Toying with the idea...

Elsan · 02-15-2009, 07:50 PM

I've recently re-started reading novels one after another, having gotten out of my comics-only reading phase... I've a big list of stuff I wanna read but the thing is, I may be missing space after a while and I also wanna keep that space for my comics.

So... I've been thinking a mobile reader could be a good idea. I've just started looking around and I've found most books I want to read in e-book format, unprotected.

Thing is, I've looked at the different types but they don't look that different.

Here's what I want:

Something that can enter my jean pocket or if not possible, my vest pocket at least, like a paperback book.
Not essential but very appreciated, be able to show comics and/or mangas well. I'd like to read more manga and that could help a lot since the space is a turn-off.
Does not cost an arm or two.
Reads PDF files without too much hassle

I'm still undecided, maybe having a better idea if something would fit me will help.

I'm in Canada so no Kindle for me and I'm not too keen about not owning the books I buy and especially DRM in general(not to say I won't but DRMed stuff sometimes).

I did some research but I'd like live advice.
Thanks in advance!

desertgrandma · 02-15-2009, 07:56 PM

Hello, elsan, and welcome to MobileRead. If there is a device out there that fits your requirements, someone will surely post it.

As for me, I wouldn't recommend putting any ebook reader device in your jeans pocket.......or vest pocket.

They are electronic devices, after all, and the unavoidable banging around they would get in either location could prove expensive to you.

But I could be wrong.

lilac_jive · 02-15-2009, 09:52 PM

As much as I hate to say it...an iPod touch is probably the way to go (I have one, actually, just not for reading). The next possible course is a 700, since they handle manga and PDFs pretty well, but they aren't cheap, and you'll need bigger pockets. They do fit in pockets though (I think AndyBaby says he carries his there).

pilotbob · 02-15-2009, 10:20 PM

You might want to look a the Jetbook. It is a 5inch screen so it fits in pockets much better than a Sony or CyBook size device. It is not eInk but the screen is very good and not back lighted. It however doesn't support any DRM formats.

You can find it if you look around for about $200-$225. Fry's has had it for $199 every now and then.

BOb

Kris777 · 02-15-2009, 10:33 PM

You can buy jetBook from NewEgg for $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16858723001
or open box jetBook just for $141.68
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16858723001R
(I think it is very good offer, probably the best one)

Elsan · 02-15-2009, 10:39 PM

Thanks, I'm looking at reviews of the jetBook, looks very nice. The price and size are definitely very nice. How does the screen fare vs eInk?

More suggestions welcome!

Kris777 · 02-15-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elsan

Thanks, I'm looking at reviews of the jetBook, looks very nice. The price and size are definitely very nice. How does the screen fare vs eInk?

More suggestions welcome!

You can check the screen quality on this page:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36047

I like it more than Sony 505 screen

HarryT · 02-16-2009, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elsan

Thanks, I'm looking at reviews of the jetBook, looks very nice. The price and size are definitely very nice. How does the screen fare vs eInk?

More suggestions welcome!

The issue with the JetBook is that it ONLY supports PDF (which is not an eBook format at all) and text (which of course has no formatting). It is, IMHO, a very poor choice for an eBook reader.

pilotbob · 02-16-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The issue with the JetBook is that it ONLY supports PDF (which is not an eBook format at all) and text (which of course has no formatting). It is, IMHO, a very poor choice for an eBook reader.

It supports FB2 also. And ePub and Mobi are "supposed" to be forthcoming.

BOb

Kris777 · 02-16-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

It supports FB2 also. And ePub and Mobi are "supposed" to be forthcoming.

BOb

Yes, this is correct. ePub and Mobi must be available in March and I hope it will be possible to upgrade firmware for current users.

HarryT · 02-17-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris777

Yes, this is correct. ePub and Mobi must be available in March and I hope it will be possible to upgrade firmware for current users.

I would strongly suggest waiting for them to appear before committing to buying one. "Promised" future features do not always materialise!

Elsan · 02-17-2009, 12:02 PM

Maybe that's what I'll do. I'll just be patient. In the meantime, I'll just finish the books I have already bought or are not available as ebooks. I'll try to be patient, I love new gadgets...

If not, the sizes of the Sony Reader and Cybook are okay although I would prefer the Jetbook's.

The screen of it looks nice enough, but is it big enough? Is it hard to read it compared to a book?

HarryT · 02-17-2009, 12:04 PM

Some people find reading from a backlit screen to be tiring on the eyes; for others, it's not a problem. It's very much down to personal preference.

Elsan · 02-17-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Some people find reading from a backlit screen to be tiring on the eyes; for others, it's not a problem. It's very much down to personal preference.

Well, the jetBook is not backlit

I wouldn't be able with a backlit screen anyway.

I'm just scared that if I buy a costly reader(whether it's eInk or a jetBook), I'll have trouble reading and won't like it.

Kris777 · 02-17-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I would strongly suggest waiting for them to appear before committing to buying one. "Promised" future features do not always materialise!

It will be appeared because I tested Beta version (not available for sale yet)with ePub and Mobi on CES show

02-15-2009, 07:50 PM	#1
Elsan Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Device: iLiad	Toying with the idea... I've recently re-started reading novels one after another, having gotten out of my comics-only reading phase... I've a big list of stuff I wanna read but the thing is, I may be missing space after a while and I also wanna keep that space for my comics. So... I've been thinking a mobile reader could be a good idea. I've just started looking around and I've found most books I want to read in e-book format, unprotected. Thing is, I've looked at the different types but they don't look that different. Here's what I want: Something that can enter my jean pocket or if not possible, my vest pocket at least, like a paperback book. Not essential but very appreciated, be able to show comics and/or mangas well. I'd like to read more manga and that could help a lot since the space is a turn-off. Does not cost an arm or two. Reads PDF files without too much hassle I'm still undecided, maybe having a better idea if something would fit me will help. I'm in Canada so no Kindle for me and I'm not too keen about not owning the books I buy and especially DRM in general(not to say I won't but DRMed stuff sometimes). I did some research but I'd like live advice. Thanks in advance! Last edited by Elsan; 02-15-2009 at 07:52 PM.

02-15-2009, 10:20 PM	#4
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	You might want to look a the Jetbook. It is a 5inch screen so it fits in pockets much better than a Sony or CyBook size device. It is not eInk but the screen is very good and not back lighted. It however doesn't support any DRM formats. You can find it if you look around for about $200-$225. Fry's has had it for $199 every now and then. BOb Last edited by pilotbob; 02-15-2009 at 10:34 PM.

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02-15-2009, 07:56 PM	#2
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462843 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	Hello, elsan, and welcome to MobileRead. If there is a device out there that fits your requirements, someone will surely post it. As for me, I wouldn't recommend putting any ebook reader device in your jeans pocket.......or vest pocket. They are electronic devices, after all, and the unavoidable banging around they would get in either location could prove expensive to you. But I could be wrong.

02-15-2009, 09:52 PM	#3
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	As much as I hate to say it...an iPod touch is probably the way to go (I have one, actually, just not for reading). The next possible course is a 700, since they handle manga and PDFs pretty well, but they aren't cheap, and you'll need bigger pockets. They do fit in pockets though (I think AndyBaby says he carries his there).

02-15-2009, 10:33 PM	#5
Kris777 Banned Posts: 1,767 Karma: 2520493 Join Date: Oct 2008 Device: Nexus 7, jetBook-Lite, jetBook mini, Toshiba Thrive, JETBOOK COLOR	You can buy jetBook from NewEgg for $199.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16858723001 or open box jetBook just for $141.68 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16858723001R (I think it is very good offer, probably the best one)

02-15-2009, 10:39 PM	#6
Elsan Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Device: iLiad	Thanks, I'm looking at reviews of the jetBook, looks very nice. The price and size are definitely very nice. How does the screen fare vs eInk? More suggestions welcome!

02-17-2009, 12:02 PM	#12
Elsan Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Device: iLiad	Maybe that's what I'll do. I'll just be patient. In the meantime, I'll just finish the books I have already bought or are not available as ebooks. I'll try to be patient, I love new gadgets... If not, the sizes of the Sony Reader and Cybook are okay although I would prefer the Jetbook's. The screen of it looks nice enough, but is it big enough? Is it hard to read it compared to a book?

02-17-2009, 12:04 PM	#13
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Some people find reading from a backlit screen to be tiring on the eyes; for others, it's not a problem. It's very much down to personal preference.