sometimes be bought for 150-200 USD. Models to look out for: Irex DR1000, Pocketbook 903 /912, Onyx Boox M92. Ebay and the Mobileread Flea Market are good sources. Check reviews before you purchase an older device - these have closed operating systems so if you don't like the stock pdf app, your choices are limited.

11-20-2015, 04:43 AM	#13
ProDigit Karmaniac Posts: 2,553 Karma: 11499146 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Miami FL Device: PRS-505, Jetbook, + Mini, +Color, Astak Ez Reader Pro, PPW1, Aura H2O	Owning a Jetbook Color 1, I can say that it's not a very good device for long reading. It's way too heavy to comfortably hold for longer than 10 minutes. Leaning on my belly when resting on the couch, makes it hard to read the bottom of the book, as my eyes feel strained trying to roll them down that much. My eyes focus on a jetbook on my belly, from the top to the center. Below the center, they just feel strained to look lower... So, no... A Jetbook-like device needs to lose at least half of it's weight to be comfortable enough to read for longer periods of time. It can be done when the metal housing is replaced by plastic, The glass substrate screen replaced by a plastic one, And the internal speakers (which sound very good for a tablet!), removed.

10-28-2016, 07:50 AM	#14
faltradl Guru Posts: 602 Karma: 1712372 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: germany Device: PocketBook Touch	"If screen size is important" and "it has a bigger screen (6.8”)" = a bad joke And we talked in this thread about PDF an scientific papers! I'm shure the TO woldn't like to need a magnifying glass. So he needs a displaysize about 10". Don't come with reflow. At simple books it may work. Scientific papers have more complicated layout. And it is not recommend to rip it.

10-28-2016, 01:42 PM	#15
crane3 Guru Posts: 608 Karma: 5007204 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Calif Device: Fire hdx 8.9, Tab S2, Tab S5e, Aura ONE	If just reading PDFs, then a Chromebook would be better; there are different sizes of Chromebooks from 11 in to 15 in. May be worth it to check & I don't know if display has to be in "landscape" mode (gotta to check it out). If you also need to add stuff, etc, then I don't know if the built-in PDF reader will do.