Okay, I give in! Please suggest an epub reader.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by BookCat

I think I prefer the elegance and features of the Paperwhite. Then the only question is whether or not I NEED the 3g? Can I just sideload everything, even from Amazon? The Amazon purchases could, theoretically be put onto Kindle4pc, then moved to Calibre, then to the reader. Or is there some reason why this isn't possible?

You don't even need to mess with Kindle4PC. Amazon will let you download the book file coded for your Paperwhite. Just select "transfer via computer" in the delivery options list. Then you can copy them right to the device via USB, or import them into Calibre.

I could ask Amazon to pre-register the device for me - I regularly buy things from there and the customer service has been okay - so I won't need an internet connection for the registration. What about firmware updates?

Thanks.

Firmware updates can be downloaded to the PC and installed via USB as well.

In fact, I THINK firmware wireless delivery is only via wifi, not 3g anyway.

I doubt I would spend much extra on 3G these days.
That said, before I got my smartphone, I really enjoyed the 3G on my K3.
If you do intend to shop...or even browse....the Amazon book store a lot, it's something to consider.

ApK

[booklover6]

My Kindle Touch has 3G, but it's not really something I have much use for, as I prefer to side load everything.

[HarryT]

I honestly don't think the premium for 3G on the PW is worth paying. Most people these days have a smartphone for mobile Internet access.

[BookCat]

Harry, I have a 'DumbPhone' in that it's about 10years old and only makes calls and texts; it doesn't take pics or receive them or connect to the internet. It used to have WAP internet connection, but I don't think that works anymore. I only use it when meeting someone and giving them my ETA etc.

I access the internet soley through my computer. I'd rather browse Amazon via the pc too. The only disadvantage I can see of not being able to access the internet on the reader is the inability to use the wikipedia look-up. If I really need to I can do that on my pc which is never far away and usually only hibernating.

So I think I'll bite the bullet and order a Paperwhite.

Thanks everyone. Look forward to seeing you in the Kindle dept in the future.

[harriska2]

My ex husband purchased the paperwhite 2 and I love it so much that I visit it every time I go over. I agree that the 3G is worthwhile for wikipedia lookup - just make sure it works in your area first.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by BookCat

I access the internet soley through my computer. I'd rather browse Amazon via the pc too. The only disadvantage I can see of not being able to access the internet on the reader is the inability to use the wikipedia look-up. If I really need to I can do that on my pc which is never far away and usually only hibernating.

So I think I'll bite the bullet and order a Paperwhite.

Thanks everyone. Look forward to seeing you in the Kindle dept in the future.

Another disadvantage is the inability to download the .sdr folder's worth of addons, like the X-Ray, Real Page Numbers, and public highlights features. You can't sideload those, the kindle needs to download it directly. Is that worth an extra $70? Not at all. But you did say:

Originally Posted by BookCat

I'm all confused again. I'll have to make a list. The Kindle Paperwhite was my favourite till I read some poor reviews about light leakage and bright spots, but I like the various functions, such as X-ray, which it has.

You will either need to get WiFi access, or the 3G model, or decide whether you still like the Kindle without this. I can't imagine this was the deciding factor, but still... you should be aware.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by ApK

Do keep in mind that "but I'm still reluctant to limit my purchases to Amazon" is not really the issue. There are other sources for books for Kindle besides Amazon (Smashwords, O'Reilly, Baen, direct sales sites, libraries, PD sites, etc).

But presuming we're talking only about "large mass-market DRM ebook sellers," on a practical level, that means "B&N, Kobo, and Google."

Apple is a different system, Sony is out, and while I may be forgetting one or two ADE-based contenders at most, it's not like you are ensuring a huge world of competitive options.

Note that this varies widely across the world. Here, there's also epub sellers like Big W, JB Hifi, QBD, Bookworld/A&R, Booktopia, Boomerang Books, txtr, Optus, and at least a handful or two of indies.

[HarryT]

But they all sell essentially the same books. Multiple sources doesn't get you more books.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by HarryT

But they all sell essentially the same books. Multiple sources doesn't get you more books.

I was under the impression that that particular sub-discussion was about sources for the current big bestsellers, which is why I limited my response to that. You want small presses, I got your small presses right here

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by meeera

I was under the impression that that particular sub-discussion was about sources for the current big bestsellers, which is why I limited my response to that. You want small presses, I got your small presses right here

It is. I'm just saying that having a dozen sources for books doesn't get you any more of them or - usually at least - better prices. The same books are sold in every store at pretty much the same price. Hence the perceived competition is largely illusory.

[Liangxinhuo]

I can find a shop and consult some professional guy

[ShellShock]

Something else to consider: I believe the Kindle and Sony ereaders both use a version of the Oxford English Dictionary, and in my opinion this is superior to the Merriam Webster's dictionary supplied on the Kobo. It is something I sorely missed when I switched from Sony to Kobo, and I wish Kobo would spend a bit more on licensing a better dictionary.

It is possible to use your own custom dictionaries on the Kobo (https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=232883), but you need a suitable source dictionary to convert to the Kobo format.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by ShellShock

Something else to consider: I believe the Kindle and Sony ereaders both use a version of the Oxford English Dictionary, and in my opinion this is superior to the Merriam Webster's dictionary supplied on the Kobo.

Very true. Also, comparing the Sony and Kindle dictionaries side by side, the Kindle has a more complete version of the Oxford English dictionary than the Sony does, both in terms of the number of words, and the length of the entries.

[Quexos]

Yes but the problem is (in my experience at least) that the clerks in stores tend to preach for their own chapel and will of course tell you that the best solution for e-reading (or any other type of electronics for that matter) is the one they happen to have in store, in other words they often lack impartiality.

Originally Posted by Liangxinhuo

I can find a shop and consult some professional guy

[BookCat]

I've ordered the Paperwhite without 3g. I spoke to a friend who lives close by and asked if I could go over to his to pinch his wi-fi occasionally should this be necessary. He's okay with this.

For Christmas, another friend bought me a cover for my Sony, unaware that it already has a great cover (the one which was supplied and an ecaddy book armour cover). It's only the type which you can get from a supermarket, but it will do for the kindle until I've drawn breath from spending so much money. The Amazon covers are £30! I'll peruse the others till I settle on one.

Didn't order a charger because I have a usb-usb socket charger for my mp3 player and will try using that. I know this doesn't work for the 505, but it might be different with a modern kindle. The chargers which Amazon sell just seem to be the same thing.

Thanks for all the help and advice. Now I can keep downloading MR books!