Greetings (in need of help)

andres_avila · 09-28-2008, 11:21 PM

I'm new here and ready to jump on the ebook reader bandwagon. I'm looking for assistance in choosing the right one...

Consider this:
* This will be my first e-reading device.
* I'm looking to read classic (read free) ebooks as well as new bestsellers (DRM-protected books)
* I'm interested in e-ink devices and not backlit ones.
* Due to work, I travel a lot to North and South America, so I would like to have access to new books by just getting online and plugging my device and I'm good to go.
* I would also like to be able to read some manuals in PDF format (as well as some graphic novels and comic books in that format, if possible)
* I'm a Mac user with little interest in using a PC just for the device.

So far I'm torn between the Cybook and the BeBook (with the Sony and the Kindle as options) but I DO need help from you, wise gentlemen and women from the forum, to make the right decision.

Thanks

HarryT · 09-29-2008, 03:28 AM

I'm sure that any of the devices you mention - the Kindle, CyBook or BeBook - would be suitable for your needs. The Sony less so, since you're a Mac user. I'm extremely happy with my Gen3, but the other devices are excellent too.

The only thing that won't be great is PDF - that's down to the PDF format, not the device. Of the devices you mention, the Gen3 probably has the best PDF support, in that it lets you "pan" across large pages. The Kindle doesn't directly support PDF, and its conversion tools don't always work well.

pilotbob · 09-29-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Of the devices you mention, the Gen3 probably has the best PDF support, in that it lets you "pan" across large pages. The Kindle doesn't directly support PDF, and its conversion tools don't always work well.

You think the Pan & Scan method of viewing a PDF is superior to the reflow that the Sony will do?

BOb

HarryT · 09-29-2008, 12:26 PM

For text, no; for complex layouts, yes.

For books which are primarily text, the conversion tools generally work fine.

andres_avila · 10-01-2008, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the help Harry. After some research I'm leaning towards the Kindle...

HarryT · 10-01-2008, 12:42 PM

If PDF isn't a significant factor for you, and you live in the US, the Kindle is indeed an excellent choice. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

gwynevans · 10-01-2008, 03:23 PM

Note that (as I understand it) the Kindle doesn't support PDF directly at all - the wireless connection is a big plus however!

gwynevans · 10-01-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

For text, no; for complex layouts, yes.

For books which are primarily text, the conversion tools generally work fine.

I've found that using the "90 rotate" on the Sony means that even PDFs with diagrams & complex layouts can be viewed pretty well.

andres_avila · 10-06-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwynevans

I've found that using the "90 rotate" on the Sony means that even PDFs with diagrams & complex layouts can be viewed pretty well.

Sorry but I don't understand what you're talking about? Are you recommending the Sony reader?

09-28-2008, 11:21 PM	#1
andres_avila Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: none	Greetings (in need of help) I'm new here and ready to jump on the ebook reader bandwagon. I'm looking for assistance in choosing the right one... Consider this: * This will be my first e-reading device. * I'm looking to read classic (read free) ebooks as well as new bestsellers (DRM-protected books) * I'm interested in e-ink devices and not backlit ones. * Due to work, I travel a lot to North and South America, so I would like to have access to new books by just getting online and plugging my device and I'm good to go. * I would also like to be able to read some manuals in PDF format (as well as some graphic novels and comic books in that format, if possible) * I'm a Mac user with little interest in using a PC just for the device. So far I'm torn between the Cybook and the BeBook (with the Sony and the Kindle as options) but I DO need help from you, wise gentlemen and women from the forum, to make the right decision. Thanks

09-29-2008, 03:28 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I'm sure that any of the devices you mention - the Kindle, CyBook or BeBook - would be suitable for your needs. The Sony less so, since you're a Mac user. I'm extremely happy with my Gen3, but the other devices are excellent too. The only thing that won't be great is PDF - that's down to the PDF format, not the device. Of the devices you mention, the Gen3 probably has the best PDF support, in that it lets you "pan" across large pages. The Kindle doesn't directly support PDF, and its conversion tools don't always work well.

09-29-2008, 12:26 PM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	For text, no; for complex layouts, yes. For books which are primarily text, the conversion tools generally work fine.

10-01-2008, 10:53 AM	#5
andres_avila Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: none	Thanks for the help Harry. After some research I'm leaning towards the Kindle...

10-01-2008, 12:42 PM	#6
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	If PDF isn't a significant factor for you, and you live in the US, the Kindle is indeed an excellent choice. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

10-01-2008, 03:23 PM	#7
gwynevans Wizzard Posts: 1,402 Karma: 2000000 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: UK Device: iPad 2, iPhone 6s, Kindle Voyage & Kindle PaperWhite	Note that (as I understand it) the Kindle doesn't support PDF directly at all - the wireless connection is a big plus however!