Yet another Which One? question

[VydorScope]

So narrow it down to what features you need that the netbook is not giving you, and buy only them. IMO

[nyCecilia]

Originally Posted by jocampo

Based on your initial post and what you keep saying, you need an ereader, you want to read. Right? You are not looking for games, email, etc. For that reason I believe an eink device would be better.

As long as there is enough light, you can read and use any eink device. As a matter of fact, people have being reading with regular books indoor and outdoor for centuries! The only time you need extra light or a tablet is when reading on the bed. If that's not a must for you , you should be fine with an eink device.

Thanks for that. I think you're spot on. Being able to post here has really been a good exercise in figuring out exactly what I'm looking for, and either a Kindle or Sony is probably it--even though previously I couldn't wrap my head around that lol I was trying to find a device that did everything, but frankly, that device doesn't exist -- or maybe my Entourage Edge Dualbook is pretty much it, but it suffers because it's not really portable for my purposes. I did think for a second about trying to find a Pocket Edge, but ultimately, I don't really need both Win7 AND android...so the device would still be bigger than what I need.

So between the Kindle and the Sony: The Kindle has the International EVDO going for it (a big plus for travel), but I don't think you can stick an 8gb SD card in it (or otherwise upgrade memory)? I'm also curious about having it read a book to me lol. The Sony has SD card in it, but no international EVDO, and isn't tied to Amazon-only.

I think I need to figure out which can do rss reading/google reader, it might be a tie breaker of sorts.

[redbees]

nyCecilia,

No, it is not possible to upgrade memory on the K3.

I can confirm that you can access Google Reader with the PRS-950. I believe that you can do this on the Kindle, too. (You just type the address into the browser.) I have used the browser on the Kindle, but not accessed Google Reader specifically.

Maybe this won't be the tie-breaker for you, sadly.

[jocampo]

Talking about popular eink readers and USA market, you have ...

-Nook Touch
-Sony
-Kindle 3

In terms of price and value, you will be fine selecting Kindle or Nook Touch, Sony's are really expensive, too much in my opinion for being an eink reader. I would not be surprise if they drop the prices soon because most recent Kobo and B&N devices. But in order to be fair, Sony handles PDFs files very well and they are solid, good quality. I think it is easier to organize your library on a Sony than on a Kindle 3. Not sure about Nook Touch; just read today from a Sony user that she likes the Sony's organization better, I can't comment on that.

Now, keep in mind, in a few months you will be able to visit public libraries and use your Kindle as well. So that argument against Kindle 3 is no longer valid.

I would suggest check 10 titles on each store: Sony, B&N, Amazon. Check prices (remember the tax, I don't pay taxes on my books if buy from Amazon, 'cause I live in TX and there is no brick store here. I do pay, if I buy from B&N) Compare available titles. The stores that gives you more hits, should be the one on the top of the list.

I know this maybe is not your case, but when I bought the Nook 1st gen I made a mistake. I was happy with the device until I discovered I was not able to find any good title on B&N store (SQL or Oracle books), plus the battery was not so good.

For most people, default capacity is more than enough. Thousands of books on an ereader is insane! Unless the titles are really short tales, you will need an entire life or a big, big trip ... to enjoy and read those in one shoot ... lol ...

[delphin]

Originally Posted by nyCecilia

I think I need to figure out which can do rss reading/google reader, it might be a tie breaker of sorts.

Calibre will run great on your Netbook in either Linux, XP or Win7, and will let it access and convert news web sites like BBC and CNN into a daily electronic newspaper and send them to virtually ANY reader (via email for web enabled readers like the Kindle, or via USB for those that are not.) Sending these feeds via email is nice (Kindle), but Calibre sets up the daily news magazine that it creates with hyperlink buttons for navigation that are about 50 times easier to browse with a touch screen device (Sony).

Again, before jumping on the Sony, or Kindle, I would wait a few weeks before making a decision, Both B&N and Kobo just introduced very slick new eInk touch screen devices designed to compete directly with the Sony PRS-650 at about HALF THE PRICE.

Amazon will have to either introduce a touch screen model of their own, or lower the price of the current Kindle 3 even more ($99 dollar Kindles anyone? how about $89)

The fact is that these readers are still an unknown quantity, but from the early reports, it does look like they are going to shake things up a bit, so you might want to hold off an wait to see what happens.

[nyCecilia]

Originally Posted by delphin

Calibre will run great on your Netbook in either Linux, XP or Win7, and will let it access and convert news web sites like BBC and CNN into a daily electronic newspaper and send them to virtually ANY reader (via email for web enabled readers like the Kindle, or via USB for those that are not.) Sending these feeds via email is nice (Kindle), but Calibre sets up the daily news magazine that it creates with hyperlink buttons for navigation that are about 50 times easier to browse with a touch screen device (Sony).

So THAT's how it works! Awesome. I'm thinking I might order the Kindle, and have 30 days to test it out...in the meantime, the market will do its thing, but I need something for July, so that is just enough time. That's always the problem with technology, as soon as you buy something, it's old tech :/

@jocampo: Point taken about the dev books, thanks!

[DMB]

I have a kindle with the lighted cover. It's fine for reading in low light. My previous kindle had an unlighted cover and I used a clip-on book light, but I do find the lighted cover helpful.

[redbees]

jocampo,

Could you please explain something to me which may also help the OP? I understand that the new Nook Touch has wifi but does not have a browser. It is possible to connect to the B&N store and download books from there.

Here is what if find confusing -- I read in a post in the Nook forum (which I can't locate quickly, but I think SCION posted an excerpt from product specs) that if you are in range of a wifi network, a sign-in screen appears. What does signing in to the network accomplish? Do you go to the B&N store immediately upon signing in?

Can you navigate anywhere aside from the B&N store using the Nook Touch out of the box? (Meaning unhacked/with stock firmware.) I do realize that no one has much hands on experience as yet, but I wonder if you (or anyone) know.

nyCecilia,

I have Sonys and love them (!), but feel anyone purchasing a new reader ought to consider the new Nook and possibly Kobo due to what sound like dramatic recent improvements to both of these readers, and their lower prices compared to Sony.

Since I am now expressing opinions, I'd like to add that I feel the only drawbacks to the PRS-x50 are the lack of choice of font and the inconveniently large difference in font size between Small and Medium (which can be remedied by the addition of the custom firmware PRS+), along with Sony's substantially higher prices. The Sonys are sturdy and well-made, with good features, but whether they are worth their higher cost in comparison to other ereaders is debatable.

Also, I like the two-page landscape mode available on the 950.

Good luck in choosing your reader.

ETA: I see above that you leaning toward trying the K3. I hope it works well for you.

[carpetmojo]

I knew I'd find the PRS350 reading biz not good, the screen too small - but I was so impressed by my 650, and the same build quality of the sibling, I still bought one..........

And guess what ?

The reading experience is excellent, screen's not too small, just different, and it is a joy to handle. And so light & tiddly, it really is a great carry-on.
Try it first................

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by redbees

jocampo,

Could you please explain something to me which may also help the OP? I understand that the new Nook Touch has wifi but does not have a browser. It is possible to connect to the B&N store and download books from there.

Here is what if find confusing -- I read in a post in the Nook forum (which I can't locate quickly, but I think SCION posted an excerpt from product specs) that if you are in range of a wifi network, a sign-in screen appears. What does signing in to the network accomplish? Do you go to the B&N store immediately upon signing in?

Well, I just played a bit and of course, was not at home. But you will be able to connect via wifi no matter what, even at home (that's my understanding). As a matter of fact, you don't need a browser to connect via wifi. For those places that a proxy is needed, like Starbucks, I think that a "pop up" window will appear and you will mark the check-box accepting.

Yes, I think the "in-store" capability is still there and for sure, will be seamless because the access-point settings should be already configured, you should not need to do anything when you're on the store.

What you won't be able to do is browse internet, there is no browser. But you will be able to download and browse the B&N store as long as you have a valid wifi and Internet connection.

Sorry I can't help more, it was the display unit.

[VydorScope]

That is pretty funny, because to BROWSE the B&N web store, it has to have a web browser. I bet its only a matter of time before someone figures out how to unlock it to surf the rest of the web.

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by VydorScope

That is pretty funny, because to BROWSE the B&N web store, it has to have a web browser. I bet its only a matter of time before someone figures out how to unlock it to surf the rest of the web.

You don't need a browser, to browse B&N titles, using the eink reader I mean; not the kind of browser that lets you check emails and websites. That's part of the presentation layer that comes with the Nook Touch's software or user's interface. You will get the options on the screen and you can touch and get the titles and buy, etc.

I think that's easier for developers because they can control what's being displayed on an online store, like B&N. It is more difficult to provide a true browser for Internet, giving the case modern websites have not been designed for eink readers.

[redbees]

jocampo,

You have answered my questions about the wifi and browser on the Nook Touch very well. Much appreciated.

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by redbees

jocampo,

You have answered my questions about the wifi and browser on the Nook Touch very well. Much appreciated.

Anytime!

Still I suggest you to visit a B&N store (if you live in USA) so you can test yourself. I just had a few min. testing and of course, was in the store, not a home using my own wifi, books, etc.

[Flip Martian]

E-ink every time - I spend hours on PCs every day at work and home and was very conscious of eye strain. E-ink is the only type I would contemplate, in your position.

Originally Posted by carpetmojo

I knew I'd find the PRS350 reading biz not good, the screen too small - but I was so impressed by my 650, and the same build quality of the sibling, I still bought one..........

And guess what ?

The reading experience is excellent, screen's not too small, just different, and it is a joy to handle. And so light & tiddly, it really is a great carry-on.
Try it first................

I would echo this. No substitute for trying things hands on before making up your mind. I was going to buy a Kindle until I tried Sonys and realised how much easier to use they were with a touch sensitive screen. What might be a deal breaker for one won't be for others of course!

I ended up with a 350 and a 5" screen, after thinking (before I tried it) it would be too small. The size and portability is a big plus; they're just so easy to hold. I can apparently connect it to any number of e-book sellers online but so far I've just been exploring old books in the public domain.

Try in a shop before buying, saves a lot of hassle (especially if you're in need of a permanent buy by July). I assume you can try Kindles in shops in the States (we can here in the UK).

One thing though. Sonys aren't cheap. If you're comfortable with the idea, get one via eBay. I bought an "as new" 350 here in the UK (which was virtually unused and indistinguishable from new) for less than half price. Even with the rock solid build quality I couldn't justify paying full price for one.