8+ Readers in comparison

[HarryT]

The Neo is, for me, the best "all round" 6" device currently on the market. No question about it. But of course, we all have our own view about which features are important, and which aren't.

[rammbam]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

All my readers can handle PDFs. You can transfer them via calibre, Windows Explorer or similar tools.
There are some differences though:
- Most readers do reflow for PDFs. Meaning, they handle the file as text and insert line breaks, based on your font size. That's great for gathering the information. But it "destroys" the original layout and usually has problems with graphics, formulas and other more advanced operations.
---> Not recommendable for "professional" documents.
- Some readers are able to do zoom instead of reflow or in addition to reflow. The original layout remains intact, but sometimes it's more complicated to "handle" the document that way.

It's not, that I don't like BeBook Neo. On its own, it's a great reader. It just isn't one of my absolute favorites.
It's minor details:
- iRex 800 has a way smaller bezel, as Neo need lots of space at the bottom for the 5-way-button. That's about 2" of "wasted space" on BeBook Neo.
- iRex 800 can handle the B&N .pdb files. I buy lots of those because of nook.
So, of the touchscreen units I prefer Sony 900, because I simply love to hold it in my hands, it just seems perfectly designed. And I prefer iRex 800's structure. BeBook Neo has more features, but iRex 800 will close the gap with the upcoming firmware update and Sony 900 already is about equal.
And of the non-touchscreen units, I prefer nook or Alex. They (especially nook) have way less features to offer. But for casual reads, they offer more than enough. And I simply enjoy a bit more, holding them in my hand.

I have various readers for different demands. For example, iRex 1000 for "professional" documents or nook for "casual reads". As a multi-functional device, BeBook Neo certainly is one of the best. But as a specialised unit, it's not my top favorite in any area.

Whether it's books, movies or gadgets: I prefer, "loving" them from the very first second/page or unboxing. With Sony 900, this has happened. BeBook Neo had to grow on me. And I simply add too many gadgets too quickly, to take my time for each of them.
So, BeBook Neo is within the top 40%, but not at the very top.
But that's really just my ranking. Right now, I'll spend the next few days for Alex. It has tons of options to check out. BeBook Neo on the other hand is extremely functional/professional. But on the other hand, it's less "adventurous", to fiddle around with it.

Meaning: If you want to have a touchscreen unit with relatively low price and very professional featureset, you can't go wrong with BeBook Neo. But I'd recommend, to check iRex 800 and Sony 900 as well. (Although, for PDFs, Sony's zoom capabilities are a bit weak.)

Mgmueller,thank u so much.I realise u r one of the best guys to ask,and I ll ask u just one more question. Im hesitating between BeBook and Kindle,and
since I dont plan to use the Amazon shop,then which one would u recommend,if i need these features: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82245

Also i didnt tell that I need only device for reading a text,and among other
eb00ks i have,many of them are Scanned PDF's, and Im worried if they load too slowly on these Ebook readers?

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by rammbam

Mgmueller,thank u so much.I realise u r one of the best guys to ask,and I ll ask u just one more question. Im hesitating between BeBook and Kindle,and
since I dont plan to use the Amazon shop,then which one would u recommend,if i need these features: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82245

Also i didnt tell that I need only device for reading a text,and among other
eb00ks i have,many of them are Scanned PDF's, and Im worried if they load too slowly on these Ebook readers?

Scanned PDFs are relatively complicated. You'll probably need advanced zoom capabilities, to be able to actually read those.
In general: The bigger the display, the easier/better it will be.

From your criterias:

VERY IMPORTANT FEATURES

1:Reader with no eye strain! For me the health is number 1.I need reader that is easy for the eyes in any environment,especially reading outside.
---> All E-Paper displays are basically the same. Only exception: Touchscreen units (the ones without WACOM) have an additional layer over the display, which reduces the contrast.
But even the "worst" E-Paper display is close enough to "real paper". You'll love it and won't have any eye strain. And you'll be positively surprised about the energy consumption. Those units go on for dozens of hours.

2:Ability to highlight parts of the text.
---> Most can do it. But personally, I very much prefer to do this on touchscreen units. Fiddling around with 5-way-buttons can be quite annoying.

3:Fast loading and turning pages
---> Differences between the various units aren't that big.

4:No "gentle" device. I've heard Kindle is very gentle and u may find it broken,even when keeping ur eyes on it.
---> I've accidentally dropped Kindle 2 from my shelf, about 1.50m height. Nothing has happened. I wouldn't say, that Kindle 2 is more fragile than others. But: I'd always use a cover for transporting or using on the train or something like that.

5: Dictionary (English-English)
---> Most have it.

-------------------------------------------
LESS IMPORTANT FEATURES

1:Long battery life (at least 20 hours)
---> Most have it, some older units are below.

2:Multitasking (want to hear audio while reading)
---> Most can do it. Personally I never use it, audio support is very basic at best.

3:Easy interface.Dont like to get confused or no not what to do.
---> There are differences, some are more feature ladden than others. But all are relatively intuitive.

-----------------------------------------------
NOT IMPORTANT FEATURES

1:Internet connectivity(Need only to read books ,not surf the net)
---> Personally, I've got quite fond of WiFi capabilities. Not for surfing the web, but for downloading books. But I agree, given the size of memory (most can be expanded to 8GB and more), that's not really critical.

2: Document formats dont matter
---> I convert my books as well. But experience shows, that PDF for example is a horrible source format. I'd recommend to go for a unit, which can handle your main formats natively - you'll see the difference in quality.

3: Touchscreen
---> Personally, I prefer it. Some readers have "horrible" buttons for turning pages, using swipe gestures can be way more convenient.


Between BeBook Neo and Kindle:
---> I only see a single advantage for Kindle: Dictionary support is benchmark. Here BeBook Neo is relatively weak.
Maybe Kindle is a bit more "attractive" - but still it's not the most "beautiful" reader out there.
(Of course, the real advantage of Kindle is the online bookstore from Amazon. But you stated, that's not important to you.)
But in all other areas, BeBook Neo has more to offer. (*)
On Kindle, you use the Kindle formats or PDF. PDF support, even with the firmware update 2.5, is basic at best.
BeBook Neo is an "open" system, you can buy the "standard" format ePUB wherever you want.
BeBook Neo is extremely "robust", has an advanced touchscreen but all features can be used without stylus (using the 5-way-button instead) as well.

(*) More features doesn't necessarily mean, it's the better reader. For me personally, lots of its features (annotation, highlighting, ...) are not really important.

Between BeBook Neo and Amazon Kindle, I'd recommend BeBook Neo - as long as the Amazon bookstore doesn't matter to you. Main reason: BeBook Neo shines with PDFs, especially your scanned ones.

[rammbam]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

Scanned PDFs are relatively complicated. You'll probably need advanced zoom capabilities, to be able to actually read those.
In general: The bigger the display, the easier/better it will be.

From your criterias:

VERY IMPORTANT FEATURES

1:Reader with no eye strain! For me the health is number 1.I need reader that is easy for the eyes in any environment,especially reading outside.
---> All E-Paper displays are basically the same. Only exception: Touchscreen units (the ones without WACOM) have an additional layer over the display, which reduces the contrast.
But even the "worst" E-Paper display is close enough to "real paper". You'll love it and won't have any eye strain. And you'll be positively surprised about the energy consumption. Those units go on for dozens of hours.

2:Ability to highlight parts of the text.
---> Most can do it. But personally, I very much prefer to do this on touchscreen units. Fiddling around with 5-way-buttons can be quite annoying.

3:Fast loading and turning pages
---> Differences between the various units aren't that big.

4:No "gentle" device. I've heard Kindle is very gentle and u may find it broken,even when keeping ur eyes on it.
---> I've accidentally dropped Kindle 2 from my shelf, about 1.50m height. Nothing has happened. I wouldn't say, that Kindle 2 is more fragile than others. But: I'd always use a cover for transporting or using on the train or something like that.

5: Dictionary (English-English)
---> Most have it.

-------------------------------------------
LESS IMPORTANT FEATURES

1:Long battery life (at least 20 hours)
---> Most have it, some older units are below.

2:Multitasking (want to hear audio while reading)
---> Most can do it. Personally I never use it, audio support is very basic at best.

3:Easy interface.Dont like to get confused or no not what to do.
---> There are differences, some are more feature ladden than others. But all are relatively intuitive.

-----------------------------------------------
NOT IMPORTANT FEATURES

1:Internet connectivity(Need only to read books ,not surf the net)
---> Personally, I've got quite fond of WiFi capabilities. Not for surfing the web, but for downloading books. But I agree, given the size of memory (most can be expanded to 8GB and more), that's not really critical.

2: Document formats dont matter
---> I convert my books as well. But experience shows, that PDF for example is a horrible source format. I'd recommend to go for a unit, which can handle your main formats natively - you'll see the difference in quality.

3: Touchscreen
---> Personally, I prefer it. Some readers have "horrible" buttons for turning pages, using swipe gestures can be way more convenient.


Between BeBook Neo and Kindle:
---> I only see a single advantage for Kindle: Dictionary support is benchmark. Here BeBook Neo is relatively weak.
Maybe Kindle is a bit more "attractive" - but still it's not the most "beautiful" reader out there.
(Of course, the real advantage of Kindle is the online bookstore from Amazon. But you stated, that's not important to you.)
But in all other areas, BeBook Neo has more to offer. (*)
On Kindle, you use the Kindle formats or PDF. PDF support, even with the firmware update 2.5, is basic at best.
BeBook Neo is an "open" system, you can buy the "standard" format ePUB wherever you want.
BeBook Neo is extremely "robust", has an advanced touchscreen but all features can be used without stylus (using the 5-way-button instead) as well.

(*) More features doesn't necessarily mean, it's the better reader. For me personally, lots of its features (annotation, highlighting, ...) are not really important.

Between BeBook Neo and Amazon Kindle, I'd recommend BeBook Neo - as long as the Amazon bookstore doesn't matter to you. Main reason: BeBook Neo shines with PDFs, especially your scanned ones.

That was one of the best advices i got!Danke so much

And I see from your avatar, u r from Germany,and if i didnt bore u too much
I would like to know if BeBook can be found in some electronic shop in Germany.If not,how much time did it take to get ur Bebook in Germany?

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by rammbam

That was one of the best advices i got!Danke so much

And I see from your avatar, u r from Germany,and if i didnt bore u too much
I would like to know if BeBook can be found in some electronic shop in Germany.If not,how much time did it take to get ur Bebook in Germany?

I've ordered BeBook One and BeBook Neo directly from them (Endless Ideas) in the Netherlands via their webshop.
In Germany, you mainly find Sony readers in local bookstores (not Sony 900 yet), some have Cybooks as well. One chain sells iRiver Story as well. I don't think, any of those has BeBooks.
But I'm absolutely fine to order via webstore.

BeBook Neo took about 1 week from the Netherlands.

From which country are you? Maybe Onyx Boox is easier to get for you? It's the same hardware as BeBook Neo, you can exchange firmware back and forth.

[rammbam]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

I've ordered BeBook One and BeBook Neo directly from them (Endless Ideas) in the Netherlands via their webshop.
In Germany, you mainly find Sony readers in local bookstores (not Sony 900 yet), some have Cybooks as well. One chain sells iRiver Story as well. I don't think, any of those has BeBooks.
But I'm absolutely fine to order via webstore.

BeBook Neo took about 1 week from the Netherlands.

From which country are you? Maybe Onyx Boox is easier to get for you? It's the same hardware as BeBook Neo, you can exchange firmware back and forth.

Im in Macedonia,but I ll probably order it through a friend from Germany.
I hope I ll not die waiting one week

and

[afa]

mgmueller,

Can I ask how you are purchasing books from the B&N store for your Nook? From what I can see, it looks like you need to have a US billing address to buy their ebooks.

So which e-reader would you say is the best one to buy for under $300? My main, almost exclusive, use of it would be to read novels. Don't really care about note-taking or highlighting, or audio, or web-browsing, etc. A dictionary would be nice, though. And the usual things like interface, and managing content.

One more thing: even though I'm not going to be reading tech publications, I would want a reader that has decent PDF support. This is because I've noticed that some ebook retailers are selling certain novels (that I'm interested in) in PDF (ADE).

Any advice would be appreciated.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by afa

mgmueller,

Can I ask how you are purchasing books from the B&N store for your Nook? From what I can see, it looks like you need to have a US billing address to buy their ebooks.

So which e-reader would you say is the best one to buy for under $300? My main, almost exclusive, use of it would be to read novels. Don't really care about note-taking or highlighting, or audio, or web-browsing, etc. A dictionary would be nice, though. And the usual things like interface, and managing content.

One more thing: even though I'm not going to be reading tech publications, I would want a reader that has decent PDF support. This is because I've noticed that some ebook retailers are selling certain novels (that I'm interested in) in PDF (ADE).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Concerning B&N:
You need a valid US address and VPN (either on your PC or on softrooted nook). VPN "simulates" an american IP address. Any credit card will do. If you forget VPN, the respective purchase will be cancelled, but they don't cancel your account.

Concerning reader below $ 300:
For "casual reads" I enjoy Sony 900, BeBook Neo/Onyx Boox, iRex 800 (rebates from Amazon and others), Cybook Opus, PocketBook 360 and nook. You can't go wrong with any of those. With the announced firmware update (beta version already available) my personal favorite probably will be iRex 800. Close behind right now: nook and PocketBook 360. As you've mentioned B&N, I'd take an intensive look at nook.

Concerning PDF:
PDF really is one of the worst source formats. You should try to avoid it if possible.
If you really need it, for "casual reads", all the readers above will do. If you should turn to technical documents, it's way more complicated. Then zoom comes in handy. You'll have that on BeBook Neo/Onyx Boox and iRex 800 of the readers described above. The others have their weaknesses there.

[grndslm]

Hmm....

OP still hasn't added impressions of the Libre/Jetbook/Jetbook Lite. Interesting...

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by grndslm

Hmm....

OP still hasn't added impressions of the Libre/Jetbook/Jetbook Lite. Interesting...

Perhaps he doesn't have one?

BOb

[jen6060]

Hi mgmueller. I think this thread is one of the most interesting in the whole site! Thanks for your perspectives. I'm v curious abt the irex 800s. I understand there is wifi? What do you use it for if it doesnt give you access to the ebook mall? (i read that somewhere). Also, for your B&N pdb books - do you then sideload them or can you use wifi just like for Nook to get access to your nook library?
One more qn - what do you think accounts for the huge price diff between the irex 800sg, and the 800s - at US$399 vs more than 400 euro for 800s based on irex's online shop. bestbuy has in fact taken the price down to about us$379...

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by jen6060

Hi mgmueller. I think this thread is one of the most interesting in the whole site! Thanks for your perspectives. I'm v curious abt the irex 800s. I understand there is wifi? What do you use it for if it doesnt give you access to the ebook mall? (i read that somewhere). Also, for your B&N pdb books - do you then sideload them or can you use wifi just like for Nook to get access to your nook library?
One more qn - what do you think accounts for the huge price diff between the irex 800sg, and the 800s - at US$399 vs more than 400 euro for 800s based on irex's online shop. bestbuy has in fact taken the price down to about us$379...

iRex 800S does not have WiFi.
I've got WiFi on Spring Design Alex, B&N nook and BeBook Neo.
On nook, I use it to download my content from the B&N bookstore. Without direct binding to any bookstore, I've only used it once on BeBook Neo to check whether ADE actually is working (BTW: It is).
On Spring Design Alex, it's most comfortable, given it's relatively big LCD and full functional browser.
But still: In my opinion, WiFi mainly is useful if you've got content to download from the respective bookstore.
Surfing the web, checking Wikipedia or eMail isn't important to me.

So I sideload my PDBs (and ePUBs and PDFs) onto iRex 800S. No problem for me, I'm used to it with my US Kindles.

Given the price difference: You find this for all consumer products:
- iTunes movies and TV episodes are about the same in Euro in Germany as they are in Dollar in the US.
- I've ordered hundreds of DVDs from the US. Back then, they've been about 25 Euro in Germany and 15 to 20 Dollar in the US. Since the DVD business is down, prices in Germany have dropped to US level.
- I've ordered half a dozen eBook readers from the US. Some of them later on have been available in Germany (Sony 300 or 505 for example). Usually, I've ended up with about the same price from the US to Germany, as the unit later on was directly in Germany (after costs for shipping, customs and VAT). Importing to Germany doesn't really save costs (*), but the unit may be available earlier.

(*)...if you have to ship it over and pass it through customs. If someone buys it in the US and brings it with him to Germany, it's way more interesting of course.

My personal explanations:
- Many products are produced or at least assembled in the region of destination. If the product is expensive, usually it's directly linked to the higher costs for labor and manufacturing. That's true for cars for example.
- Prices are based on total costs of course. But mainly, they are based on target markets, average incomes and other criterias like that. Just an example: My employer does all the manufacturing in Asia and the US. The equipment is shipped from overseas through our headquarters in UK. But still: The very same unit in Poland is way cheaper than in Germany (list prices are similar, but "street prices" are significantly lower in Poland). And even within France, UK and Germany, there are significant differences.
In the example of eBook readers: The US economy is down, unemployment rates are huge, Dollar is weak. Marketing in companies like Apple, Dell, HP, Sony, ..... decides, for which price they'll be able to sell how many units in which target market.
Same applies for any product. Stephen King many years ago explained, why there have been 2 versions of "The Stand": Back then, maximum price the publishers could charge for a Stephen King Book was X Dollar (if I remember correctly, it was about 15 Dollar for a paperback tops). Later on, his market value did increase and they've released the extended (original) version - for nearly twice the price.

This can be highly frustrating of course. I've been one of the first to buy iRex 800S, being a fan of iRex for years. 4 weeks later they've presented the iRex 800SG, with more features for a lower price. (That's especially disturbing, considering that's it's even a European manufacturer). I wouldn't be able to use 3G in Germany - but maybe somebody finds a "jailbreak"? (On nook, I can use my own SIM card, thus having 3G and WiFi without any limitations).
This even has introduced a new kind of business. Companies, which sell iTunes gift cards or consumer products from the US to other regions, simply using the "cheap Dollar" for their advantage.
There have been extreme reports about re-importing cars for example: German cars, sold in some European countries to German customers - up to 40% cheaper than in Germany.
That's global economy...

i bought my Irex DR800Sg in the States and took it with me. the price difference is just to big and i still don't get it why. It's maybe a pitty for the Sone PRS505, but he had to leave the house. furthermore, with the last update i found the PDF reading a lot better. on my eDGe a PDF is very good. very easy to handle and to zoom.

[jen6060]

Thanks for the reply. It finally cleared up my confusion too about wifi on the irex800s. Some online reviews talk about wifi, but of course, i didnt see any such specification on the irex website. The pricing is rather unfair though for non-US users or the international version, considering there is no 3G. It should instead be cheaper than the US version!
I think you're right about manufacturers pricing what they think the market can bear..

[sagiquarion]

mgm,

I MUST have a dictionary on my reader and I loved sony's implementation of dictionary look up. However, I"m not impressed by the screen and so I'm left with two other options, the neo or the 800. Is there any firmware for either of these devices that provides dictionary functions like on the prs900? I like the 900, a lot, but that screen, ug. I hated trying to find the sweet spot where it didn't bother me in certain lighting conditions. I don't want the screen to bother me in ANY lighting conditions, like on the prs300 and the like.