8+ Readers in comparison - Page 31

JerseyBiker · 03-22-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanieB

Here's my first impressions of my new Sony 600. Please keep in mind that this is my very first ereader, and I'm reading my very first book on it. I wasn't even able to play with one in the store before I bought it. Plus, I just bought it 2 days ago, so I haven't had much time to experiment yet.

Pros:
It feels good in my hand. It seems to fit nicely, the page turning button is in just the right place for me. It looks good too, and it's nicely weighted in my hand.

Cons:
It froze as soon before I even had a chance to start using it. And later it froze again. It didn't come with a user manual (grumble grumble...NOTHING has user manuals anymore!), just a quick start guide. The Sony site doesn't have the user manual findable by menus. Luckily, my husband has great google-fu and was able to find it for me. Once reset, everything seemed to work ok. At least until it froze again.

I'm not too happy about the fact that recharging requires that the computer it's connected to can't go into a sleep/hibernation mode.

Since you are having problems with it freezing up, maybe you have a defective unit. Also is there an electric adapter available so you do not have to charge with your computer? Both my Nook and my Wife's Kindle2 came with wall plugin adapters.

~eddie

mandyoz · 03-23-2010, 07:54 AM

Hi All

I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated.

I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel.

I live in Australia.

Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2, Iliad I did not think I could get a nook, wrote to them and said they did not supply outside of the states but see here there is a way around that. HELP

By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. But would be great to dowlnoad on the road. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon?

I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's.

If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best and the simplest to use.

Thanks Mandy

kevindorsey · 03-23-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandyoz

Hi All

I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated.

I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel.

I live in Australia.

Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2, Iliad I did not think I could get a nook, wrote to them and said they did not supply outside of the states but see here there is a way around that. HELP

By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. But would be great to dowlnoad on the road. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon?

I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's.

If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best and the simplest to use.

Thanks Mandy

Just my quick 2 cents, don't even bother with the Nook, its not worth the investment.

I have a kindle dx unit, and very happy with it. Even though the publishers are bit of a headache lately, the amount of titles available and Amazon CS is a plus in my eyes.

JanieB · 03-23-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Since you are having problems with it freezing up, maybe you have a defective unit. Also is there an electric adapter available so you do not have to charge with your computer? Both my Nook and my Wife's Kindle2 came with wall plugin adapters.

I do have a wall charger. It didn't come with the unit, but I purchased it at the same time. When it froze the first time, I tried plugging it into the wall to see if there was a USB problem, but the charge indicator light didn't come on. Once I did the reset, the USB worked fine, and I haven't tried the wall charger again.

It hasn't frozen since then, but if it does continue I'll think about taking it back. On the other hand...Sony Library wouldn't open up this morning. Got that fixed, then just now downloaded Calibre and ran into some problems with that. I think it shut down 3 times while I was using it. That could have been a conflict with the Sony Library though. I need to figure out how to make it not open automatically.

mgmueller · 03-23-2010, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandyoz

Hi All

I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated.

I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel.

I live in Australia.

Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2, Iliad I did not think I could get a nook, wrote to them and said they did not supply outside of the states but see here there is a way around that. HELP

By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. But would be great to dowlnoad on the road. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon?

I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's.

If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best and the simplest to use.

Thanks Mandy

Hi,

concerning your topics:

Australia: There really is a simple workaround. You can order via 3rd party (for example USUnlocked.com) directly from US. Just direct the 3rd party to the respective website. The usual fee for that kind of service is 10%.
As a rule of thumb: For me, in Germany, the US list price in $ comes down to more or less the same amount in €.
Quick example:
nook = $259 in US.
$ 259 + 10% = $ 290 to the 3rd party
$ 290 + $ 40 shipment = $ 330 = € 230
ca. 20% tax and customs in Germany = € 46
Total = ca. € 280
The cheaper the gadget, the more expensive (in relation) costs for transportation.
Important to know: Usually, you only have warranty in the country of origin. In case of failure, you'll have to send it back to the US. Sometimes even through the 3rd party. Personally, I don't mind too much. Most units are either faulty from the beginning or will "survive" many years.

"Right" reader: You list some 5" units (Cybook Opus, Astak EZ5), 6" (Kindle 2, nook) and even the "oversized" iRex iLiad.
This probably should be the first decision: Which size of the display do you need/want?
Some criterias: PDFs usually are "critical" on smaller displays, as they often are A4/letter size in original. If PDF is one of your main formats, you might consider a bigger display.
Portability: Main benefit of 5" units is, carrying them around in your "backpocket". If that's not important to you, in my opinion 5" doesn't have any real advantage. Personally, I don't buy any units smaller 6" anymore. Even when traveling, the few inches the 6" housing is bigger don't matter. But the 1" in screen size can make a huge difference.
File formats: Most readers have a wide range of formats they can handle. But still, there is some kind of "specialisation". Depending on the file formats, you intend to use, there are different favorites:
- Kindle 2 can't handle ePUB for example, which probably is the widest spread format (available in many "independent" webshops).
- .....
My personal recommendation: I love iRex iLiad. But I'd go for the new iRex 800 instead for even a lower price.
Of the units you name, my personal ranking:
#1 = iRex 800 or BeBook Neo. Right now, BeBook Neo has an advanced OS. But with the firmware update due in about 3 weeks, iRex 800 will be even and is more "polished". If budget isn't an issue, I'd go for iRex 800. Else you can go for BeBook Neo without hesitation.
#2 = nook or Kindle. They are about even and both have a direct link to the respective webshops. nook allows more manipulation, due to its Android OS. You can exchange the US SIM and replace by your own. Of course you can go for the international Kindle, which is even easier. If you care about looks, nook probably is a bit more stylish. If you solely focus on features, both are very similar.
#3 = Cybook Opus. A very nice and efficient unit. But as I wrote above: Only if you really want to have a 5" reader. Else you can have nook or Kindle 2 for about the same price.
#4 = Astak Ez 5. Lots of features. But personally, I simply don't like the design.
Whatever you choose, you'll definitely have fun. And it's fun "out of the box", very user friendly without any need of "hacking" or "tuning".

You can buy from Amazon via PC without owning a Kindle. You can use those books (with some "tuning") on other readers. Same applies for B&N.

EDIT: Overread "Sony" in your post...
From the Sony reader, with touchscreen, Sony 900 has the best display - less glare than the others. And Sony 900 is my personal favorite. A real beauty and a very polished user interface.
Without touchscreen, Sony 300 and Sony 505 are the actual models. Both have the same (brilliant) display quality. Sony 300 is 5" and doesn't have memory expansion.

Sweetpea · 03-24-2010, 09:28 AM

mgmueller, I have a question for you which you most likely can answer perfectly (with all your readers!)

What is the actual screensize of the Boox, the IRex800 and the Sony900? All device sizes show the entire size of the device, not the screen itself...

frozennorth · 03-24-2010, 02:29 PM

I found the screen size information in the E-book Reader Matrix:

Boox: (90 × 120mm) 6" 600 × 800 pixels, 167 ppi

Irex 800: (122 × 163mm) 8.1" 768 × 1024 pixels, 160 ppi

Sony 900: (90 × 154mm) 7.1" 600 × 1024 pixels, 167 ppi

Sweetpea · 03-24-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frozennorth

I found the screen size information in the E-book Reader Matrix:

Boox: (90 × 120mm) 6" 600 × 800 pixels, 167 ppi

Irex 800: (122 × 163mm) 8.1" 768 × 1024 pixels, 160 ppi

Sony 900: (90 × 154mm) 7.1" 600 × 1024 pixels, 167 ppi

I did look there and completely missed that row... Though, those numbers aren't really accurate, as they are dependent on the format of the books (I've noticed). According to the matrix, I should have 76 × 102mm for my Mini, but I have 75 × 97mm when I open a PDF file...

mandyoz · 03-24-2010, 06:51 PM

Hi mgmueller and all mobilereaders experts,
Thanks for your detailed reply with my choices. I really value your advice.

The iRex looks great but out of my price range.
I have narrowed it down to Bebook Neo or Kindle 2 international both 6 inch screens
PROS FOR NEO
I can go to a local bookshop and check out the Neo, which I like the idea of. Also they can help me with any problems when I first set up the ereader. Can read epub

CONS for NEO
Book selection is my main concern. I have looked at quite a few ebook sites and the selection has not been as good as Amazon or B&N plus they seem to be more expensive. Any help with that one

I am not sure if I can "fine tune" the books from PC to my Neo from Amazon and B&N. Is it easy for a novice like myself? Can you direct me to somewhere I can learn more about this. The selection from both these sites covers all my favourite authors

PROS FOR KINDLE 2

Easy to use - my friend has one - price is good (the neo is nearly double in price) Good selection of books from Amazon, especially Lonely Planet guide books that don't seem available anywhere else.

CONS Locked into Amazon - they don't have all the books I like - no SD card but you an store 1,500 books. If I find tune books from B&N will the Kindle be able to read the format

So now down to 2, any more help, advice, suggestions or if you like you could decided for me which would be even better.

Do you think having epub options on the Neo outways the Kindle 2 international

Thanks again Mandy

JerseyBiker · 03-24-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevindorsey

Just my quick 2 cents, don't even bother with the Nook, its not worth the investment.

I have a kindle dx unit, and very happy with it. Even though the publishers are bit of a headache lately, the amount of titles available and Amazon CS is a plus in my eyes.

May I please ask why you feel the Nook is not worth the investment? I have a Nook and my Wife has a Kindle2. While she is happy with her Kindle she likes my Nook more.

~eddie

JerseyBiker · 03-24-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanieB

It hasn't frozen since then, but if it does continue I'll think about taking it back.

If there is no problem returning it maybe you should do that. At least that way you will know if you have a bad reader or if it's something else. If you look at the topics for all of the different readers on this forum you will find that there are bad units with all models.

~eddie

mgmueller · 03-24-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandyoz

Hi mgmueller and all mobilereaders experts,
Thanks for your detailed reply with my choices. I really value your advice.

The iRex looks great but out of my price range.
I have narrowed it down to Bebook Neo or Kindle 2 international both 6 inch screens
PROS FOR NEO
I can go to a local bookshop and check out the Neo, which I like the idea of. Also they can help me with any problems when I first set up the ereader. Can read epub

CONS for NEO
Book selection is my main concern. I have looked at quite a few ebook sites and the selection has not been as good as Amazon or B&N plus they seem to be more expensive. Any help with that one

I am not sure if I can "fine tune" the books from PC to my Neo from Amazon and B&N. Is it easy for a novice like myself? Can you direct me to somewhere I can learn more about this. The selection from both these sites covers all my favourite authors

PROS FOR KINDLE 2

Easy to use - my friend has one - price is good (the neo is nearly double in price) Good selection of books from Amazon, especially Lonely Planet guide books that don't seem available anywhere else.

CONS Locked into Amazon - they don't have all the books I like - no SD card but you an store 1,500 books. If I find tune books from B&N will the Kindle be able to read the format

So now down to 2, any more help, advice, suggestions or if you like you could decided for me which would be even better.

Do you think having epub options on the Neo outways the Kindle 2 international

Thanks again Mandy

It's easy, to shop from B&N and/or Amazon via the respective PC applications. From there, you can remove the copy protection (DRM) via automated scripts. No programming or hacking needed. I can help you via PM, so can lots of others. Really simple, don't worry about it.
You can make B&N books readable on Kindle and vice versa.

ePUB widely is considered the standard format. So having a reader, which is able to handle it natively, clearly can be an advantage.

Why is BeBook Neo twice as expensive as Kindle 2?
What's the price of Kindle 2 for you in Australia?
My guess: Including shipment from the US, it should be about $ US 300, right?
BeBook Neo/Onyx Boox you should be able to get for less than $ US 380. When you order from US, there should only be 2 differences in price:
a.) list price of Kindle 2 is a bit lower, about $ US 40.
b.) Kindle 2 can be ordered directly from Amazon. BeBook Neo/Onyx Boox probably has to be ordered via 3rd party. That's about 10% commission on the list price = ca. $ US 30.

HansTWN · 03-24-2010, 09:23 PM

Actually some re-shipping services from the US do not charge 10% of the value but rather only a small surcharge on the shipping. I used Shipito. For me that worked out to about USD 49.50 international shipping for the Irex (I would estimate $40 for a similar size item directly shipped internationally by Amazon), I suspect it would be the same for the BeBook. I can highly recommend them. Would save you the 10%.

mandyoz · 03-25-2010, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgmueller

It's easy, to shop from B&N and/or Amazon via the respective PC applications. From there, you can remove the copy protection (DRM) via automated scripts. No programming or hacking needed. I can help you via PM, so can lots of others. Really simple, don't worry about it.
You can make B&N books readable on Kindle and vice versa.

ePUB widely is considered the standard format. So having a reader, which is able to handle it natively, clearly can be an advantage.

Why is BeBook Neo twice as expensive as Kindle 2?
What's the price of Kindle 2 for you in Australia?
My guess: Including shipment from the US, it should be about $ US 300, right?
BeBook Neo/Onyx Boox you should be able to get for less than $ US 380. When you order from US, there should only be 2 differences in price:
a.) list price of Kindle 2 is a bit lower, about $ US 40.
b.) Kindle 2 can be ordered directly from Amazon. BeBook Neo/Onyx Boox probably has to be ordered via 3rd party. That's about 10% commission on the list price = ca. $ US 30.

Mgmueller, Thanks for the reply.

I can buy the Kindle for yes about US300 - AU dollar is 90c to 1 US so good at the moment.

I was quoted to buy the Bebook Neo in Dymocks bookshop at AU$536 dollars, they have it in stock and I am going tomorrow to look at it.

If you can help me with the conversion of files it would be wonderful. As with access to both those sites it covers all the books I love - plus the other pre 1943 classic books and burgomeister. So that solves that concern.

Again its either the kindle 2 or Neo - I am thinking Kindle 2 its cheaper and maybe I will update to Ipad - next year. When they release in Australia in April , Ibook will not be available but when it is I will have the Amazon, B&N and apple store to select from. What do you think?

Again big thank you, you are making my life so much easier.

HarryT · 03-25-2010, 04:44 AM

I have both a Kindle 2 and a BeBook Neo; the Neo is enormously better, in my view.

03-23-2010, 07:54 AM	#452
mandyoz Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: none	Hi All I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated. I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel. I live in Australia. Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2, Iliad I did not think I could get a nook, wrote to them and said they did not supply outside of the states but see here there is a way around that. HELP By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. But would be great to dowlnoad on the road. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon? I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's. If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best and the simplest to use. Thanks Mandy Last edited by mandyoz; 03-23-2010 at 07:56 AM. Reason: extra info

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Large list of readers (140+) and comparison charts	tomereader	Which one should I buy?	1	07-30-2010 02:14 PM
Printable life size comparison of Ebook readers inside	scheichxodox	Which one should I buy?	0	03-13-2010 02:56 AM
Comparison of 36 eBook readers on sale worldwide	thinkpad	Which one should I buy?	8	02-10-2010 07:19 PM
Review and Comparison of 4 E-ink Readers	billyad2000	Which one should I buy?	1	11-04-2008 09:15 AM

03-24-2010, 09:28 AM	#456
Sweetpea Grand Sorcerer Posts: 9,707 Karma: 32763414 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Krewerd Device: Pocketbook Inkpad 4 Color; Samsung Galaxy Tab S6	mgmueller, I have a question for you which you most likely can answer perfectly (with all your readers!) What is the actual screensize of the Boox, the IRex800 and the Sony900? All device sizes show the entire size of the device, not the screen itself...

03-24-2010, 02:29 PM	#457
frozennorth Evangelist Posts: 407 Karma: 18772 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Device: Onyx Boox RIP, Sony PRS-T1, Kobo Libra	I found the screen size information in the E-book Reader Matrix: Boox: (90 × 120mm) 6" 600 × 800 pixels, 167 ppi Irex 800: (122 × 163mm) 8.1" 768 × 1024 pixels, 160 ppi Sony 900: (90 × 154mm) 7.1" 600 × 1024 pixels, 167 ppi

03-24-2010, 06:51 PM	#459
mandyoz Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: none	Hi mgmueller and all mobilereaders experts, Thanks for your detailed reply with my choices. I really value your advice. The iRex looks great but out of my price range. I have narrowed it down to Bebook Neo or Kindle 2 international both 6 inch screens PROS FOR NEO I can go to a local bookshop and check out the Neo, which I like the idea of. Also they can help me with any problems when I first set up the ereader. Can read epub CONS for NEO Book selection is my main concern. I have looked at quite a few ebook sites and the selection has not been as good as Amazon or B&N plus they seem to be more expensive. Any help with that one I am not sure if I can "fine tune" the books from PC to my Neo from Amazon and B&N. Is it easy for a novice like myself? Can you direct me to somewhere I can learn more about this. The selection from both these sites covers all my favourite authors PROS FOR KINDLE 2 Easy to use - my friend has one - price is good (the neo is nearly double in price) Good selection of books from Amazon, especially Lonely Planet guide books that don't seem available anywhere else. CONS Locked into Amazon - they don't have all the books I like - no SD card but you an store 1,500 books. If I find tune books from B&N will the Kindle be able to read the format So now down to 2, any more help, advice, suggestions or if you like you could decided for me which would be even better. Do you think having epub options on the Neo outways the Kindle 2 international Thanks again Mandy

03-24-2010, 09:23 PM	#463
HansTWN Wizard Posts: 4,538 Karma: 264065402 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taiwan Device: HP Touchpad, Sony Duo 13, Lumia 920, Kobo Aura HD	Actually some re-shipping services from the US do not charge 10% of the value but rather only a small surcharge on the shipping. I used Shipito. For me that worked out to about USD 49.50 international shipping for the Irex (I would estimate $40 for a similar size item directly shipped internationally by Amazon), I suspect it would be the same for the BeBook. I can highly recommend them. Would save you the 10%.

03-25-2010, 04:44 AM	#465
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,556 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I have both a Kindle 2 and a BeBook Neo; the Neo is enormously better, in my view.