I Have a Mac - which should I buy??

[jacsiegel]

Actually, I'm not worried about reading files on my Mac, as I'd rather read from a hand-held object, like a book or ereader. Therefore, I don't think converting files to read on my Mac matters. What does matter is the ability to acquire books and download to the hand-held device, as well as the ability to organize the files on and delete them the device after I read the book.

Thanks all of you for your help - I haven't yet figured out which one (Kindle or Cybook) to get, but they both seem reasonable. The size and ergonomics of the Cybook look better than the Kindle, but I'm still not sure it would be as easy to manage files via the Mac as it would be on the Kindle. Also, I've written two emails to customer support at Bookeen and have not received a reply to either after more than a day. That has me a bit troubled should I have a problem with the device. At least Amazon is in a US time zone.

[daffy4u]

While you are waiting to hear from Bookeen, maybe you can take a moment to read through Amazon's Kindle User Guide as well as Brent Newhall's Fan Guide for some tips and tricks not in the official guide. Brent has a free pdf version of his guide you can read. More information to help you with your decision.

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by jacsiegel

Actually, I'm not worried about reading files on my Mac, as I'd rather read from a hand-held object, like a book or ereader. Therefore, I don't think converting files to read on my Mac matters. What does matter is the ability to acquire books and download to the hand-held device, as well as the ability to organize the files on and delete them the device after I read the book.

Thanks all of you for your help - I haven't yet figured out which one (Kindle or Cybook) to get, but they both seem reasonable. The size and ergonomics of the Cybook look better than the Kindle, but I'm still not sure it would be as easy to manage files via the Mac as it would be on the Kindle. Also, I've written two emails to customer support at Bookeen and have not received a reply to either after more than a day. That has me a bit troubled should I have a problem with the device. At least Amazon is in a US time zone.

Using the Cybook on the Mac isn't difficult at all. Sure, you can't use Mobipocket Reader, but most people just buy the ebooks, download them to their Mac and then use the USB port or a card reader to transfer them to the SD card. This works on Mac, Linux and Windows machines.

Derek Benner, Treasurer
Not Another E-Book, LTD (purveyor of Cybooks, located in the good old USA )

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by jacsiegel

but I'm still not sure it would be as easy to manage files via the Mac as it would be on the Kindle.

Basically what I was trying to say, excluding the iRex the CyBook or Kindle are the best devices for a 100% Mac person.

You could have a Kindle without a PC/Mac at all. You can do everything via whispernet... assuming you can get a signal. However, that is only true if you only get Kindle books. As I said earlier there are alot of other sources for eBooks... not all available via whispernet as are Feedbooks and Mobiread... although I expect that to change eventually.

But, managing books on the Mac isn't hard at all. Actually calibre makes it pretty easy.

Now, here is why I choose Kindle over CyBook. I have just read too many problems about CyBook support, firmware issues, DOA units, etc. Amazon is certainly much bigger than Bookeen and Jeff Bezos has pretty much said he will make the Kindle successfull.

So, I went with Kindle. (Replaced the Sony because I knew I wanted to switch to Mac. Although we still have 6 other Windows PCs in the house.)

BOb

[jacsiegel]

The support issue - that's a big plus factor with Amazon. Most of the complaints I read about Kindle support were in the months right after launch. I've written them 2 emails in 2 days and they've answered both within hours. It's now two days and ticking since I wrote Bookeen, and I still haven't received an answer. Jeff Bezos definitely has the marketing thing down pat, so I can't imagine Kindle will bomb.

One last thing - on the Amazon web site, most of the complaints had to do with what users deemed poor ergonomic design. The page turn button was easy to push accidentally, and there were issues with the placement of the power switch when the thing turned itself off. Most of the negative writers suggested waiting until the next version comes out (I have to give Amazon credit for publishing negative as well as positive comments). Has anyone else had similar issues with Kindle, and is there any gossip about the timing of the "Kindle 2" launch?

[daffy4u]

Originally Posted by jacsiegel

One last thing - on the Amazon web site, most of the complaints had to do with what users deemed poor ergonomic design. The page turn button was easy to push accidentally, and there were issues with the placement of the power switch when the thing turned itself off. Most of the negative writers suggested waiting until the next version comes out (I have to give Amazon credit for publishing negative as well as positive comments). Has anyone else had similar issues with Kindle, and is there any gossip about the timing of the "Kindle 2" launch?

I did have to adapt to the buttons but it didn't take that long. I had to adapt to my iPod when my Rio Carbon died. We all have to adjust to something sometime.

Rumor for the next Kindle is at the earliest December 2009 based on a post in the Amazon forums. I can't vouch for it's accuracy. Even if it's true, no one knows what changes will be made.

[pilotbob]

Did you notice that many of those negative reviews were by people that didn't actually buy/own the Kindle. I think you should take those with a grain of salt. Also, the Kindle has a 30 day return policy... You don't get the with a CyBook.

BOb

[Gideon]

The page turn button was easy to push accidentally, and there were issues with the placement of the power switch when the thing turned itself off. Most of the negative writers suggested waiting until the next version comes out

That is a REALLY overwrought issue. Once you've spent any significant amount of time with the Kindle that hardly EVER happens. You kind of work out how to hold it properly and you find the buttons are just absolutely amazing in terms of ergonomics. You can hold it comfortably with either hand and change pages.

I'm on a Mac, myself... with what you're describing I'd still suggest the Kindle as the best option. If you're based in America and have an American credit card on your Amazon account, you don't need whispernet to get content at ALL - so you end up with Amazon's selection and prices (which pretty much beat everyone) combined with anything you can find or convert into Mobipocket. In the rare instance I find something somewhere else and not in the Amazon store I can usually convert it in Parallels, but usually if something is an ebook it is available in the Amazon store.

Also, keep in mind that you have 30 days to return the Kindle. I'd get it, play with it for a few weeks, and then decide. But I found that when I was in Mexico and out of the range of the Whispernet I just grabbed my daily paper online and put it on the device manually.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Now, here is why I choose Kindle over CyBook. I have just read too many problems about CyBook support, firmware issues, DOA units, etc. Amazon is certainly much bigger than Bookeen and Jeff Bezos has pretty much said he will make the Kindle successfull.

In fairness, virtually all the earlier firmware issues with the Gen3 have been fixed. Bookeen have been pretty proactive in tackling and fixing reported bugs. I honestly cannot recall anyone reporting a DOA machine. They occasionally break, sure, but so does any other make.

Both the Kindle and the Gen3 are excellent machines; I'm sure that the questioner would be happy with either.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by jacsiegel

Actually, I'm not worried about reading files on my Mac, as I'd rather read from a hand-held object, like a book or ereader. Therefore, I don't think converting files to read on my Mac matters. What does matter is the ability to acquire books and download to the hand-held device, as well as the ability to organize the files on and delete them the device after I read the book.

We are not talking of converting content to read on your computer, but converting content to read on your portable reader.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HarryT

In fairness, virtually all the earlier firmware issues with the Gen3 have been fixed. Bookeen have been pretty proactive in tackling and fixing reported bugs. I honestly cannot recall anyone reporting a DOA machine. They occasionally break, sure, but so does any other make.

Both the Kindle and the Gen3 are excellent machines; I'm sure that the questioner would be happy with either.

I agree both are good machines (all 3, Sony included). However, I do recall reading a few threads about brand new devices with failed screen controllers that needed to go back for service.

BOb

[HarryT]

Indeed, but given that the screens of the Sony, Kindle, and Gen3 have a common source (PVI), there's no reason to suppose that screen controllers are any more prone to failure on the Gen3 than on the other devices, is there?

[Gideon]

Well, problems are going to happen no matter what. I had to replace my Kindle. I think the big difference here is that when I had to replace my Kindle it took a 10 minute conversation and a day before I had a new one.

Maybe I'm thinking about something else, but it seems the Cybook takes a long time to get these things done (including new orders) from other posts.

[HarryT]

Amazon seem a lot better when it comes to warranty replacement, certainly. The thing that would make me a little wary of Amazon is that someone on the Kindle forum reported dropping their Kindle out of their car, and breaking it, and was told by Amazon that it wasn't covered by the warranty (as you'd expect), and that they didn't offer a repair service. Both Bookeen and Sony will repair machines and replace the screen should you break it.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Indeed, but given that the screens of the Sony, Kindle, and Gen3 have a common source (PVI), there's no reason to suppose that screen controllers are any more prone to failure on the Gen3 than on the other devices, is there?

No....(although it could be a manufacturing issue of the device causing issues also.) I am certainly looking at anecdotal evidence here. Although, psychologically to me it was still evidence. Of course, the Kindle book store content and prices was also a big factor in my decision.

BOb