Would an E-reader be a good fit for me? - Page 2

Worldwalker · 11-27-2010, 08:41 PM

You don't mention where in the world you are. We might be able to point you at affordable options.

We have two Sony 505 Readers -- one from Border's, one from eBay. A used device might be an option for you, especially if you're interested in something out of production like the 505 (still, IMO, the best one Sony ever made). Depending on how comfortable you are buying something from some random guy online, that could be an option.

Also, don't forget about the MobileRead device forums, where you can find more information on all the alternatives (including the "Which one should I buy?" section, and our Flea Market where members buy and sell their old ebook readers. Any of those might help you out.

I like the Sony Readers myself, but if you can't find them at good prices where you are, you should look into some of the less-publicized brands. There are many, and they're generally cheaper than the big ones.

ATDrake · 11-27-2010, 08:43 PM

Honestly, if the Kobo just had a better screen, a slightly lower price point, and page-turning buttons on both sides, I think it really would be your ideal reader, given the preferences you've stated.

It's very basic featured and non-fussy: just turn it on and read. Not much else to do with it after that.

Unfortunately, it's no longer as good a value as it was when first introduced (it was a nice, bargain-priced reader back when the Kindle and Nook were still selling for $289 each for their basic models), and its tech quality is a little behind.

Still, you may be able to find some of the older non-WiFi Kobo model going cheap as clearance stock at a Wal-Mart or Borders or the like for maybe $99 or so and be able to give it a try.

ETA: Whee, 700 posts. Watch me teach chickens to fly!

SeaBookGuy · 11-27-2010, 08:50 PM

If you loved the features on the $250 Sony, but not the cost, re-consider the smaller 350 unit - I believe you "lose" about 4 or 5 lines per page, but there's otherwise no difference (besides no SD card expansion, nor mp3 playing, neither of which seem to interest you).

jehane · 11-28-2010, 01:58 AM

Check the Deals forum - there have been a few posts recently with good deals on the Sonys, including the superceded x00 line, though keep in mind they have the older screen tech. (Still good, just that Pearl is better) There's probably also more than a few people here looking to offload their x00 in order to justify a x50 purchase. I guess you're in the US, so you should have lots of good options.

kindlekitten · 11-28-2010, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasticslug

Well I went out today and got my hands on many of the e-reader models out there.

Started with the nook, screen looked excellent and I spent several minutes reading page after page. With the screen tech on these things its so easy on the eyes. It actually feel good looking at them, as my eyes are used to my ultra-bright tv/monitor.

What I did not like was the ridiculous lcd screen at the bottom. Why have this? I dont need to see the book covers in full color. The menus to me were a bit cumbersome. I also did not care about the weight, holding it for several minutes it felt a bit heavy for this type of technology.

The kindle was next, I liked the layout, same great screen. I didnt care too much for the keyboard as I know its not something I will ever need to read a book. I liked the over all feel of it, but did not like the whole plugged into amazon and they whole (buy our books!) vibe i got from it. If I had to go the extra mile to format epub books I probably wouldnt have to much trouble with it.

Lastly was the Sony Reader. I picked it up and fell in love with it, its a few oz lighter than the nook and almost the same weight as the kindle. It felt great, no silly keyboard or color lcd screen to deal with. The opening menu was intuitive and easy to follow.

Then I saw the price and almost dropped it, around $250.... looked around and saw a $150 price tag and became excited but soon realized that it was the pocked edition (not trying to save space here, so small size is not important to me) $250 for an ereader is a no go for me.

Overall I feel that these companies are pumping way too much technology into something seemingly simple as an E-reader.
Lets give it GPS, radio, 3/g, internet radio, games, Hi-def, surround sound, etc etc etc. lol...

Then once you turn it on you get slammed with with the idea of how easy it is to buy our books etc. I kind of want to be off the grid and not be bothered once I get my e-reader.

So I want the nice ink technology that looks so great, an easy interface where you turn it on, find your books directory and simply read the book. I like the price range of $140 (under $100 would be fantastic)

Any other suggestions out there?

why do you identify yourself as having a kindle if you are still looking?

boxcorner · 11-28-2010, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasticslug

... Then I saw the price and almost dropped it, around $250 ...

Sony PRS-650 currently $199 at Borders

http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_sonytouch

I didn't want to compromise on quality, so I shopped around. If you're interested in getting a Sony, it might be worthwhile waiting until the New Year sales begin. I expect prices will drop next year. Meanwhile, look around for special offers. That's how I got mine. Good luck!

Addendum
Sony PRS-350 currently $149 at Borders

http://www.borders.com/online/store/...iew_sonypocket

Jellby · 11-28-2010, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasticslug

So I want the nice ink technology that looks so great, an easy interface where you turn it on, find your books directory and simply read the book. I like the price range of $140 (under $100 would be fantastic)

You'd probably be satisfied with one of the older/simpler models, with no wireless, no touch screen. Something like a PocketBook 301, Cybook Gen3 (non-gold), or a Kobo.

charonme · 12-02-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

why do you identify yourself as having a kindle if you are still looking?

Maybe he just understood the word "prospective" the same way I did

kindlekitten · 12-02-2010, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charonme

Maybe he just understood the word "prospective" the same way I did

what prospective?

SeaBookGuy · 12-02-2010, 11:07 PM

In the profile space for one's device(s), it suggests users who don't have one yet to enter the one they're most likely to obtain. That prospective.

11-27-2010, 08:43 PM	#17
ATDrake Wizzard Posts: 11,517 Karma: 33048258 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roundworld Device: Kindle 2 International, Sony PRS-T1, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia	Honestly, if the Kobo just had a better screen, a slightly lower price point, and page-turning buttons on both sides, I think it really would be your ideal reader, given the preferences you've stated. It's very basic featured and non-fussy: just turn it on and read. Not much else to do with it after that. Unfortunately, it's no longer as good a value as it was when first introduced (it was a nice, bargain-priced reader back when the Kindle and Nook were still selling for $289 each for their basic models), and its tech quality is a little behind. Still, you may be able to find some of the older non-WiFi Kobo model going cheap as clearance stock at a Wal-Mart or Borders or the like for maybe $99 or so and be able to give it a try. ETA: Whee, 700 posts. Watch me teach chickens to fly! Last edited by ATDrake; 11-27-2010 at 08:44 PM. Reason: Another posting milestone.

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11-27-2010, 08:41 PM	#16
Worldwalker Curmudgeon Posts: 3,085 Karma: 722357 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: PRS-505	You don't mention where in the world you are. We might be able to point you at affordable options. We have two Sony 505 Readers -- one from Border's, one from eBay. A used device might be an option for you, especially if you're interested in something out of production like the 505 (still, IMO, the best one Sony ever made). Depending on how comfortable you are buying something from some random guy online, that could be an option. Also, don't forget about the MobileRead device forums, where you can find more information on all the alternatives (including the "Which one should I buy?" section, and our Flea Market where members buy and sell their old ebook readers. Any of those might help you out. I like the Sony Readers myself, but if you can't find them at good prices where you are, you should look into some of the less-publicized brands. There are many, and they're generally cheaper than the big ones.

11-27-2010, 08:50 PM	#18
SeaBookGuy Can one read too much? Posts: 2,029 Karma: 2487799 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Naples, FL Device: Kindle PW 3, Sony 350 and 650	If you loved the features on the $250 Sony, but not the cost, re-consider the smaller 350 unit - I believe you "lose" about 4 or 5 lines per page, but there's otherwise no difference (besides no SD card expansion, nor mp3 playing, neither of which seem to interest you).

11-28-2010, 01:58 AM	#19
jehane Book addict Posts: 441 Karma: 2650464 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Antarctica/Australia/Ohio Device: Sony PRS-300/T1/Asus TF101	Check the Deals forum - there have been a few posts recently with good deals on the Sonys, including the superceded x00 line, though keep in mind they have the older screen tech. (Still good, just that Pearl is better) There's probably also more than a few people here looking to offload their x00 in order to justify a x50 purchase. I guess you're in the US, so you should have lots of good options.

12-02-2010, 11:07 PM	#25
SeaBookGuy Can one read too much? Posts: 2,029 Karma: 2487799 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Naples, FL Device: Kindle PW 3, Sony 350 and 650	In the profile space for one's device(s), it suggests users who don't have one yet to enter the one they're most likely to obtain. That prospective.

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