What Do I Want?

[WillysJeepMan]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

All the information that you have gotten already is great advice, however I would like to look at this issue from a different perspective, the perspective of the mac that you said you have. The Apple entry into this market is called the ipad and its not a adequate solution for electronic book reading its rather awkward for and its considered overkill for the job of reading electronic books. Its sort of like buying a Cadillac Deville when a Ford Fusion SE would do the job great - yeah you could do it that way but why?

One reason people use an ipad for the job is that they have the ipad for other jobs and are simply adding another task to the jobs it performs, but don't buy one for simply electronic book reading.

It also depends upon what you plan on reading....

I have an Aluratek Libre Pro. I love it's simplicity and size. I use it for ebook reading.

I also have an iPad, that I use primarily for magazine and comic book reading. It does a superb job for that. I haven't found an other device that can handle magazines and comics as well as the iPad. But I wouldn't choose to use it for reading books.

With the plethora of DVDs loaded with classic comic books and magazines (Entire run of Star Trek comics costs only $6= 500+ comics, 200+ Famous Monsters of Filmland magazines=$15)

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

One reason people use an ipad for the job is that they have the ipad for other jobs and are simply adding another task to the jobs it performs, but don't buy one for simply electronic book reading.

Actually, I did.

Just 10 days ago bought an iPad wifi with the whole purpose of read PDFs (with Goodreader) and full Color Magazines. I'm also using the iPad for browsing the web while spending time with wife at living room.

I can't predict what I'm going to do with it in a future or if that is going to change, but no plans to use it for work or gaming; already have other devices for those purposes.

For reading computer books or novels, I use my Kindle(s): DXG or Kindle 3.

[Anke Wehner]

Originally Posted by readit

? ? most eBook are txt,doc or pdf, and have no DRM at all....DRM is a way to cash in, with those who are willing to pay.

Most ebooks of current novels you buy from big webshops are epub (apart from amazon, who use their own format).

[TJager]

Thank you very much for all of your input. My one year old got sick over the weekend and was kind enough to share it with me. So, I'm just getting back in here.

I understand the eink you can't see at night without a light. The Nook color... can you see that? Or does that also require a light?

So far, I'm kind of in between those two. I'm trying to figure out if I'd ever need a color ereader. Kids books? I can't see using it with the kids much. Magazines? Not sure it's worth it.

A lot of you suggest going to actually see/feel one. I didn't realize the Kindle was in a physical store. I believe someone mentioned Best Buy. Is that the best place to go? Do they have a good selection? Or will I be bouncing around to different stores?

I don't plan on letting my kids get a hold of it, but I know it happens. I'm usually very anal about putting my iPhone out of reach, but I forgot a couple weeks ago and a certain 4 year old switched some of my icons around.

Now, a stupid question... if I wanted to borrow books from the library, do I actually have to go to the library? LOL. Gosh that sounds stupid. But, so many things are online now. I can check my library books online, renew them online, so I wondered if that was something that can be done online or do you go in there and plug into something?

Another question... how is the organizing on the eReaders? Is there just one big list of books you've bought? or can you organize them into "folders" (maybe by genre or author or read/haven't read).

Thank you for putting up with me and my questions. I appreciate it!!!!

[jocampo]

My advice.

If you don't read magazines, if you barely read at bed, get a Kindle. Is light, clear and crisp screen and can be used on bright sun or indoors with ambient light, besides , you won't have to be charging every day.

You can see, feel and test Kindles in Target and Best Buy stores.

[TJager]

I do see myself using it in bed or a dark room. We also live in the south where I can see myself using it by the pool or beach often. So, I need one that will work well in both or with a light. Just trying to figure out what I want before my husband makes the decision for me.
Thanks

[speedlever]

If you've tried to use a laptop outside in bright sunlight, you already know what an LCD screen will look like. You want an e-ink display for that environment. Adding a small light for reading in the dark is easy and there are many choices available.

[tm3]

tjager the library experience is one of the coolest things about the whole ereader experience.

you don't drive to the library only to find out that your book is checked out, fill out a hold request, drive home, wait to be notified that the book is there, drive back to get it, read it, drive back to return it, forget to return it and pay fees, etc. the whole transaction takes place online.

the problem with the color ereaders is they use a backlit screen. some people find that uncomfortable for reading. i'm one of them. i prefer the eink screens like the kindle, sony, and nook. however the color devices are more versatile for www browsing and magazines.

if you can make it to a best buy you might be able to see the kindle, sony, and nook side by side. if there is a barnes and noble in your area you can see the nook, and the nook color. playing with them is really the best way to get a feel for what you like and dislike.

[HarryT]

The "reading in the dark" thing is rather a red herring. It's true that you can't read an eInk screen without a light so... you use a light! There are numerous excellent lighting solutions available; eg, for the Kindle, Amazon offer a very good cover with a built-in light.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Although eInk screens can only be read in the daylight, reading in the dark is absolutely no problem; use a light!

It wouldn't be reading in the dark then... When I'm reading in bed (in the dark), I don't want to use a light. Even the booklight will light the entire room. My backlight won't.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

It wouldn't be reading in the dark then... When I'm reading in bed (in the dark), I don't want to use a light. Even the booklight will light the entire room. My backlight won't.

I certainly don't find that it lights the entire room. The light is very directional, and only illuminates the screen.

[TJager]

Thank you. You all gave me a lot to think about. I appreciate it.

[jehane]

Originally Posted by TJager

Now, a stupid question... if I wanted to borrow books from the library, do I actually have to go to the library? LOL. Gosh that sounds stupid. But, so many things are online now. I can check my library books online, renew them online, so I wondered if that was something that can be done online or do you go in there and plug into something?

If you plan to borrow ebooks from the library, be aware that they are usually in epub format, which can be read on pretty much every device *except* the Kindle. There are ways and means of getting library books onto Kindles, but it depends how comfortable you are in doing this. Personally, I don't think it's worth the hassle, but YMMV.

As someone else has said, borrowing library ebooks can be done remotely over the internet. I use it regularly when I am out of the country (as I am now...)