Is an eReader a worthy investment for me?

Rosenivy · 12-14-2013, 03:30 AM

TL;DR at the bottom.

Hi all. I came across this forum when trying to determine whether or not I should buy an eReader -- as an avid bibliophile with plenty of time on my hands to read, friends have told me that I'm an excellent candidate for one.

What I've looked at, and what my impressions are:

I've looked at the following devices in-store: Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo, Kobo Aura, Sony T2, Sony T3, Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite. I've read several books on my friend's Kindle Keyboard -- she loaned it to me for several weeks so that I could properly experience it, as I wouldn't 'get a feel for it' just looking at demo units. I read the first five Harry Potter books before giving it back. I've also borrowed a friend's Sony T1 to read Neil Gaiman's American Gods.

So, I have at least limited exposure to a large number of eReaders. When sitting and reading, I preferred the Sony device. However, when navigating to books and otherwise interacting with menu and settings options, I thought that the Kindle was a lot more intuitive. My friends also showed me how to use the devices both wirelessly and through USB; the Kindle was easier to pick up quickly, but I've gotten the hang of both of them. I did not like the Kobo devices that I looked at in store.

My needs, and why I'm unwilling to make the plunge:

I know that this is something that you hear all the time, because my eReading friends roll their eyes and groan when I say it: I'm a tactile reader. It's easier to absorb myself in a paper book than it is to absorb myself in an eBook. The screens surprised me -- they certainly don't look like screens, but I still don't get into "reading mode" when I use eReaders. I'm too aware that I'm using an electronic device. I don't associate reading and electronics, so I need to employ greater focus to pay attention to an eReader.

I'm a regular library patron. I live in a rural community, and our library system doesn't provide eBook lending. This system is the system used for the libraries within a ~100km radius, and I am simply not willing to join libraries father away; I'm supporting my community by using this library system, and it's convenient. I enjoy browsing the aisles, sitting in the library to read, and engaging my librarians. I worry that if I pursued an eReader, it would either deter me from using my library, or sit on a shelf gathering dust in favour of library usage.

I can't browse online! I've created an Amazon account specifically for the purpose of browsing the Kindle store. I don't shop online unless I know exactly what I want to buy as it is; I find online cataloguing systems bloated and messy. When I go to the library or to a brick and mortar store, I have plenty of visual and spatial queues to aid my browsing, as well as staff members who know my tastes and engage me in discussions. When browsing Amazon (or Book Depository, when I've gone there for paper books), I find myself wading through endless lists of books I have no interest in, and eventually filtering down so rigidly that I've only got lists of authors I'm already familiar with.

(The romance genre, for instance, is full of absolute dreck on Amazon, and I inevitably find myself filtering down to Diana Gabaldon and a few similar authors; that's no way to browse! It takes me hours to make no progress, and I'm not happy about that.)

My needs, and why I'm strongly considering making a purchase:

Despite all of this, I am leaning more towards buying an eReader. They do look cool, and they are fun, even if I hate online shopping and I can't borrow library books in my area. One of the biggest reasons that I'm considering buying an eReader is for series compilation: It was a surprisingly good feeling to finish one Harry Potter book and move straight to the next one, especially as I wasn't at home! Had I been reading on paper, I'd have had to wait until I got home to pick up the next book.

I do read a few public domain titles, and high quality translations or publication runs can really climb in price, which is unfortunate -- I'm just unwilling to spend $25 on an extremely readable print run of Moby-Dick when I now know that I can choose my own font on an eReader! (I don't know if it's common, but the public domain books I've been exposed to tend to have tiny, grainy fonts -- moreso than others.) Though I despise Project Gutenberg for the purpose of readability, Delphi Classics is a place where I'd invest my money with enthusiasm!

I read a lot of genre fiction, and I prefer hardcovers over paperbacks, and while I'm having trouble browsing for it, when I already know titles and authors to search for, the eBooks are often cheaper than the hardcover books -- notable examples are the Warcraft novels, the Forgotten Realms novels and, surprisingly, the Black Library novels (where I've found bundles that equate to $8 per eBook, where the paper books are $15-25 each).

TL;DR: I've tried the three major brands. Cons: Books are a tactile experience, my library doesn't loan eBooks, and I hate online browsing. Pros: Series management, public domain title access, cheap genre fiction.

So what do you think? Should I take the plunge? I'm a student, so even the cheapest Kindle is an expense that I can only make if I know I'll use the device.

meeera · 12-14-2013, 04:15 AM

You don't have to pick one or the other. I took the plunge to ereading a couple or three years ago. I still borrow plenty of paper books from the library, and occasionally buy a paper book too. If you're not after a modern frontlit device, you should be able to pick up a secondhand older Sony or Kindle for cheap; or a current low-end unlit Kindle. Or a Nook if you're in the States. Or wait for Boxing Day sales.

Also bear in mind that if you're not in the USA and there's a chance your library will start lending ebooks (they're picking them up at a rapid rate), Kindle may not be your best choice.

HarryT · 12-14-2013, 04:46 AM

It would be a mistake to regard an ebook reader as an "investment", I should point out. You won't make money from it. Most people I know who've bought one end up spending more money on books that they did before, because it makes reading so much easier for them.

Barbara1955 · 12-14-2013, 04:47 AM

Stick with HB/PB if that's what your comfortable with.

exaltedwombat · 12-14-2013, 06:21 AM

You're SO over-thinking this! And placing so many obstacles - things you "can't do" and "won't do". Perhaps you'll get a Kindle for Christmas :-)

shanghaichica · 12-14-2013, 06:47 AM

As others have said you don't have to do one exclusively. You can get an ebook reader and still read paper books.

ProfCrash · 12-14-2013, 10:03 AM

You can still go to the library and read paperbooks. There are plenty of folks who read ebooks and paperbooks. My Mom is one of them.

I agree, the online shopping experience is not as easy or fun as going to a book store but if you know that there are authors that you like then you can do searches for them. Amazons algorithims ar epretty good, pretty soon you will be getting recommendations based on what you bought that should be pretty good.

Remember, you can download a sample from many books and get a feel for it. So read the sample, see if you like it. If you do, buy the book. If you don't, don't.

Based on what you are describing, I would say you live in an area where it can be hard to get to a bookstore and the library probably has a good but not great selection. An e-reader where you can shop on line could open doors for you. Ask your librarian for recommendations based on what you currently read. Heck, ask in the forums here.

As for the tactile thing, try sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of tea (or your favorite beverage) and just read. You sound pretty focused on the format. Just let yourself read and don't worry about the medium.

Dr. Drib · 12-14-2013, 10:40 AM

I use both: ebook readers and hardbacks.

You see, I'm a book collector, someone who enjoys the feel and smell of a book - that sense of something beautiful held in my hands.

An ebook reader, however, is now my main source of reading. It's allowed me to experiment on some of the most ludicrous, maniacally egocentric, child-like indy writers and writings imaginable (what can I say: I'm a masochist), while also indulging in my love for works of Literature.

The wonder of it is that sometimes - sometimes, mind you - I actually find a piece of indy writing that aspires to the best of the genre fiction out there. Even when they're horrible (the writing - not the writers), it's still lots of fun.

I read great works of Literature for the insights into human nature; I read genre fiction for the chills, spills, and the frenzied lunatic narratives that such writings provide.

Nothing (for me) can ever replace a physical book. But now, with the state of the art in e-ink readers, I can indulge in the best of both worlds - on the one hand spilling my coke in undulterated laughter, and on the other hand cogitating upon the vicissitudes of life!

Don

Shopaholic · 12-14-2013, 11:21 AM

If you've seen the T3 in a store I'm guessing you're in Canada. Buy the T3 from BestBuy. It's on sale right now for $80 & $100 without and with the snap cover. It's not much more than the basic Kindle and if you like the Sony, go for it.

As others have said, you don't have to choose one or the other. Do both. Some books are just not in eformat yet so you can't get it. The Harry Potter books are an excellent example for me. I'm a bit of a dork so I'll happily reread them when the mood strikes and the fact that I can carry all 7 volumes in a device that weighs less than book one is something I relish.

They're small, lightweight and something I carry with me pretty much everywhere I go. I say treat yourself. You won't regret it.

speedtouch · 12-14-2013, 03:26 PM

If you get an ereader you can always use Open Library to borrow ebooks, since your local library doesn't. They have a decent selection.

Rosenivy · 12-14-2013, 07:56 PM

Alright, well, I think that I might buy one at this rate -- of course, I'll be waiting until Boxing Day and then hitting the shops like a storm! Given the replies here, I think that I'm going to give a Sony reader a try -- but don't be surprised if I show up every now and again very, very confused about something.

Quote:

Also bear in mind that if you're not in the USA and there's a chance your library will start lending ebooks (they're picking them up at a rapid rate), Kindle may not be your best choice.

I do ask them about ebook possibilities every three or four months, and over the years the answers have gotten tentatively more positive -- so, in another two or three years, maybe they will be lending! I'm in Australia, so thank you for the advice not to get a Kindle for (hopeful, eventual) library use.

Quote:

It would be a mistake to regard an ebook reader as an "investment", I should point out. You won't make money from it. Most people I know who've bought one end up spending more money on books that they did before, because it makes reading so much easier for them.

Of course. "Investment" has a colloquialism in certain areas which suggests that it's just something which you'll get your money's worth from, making additional money aside. I am, of course, worried about spending far too much on ebooks if I do buy one -- it's a good worry, though. The lure of no more storage issues is a pretty hefty one...!

Quote:

I agree, the online shopping experience is not as easy or fun as going to a book store but if you know that there are authors that you like then you can do searches for them. Amazons algorithims ar epretty good, pretty soon you will be getting recommendations based on what you bought that should be pretty good.

Based on what you are describing, I would say you live in an area where it can be hard to get to a bookstore and the library probably has a good but not great selection. An e-reader where you can shop on line could open doors for you. Ask your librarian for recommendations based on what you currently read. Heck, ask in the forums here.

Mmhmm -- the closest library is only a ten minute drive away, but it's quite small and most of the time I need to order books in from their partner libraries. It's only overnight, but it really would be nice to have books immediately. The closest (and only!) book store is 45 minutes away!

I didn't realise that the suggestions on Amazon are based on an algorithm; I assumed they'd just present "You've looked at fantasy. Here's a random collection of other fantasy." The GoodReads algorithms are flawed at best, so I didn't expect much. I'll have to pay more attention if I do start buying ebooks!

Quote:

Nothing (for me) can ever replace a physical book. But now, with the state of the art in e-ink readers, I can indulge in the best of both worlds - on the one hand spilling my coke in undulterated laughter, and on the other hand cogitating upon the vicissitudes of life!

You've presented a very, very compelling case for an ereader.

Quote:

If you've seen the T3 in a store I'm guessing you're in Canada. Buy the T3 from BestBuy. It's on sale right now for $80 & $100 without and with the snap cover. It's not much more than the basic Kindle and if you like the Sony, go for it.

I'm in Australia -- does this mean it's not available yet in some other countries? That surprises me; we usually get things last! (We have to wait until Boxing Day for the second Hobbit movie...) It's $149 in Big W, with the T1 and T2 both on clearance sale for $99. I'll wait until Boxing Day and see if the T3 is on sale -- I'm becoming more and more tempted as I read the responses here.

Quote:

If you get an ereader you can always use Open Library to borrow ebooks, since your local library doesn't. They have a decent selection.

Thanks! I had no idea that Open Library existed!

speedtouch · 12-14-2013, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosenivy

Thanks! I had no idea that Open Library existed!

You're welcome. I had no idea as well, until last week. Ereaders are awesome. I think you might like it more than you expect.

If you have easy access to a PocketBook ereader, you might consider giving them a try, too.

Tarana · 12-14-2013, 10:30 PM

You sound like my sister - totally overthinking the issue. Do not think of an ereader as an investment. It is a tool that will be replaced in a few years. Heck, the Kindle costs less than any of my college textbooks (and that was the late 80s!). Mine was 'paid for' within 2 months of purchase because I could get books I wanted to read on sale during the holiday season.

meeera · 12-14-2013, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosenivy

I'm in Australia -- does this mean it's not available yet in some other countries? That surprises me; we usually get things last! (We have to wait until Boxing Day for the second Hobbit movie...) It's $149 in Big W, with the T1 and T2 both on clearance sale for $99. I'll wait until Boxing Day and see if the T3 is on sale -- I'm becoming more and more tempted as I read the responses here.

Can I suggest having a close look at the feature sets of the three Sonys before deciding? From what I can see, the T3 is not really a big improvement on the other two - quite probably not enough to justify the much higher price.

If you're now going to consider a new premium reader, I also strongly suggest looking at a frontlit one. Aside from reading in the dark, it also greatly improves readability in a whole range of medium lighting conditions.

Rosenivy · 12-14-2013, 11:35 PM

I feel like I'm far too easy to persuade - I bought a Sony T3 today. I had only gone in to do a bit of Christmas shopping, but I ended up comparing the prices of the Kindle Paperwhite with a case, the older Sony readers with a case, and the Sony T3 -- the one that I got ended up being the cheapest, given that it includes a case.

I really, truly was only going to look! But, well, you've all convinced me that I was overthinking it, and before I knew it, my debit card had left my wallet of its own accord -- I swear! Now I need to spend the rest of the day setting it up and finding free books. Oops.

12-14-2013, 03:30 AM	#1
Rosenivy Nameless Being	Is an eReader a worthy investment for me? TL;DR at the bottom. Hi all. I came across this forum when trying to determine whether or not I should buy an eReader -- as an avid bibliophile with plenty of time on my hands to read, friends have told me that I'm an excellent candidate for one. What I've looked at, and what my impressions are: I've looked at the following devices in-store: Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo, Kobo Aura, Sony T2, Sony T3, Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite. I've read several books on my friend's Kindle Keyboard -- she loaned it to me for several weeks so that I could properly experience it, as I wouldn't 'get a feel for it' just looking at demo units. I read the first five Harry Potter books before giving it back. I've also borrowed a friend's Sony T1 to read Neil Gaiman's American Gods. So, I have at least limited exposure to a large number of eReaders. When sitting and reading, I preferred the Sony device. However, when navigating to books and otherwise interacting with menu and settings options, I thought that the Kindle was a lot more intuitive. My friends also showed me how to use the devices both wirelessly and through USB; the Kindle was easier to pick up quickly, but I've gotten the hang of both of them. I did not like the Kobo devices that I looked at in store. My needs, and why I'm unwilling to make the plunge: I know that this is something that you hear all the time, because my eReading friends roll their eyes and groan when I say it: I'm a tactile reader. It's easier to absorb myself in a paper book than it is to absorb myself in an eBook. The screens surprised me -- they certainly don't look like screens, but I still don't get into "reading mode" when I use eReaders. I'm too aware that I'm using an electronic device. I don't associate reading and electronics, so I need to employ greater focus to pay attention to an eReader. I'm a regular library patron. I live in a rural community, and our library system doesn't provide eBook lending. This system is the system used for the libraries within a ~100km radius, and I am simply not willing to join libraries father away; I'm supporting my community by using this library system, and it's convenient. I enjoy browsing the aisles, sitting in the library to read, and engaging my librarians. I worry that if I pursued an eReader, it would either deter me from using my library, or sit on a shelf gathering dust in favour of library usage. I can't browse online! I've created an Amazon account specifically for the purpose of browsing the Kindle store. I don't shop online unless I know exactly what I want to buy as it is; I find online cataloguing systems bloated and messy. When I go to the library or to a brick and mortar store, I have plenty of visual and spatial queues to aid my browsing, as well as staff members who know my tastes and engage me in discussions. When browsing Amazon (or Book Depository, when I've gone there for paper books), I find myself wading through endless lists of books I have no interest in, and eventually filtering down so rigidly that I've only got lists of authors I'm already familiar with. (The romance genre, for instance, is full of absolute dreck on Amazon, and I inevitably find myself filtering down to Diana Gabaldon and a few similar authors; that's no way to browse! It takes me hours to make no progress, and I'm not happy about that.) My needs, and why I'm strongly considering making a purchase: Despite all of this, I am leaning more towards buying an eReader. They do look cool, and they are fun, even if I hate online shopping and I can't borrow library books in my area. One of the biggest reasons that I'm considering buying an eReader is for series compilation: It was a surprisingly good feeling to finish one Harry Potter book and move straight to the next one, especially as I wasn't at home! Had I been reading on paper, I'd have had to wait until I got home to pick up the next book. I do read a few public domain titles, and high quality translations or publication runs can really climb in price, which is unfortunate -- I'm just unwilling to spend $25 on an extremely readable print run of Moby-Dick when I now know that I can choose my own font on an eReader! (I don't know if it's common, but the public domain books I've been exposed to tend to have tiny, grainy fonts -- moreso than others.) Though I despise Project Gutenberg for the purpose of readability, Delphi Classics is a place where I'd invest my money with enthusiasm! I read a lot of genre fiction, and I prefer hardcovers over paperbacks, and while I'm having trouble browsing for it, when I already know titles and authors to search for, the eBooks are often cheaper than the hardcover books -- notable examples are the Warcraft novels, the Forgotten Realms novels and, surprisingly, the Black Library novels (where I've found bundles that equate to $8 per eBook, where the paper books are $15-25 each). TL;DR: I've tried the three major brands. Cons: Books are a tactile experience, my library doesn't loan eBooks, and I hate online browsing. Pros: Series management, public domain title access, cheap genre fiction. So what do you think? Should I take the plunge? I'm a student, so even the cheapest Kindle is an expense that I can only make if I know I'll use the device.

12-14-2013, 10:40 AM	#8
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,441 Karma: 59592133 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	I use both: ebook readers and hardbacks. You see, I'm a book collector, someone who enjoys the feel and smell of a book - that sense of something beautiful held in my hands. An ebook reader, however, is now my main source of reading. It's allowed me to experiment on some of the most ludicrous, maniacally egocentric, child-like indy writers and writings imaginable (what can I say: I'm a masochist), while also indulging in my love for works of Literature. The wonder of it is that sometimes - sometimes, mind you - I actually find a piece of indy writing that aspires to the best of the genre fiction out there. Even when they're horrible (the writing - not the writers), it's still lots of fun. I read great works of Literature for the insights into human nature; I read genre fiction for the chills, spills, and the frenzied lunatic narratives that such writings provide. Nothing (for me) can ever replace a physical book. But now, with the state of the art in e-ink readers, I can indulge in the best of both worlds - on the one hand spilling my coke in undulterated laughter, and on the other hand cogitating upon the vicissitudes of life! Don Last edited by Dr. Drib; 12-14-2013 at 10:53 AM.

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12-14-2013, 04:15 AM	#2
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,815 Karma: 68407974 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	You don't have to pick one or the other. I took the plunge to ereading a couple or three years ago. I still borrow plenty of paper books from the library, and occasionally buy a paper book too. If you're not after a modern frontlit device, you should be able to pick up a secondhand older Sony or Kindle for cheap; or a current low-end unlit Kindle. Or a Nook if you're in the States. Or wait for Boxing Day sales. Also bear in mind that if you're not in the USA and there's a chance your library will start lending ebooks (they're picking them up at a rapid rate), Kindle may not be your best choice.

12-14-2013, 04:46 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	It would be a mistake to regard an ebook reader as an "investment", I should point out. You won't make money from it. Most people I know who've bought one end up spending more money on books that they did before, because it makes reading so much easier for them.

12-14-2013, 04:47 AM	#4
Barbara1955 Non-Techy Posts: 4,455 Karma: 15499273 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WV---USA Device: Samsung Cell Phone & Amazon Fires & Kobo eReaders	Stick with HB/PB if that's what your comfortable with.

12-14-2013, 06:21 AM	#5
exaltedwombat Guru Posts: 878 Karma: 2457540 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: none	You're SO over-thinking this! And placing so many obstacles - things you "can't do" and "won't do". Perhaps you'll get a Kindle for Christmas :-)

12-14-2013, 06:47 AM	#6
shanghaichica Guru Posts: 991 Karma: 5782970 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Scribe,Kindle Oasis 3, iPad Pro 11,15 Pro Max,iPad mini 7,colorsoft	As others have said you don't have to do one exclusively. You can get an ebook reader and still read paper books.

12-14-2013, 10:03 AM	#7
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	You can still go to the library and read paperbooks. There are plenty of folks who read ebooks and paperbooks. My Mom is one of them. I agree, the online shopping experience is not as easy or fun as going to a book store but if you know that there are authors that you like then you can do searches for them. Amazons algorithims ar epretty good, pretty soon you will be getting recommendations based on what you bought that should be pretty good. Remember, you can download a sample from many books and get a feel for it. So read the sample, see if you like it. If you do, buy the book. If you don't, don't. Based on what you are describing, I would say you live in an area where it can be hard to get to a bookstore and the library probably has a good but not great selection. An e-reader where you can shop on line could open doors for you. Ask your librarian for recommendations based on what you currently read. Heck, ask in the forums here. As for the tactile thing, try sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of tea (or your favorite beverage) and just read. You sound pretty focused on the format. Just let yourself read and don't worry about the medium.

12-14-2013, 11:21 AM	#9
Shopaholic Cockatoo Mom! Posts: 1,509 Karma: 1841741 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: PW4, Kobo: A1, Clara, Libra 2, iPad Pro 11, iPad Mini	If you've seen the T3 in a store I'm guessing you're in Canada. Buy the T3 from BestBuy. It's on sale right now for $80 & $100 without and with the snap cover. It's not much more than the basic Kindle and if you like the Sony, go for it. As others have said, you don't have to choose one or the other. Do both. Some books are just not in eformat yet so you can't get it. The Harry Potter books are an excellent example for me. I'm a bit of a dork so I'll happily reread them when the mood strikes and the fact that I can carry all 7 volumes in a device that weighs less than book one is something I relish. They're small, lightweight and something I carry with me pretty much everywhere I go. I say treat yourself. You won't regret it.

12-14-2013, 03:26 PM	#10
speedtouch eBook Newbie Posts: 373 Karma: 1724 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Kobo Clara HD	If you get an ereader you can always use Open Library to borrow ebooks, since your local library doesn't. They have a decent selection.

12-14-2013, 10:30 PM	#13
Tarana Wizard Posts: 4,038 Karma: 38840460 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Device: PWSE, Voyage, K3, HDX, KBasic 7 & 8, Nook Glo3, Echos, Nanos	You sound like my sister - totally overthinking the issue. Do not think of an ereader as an investment. It is a tool that will be replaced in a few years. Heck, the Kindle costs less than any of my college textbooks (and that was the late 80s!). Mine was 'paid for' within 2 months of purchase because I could get books I wanted to read on sale during the holiday season.

12-14-2013, 11:35 PM	#15
Rosenivy Nameless Being	I feel like I'm far too easy to persuade - I bought a Sony T3 today. I had only gone in to do a bit of Christmas shopping, but I ended up comparing the prices of the Kindle Paperwhite with a case, the older Sony readers with a case, and the Sony T3 -- the one that I got ended up being the cheapest, given that it includes a case. I really, truly was only going to look! But, well, you've all convinced me that I was overthinking it, and before I knew it, my debit card had left my wallet of its own accord -- I swear! Now I need to spend the rest of the day setting it up and finding free books. Oops.