So, What's the point of an eReader?

[eGeezer]

Thanks again for your replies. Lots of views on "why". And I appreciate Grandma clearing up the nasty "Amazon deletes" rumor. Yes, I do expect I will pursue PD books, probably in earnest, which I'd never even consider in paper.

Indeed, the notion of having plenty of books with you while away from home is a big driver. Been to Boy Scout Summer Camp (adult leader) several times and mistakenly thot I had brought enuff books.

But my biggest concern was pricing -- why an ebook when it costs more than a p-back (on top of the initial cost of the reader)?. While I'd gotten some notion while fitting around the forums here, and chasing links, you have cleared up any such concerns, removed any doubts, and have fanned my fever for a new (actually useful) toy.

So Neil, are you and Bilbo related? Okay, I'll type slowly so you can follow along. First, like Bilbo's, I find your observation humorous (as intended, right?). But to also put it into perspective: When the first horseless carriages appeared, don't you think the forums were full of the same questions?

And many of the responses have shown me how much more versatile the devices can be -- like Russell's note about converting anything off the web via Word and Super's note about Calibre -- who knew?. (actually, everyone but me, but that's beside the point.) Plus, the B&N article in my local paper today kinda ended any requirement for wireless "access" when I finally realized any device with "wireless" means dedicated to THEIR store -- and pricing. But maybe with B&N getting into it, the pricing will competitize. (new word, you read it here first)

Doesn't mean I won't end up with a wireless device, but its off the "must have" list. There is no doubt that every device out there is the same except a little different, and I will be more than happy with whatever I get. But I have more research to do.

I don't quite have a handle on what role reader software plays since they are numerous and can be downloaded, but at the same time the devices themselves appear to only be able to read certain formats. Or maybe the software I am seeing is mostly for downloading, not for actually reading.

But if we get off on that, then I have hijacked my own thread, and there are lots of threads for figuring that all out.

Great information, folks. Thanks for the input.

eGeezer

[Elfwreck]

Originally Posted by eGeezer

There is no doubt that every device out there is the same except a little different, and I will be more than happy with whatever I get. But I have more research to do.

The differences to research before buying:

• e-ink or not e-ink (BIG difference)
• What DRM'd formats does it accept?
• What other file formats does it accept?
• How does it organize books on the device?
• What user-input capacities does it have? (Bookmarks, annotations, notes, etc, and can they be exported?)
• How glitchy is it? (Not, "is it glitchy." How common are the glitches, and what flavor do they come in? Because all these devices are glitchy, and the people here at MR often know more about them than their own tech support departments.)

Start with those, figure out your dealbreaker points, and then research what's left.

[Superlucky]

Originally Posted by Elfwreck

The differences to research before buying:

• e-ink or not e-ink (BIG difference)
• What DRM'd formats does it accept?
• What other file formats does it accept?
• How does it organize books on the device?
• What user-input capacities does it have? (Bookmarks, annotations, notes, etc, and can they be exported?)
• How glitchy is it? (Not, "is it glitchy." How common are the glitches, and what flavor do they come in? Because all these devices are glitchy, and the people here at MR often know more about them than their own tech support departments.)

Start with those, figure out your dealbreaker points, and then research what's left.

Good points. I would add internal memory size, expandable memory capability, display quality, portability, networking features and book availability to the list.

I would start by asking yourself what you read, how you read and where you read in order to set your criteria. For example, if you will read primarily at home and you require the largest font size, then the PRS-300's portability won't matter and the screen will be too small. If, however, you want to carry your device in your pocket and you use small to medium fonts then the 300 meets your needs.

[pshrynk]

The biggest reason for having an ereader, in my mind is the portability. I used to take a lot of books with me on vacation and weighed down my suitcase with not enough books. In these days of more enforced restrictions on weight for airlines having an ereader less than a pound that fits in your carry on and has more than a hundred books on it is sweet.

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by eGeezer

Thanks for the quick replies while I was out attending a movie and getting my library card. Although I don't totally agree, I like the analogy of the ugly kids on the playground.

I think, tho, the analogy is more like going to a playground and asking the parents WHY they have children. Of course, those of us who have raised kids have often wondered that, too, but the point is not to discourage those who have them, or tell them it was a stupid idea (or that their ugly kids should be kept in the house.) The point is that you have been thinking of having a child, and are looking for opinions.

Nicely put - I stand corrected

[GA Russell]

To add to elfwreck's and Superlucky's lists...Ask yourself how important is the ability to buy a spare battery and change the battery yourself.

Note also that some readers come alone and others come with accessories. For example, the Sony 300 and the Astak Pocket Pro are both listed at $199. But the Sony comes alone, while the Astak comes with a leather cover, a wall charger and earphones.

[kennyc]

I'll just say Welcome!

[Superlucky]

Originally Posted by GA Russell

To add to elfwreck's and Superlucky's lists...Ask yourself how important is the ability to buy a spare battery and change the battery yourself.

They all stay charged for weeks at a time, so I'm not sure this is on anyone's list of concerns.

[GA Russell]

Superlucky, the ability to change batteries was a major factor in the decision of many to buy the Astak Pocket Pro.

[GizmoPlanet]

eGeezer,

Several things prompted me to get an e-reader. For starters, I'm a gadget freak and like new and interesting electronic devices.

I like the idea of being able to carry around lots of books and documents in a single compact device. Yes, books are cheaper (at least initially), and you can buy used books nearly dirt cheap these days, but try carrying around more than two or three without noticing their weight and bulk.

Most works of fiction and non-fiction these days are rather ephemeral. That is, they tend to be something you read once and put on a shelf. A book had better be memorable, a real classic, or contain valuable information I can refer to later before it will take up permanent residence on what little bookshelf space I have.

The other thing that's attractive about e-readers is the ability to download a book. If I can find a title I want on the Internet, and it exists in a format that's compatible with my e-reader, why run all over town trying to find the same title in a bookstore when I can just download it?

The idea of being able to download library books, for instance, from the comfort of my own home would be very appealing on a cold winter night or at times where I don't feel like leaving the house.

One other thing that's intriguing is the possibility of being able to read a newspaper on an e-reader. I'm not talking about the articles you can find on any newspaper's website, but an actual digitized copy of the newspaper, complete with photos and graphics. On some of the larger-format e-readers like iRex's 1000, this is already feasible.

The benefit of digital newsprint, as it's called in the newspaper business, is that it eliminates waste and the bulk of the newspaper itself. Plus, newspaper subscriptions in digital format cost 50% less. Consumers win, the environment wins, and newspapers, which are on shaky ground right now, also win.

Finally, I think e-readers are going to gain rapid acceptance, because as electronic gadgets go, they do just one thing and they do it well. You don't have the problem of eyestrain when trying to read e-books on a laptop or a tablet PC. Plus, there's a whole lot less weight and bulk to contend with.

E-readers and e-books have a huge potential and we're just scratching the surface right now.

[300com]

I bought a basic e-reader.

Why ?

I'm tired of printing out text from the PC to read away from the PC

Now I can read away from the PC, without printing, wasting heavey paper and throwing away.

Ebooks are just a bonus.

[300com]

and I get tired and have a lot of eye strain reading from the pc for too long.

[eGeezer]

And the hits keep on coming.

Just to let you know I'm still checking and appreciate the continued input.

Interesting you should mention computer screen eyestrain, 300com. It's one of the reasons I have taken so long checking these devices out. Never realized the screens were a totally different technology.

Continuing thanks,
eGeezer

[neilmarr]

***When the first horseless carriages appeared, don't you think the forums were full of the same questions?***

Right you are, Geezer. On the side of the horseless carriage in the forums of the day was a British Member of Parliament who famously predicted that, without it, London would lie under over one yard of horse manure by the year 1915.

As with the internal combustion engine, electric light, television, technology is adopted at the expense of charm. But we can still ride a horse, eat by candlelight, entertain ourselves on the banjo if we choose. And an ereader doesn't preclude the enjoyment of a treebook when the fancy takes you.

My point is simply that you sacrifice nothing by giving a reader a try. If you find it's surplus to your own personal requirement, you can return it to the shop or sell it here. As I mentioned earlier, I wish there was a rental system so that those who are undecided cold give it a shot.

Good luck. Neil

[Superlucky]

Originally Posted by GA Russell

Superlucky, the ability to change batteries was a major factor in the decision of many to buy the Astak Pocket Pro.

I stand corrected. It's not even on my radar.