New Sonys vs Kindle 3 vs other readers

[jj2me]

Originally Posted by kartu

So basically it spares you connecting the device via USB to the PC, which you need in both cases, eh? If I switch PC on, start calibre, then it's not a big deal to connect reader to it, but it might be just me...

Basically correct. Though I haven't tried a completely automatic process (leave Calibre running, leave Kindle's wireless on) to see if Calibre news delivery is totally effortless, like receiving an Amazon subscription. I suspect some errors of the type "Amazon couldn't deliver ...", due to the Kindle being off for too long, as I've seen them before.

The "Next Article" click is invaluable for news reading (who reads every article of a newspaper or magazine?). On my 505, it takes forever to skip articles by paging or going up to a section menu and then down again. The fast-forward via stroke-and-hold of the newer touch Sonys is much faster and uncannily accurate at stopping just where you want it when you release the hold.

A 3G Kindle allows you to fetch Calibre news on the run with Calibre's server activated. Nice for vacations without access to a local PC (with USB port) running Calibre.

Originally Posted by kartu

Amazon only allows wikipedia, not the web.

I think you're thinking of another vendor, as Amazon allows full web.

While I love my older Sony, and my next reader will probably be a Sony, and since you have contributed and know so much more about e-readers, I'll only dare to suggest that Kindles are pretty good for some people. The Kindle's extra functionalities (not considering aesthetics): the 3G gift by Amazon, the free.kindle.com address (and Calibre's utilization of it), the Calibre 3G server, and the many free ebook offerings (compared to Sony), make it worthwhile to consider having a Kindle as a secondary reader, if not your primary reader.

[kartu]

jj2me
It was surprising to figure that internet access is not limited. I wonder where I've heard that only wiki was accessible, probably it was my imagination. I guess browser with limited functionality solves the "users intensively web surfing at amazon's costs" problem.

Regarding Kindle vs Sony Readers, well, I think the fact that most guys that I know, who have small e-reader business use Sony-s speaks volumes. On the other hand, it doesn't mean that Kindle is bad, it's not. It actually is the best choice in under 150$ price range for many users, depends on what people need of course, I actually often recommend it to guys on some Georgian forum.

What I don't like about kindle is rather amazon's policy:
1) amazon store lock / no epub support /can't get ebooks from libraries (doesn't matter in Georgia ) Amazon being able to remotely delete books on kindles.
2) Amazon is way too powerful a book store, controlling e-readers would give them even more power, which cannot be good for customers.

[trekchick]

Originally Posted by kartu

However I can't find DX in the threads title.


Amazon only allows wikipedia, not the web.


So basically it spares you connecting the device via USB to the PC, which you need in both cases, eh? If I switch PC on, start calibre, then it's not a big deal to connect reader to it, but it might be just me...

I was expanding on the theme (vs. Other...)

I can browse the Internet on Kindle's 3G, but I understand that 3G web browsing is not available in every country.

I think it's pretty easy to copy files from computer to reader, but it would push my mother beyond her computer comfort zone. Some people are just skittish about that kind of thing.

[trekchick]

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

Thanks for your summary, Trekchick. I would like to get both a Kindle DX and a PRS-950 (my husband and I would be sharing both of them) , but I will be getting the PRS-950 first. The Kindle will have to wait.

I've begun to use the PRS-950 more often than the DX, but they both get plenty of use. I'm sometimes annoyed by not being able to use the table of contents on the DX, but for those pages that need to be viewed full-size (or pretty darn close), the DX never disappoints.

With my love of big screens (I used to have an 8" iREX, too), it may seem odd that the 5" PRS-350 has become my primary reading device. It's perfectly sized for one-handed reading and I take it with me everywhere. It's not good for complexly formatted PDF files (the ones that reflow mangles), but for leisure reading, it's my favorite.

[Waba]

Originally Posted by trekchick

With my love of big screens (I used to have an 8" iREX, too), it may seem odd that the 5" PRS-350 has become my primary reading device. It's perfectly sized for one-handed reading and I take it with me everywhere. It's not good for complexly formatted PDF files (the ones that reflow mangles), but for leisure reading, it's my favorite.

I agree entirely, the 350 is just great... For text reading it is by far the most comfortable reader.

[Bic]

Kindle can access any web site using 3G as well as with the WiFi in the US.

[jakeluck]

As another reader who recently upgraded from a 505:

I too love the 350, the higher DPI renders the text even more crisp on the new pearl screen. And with the new software features in the x50 series: pdf page modes + customizable contrast makes even the the small form factor 350 usable for Letter/A4 technical PDFs. e.g. it is now possible to read my ARRL Handbook in native pdf without prerasterizing, more detailed comment posted earlier: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=116606

Personally, the divorce of WiFi/3G is a PLUS. In addition from not being burdened with the extra power consumption and circuitry, I find the disconnectedness a blessing, which translates to less distraction when _reading_, not to mention it protects the user's whereabouts from those orbiting mind scanning lasers.

Now if we could only have better designed snug cases.

[Waba]

Blaspheme, jakeluck!! All things are better with WIFI!... My new toaster oven has WIFI, I use it to check my email and download ringtones.

[jakeluck]

Originally Posted by Waba

Blaspheme, jakeluck!! All things are better with WIFI!... My new toaster oven has WIFI, I use it to check my email and download ringtones.

My toaster oven doesn't have WIFI, I have to use those secure microSD cards to manually load the patterns for printing on the bread.

[elcreative]

Pah, newfangled gadgets... what's wrong with using punched paper tapes...

Originally Posted by jakeluck

My toaster oven doesn't have WIFI, I have to use those secure microSD cards to manually load the patterns for printing on the bread.

[jakeluck]

Originally Posted by elcreative

Pah, newfangled gadgets... what's wrong with using punched paper tapes...

hmmmmm, pre-punched bread tapes.