Looking for a versatile and future-proof reader - Page 2

JSWolf · 12-04-2014, 05:38 PM

Given that you do not live in the US, I would recommend an ePub capable Reader. If you have Overdrive access via your library, ePub is what you'll get. Also, bookstores (other then Amazon) that sell eBooks sell ePub.

I just bought a Kobo Aura H2O that I rather like. I like the larger screen and the Carta screen is quite nice. The options for changing fonts, margins, and line height is very nice. That means you can customize the display as you want. Also, there are more font size choices as well to pick the font size you want. And there is the type genius that lets you adjust the weight of the fonts so you can have them as heavy or light as you want. Plus you can sideload your own fonts and use them as you want.

The customization options do depend on how the ePub was created, but it's very easy to use Calibre's Edit Book to remove anything that would prevent you from using the options that you want.

The Kindle has a few fonts and some are a bit on the light side. Also, you have a forced set of margins and a forced line height. The options to change this only get larger and larger still. So they aren't all that useful.

Once you are setup to be able to remove DRM, you can buy eBooks from stores that sell ePub and from Amazon. You can Use Calibre to convert Amazon eBooks into ePub.

Look into this and decide what you feel is appropriate for you. There is no perfect Reader. All have their good points and bad points.

meeera · 12-05-2014, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcentros

I don't think you have to be a "filthy person" to get stuff accumulated in the edges of your IR screen eReaders. Have you ever cleaned a computer keyboard? It doesn't take long for gunk to accumulate.

Oh, I was talking about specific people

The difference between a keyboard and an ereader is that with the ereader the rubbish is all visible to you all the time. You really would find it hard to believe, I suspect, the state of one device I cleaned recently.

(Knowing how messy things can get, I always use a silicone keyboard condom with my laptop. And keep that clean.)

jscarbo · 12-14-2014, 10:28 AM

I'd go with the Kindle PW2. It's a great device with excellent support and the best selection of ebooks and lowest prices, at least for US customers. I don't know the situation in Europe.

I wouldn't be concerned at all about formats and DRM. First, it's extremely unlikely that Amazon will ever abandon their Kindle format or go out of the ebook business. Secondly, it's so easy to strip the DRM and read them on any device of your choice that it hardly worth considering it as a factor in your decision.

burnafterreading · 12-26-2014, 07:59 PM

sorry for asking, but why is a tablet out of the question? there's affordable models out there for a similar price to the Aura HD (well, at least in Canadian / US dollars) that are more flexible in terms of where you buy books from (can load Kobo, Amazon, Google, etc apps) so she wouldn't be stuck with a single bookstore. no need to go for a Tab S, and there ought to be an Asus Memo 7" in that price range. only downside is battery life and maybe screen clarity (but if she's used to LCD on computers/phones, it won't be a big deal)

personally i use a 7" and 10" tablet with the book colors reversed (white text on black background). it drains the battery less and is surprisingly easy on the eyes all day long.

David Munch · 01-04-2015, 09:21 AM

A tablet is out due to eye strain from the screen.

I ended up with the Aura HD, and she is very fond of it.

12-04-2014, 05:38 PM	#16
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,803 Karma: 146391129 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Given that you do not live in the US, I would recommend an ePub capable Reader. If you have Overdrive access via your library, ePub is what you'll get. Also, bookstores (other then Amazon) that sell eBooks sell ePub. I just bought a Kobo Aura H2O that I rather like. I like the larger screen and the Carta screen is quite nice. The options for changing fonts, margins, and line height is very nice. That means you can customize the display as you want. Also, there are more font size choices as well to pick the font size you want. And there is the type genius that lets you adjust the weight of the fonts so you can have them as heavy or light as you want. Plus you can sideload your own fonts and use them as you want. The customization options do depend on how the ePub was created, but it's very easy to use Calibre's Edit Book to remove anything that would prevent you from using the options that you want. The Kindle has a few fonts and some are a bit on the light side. Also, you have a forced set of margins and a forced line height. The options to change this only get larger and larger still. So they aren't all that useful. Once you are setup to be able to remove DRM, you can buy eBooks from stores that sell ePub and from Amazon. You can Use Calibre to convert Amazon eBooks into ePub. Look into this and decide what you feel is appropriate for you. There is no perfect Reader. All have their good points and bad points. Last edited by JSWolf; 12-04-2014 at 05:45 PM.

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12-14-2014, 10:28 AM	#18
jscarbo Addict Posts: 220 Karma: 1075434 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Costa Rica Device: Kindle Voyage, Kindle PW2, Nook HD+, Nexus 7	I'd go with the Kindle PW2. It's a great device with excellent support and the best selection of ebooks and lowest prices, at least for US customers. I don't know the situation in Europe. I wouldn't be concerned at all about formats and DRM. First, it's extremely unlikely that Amazon will ever abandon their Kindle format or go out of the ebook business. Secondly, it's so easy to strip the DRM and read them on any device of your choice that it hardly worth considering it as a factor in your decision.

12-26-2014, 07:59 PM	#19
burnafterreading Groupie Posts: 192 Karma: 1237440 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Ottawa, Canada Device: Kobo Glo, Arc7HD/10HD, smartphones	sorry for asking, but why is a tablet out of the question? there's affordable models out there for a similar price to the Aura HD (well, at least in Canadian / US dollars) that are more flexible in terms of where you buy books from (can load Kobo, Amazon, Google, etc apps) so she wouldn't be stuck with a single bookstore. no need to go for a Tab S, and there ought to be an Asus Memo 7" in that price range. only downside is battery life and maybe screen clarity (but if she's used to LCD on computers/phones, it won't be a big deal) personally i use a 7" and 10" tablet with the book colors reversed (white text on black background). it drains the battery less and is surprisingly easy on the eyes all day long.

01-04-2015, 09:21 AM	#20
David Munch Scholar Posts: 1,009 Karma: 3999312 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Denmark Device: Kobo Libra H2O + iPad Air 4	A tablet is out due to eye strain from the screen. I ended up with the Aura HD, and she is very fond of it.

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