Best E-Reader for bed-bound arthritis sufferer?

[Beryll Snyder]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

Yes, good point and I aim to take full advantage of that with Amazon after all the money I;'ve thrown theiur way over the years!
Is it me or does Amazon deliberately not sell any other E-Readers? I'm sure Ive been unable to find anything but accessories for others on there - e.g. Jetbook, Nook.
Thanks,
David.

As far as I know they have been selling Sony devices for quite some time in several countries.

You seem to be located in the UK:

Sony PRS-T1 BLACK - Ultra slim and lightweight reader with superior paper-like touch screen and Wi-Fi [Electronics]

4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews) Like (6)

Available from these sellers.


8 new from £138.99

[LuvReadin]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

As far as I know they have been selling Sony devices for quite some time in several countries.

You seem to be located in the UK:

Sony PRS-T1 BLACK - Ultra slim and lightweight reader with superior paper-like touch screen and Wi-Fi [Electronics]

4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews) Like (6)

Available from these sellers.


8 new from £138.99

I think the OP meant he couldn't find other ereaders on Amazon. They are there, but not via Amazon itself. Otherwise, it's easy enough to find them in places like Dixons/PC World or other electrical stores.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

TTS has developped quite a bit, but there are worlds between an audiobook spoken by an actor and a computer voice.
Then, why should you go a detour, if you don't read anyway?
There are price considerations too - not to talk about handling.
TTS is great, but has its limits and serves a different purpose.

Good to hear both angles. I think it's good to know TTS is there as a fallback if all else fails.
Thanks,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by LuvReadin

Thanks for the long reply LuvReadin,
Definitely - you can pick up cheap MP3 players easily, and most are expandable with microSD cards, so you can fit a lot of books on. I use mine for car journeys because I get travel-sick so can't read, and it's really useful. If her hands are as bad as it seems, this might be a good alternative. Borrowing them from the library or the RNIB is easy, and there's quite a good selection. Plus there's all the freebies (about 5000) on www.librivox.org.

MP3 in conjunction with Audio books is a good idea - I was picturing CDs before. I've written this down to cover off next with the carer. Will also propose that I buy one and try it out with her, then return if no good. Just to get the ball rolling really - tired of reading/typing, and doing nothing.

Very odd, isn't it? Now, suggestion (and I'm not about to suggest something illegal, so please, moderators, don't delete this!) Have you thought of taking a laptop with you and seeing if there's a free wireless connection in the vicinity? There may be one if there's a pub or something else nearby. If there was, it would expand the range of possible options again.

Well I don't have a laptop, and I've not used WiFi so out of my depth on that one I'm afraid. I like the idea though.

Right, as you said - it does seem she's far more disabled than originally thought, and yes, it is a waste if she's not going to use a PC. However, if she's pretty much bed-bound, have you checked if 3G can work from her room?

I hadn't realised that was something that might not work in a particular location. Another reason for trying one out. Good stuff - thanks,

It was incompatibility at first - the Kindle wouldn't work with the software (Overdrive). However, that's now been worked out in the US. However, several of the major book publishers have pulled out of the deal in the US because (as I understand it anyway) it's too easy to pirate those books. Hence, for the moment at any rate, Overdrive have ceased to support any change to allow the Kindle to be used with libraries in the UK. Thus, for library use, it's either the Sony or Kobo. I looked into that quite closely, because it was one of my top essentials for an ereader.
Well, the Kobo is more Europe and the Nook USA, and given the makeup of this site's users, it's not surprising the Kobo would get fewer mentions. It does seem to be quite a good little device, though, and the basic one is currently on offer for £67 in Asda (worth checking out www.moneysavingexpert.com to see which ereaders are on offer at any particular time). However, as you say, even the higher-end ones don't seem to have 3G: http://www.kobobooks.com/ereaders

If only they all sang from the same hymn sheet eh? Well I'll have to cross this when I come to it. The Kobo vox looks nice, though no 3G as you mentioned. Great deal at Asda there(wonder if it's on Walmart as well?).

That's just what I was thinking! Given the cost of ereaders in the UK and the points others have raised about difficulties with returns, it's worth having a look on ebay - ereaders do tend to keep their value well, but it's still a lot less than buying new. And if it turns out to be unsuitable, resell it - a third-hand ereader isn't going to lose much of the value from a second-hand one.

Good idea and I'll bear that in mind if I'm going to sell one on if unsuitable, but I'm aiming to get a new one as they're not too expensive and ... well you know new is somehow better when it's a gift.

David, just so you know, the Kobo also has a dedicated online bookstore in the UK, but the Sony hasn't yet. However, there's nothing to stop you using any of the ereaders with any online bookstore (subject to the geographical restrictions HarryT mentioned), provided you have an account with it; it's just that the ereader won't connect automatically to a store other than the one that it's linked with.

Yeah this threw me the other day when someone(ProfCrash maybe?) mentioned it. From what I can gather I can just buy any 3G device from anywhere, and as long as I'm signed up to the place where they sell the books, it's usable. If that's the case why are people remotely bothered by what's available where. Seems wrong somehow, like a trick has been missed. Like there's a little more to it, but hey - what do I know. I haven't even got an E-Reader.

Definitely worth a shot - surprised the home isn't on their delivery list!

It could well be actually - I've not checked it out yet!
Thanks again for taking so much time to respond LuvReadin,
Cheers,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

As far as I know they have been selling Sony devices for quite some time in several countries.

You seem to be located in the UK:

Sony PRS-T1 BLACK - Ultra slim and lightweight reader with superior paper-like touch screen and Wi-Fi [Electronics]

4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews) Like (6)

Available from these sellers.


8 new from £138.99

Ah, so they do. Funny the rest aren't availble though. I guess the simple answer is that it's Amazon's perogative, as the Kindle's their baby and they're a money-making business after all, not a public service.
Interesting info in those reviews as well. The T1 looks like a great reader to have in the UK if you have WiFi access.
Thanks,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by LuvReadin

I think the OP meant he couldn't find other ereaders on Amazon. They are there, but not via Amazon itself. Otherwise, it's easy enough to find them in places like Dixons/PC World or other electrical stores.

Yes I was just surprised as Amazon normally sells just about everything, but then they don't normally have a stake in which ones are on sale, and which are not. Makes sense now.
Thanks,
David.

[Beryll Snyder]

Originally Posted by LuvReadin

I think the OP meant he couldn't find other ereaders on Amazon. They are there, but not via Amazon itself. Otherwise, it's easy enough to find them in places like Dixons/PC World or other electrical stores.

Don't know what you could possibly mean: Sony is available on Amazon ...

[Beryll Snyder]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

MP3 in conjunction with Audio books is a good idea - I was picturing CDs before. I've written this down to cover off next with the carer. Will also propose that I buy one and try it out with her, then return if no good. Just to get the ball rolling really - tired of reading/typing, and doing nothing.

Well I don't have a laptop, and I've not used WiFi so out of my depth on that one I'm afraid. I like the idea though.

I hadn't realised that was something that might not work in a particular location. Another reason for trying one out. Good stuff - thanks,

If only they all sang from the same hymn sheet eh? Well I'll have to cross this when I come to it. The Kobo vox looks nice, though no 3G as you mentioned. Great deal at Asda there(wonder if it's on Walmart as well?).

Good idea and I'll bear that in mind if I'm going to sell one on if unsuitable, but I'm aiming to get a new one as they're not too expensive and ... well you know new is somehow better when it's a gift.

Yeah this threw me the other day when someone(ProfCrash maybe?) mentioned it. From what I can gather I can just buy any 3G device from anywhere, and as long as I'm signed up to the place where they sell the books, it's usable. If that's the case why are people remotely bothered by what's available where. Seems wrong somehow, like a trick has been missed. Like there's a little more to it, but hey - what do I know. I haven't even got an E-Reader.

It could well be actually - I've not checked it out yet!
Thanks again for taking so much time to respond LuvReadin,
Cheers,
David.

Sorry, but I can't help myself here: this must be the most thorough research before any ereader purchase ...

[Joykins]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

I hadn't realised that was something that might not work in a particular location. Another reason for trying one out. Good stuff - thanks,

3G networks can have slow or dead areas. It could be that there is 3G in her room but not the building lobby, or vice versa. Or it could be that there's a 1/2 mile dead spot.Or that the whole region has slow service. There are actual maps of coverage that should approximately identify these areas. Amazon.co.uk points to this coverage map:

http://client0.cellmaps.com/viewer.html?cov=2&view=intl

[Joykins]

Incidentally, I tried placing my Kindle non-touch (the one with the 5-way controller) on a table and used my wrist bone to turn on wifi and open a book. I managed it with a few mistakes, and if you take it slow you can correct the inevitable mistakes. So part of how it would work would depend on how much fine motor control she has over the placement of her wrist bone, and whether the repetitive motion would become painful. The page-turn buttons were very easy with my wrist bone, and so were the directional arrows on the 5-way controller. The select button and the other buttons were too small/recessed to manage really easily that way, but (with some mistakes) it was possible. The power button on the non-touch is pretty much impossible to manage that way. Does she use a lunch tray or stand? If the carer can adjust an existing stand, place the kindle on it, turn it on, and (if needed; once per book) open the book for your friend, your friend might be able to handle page turns on her own, and ask for assistance again when the kindle needs to be removed. I'm assuming that if you get the Kindle Keyboard (having 3g seems paramount) that the page turn buttons are similarly sized (and that your friend would find them as easy to operate with her wrist bone, since it's size and discreteness of location that seems to make the most difference). If other people can manage the tasks that are not done very often (registration with an Amazon account; book acquisition, power on, and navigating to and opening books), it may be there would be very little else that would need to be done special.

[Joykins]

Finally, even though "they" claim e-ink screens don't have glare, they do glare if you can see the reflection of the light bulb in them. So whether you want to have the ereader flat or angled will depend on the lighting in the room. Some cases will angle the ereader when placed on a flat surface. If you buy a Kindle to try it out, play with the angling too before having a custom stand made.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Joykins

3G networks can have slow or dead areas. It could be that there is 3G in her room but not the building lobby, or vice versa. Or it could be that there's a 1/2 mile dead spot.Or that the whole region has slow service. There are actual maps of coverage that should approximately identify these areas. Amazon.co.uk points to this coverage map:

http://client0.cellmaps.com/viewer.html?cov=2&view=intl

Thanks for the reply Joykins,
I didn't know about dead spots. I'm not a massive mobile user though. That map's useful. I will have to try it out for real to find out for sure, but the map indicates the area's good for 3G so that's a positive sign.
Thanks,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Joykins

Incidentally, I tried placing my Kindle non-touch (the one with the 5-way controller) on a table and used my wrist bone to turn on wifi and open a book. I managed it with a few mistakes, and if you take it slow you can correct the inevitable mistakes. So part of how it would work would depend on how much fine motor control she has over the placement of her wrist bone, and whether the repetitive motion would become painful. The page-turn buttons were very easy with my wrist bone, and so were the directional arrows on the 5-way controller. The select button and the other buttons were too small/recessed to manage really easily that way, but (with some mistakes) it was possible. The power button on the non-touch is pretty much impossible to manage that way. Does she use a lunch tray or stand? If the carer can adjust an existing stand, place the kindle on it, turn it on, and (if needed; once per book) open the book for your friend, your friend might be able to handle page turns on her own, and ask for assistance again when the kindle needs to be removed.

First off - thank you very much for doing that test with your wrists - that's a great idea and gives me some indication at least. Very logical of you and much appreciated.
The carer said she was considering a stylus, as an engineer had mentioned the possibility to her, but no idea what that would entail - some kind of wrist strap I guess. Unfortunately I imagine you're probably spot on about needing someone to open the reader, select a book, then she just does page turns. I *hope* somehow she can do all of it but it sounds doubtful.

I'm assuming that if you get the Kindle Keyboard (having 3g seems paramount) that the page turn buttons are similarly sized (and that your friend would find them as easy to operate with her wrist bone, since it's size and discreteness of location that seems to make the most difference). If other people can manage the tasks that are not done very often (registration with an Amazon account; book acquisition, power on, and navigating to and opening books), it may be there would be very little else that would need to be done special.

Yes I think 3G is important in this case, at least to try anyway. Otherwise she'd be too reliant on other people and, knowing her, she wouldn't want to make a fuss or have people running back and forth for her, so she'd just go without instead. Anyway somebody said there are page turn buttons on either side of the Kindle Keyboard as well so hopefully very similar scenario.
I reckon I'll end up doing book aquisition if I can coax her into calling me when she wants new books.
Thanks a lot Joykins,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Joykins

Finally, even though "they" claim e-ink screens don't have glare, they do glare if you can see the reflection of the light bulb in them. So whether you want to have the ereader flat or angled will depend on the lighting in the room. Some cases will angle the ereader when placed on a flat surface. If you buy a Kindle to try it out, play with the angling too before having a custom stand made.

Very good point - I had noticed this in a couple of demo videos. In one, the guy is boasting how there's no sun glare, while the screen is simultaneously completely blanked out by the refelction of a light. Hilarious.
So that's something we'll have to look at.
Cheers,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

Don't know what you could possibly mean: Sony is available on Amazon ...

She meant readers other than the Sony I think.

Sorry, but I can't help myself here: this must be the most thorough research before any ereader purchase ...

Not sure what to say to that really. Was I wrong to come on the forum, as someone with *no* prior E-Reader experience whatsoever, sourcing an E-Reader for someone with unusual restrictions? Maybe - seemed pretty sensible to me, especially as money is an issue since I was made redundant.
Sure I didn't expect quite so much feedback. Thought I might just hear from a handful of arthritis sufferers or their carers saying "get this one cos of a, b, c" or "don't get this one because x, y, z". So I've been overwhelmed with all the information, but the way I see it, it's all good stuff as it will only surely serve to help me make a more informed decision.
Other than that - takes all sorts!!!
Thanks,
David.