Intro. article on buyin an e-reader

apellicone · 01-11-2010, 04:23 PM

Hi everyone. As part of my job as an Associate Librarian I've typed up a short introductory article on choosing an e-reader between the three main readers that most patrons would have heard about (Sony, Kindle and Nook). I realise that the article is limited, but it's mostly to spread awareness about e-readers, and to give people a starting point for their own research. This community seems very dedicated and knowledgable about e-books, so I was wondering if you guys could give it a glance over and let me know what you think. Word-length is an issue, so I have to pick and choose what factors I cover, and also try to be as non-biased as possible (we are a non-profit organization, afterall).

----------------------

Dear Librarian, I had recently considered getting my wife an e-book reader for Christmas, but I couldn’t make heads or tails of all the different options. Her birthday is coming up, and I’m still considering it as a gift. Can you help me out?

Dear Reader,
I don’t blame you for being confused – e-books are an emerging technology, and there are many different factors to consider when buying a reader. For those who don’t follow technology news an “e-reader” is a device that displays “e-books” on a portable electronic device. These devices can hold a whole library’s worth of material, have easy-to-read screens, and hold battery charge for up to 2 weeks at a time.

Right now there are three major options for someone in the e-book market: the Sony reader, the Amazon Kindle DX, and the Barnes and Noble Nook. In terms of pricing, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 for the cheapest Sony device to $489 for the most expensive version of the Kindle. There are a few features to consider when deciding which device is best for you. For starters, e-readers either have always-on internet, like the Nook and the Kindle, or they don’t, like the Sony. Having always-on internet means that you don’t have to connect to a computer to get new material for your e-reader. For the Kindle and the Nook, you can log onto the online store for either reader and instantly buy something you’re interested in. With the Sony reader you have to download the material via your computer, and then transfer it to the device. The always-on internet connection is pretty much free, although the devices with it tend to cost more.

You should also consider the usability of the device. The Nook and the Sony readers both have touch-screen interfaces. This means you simply press your finger to the screen to accomplish various tasks (like turning pages or selecting titles). The kindle, by comparison, is navigated using buttons on the faceplate of the device, a built-in keyboard, and joystick.

Another deciding factor is whether or not you can borrow free e-books from our library – currently Kindle users cannot, but both Sony and Nook users can.

If you’re still on the fence, then my advice is to wait a little while. We’ll always have real life books here at the library, and as e-book technology advances you’ll start to see better products and lower prices. If you want to do some research on your own (as I could probably go on comparing the products for another 3 or 4 pages) then here’s what I recommend: try to get your hands on each device (for example, you can try the Nook at any Barnes and Noble retail store). Go to each web-based store and look for your favorite authors and see what the prices are like. Talk to people who have e-readers and read reviews online. A few of the web resources I used in compiling this article were:
www.inkmesh.com (which can search for titles across stores and tell you the lowest price)
Our library's website (which will let you see what e-books we offer as downloads) and, www.mobileread.com (a very handy blog and forum site that contains guides for purchasing an e-reader).

Also, don’t think that the e-reader market is limited to Sony, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble – there are other readers to consider such as the HanLin, CyBook, and iLiad. I hope this helped. Once you know what you’re looking for, and how much you want to spend, it’s just a matter of finding the best product for your needs. Happy hunting!

omk3 · 01-11-2010, 04:38 PM

Nice article, apellicone, and it's good to see you take the time to help readers find their way in the ebook reader market.
Just a few clarifications: the sony prs-900 does have "internet" as you say, and only the prs-900 and prs-600 have touchscreens out of the sonys. "Internet" might be a bit misleading a term, as I'm not sure that you can actually browse the internet with these devices, just buy books online and maybe consult wikipedia. I would call it wireless connection to avoid confusion.

apellicone · 01-11-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omk3

Nice article, apellicone, and it's good to see you take the time to help readers find their way in the ebook reader market.
Just a few clarifications: the sony prs-900 does have "internet" as you say, and only the prs-900 and prs-600 have touchscreens out of the sonys. "Internet" might be a bit misleading a term, as I'm not sure that you can actually browse the internet with these devices, just buy books online and maybe consult wikipedia. I would call it wireless connection to avoid confusion.

I wasn't aware that the PRS-900 had a free 3G connection, thanks for the clarification. The 300 and 600 don't, correct?

Also good call - I'll switch it to 'wireless connection'.

wallcraft · 01-11-2010, 04:54 PM

To avoid the model number confusion, I suggest concentrating on the devices with a 6" screen. You could then mention (if there is room) that Sony also has a basic 5" device and a 7" device with wireless, and that Amazon has the 10" Kindle DX. You article is then mostly ok as is (prices will need editing and watch out for Kindle DX which should be Kindle 2 or just Kindle).

It may be worth noting that lending library books must be side-loaded:

Another deciding factor is whether or not you can borrow free e-books from our library – currently Kindle users cannot, but both Sony and Nook users can. Library ebooks must be downloaded via a computer, wireless transfer isn't available.

omk3 · 01-11-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apellicone

I wasn't aware that the PRS-900 had a free 3G connection, thanks for the clarification. The 300 and 600 don't, correct?

Correct

desertgrandma · 01-11-2010, 05:16 PM

You need to mention the thousand of free books available. Over 14,000 here alone. For any device. Mainstream authors often offer select books for free thru Amazon, BN and Sony.

Customer service is an important feature. A new person with little understanding of the reader is not going to be happy if the end customer service is not there.

No one can guarantee the perfect reader.........but asking questions of those who own devices can go a long way in finding that perfect one. Had I "waited", I would have deprived myself of 1 1/2 yrs of great reading.

Find the return policy of the reader is also important. Do you have to pay a restocking fee? What is the return policy?

01-11-2010, 04:23 PM	#1
apellicone Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: none	Intro. article on buyin an e-reader Hi everyone. As part of my job as an Associate Librarian I've typed up a short introductory article on choosing an e-reader between the three main readers that most patrons would have heard about (Sony, Kindle and Nook). I realise that the article is limited, but it's mostly to spread awareness about e-readers, and to give people a starting point for their own research. This community seems very dedicated and knowledgable about e-books, so I was wondering if you guys could give it a glance over and let me know what you think. Word-length is an issue, so I have to pick and choose what factors I cover, and also try to be as non-biased as possible (we are a non-profit organization, afterall). ---------------------- Dear Librarian, I had recently considered getting my wife an e-book reader for Christmas, but I couldn’t make heads or tails of all the different options. Her birthday is coming up, and I’m still considering it as a gift. Can you help me out? Dear Reader, I don’t blame you for being confused – e-books are an emerging technology, and there are many different factors to consider when buying a reader. For those who don’t follow technology news an “e-reader” is a device that displays “e-books” on a portable electronic device. These devices can hold a whole library’s worth of material, have easy-to-read screens, and hold battery charge for up to 2 weeks at a time. Right now there are three major options for someone in the e-book market: the Sony reader, the Amazon Kindle DX, and the Barnes and Noble Nook. In terms of pricing, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 for the cheapest Sony device to $489 for the most expensive version of the Kindle. There are a few features to consider when deciding which device is best for you. For starters, e-readers either have always-on internet, like the Nook and the Kindle, or they don’t, like the Sony. Having always-on internet means that you don’t have to connect to a computer to get new material for your e-reader. For the Kindle and the Nook, you can log onto the online store for either reader and instantly buy something you’re interested in. With the Sony reader you have to download the material via your computer, and then transfer it to the device. The always-on internet connection is pretty much free, although the devices with it tend to cost more. You should also consider the usability of the device. The Nook and the Sony readers both have touch-screen interfaces. This means you simply press your finger to the screen to accomplish various tasks (like turning pages or selecting titles). The kindle, by comparison, is navigated using buttons on the faceplate of the device, a built-in keyboard, and joystick. Another deciding factor is whether or not you can borrow free e-books from our library – currently Kindle users cannot, but both Sony and Nook users can. If you’re still on the fence, then my advice is to wait a little while. We’ll always have real life books here at the library, and as e-book technology advances you’ll start to see better products and lower prices. If you want to do some research on your own (as I could probably go on comparing the products for another 3 or 4 pages) then here’s what I recommend: try to get your hands on each device (for example, you can try the Nook at any Barnes and Noble retail store). Go to each web-based store and look for your favorite authors and see what the prices are like. Talk to people who have e-readers and read reviews online. A few of the web resources I used in compiling this article were: www.inkmesh.com (which can search for titles across stores and tell you the lowest price) Our library's website (which will let you see what e-books we offer as downloads) and, www.mobileread.com (a very handy blog and forum site that contains guides for purchasing an e-reader). Also, don’t think that the e-reader market is limited to Sony, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble – there are other readers to consider such as the HanLin, CyBook, and iLiad. I hope this helped. Once you know what you’re looking for, and how much you want to spend, it’s just a matter of finding the best product for your needs. Happy hunting!

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01-11-2010, 04:38 PM	#2
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	Nice article, apellicone, and it's good to see you take the time to help readers find their way in the ebook reader market. Just a few clarifications: the sony prs-900 does have "internet" as you say, and only the prs-900 and prs-600 have touchscreens out of the sonys. "Internet" might be a bit misleading a term, as I'm not sure that you can actually browse the internet with these devices, just buy books online and maybe consult wikipedia. I would call it wireless connection to avoid confusion.

01-11-2010, 04:54 PM	#4
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,977 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	To avoid the model number confusion, I suggest concentrating on the devices with a 6" screen. You could then mention (if there is room) that Sony also has a basic 5" device and a 7" device with wireless, and that Amazon has the 10" Kindle DX. You article is then mostly ok as is (prices will need editing and watch out for Kindle DX which should be Kindle 2 or just Kindle). It may be worth noting that lending library books must be side-loaded: Another deciding factor is whether or not you can borrow free e-books from our library – currently Kindle users cannot, but both Sony and Nook users can. Library ebooks must be downloaded via a computer, wireless transfer isn't available.

01-11-2010, 05:16 PM	#6
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	You need to mention the thousand of free books available. Over 14,000 here alone. For any device. Mainstream authors often offer select books for free thru Amazon, BN and Sony. Customer service is an important feature. A new person with little understanding of the reader is not going to be happy if the end customer service is not there. No one can guarantee the perfect reader.........but asking questions of those who own devices can go a long way in finding that perfect one. Had I "waited", I would have deprived myself of 1 1/2 yrs of great reading. Find the return policy of the reader is also important. Do you have to pay a restocking fee? What is the return policy?