Tell us the reason why you bought an ereader - Page 6

Paul Adams · 01-31-2011, 08:06 PM

I mostly use my K3 for reading out loud to record LibriVox audiobooks. It is silent, which my regular computer is not, and light and easy to hold in position. I can download the text from Project Gutenberg, and even edit it if needed.

I also love gadgets, and reading. Back around 1993 I had a Sony Discman that was about the same size as the K3, except 4 times as thick, and each "book" was a disc about the size and shape of a floppy. Compared to today's e-readers it was a monster, but it was still a convenient way of carrying some dictionaries and an encyclopedia around.

I couldn't really justify the expense of the K1 or K2 to myself, but when the K3 came out. . . .

Paul

captkjaneway · 02-01-2011, 01:12 AM

My reasons for buying and ereader were not encapsulated in one of the above to be honest but voted for being an avid reader.

I am a geek, so the gadget thing appealed, I was running out of storage for my paperbacks and then I got a job in Hong Kong just after buying my K3 so I guess my reasons were to do with geekiness, space and convenience.

dwig · 02-01-2011, 07:58 AM

I'm another in the "bought it before they were in fashion" crowd.

My first four devices were multipurpose devices (3 palmtop computers and 1 micro-notebook) though my current device is a dedicated ereader (Kindle3). The earlier devices (beginning in 1997 or '98 with an HP LX320) were all used primarily as ereading devices. Beyond alarms and some PIM data, only the micro-notebook saw significant other use and even then it was still used mostly for reading.

patrickt · 02-01-2011, 09:07 AM

I spend most of my time in Mexico. We have a small English library and a very small bookstore that caters to tourists. For twelve years I read what I could find rather than what I wanted. My tastes obviously don't match with most of the Americans here. Now, I get to order from the internet and actually read what interests me.

chamekke · 02-02-2011, 04:45 AM

I'm an avid reader, but live in an apartment and haven't the space for all the books I want.

I use it a LOT for personal documents, too. For example, I take copious notes on my hobbies and interests (e.g. Japanese tea ceremony), and transfer them to my Kindle so that I can review them at will.

It's also a great way to collect and read fanfic at leisure.

Lastly, I've got an overseas trip coming up and I love the idea of having tons of reading material with me in a lightweight, portable format.

The (admittedly limited) browser capability is simply the cherry on the top <3

TenaciousBadger · 02-02-2011, 05:28 AM

option nr. one was my first choice but i have to add that it's not the only reason. no matter how much of an avid reader i might be, forking up over $200 (plus additional taxes) on an ereader would have been way over my financial possibilities. then along came a cheaper kindle...

so it's nr 1 + price

Lirael · 02-02-2011, 06:26 AM

I read a lot. I'm fond of bringing books with me to pass the time when there's time that needs passing - for example, on an airplane, waiting for a bus, on a train, etc, and of course also for leisure at home. I read quite quickly, which means that if I bring a book with me to kill time it's likely that I will finish the book and still have time left over. With paper books, this meant that I would find myself lugging several books with me at all times, which is rather inconvenient (especially if it's a book I could only get in hardcover!)

So, I got a reader so that I could take multiple books with me anywhere without taking up all the space in my bag, and without being murder on my back. And I must say, I absolutely love it!

It's also nice because I can be a bit fickle with what I read, so if I start reading something new and don't like it, I can stop reading it right then and still have hundreds of books to choose from. XD

januaryman · 02-02-2011, 08:24 AM

None of the proffered answers in the poll worked for me. I guess I bought my iPad as a portable information/entertainment device. Today it functions as aa ebook reader maybe 90% of the time.

I liked having a way to read while not lugging books with me. I started with my Palm Pilot (whoa! how long ago was that?), loading Shakespeare on it for those moments when I was bookless yet wanted to read.

Then the iPod Touch (which I lost last summer) served me well with free public domain books. But never did I buy a book. Too small a screen to make steady reading feasible or comfortable for me.

But the iPad that I got while it was on sale was the Big Moment. I bought this thing to listen to music and/or spoken word (Dylan Thomas reading his own work, Richard Burton reading The Rime of the Ancient Mariner), web browse, play games (now very rarely). I then loaded apps for iBooks, Kindle, Nook and Kobo. I have lots of books loaded, and now read more than I can ever remember. It's like I'm back in college. Seven books read this year so far! Clearly, the iPad and reader apps re-ignited my love of reading.

I love the fact that many ebooks are inexpensive, many free. For those older books I am re-reading now and that are not so cheap, I still occasionally go to http://www.bookfinder4u.com/ to locate the cheapest used copy I can get. So my library and my e-library are both growing by leaps and bounds.

The best thing about the apps? I can locate a book very quickly and can have a copy in my hands (so to speak) in seconds! Before my interest or memory fails.

fruiter · 02-02-2011, 09:33 AM

I started reading ebooks on my iPhone, and I really liked it -- and then I bought an e-reader kind of on a whim. Two months later, I was given a Kindle as a gift -- so, I'd say one reason is not enough to describe my situation.

grega_g · 02-02-2011, 10:11 AM

I never read a lot, so library (every few years) was enough for me. Than in summer 09 I came across Honor Harrington series, ordered all the books in paperback (100€+) and went over them in less than a month.

I wanted to read more books, but I wanted them cheaper and I wanted to get my hands on them faster. When I find a book I like, I want to start reading it now (or tonight), not in 1 to 3 weeks. Plus I wouldn't mind paying less money, especially to them nice delivery people who never forget to add another week to delivery.

So I bought ereader and found additional advantages:
- can read with one hand
- can edit my book so it looks the way I like (change “ ” to " " and ‘ ’ to ' ', etc.)
- portability

Thats it.

anabelee · 02-02-2011, 10:22 AM

Unless the first one was a present for me, I read a lot, and now, thanks to this device, I read more, and I can access to many books that are not available in my country.

ApK · 02-02-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grega_g

I never read a lot, so library (every few years) was enough for me. Than in summer 09 I came across Honor Harrington series, ordered all the books in paperback (100€+) and went over them in less than a month.
Thats it.

Have you tried this series:
http://www.amazon.com/Midshipmans-Tr.../dp/0446600962

or this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Refugee-Space-.../dp/0380841940
(Not officially in a Kindle edition yet, unfortunately.)

I have one Honor Harrington paperback on my shelf, that was recommended because I liked the stuff above, but haven't read it yet.

ApK

Nighto · 02-02-2011, 04:15 PM

I bought a Kindle (a kindle instead of whatever other ebook reader) because it has free 3G here in Brazil (B&N nook 3G only works in the US), so I don't have to pay to do simple navigation such as twitter.

Of course, I didn't buy it just for the free 3G but it was a big plus for me. I read epubs converted with Calibre and comics/manga converted with Mangle.

jocampo · 02-02-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nighto

I bought a Kindle (a kindle instead of whatever other ebook reader) because it has free 3G here in Brazil (B&N nook 3G only works in the US), so I don't have to pay to do simple navigation such as twitter.

Of course, I didn't buy it just for the free 3G but it was a big plus for me. I read epubs converted with Calibre and comics/manga converted with Mangle.

Welcome to mobileread Nighto!

... and glad to hear you enjoy your device.

Knitnpurl · 02-02-2011, 08:56 PM

I'm an avid reader but I didn't pay much attention to e-readers until the first Kindle was released. I bought my 505 after debating between the Kindle and Sony.

There aren't many things that thrill me more than being able to check out a book from the Phoenix online library and be reading in a matter of minutes all without leaving my house.

View Poll Results: What was your true reason for getting an ereader
I really read a lot, very convenient device	175	70.85%
Hey, is a new gadget, I had to buy it	7	2.83%
I'm a casual reader so I thought it was cool to have one	8	3.24%
Not an avid reader, not a casual one, but I wanted to try and see what's cool about those devices	4	1.62%
I'm a student, thought it can be useful for my classes	6	2.43%
None of the above	47	19.03%
Voters: 247. You may not vote on this poll

02-02-2011, 10:11 AM	#85
grega_g Member Posts: 24 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: hanlin v3	I never read a lot, so library (every few years) was enough for me. Than in summer 09 I came across Honor Harrington series, ordered all the books in paperback (100€+) and went over them in less than a month. I wanted to read more books, but I wanted them cheaper and I wanted to get my hands on them faster. When I find a book I like, I want to start reading it now (or tonight), not in 1 to 3 weeks. Plus I wouldn't mind paying less money, especially to them nice delivery people who never forget to add another week to delivery. So I bought ereader and found additional advantages: - can read with one hand - can edit my book so it looks the way I like (change “ ” to " " and ‘ ’ to ' ', etc.) - portability Thats it. Last edited by grega_g; 02-02-2011 at 10:13 AM.

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01-31-2011, 08:06 PM	#76
Paul Adams Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: North-East England Device: Kindle 3	I mostly use my K3 for reading out loud to record LibriVox audiobooks. It is silent, which my regular computer is not, and light and easy to hold in position. I can download the text from Project Gutenberg, and even edit it if needed. I also love gadgets, and reading. Back around 1993 I had a Sony Discman that was about the same size as the K3, except 4 times as thick, and each "book" was a disc about the size and shape of a floppy. Compared to today's e-readers it was a monster, but it was still a convenient way of carrying some dictionaries and an encyclopedia around. I couldn't really justify the expense of the K1 or K2 to myself, but when the K3 came out. . . . Paul

02-01-2011, 01:12 AM	#77
captkjaneway Cockney Sci-Fi Geek! Posts: 472 Karma: 1463094 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wan Chai, Hong Kong Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Samsung Tab S 8.4", Samsung S6 Edge	My reasons for buying and ereader were not encapsulated in one of the above to be honest but voted for being an avid reader. I am a geek, so the gadget thing appealed, I was running out of storage for my paperbacks and then I got a job in Hong Kong just after buying my K3 so I guess my reasons were to do with geekiness, space and convenience.

02-01-2011, 07:58 AM	#78
dwig Wizard Posts: 1,613 Karma: 6718541 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Paradise (Key West, FL) Device: Current:Surface Go & Kindle 3 - Retired: DellV8p, Clie UX50, ...	I'm another in the "bought it before they were in fashion" crowd. My first four devices were multipurpose devices (3 palmtop computers and 1 micro-notebook) though my current device is a dedicated ereader (Kindle3). The earlier devices (beginning in 1997 or '98 with an HP LX320) were all used primarily as ereading devices. Beyond alarms and some PIM data, only the micro-notebook saw significant other use and even then it was still used mostly for reading.

02-01-2011, 09:07 AM	#79
patrickt Wizard Posts: 1,221 Karma: 8381518 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico Device: Paperwhite 4 X 2	I spend most of my time in Mexico. We have a small English library and a very small bookstore that caters to tourists. For twelve years I read what I could find rather than what I wanted. My tastes obviously don't match with most of the Americans here. Now, I get to order from the internet and actually read what interests me.

02-02-2011, 04:45 AM	#80
chamekke Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 13510 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada Device: Kindle 3 Wi-Fi	I'm an avid reader, but live in an apartment and haven't the space for all the books I want. I use it a LOT for personal documents, too. For example, I take copious notes on my hobbies and interests (e.g. Japanese tea ceremony), and transfer them to my Kindle so that I can review them at will. It's also a great way to collect and read fanfic at leisure. Lastly, I've got an overseas trip coming up and I love the idea of having tons of reading material with me in a lightweight, portable format. The (admittedly limited) browser capability is simply the cherry on the top <3

02-02-2011, 05:28 AM	#81
TenaciousBadger Mrawr? Posts: 1,109 Karma: 15039064 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: kindle 3 wifi	option nr. one was my first choice but i have to add that it's not the only reason. no matter how much of an avid reader i might be, forking up over $200 (plus additional taxes) on an ereader would have been way over my financial possibilities. then along came a cheaper kindle... so it's nr 1 + price

02-02-2011, 06:26 AM	#82
Lirael Moomin Posts: 137 Karma: 202147 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: Sony PRS-350	I read a lot. I'm fond of bringing books with me to pass the time when there's time that needs passing - for example, on an airplane, waiting for a bus, on a train, etc, and of course also for leisure at home. I read quite quickly, which means that if I bring a book with me to kill time it's likely that I will finish the book and still have time left over. With paper books, this meant that I would find myself lugging several books with me at all times, which is rather inconvenient (especially if it's a book I could only get in hardcover!) So, I got a reader so that I could take multiple books with me anywhere without taking up all the space in my bag, and without being murder on my back. And I must say, I absolutely love it! It's also nice because I can be a bit fickle with what I read, so if I start reading something new and don't like it, I can stop reading it right then and still have hundreds of books to choose from. XD

02-02-2011, 08:24 AM	#83
januaryman Used DTBs & iPad User Posts: 86 Karma: 48 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Earth Device: iPad	None of the proffered answers in the poll worked for me. I guess I bought my iPad as a portable information/entertainment device. Today it functions as aa ebook reader maybe 90% of the time. I liked having a way to read while not lugging books with me. I started with my Palm Pilot (whoa! how long ago was that?), loading Shakespeare on it for those moments when I was bookless yet wanted to read. Then the iPod Touch (which I lost last summer) served me well with free public domain books. But never did I buy a book. Too small a screen to make steady reading feasible or comfortable for me. But the iPad that I got while it was on sale was the Big Moment. I bought this thing to listen to music and/or spoken word (Dylan Thomas reading his own work, Richard Burton reading The Rime of the Ancient Mariner), web browse, play games (now very rarely). I then loaded apps for iBooks, Kindle, Nook and Kobo. I have lots of books loaded, and now read more than I can ever remember. It's like I'm back in college. Seven books read this year so far! Clearly, the iPad and reader apps re-ignited my love of reading. I love the fact that many ebooks are inexpensive, many free. For those older books I am re-reading now and that are not so cheap, I still occasionally go to http://www.bookfinder4u.com/ to locate the cheapest used copy I can get. So my library and my e-library are both growing by leaps and bounds. The best thing about the apps? I can locate a book very quickly and can have a copy in my hands (so to speak) in seconds! Before my interest or memory fails.

02-02-2011, 09:33 AM	#84
fruiter Connoisseur Posts: 79 Karma: 438 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Kindle 3; WISEreader N526	I started reading ebooks on my iPhone, and I really liked it -- and then I bought an e-reader kind of on a whim. Two months later, I was given a Kindle as a gift -- so, I'd say one reason is not enough to describe my situation.

02-02-2011, 10:22 AM	#86
anabelee Zealot Posts: 114 Karma: 583 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vigo, Spain Device: Woxter Scriba 150, pocketbook 360	Unless the first one was a present for me, I read a lot, and now, thanks to this device, I read more, and I can access to many books that are not available in my country.

02-02-2011, 04:15 PM	#88
Nighto Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 3492 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Device: Kobo Glo	I bought a Kindle (a kindle instead of whatever other ebook reader) because it has free 3G here in Brazil (B&N nook 3G only works in the US), so I don't have to pay to do simple navigation such as twitter. Of course, I didn't buy it just for the free 3G but it was a big plus for me. I read epubs converted with Calibre and comics/manga converted with Mangle.

02-02-2011, 08:56 PM	#90
Knitnpurl Member Posts: 14 Karma: 56 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Sony PRS-505 (red), Sony PRS-300 (silver)	I'm an avid reader but I didn't pay much attention to e-readers until the first Kindle was released. I bought my 505 after debating between the Kindle and Sony. There aren't many things that thrill me more than being able to check out a book from the Phoenix online library and be reading in a matter of minutes all without leaving my house.